Feds Laud Canonsburg Police for Help in Heroin, Theft Cases

The U.S. Justice Department this week lauded for help in investigating two cases that led to guilty pleas—one involving heroin and the other dealing with theft of government property.

Andre Allen, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of violating federal narcotics trafficking laws before U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab, the department said in a release.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 2010 to March 3, 2011, Allen conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, the release said.

Schwab scheduled sentencing for 10 a.m. Jan. 10. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million or both.

In the second case, Randy A. Swink, 51, of 1425 Racetrack Road, Washington, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of government property before Senior U.S. District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between December of 2005 and February of 2009, Swink embezzled and misappropriated approximately $30,000 in Social Security Child Auxiliary Benefit payments that were issued for two minors during that time period.

Diamond scheduled sentencing for 10 a.m. Jan. 15. The law provides for a
total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both.

The U.S. Department of Justice also credited the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the and the Allegheny County Police Department for their help investigating both cases.