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An Irwin man who led a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Western Pennsylvania will serve 15 years in prison.
Christopher Highsmith, who was responsible for the distribution of 1,000 to 3,000 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, pleaded guilty to a single count of drug conspiracy in September before U.S. District Judge William S. Stickman IV.
The plea agreement called for the 15-year prison term the mandatory minimum required for the quantity of drugs involved.
Highsmith’s attorney, R. Damien Schorr, wrote in his sentencing memorandum that the advisory guideline range for Highsmith was a minimum of 22 years in prison, but he could have received as much as life.