Inmate Charged with Possessing Marijuana in Prison
U.S. Attorney’s Office August 18, 2009 |
United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, August 18, 2009, that Miles F. Edwards, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Loretto, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of possession of contraband in prison.
The one-count indictment named Miles F. Edwards, age 37, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on September 3, 2007, Edwards was in possession of marijuana.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated the law provides for a maximum total sentence of five (5) years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history of the defendant.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, along with the Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, Loretto, Pennsylvania, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.