Detroit Man Faces Decades Behind Bars for Heroin Trafficking Scheme

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Chivon Buttrom, a 32-year-old man from Detroit, Mich., pleaded guilty to violating federal narcotics laws in federal court.

According to officials, Buttrom conspired with co-defendants to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin from the spring of 2011 to May 15, 2012.

The scheme led to a guilty plea before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson, who scheduled sentencing for Oct. 23, 2013, at 10:30 a.m.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The investigation that led to Buttrom’s prosecution was a joint effort involving several agencies, including the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Indiana Police Department.

The other participating agencies in the investigation included the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Cambria County Drug Task Force, the Cambria County Sheriff’s Department, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, the Indiana County Drug Task Force, and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office.

Buttrom’s guilty plea marks a significant blow to heroin trafficking in the region, and authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant in the fight against this deadly crime.

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