Johnstown man pleads guilty to trafficking heroin, cocaine

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Johnstown man has pleaded guilty in federal court to violating drug laws by trafficking drugs, according to United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan.

Rodney Smith, 68, pleaded guilty on Monday, Aug. 26 before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson. According to court documents, from Jan. 2021 to June 2021, Smith conspired to distribute heroin, cocaine and other drugs. He was caught as part of a federal wiretap investigation.

Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 13, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smith. Additional agencies include:

• The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation
• United States Postal Inspection Service
• Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
• Pennsylvania State Police
• Cambria County District Attorney’s Office
• Indiana County District Attorney’s Office
• Cambria County Sheriff’s Office
• Cambria Township Police Department
• Indiana Borough Police Department
• Johnstown Police Department
• Upper Yoder Township Police Department
• Richland Police Department
• Ferndale Police Department
• Other local law enforcement agencies

Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters .

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.