Hollidaysburg Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking and Money Laundering

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on October 20, 2026, to charges of drug trafficking and money laundering, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Olubayo Mudada Mensah Ranger, 45, pleaded guilty to eight counts before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around June 2024 to on or about June 17, 2026, Ranger did conspire to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine. On four dates between September 2024 and early October 2025, Ranger committed money laundering by making cash deposits into bank accounts and/or issuing auto loan payments from those accounts using proceeds from the drug conspiracy. Further, on or about December 29, 2025, Ranger knowingly engaged and attempted to engage in a monetary transaction in an amount greater than $10,000 by or through a financial institution using proceeds of the unlawful activity.

Beginning in October 2025, agents and local police officers regularly surveilled Ranger and observed him conducting hand-to-hand drug transactions with individuals in the Altoona area. On June 17, 2026, acting on information developed during the months-long investigation into Ranger's drug trafficking and money laundering activities, officers executed a search warrant on Ranger's vehicle and seized five kilograms of cocaine.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for February 25, 2027. The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 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, if any, of the defendant. Ranger has been ordered detained pending his sentencing hearing.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the Altoona Police Department, and the Logan Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ranger.