Nelson James, Heroin Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2016

Ohio Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Heroin Trafficking

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania – James Nelson, a 31-year-old resident of Wellsville, Ohio, has been sentenced to 7 years in prison (84 months) for his convictions of drug trafficking and money laundering offenses, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Brady today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Nelson, who was found guilty of conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin from January 2015 to February 2016.

Nelson was also found guilty of conspiring to launder $60,000 of the proceeds of the heroin trafficking. Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Nelson was a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hopewell Township Police Department, Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, Aliquippa Police Department, and the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office.

Nelson’s sentence is the result of his involvement in a heroin trafficking ring that operated in Western Pennsylvania. The heroin trafficking ring was responsible for distributing large quantities of heroin in the region, causing harm to countless individuals and families.

As part of his sentence, Nelson will also be required to pay a fine and serve a period of supervised release after his imprisonment. The case against Nelson serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering offenses.

United States Attorney Brady commended the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of Nelson for their tireless efforts in bringing him to justice. The case against Nelson is a testament to the dedication and commitment of law enforcement to protecting the citizens of Western Pennsylvania from the scourge of heroin trafficking.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hopewell Township Police Department, Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, Aliquippa Police Department, and the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant: James Nelson, Crime: Conspired to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute One Kilogram or More of Heroin and Conspired to Launder $60,000, City: Pittsburgh, State: Pennsylvania, Date: January 2015 to February 2016, Sentence: 7 years in prison (84 months), Fine: $0, Dollar Amount: $60,000

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/ohio-man-sentenced-7-years-prison-distributing-heroin-and-laundering-proceeds