The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

June 25, 2008

Former Sharon man admits to federal drug charges

By Joe Pinchot

SHARON — A man with local ties is facing a prison term of at least 10 years after pleading guilty Wednesday to selling crack cocaine to a confidential informant.

Shantell L. “Tell” Griggs, 29, pleaded guilty to a charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack. U.S. District Court Judge Arthur J. Schwab, Pittsburgh, set sentencing for 9:30 a.m. Nov. 7.

Griggs was charged with a second count of the same crime. While the U.S. Attorney’s Office typically asks that additional charges be withdrawn once a defendant has been sentenced, the conduct included in the charge likely will factor into his sentence guidelines range.

Federal judges must consider the guidelines range, and have frequently sentenced within it, but are free to impose any sentence allowed by law.

An informant working with a task force of federal, state and local agencies targeting drug and gun violations in Farrell and Sharon came into contact with Griggs’ co-defendant David Flint, 53, of Farrell on Sept. 21 while looking for another target of the probe, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti.

The informant said he wanted “weight” and to “load up,” and Flint said Griggs could meet his needs.

The informant met Griggs outside Griggs’ apartment on Mesabi Street, Sharon, and told Griggs he wanted “big weight” and “four and a baby,” meaning 4è ounces of crack.

They made a deal and met at 8:05 p.m. outside a bar at an undisclosed location. Griggs turned over 111 grams of crack in return for $3,600.

The informant said he wanted some “hammers,” meaning guns, and Griggs said he could get some.

In the second count, prosecutors alleged that the informant went to Griggs’ apartment at 9:51 p.m. Sept. 25 and was ushered in by Griggs’ girlfriend. The informant saw a large amount of crack in Griggs’ kitchen — which Griggs said weighed 4 ounces — and several guns, including two shotguns.

Griggs said he couldn’t part with some of the guns, but sold a revolver for $50 and 2 ounces of crack for $1,800.

Flint pleaded guilty to the same charge that Griggs did last week. Flint will be sentenced Sept. 12 by Schwab.

Griggs is one of 23 people charged this year by federal authorities in the probe of drug and gun sales in Farrell and Sharon, and is the fifth to plead guilty.

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