Lancaster County man pleads guilty to cocaine distribution charge

A Lancaster County man pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to selling cocaine to a cooperating witness on multiple occasions, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Mitchell Narada Kelly, 36, pleaded guilty to possesion with intent to distribute cocaine. A judge will sentence Kelly after reviewing a report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Prosecutors during a hearing presented evidence that indicated the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office narcotics unit and the FBI developed a cooperating witness, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney William Witherspoon. This cooperating witness made controlled purchases of cocaine from Kelly on April 9, June 3 and June 24.

The cooperating witness was followed by police to and from Kelly’s home, where they purchased cocaine directly from him, Witherspoon said. The cocaine purchased in each transaction weighed between one and three ounces.

Kelly admitted during the plea hearing to having five previous felony drug convictions before these purchases, Witherspoon said. He could face up to 30 years in prison, a $2 million fine or both, plus a special assessment of $100.

This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 5:39 PM with the headline "Lancaster County man pleads guilty to cocaine distribution charge."