Clearfield County Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in Death

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Westover, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

James Gill, 40, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines to Count One of the Superseding Indictment on March 26, 2026.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, in and around February 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Gill distributed fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and death.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2026. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gill.