A Farrell man has pleaded guilty to a drug charge in federal court in Pittsburgh, the latest conviction in the U.S. Attorney's Office's "Operation Idaho" campaign to prosecute crack cocaine distribution in Farrell and Sharon.

Michael A. Thomas of 614 French St. pleaded guilty Wednesday to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of more than 5 grams of crack cocaine, according to the office of U.S. District Court Judge David S. Cercone.

Thomas sold 26.6 grams -- about an ounce -- of crack to an informant for $1,000 March 5, 2002, on Sterling Avenue in Sharon, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Comber.

Thomas also was indicted for selling 25.1 grams of crack for $1,000 a week later at the same location, but he did not plead to that charge. The charge will be dismissed at his sentencing, Comber said.

Court documents said audio tapes were made of at least the first transaction.