It seems that there has been a string of federal drug trafficking cases in Scranton recently.
Scranton Jury Indicted a Defendant for Drug Trafficking (December 2015)
Earlier this month, a Scranton jury indicted a PA man for federal drug trafficking and firearm offenses. The 36 year old man was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine in May 2015. The indictment also charged the defendant with possessing two firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
Scranton Man Indicted for Heroin Trafficking (October 2015)
In October of this year, a Scranton man was indicted by a jury for heroin trafficking offenses. The 24 year old man was charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin between June and August 2015, distribution of heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin. The man was arrested after Scranton police allegedly bought heroin from the man and then obtained a search warrant for the man’s residence. The search yielded 91 grams of heroin, a coffee bean grinder filled with heroin, almost $6,000 in cash, heroin packing materials and drug paraphernalia.
Scranton Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Crack Cocaine (August 2015)
In August of this year, another Scranton man was sentenced in federal court to 57 months in prison on a charge of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. The 33 year old defendant was ordered to serve an additional 3 years under court supervision upon his release from prison.
Related: Federal Drug Charges in Philadelphia – Possession of a Controlled Substance
Federal Drug Charges
Though federal drug laws are largely similar to Pennsylvania drug laws, federal authorities are more likely to pursue drug trafficking offenses and large scale operations, like these recent Scranton federal drug cases.
Federal drug charges carry serious penalties that can affect a defendant’s entire life. A defendant can be sentenced to life after being convicted of a serious drug charge. After a defendant is found guilty of a federal drug charge, he/she is sentenced by a judge. Though the Federal Sentencing Guidelines (Guidelines) provide the length of prison time, fine, etc., they are only advisory. A judge does not have to impose the sentence provided in the Guidelines, he/she can deviate from the sentence. For instance, after considering factors such as the nature and seriousness of the offense, the defendant’s history, etc., a judge may impose a longer sentence than the one provide in the Guidelines. Therefore, federal drug charges should not be taken lightly, and it is best to contact a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer who handles federal drug cases for help.
Fighting Federal Drug Charges in Scranton –FREE Consultations from a Philadelphia Criminal Lawyer
If you or a loved one was arrested for a federal drug related charge in Scranton or other parts of PA, such as Philadelphia, please call David Nenner, a highly experienced Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer who has handled many federal drug cases. Mr. Nenner offers FREE consultations. (215) 564-0644
Sources:
- fbi.gov (Scranton Man Affiliated with TF Mafia Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison on Drug Conspiracy Charge)
- justice.gov (Scranton Man Charged With Federal Heroin Trafficking Offenses)
- fbi.gov (Bethlehem Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses)
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