A former resident of Youngstown, Ohio, Wade Shaw, 51, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge related to the trafficking of cocaine and methamphetamine. The plea was entered on March 2, 2026, before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
Shaw admitted to one count of possession with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine stemming from an incident in September 2023. Sentencing is set for May 28, 2026. According to the court, Shaw faces a maximum possible sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $2 million. The actual sentence will be determined based on the seriousness of the offense and any prior criminal history.
United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced the plea agreement. Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is handling the prosecution for the government.
The investigation leading to Shaw’s prosecution involved multiple agencies: Sharon Police Department, Farrell Police Department, Mercer County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Justice Department is responsible for law enforcement across the United States and internationally through a workforce exceeding 115,000 employees as described on its official website. Its core missions include upholding rule of law and safeguarding civil rights. Merrick Garland has led the department as its 86th Attorney General since March 11, 2021. The agency operates both domestically and in more than 50 countries worldwide and serves as the principal federal law enforcement body (source).
