Federal Inmate Charged With Possession Of A Weapon

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Niegel Broadus, age 23, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary, Allenwood, was indicted on March 14, 2019, by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that on October 8, 2018, Broadus was found in possession of a homemade sharpened piece of plastic, commonly referred to as a “shank,” that was designed to be used as a weapon.

The charges stem from an investigation by officers at USP Allenwood and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The defendant is facing a maximum of five years of incarceration and a $250,000 fine.   Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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