(PITTSBURGH, PA) 27-year-old Thaijenelle Smith from Aliquippa pleaded guilty in federal court last week to one charge of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substances, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced.

In connection with the guilty plea, United States District Judge Robert J. Colville was advised that Smith was selling narcotics from her Aliquippa residence and possessed with intent to distribute approximately 55 grams of fentanyl, carfentanil and heroin.

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for Sept. 30, 2021. She faces a maximum sentence 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 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.

Pending sentencing, the Court continued Smith on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thaijenelle Smith.