HOLLIDAYSBURG - A boxer from Gallitzin, Marcelino S. Flores, and his wife, Nicole, entered guilty pleas Monday to charges stemming from the breakup last year of a drug organization operated from a Scotch Valley home.
Marcelino Flores pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.
Nicole Flores pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver, delivery of a controlled substance and conspiracy.
Blair County Judge Hiram A. Carpenter ordered a presentence investigation for Marcelino Flores prior to his sentencing, which he said will take about 60 days.
Deputy Attorney General Dave Gorman said Flores likely will receive a state prison sentence.
The sentencing for Nicole Flores also was postponed, although Gorman indicated that she has agreed to serve nine to 18 months on home detention.
Marcelino Flores was known in the Altoona area as a professional boxer who won Pennsylvania Golden Gloves titles in 1997 and 1998.
He also was friends with Miguel Padilla, who was sentenced in 2007 for the 2005 triple murder at the United Veterans Association.
Padilla, according to charges in the case, arranged with Isael Ramos of Raleigh, N.C., to import quantities of methamphetamine into the Altoona area. Ramos was sentenced in January to 14 to 28 years in prison.
The drug organization distributing meth and cocaine allegedly was led by Richard L. Hunter, 61, and Jodye A. Franklin, 40, who live on Scotch Valley Road. Gorman said they have not yet entered pleas.
After Padilla was arrested in 2005, it is charged that Marcelino Flores stepped into his shoes and continued to arrange for the shipments of meth.
Luis A. Rivera, who worked with Flores to transport the meth from North Carolina, has entered guilty pleas but has not been sentenced.
Mirror Staff Writer Phil Ray is at 946-7468.
