A Monessen man pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Pittsburgh said Michael Howell, 24, of 134 Chestnut St., entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.
Authorities said Howell was arrested in a residence on Shady Avenue in Charleroi on April 16 after he opened a package containing nearly 2 kilograms, or 4.4 pounds, of cocaine. Isaac Cunningham, a co-defendant, shouted a warning to Howell as agents entered the home, and Howell tried to flush the contents of the package down a toilet. He was found by agents in the basement, covered with white powder, according to prosecutors.
Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for April 7. Howell could face a sentence of five to 40 years in prison, a fine of $2 million, or both, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Cunningham, 24, of 308 Shady Ave., Charleroi, pleaded guilt to conspiracy on Jan. 10 and also faces sentencing by McVerry on April 7.
