Metro

A Claysburg man facing federal drug charges pleaded guilty in court this week.

Derek Hunter, 34, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on Monday, while his co-defendant John Rickenbach Jr., 44, of Reading, pleaded guilty before Haines on Jan. 28.

From June to August 2024, the two conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, court documents state. In August 2024, Rickenbach and Hunter distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, with Rickenbach also possessing 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl.

Rickenbach is to be sentenced May 27. Hunter’s sentencing is set for June 5.

Each could face a sentence of five to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both.

The guilty pleas follow those of co-defendants Kayla Rickenbach and Angel Diaz-Gibson Jr., who each pleaded guilty on Jan. 5.

Cambria County prisoner guilty of racketeering

A Johnstown man accused of racketeering pleaded guilty in federal court.

On Monday, Blake Young, 39, pleaded guilty to count one of the indictment charge of violating federal racketeering laws before U.S. District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

From July to December 2023, while incarcerated at the Cambria County Prison, Young conducted and participated in the affairs of an enterprise through racketeering activity, court documents state. Specifically, Young bribed correctional officers and medical staff to smuggle contraband into the prison, namely cellphones, K2 and Suboxone, which were then sold to other inmates for a substantial profit.

Haines scheduled sentencing for June 5. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both.