JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — James A. Volpe, 55, from Brockport, Pa., has entered a guilty plea in federal court for violating several federal laws related to narcotics and firearms, according to United States Attorney David J. Hickton.
Volpe’s crimes include distributing an imprint die intended to produce counterfeit Viagra tablets, possession of over 50 marijuana plants and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and unlawful possession of a German Sports Gun pistol. His past conviction in 2009 for unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon is particularly relevant given the restrictions on felons owning firearms.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson presided over Volpe’s arraignment, which included four counts against him. Sentencing is scheduled for April 29, 2014, at 9:30 a.m., where the defendant faces up to 58 years in prison and a fine of $5,510,000.
The Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., will represent the government in this case. The investigation leading to Volpe’s prosecution was conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Volpe is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort aimed at curbing gun crime across federal, state, and local jurisdictions.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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