Donora man admits involvement in drug ring

A cement factory worker whose Donora basement was full of guns and drug paraphernalia admitted Thursday to his involvement in a cross-country cocaine ring.

Anthony Davis, 38, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to deliver before U.S. District Judge Mark Hornak, who set sentencing for June 8.

Mr. Davis is the first to plead of the eight defendants charged last year in connection with a network that the FBI and state police said shipped coke and marijuana in an RV from Los Angeles to the Penn Hills home of Jamie Lightfoot.

Federal prosecutors said the ring, allegedly run by convicted Florida drug dealer Don Juan Mendoza, used Mr. Davis’ basement to stash weapons, drugs and cash for another of the accused ring members, Brandon Thomas.

The FBI and state troopers raided Mr. Davis’ house in December and found weapons, a hydraulic cocaine press, cocaine and bags of marijuana.

Mr. Davis said nothing in court except to answer, “Yes, your honor,” to the judge’s question of whether the prosecution’s description of what he did was accurate.

Prosecutors wanted him locked up, but his lawyer, Christy Foreman, argued that he’s not a threat. She said he works six days a week at Therm-O-Rock in Donora to support his family.

The judge let Mr. Davis remain free on bond.