PITTSBURGH, PA – After deliberating six hours, a federal jury found James France guilty of one count of distribution or possession with the intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
James France, age 60, formerly of Scott Township, Pennsylvania, was tried before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that on June 29, 2016, France sold approximately 55 grams of pure methamphetamine to a confidential informant. At the trial, the government also presented evidence that France, who is a former corporate lawyer, obtained large quantities of methamphetamine from California, shipped the methamphetamine to the Pittsburgh area concealed in teddy bears and candles, and then re-distributed the methamphetamine. The Scott Township Police Department executed a search warrant at France’s residence on Bower Hill Road on July 29, 2016, that led to the recovery of more than 330 grams of pure methamphetamine, more than $8,000 in cash, and other evidence of France’s involvement in large-scale methamphetamine trafficking.
France was acquitted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. France was also acquitted of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine both on or about July 29, 2016.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for a date to be determined The law provides for a total sentence of not less than ten years in prison and up to life, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Scott Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of France.