The purported leader of a drug-trafficking organization based in Altoona pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday.

Jason Lynn, 39, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephanie L. Haines to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of heroin, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

As leader of the drug-trafficking organization, Lynn distributed large quantities of methamphetamine and smaller quantities of heroin and fentanyl to various individuals throughout the Western District of Pennsylvania, court documents state.

Investigators executed search warrants on Lynn’s residence and two storage lockers, and seized nearly two kilograms of pure methamphetamine and multiple firearms.

In total, Lynn was responsible for obtaining over 4.5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine and over 65 grams of heroin from his New York-based supplier that Lynn and his associates, including Lesley Wilt, then redistributed to others, court documents state.

Lynn had multiple prior felony convictions, including for strangulation, unlawful restraint and drug possession. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Wilt, 38, pleaded guilty before Haines to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine.

Haines scheduled sentencing for Lynn and Wilt, both of Altoona, for Sept. 22. Wilt faces a sentence of up to 20 years of prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both.

Lynn faces a sentence of not less than 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both.

Both Wilt and Lynn remain detained pending sentencing.

The case stems from a six-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around Blair, Cambria, Centre and Clearfield counties, said Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti in a news release.

The investigation led to the indictment of 13 area residents by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh in December 2023.

According to the indictment, those individuals included leaders, members, drug suppliers and associates of a drug-trafficking organization responsible for distributing narcotics throughout western Pennsylvania.

Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.