Date: 02-24-2020

Case Style:

Case Number:

Judge: J. Nicholas Ranjan

Court: United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (Allegheny County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: Douglas C. Maloney

Defendant's Attorney:

Description: Pittsburgh, PA - The United States of America chrged Joseph T. Gale, Jr. with drug distribution and felony firearms possession.

A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to narcotics distribution and firearms possession.

Joseph T. Gale, Jr., age 29, pleaded guilty to three counts.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on November 5, 2018, Gale possessed a .45 caliber semi-automatic Springfield Armory pistol and .45 caliber ammunition, knowing that he had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits a felon from possessing a firearm. The court was also advised that on the same date, Gale possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for June 15, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than seventy years in prison, a fine of $4,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Ohio Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gale. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Outcome: 02/20/2020 57 COURT REPORTER NOTES re William Hayes filed by L. Boyanowski, RMR, CRR of Sentencing before Judge Mariani on 2/19/20. In accordance with 28 U.S.C. Section 753(b), I certify that these original notes are a true and correct record of proceedings in the United States District Court for the Middle District of PA before Judge Mariani on 2/19/20. By s/ L. Boyanowski, RMR, CRR. (Court Reporter Notes are viewable by court staff only). (Boyanowski, Laura) (Entered: 02/20/2020)
02/20/2020 59 JUDGMENT as to William Hayes (1), Count(s) 1, Deft. is committed to BOP for a term of 210 months. Special Assessment of $5,100. No fine. Shall make restitution within 15 days in the amount of $3,498.83. Supervised Release of 10 years.; Count(s) 2-6, Dismissed on Gov't motion. Signed by Honorable Robert D. Mariani on 2/20/20. (jam) (Entered: 02/20/2020)

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Defendant's Experts:

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