Cleveland man pleads guilty to federal drug charges in Mercer County

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(WJET/WFXP) – An out-of-state resident has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking in Sharon, Pennsylvania.

United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced Thursday that Justin Nichols, 30 of Cleveland, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to drug trafficking in Mercer County.

Nichols pleaded guilty to the following charges:

• Possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin and a quantity of cocaine to Sharon.
• Possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of heroin, and a quantity of cocaine at a second location in Sharon.
• Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

U.S. District Judge David Stewart Cercone set sentencing for October 3, 2024, which could range from 10 years to life in prison and/or a $5 million fine.

The FBI, the Mercer County Drug Task Force and the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office conducted the investigation that led to Nichols' prosecution.

The Mercer County Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office conducted the investigation that led to Nichols' prosecution.