A Clearfield, PA man has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Dennis James Rauch, age 38, of Clearfield, PA, pleaded guilty to Counts Two and Seven of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, Rauch did conspire to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Further, in and around March 2020, Rauch did possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 7, 2024. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000 or both at Count Two, and a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, at Count Seven.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rauch. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Rauch’s sentencing is scheduled for February 7, 2024, and the penalties for his crimes could include up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000 at Count Two, and a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, at Count Seven.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from numerous local and state agencies.
Related Federal Cases
- James Williams III, Cocaine Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2018 · Pennsylvania
- Vaughn James Malone, Violating Drug and Gun Laws, Pennsylvania 2020 · Pennsylvania
- Samantha Blume, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2019 · Pennsylvania
- Daniel Dellich, Jr., Methamphetamine and Gun Possession, Pennsylvania 2021 · Pennsylvania
- James Weldon Johnson, Federal Narcotics and Firearms Charges, Pennsylvania 2022 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent Crime