New Brighton Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Money Laundering Charges
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of New Brighton, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Eric Michael Mason a/k/a E-Fats, 34, pleaded guilty to four counts before Senior United States District Judge Alan N. Bloch.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about Dec. 4, 2009, and continuing to on or about Sept. 29, 2011, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Mason conspired with others to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute four kilograms of cocaine. During the same time period, Mason purchased real estate and vehicles with drug proceeds and conspired with others to launder the proceeds of the illegal drug trafficking.
Judge Bloch scheduled sentencing for April 22, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 90 years in prison, a fine of $6,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine A. King is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of members drawn from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division, and the Beaver Falls Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Eric Michael Mason.
