Ken Barton Burrows, Marijuana Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2015

A Utah pilot has pleaded guilty to his role in a massive marijuana trafficking scheme that ended in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

Ken Barton Burrows, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in federal court in Pittsburgh.

According to court documents, Burrows was recruited to fly a plane loaded with approximately 242 pounds of marijuana from Woodland Airport in Northern California to the East Coast.

Customs and border patrol agents apprehended him when he landed at the New Castle municipal airport.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years, a fine of $5,000,000, or both.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, along with the Union and Mahoning Township Police Departments and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Burrows.

Judge Terrence F. McVerry scheduled the sentencing for February 20, 2015, at 9 a.m.

Burrows’ defense team has not commented on the plea deal, but it is likely that he will face significant prison time and fines as a result of his guilty plea.

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