An Aliquippa man accused of fentanyl-heroin distribution and firearms violations pleaded guilty in federal court.
Landon Alexander Gatta, 23, admitted guilt before Senior District Judge Joy Flowers Conti to charges of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a fentanyl-heroin mixture, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Authorities said Pennsylvania State Police searched Gatta’s Beaver County home on Nov. 5, 2018, as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
Investigators recovered approximately 50 grams of a heroin-fentanyl mixture, an undisclosed amount of money and a loaded, stolen .40 caliber semi-automatic Glock pistol. Federal law prohibits Gatta, a felon previously convicted of the crime of possession with intent to distribute heroin, from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Sept. 24.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $5.5 million, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
State and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the plea in this case.
