Lancaster Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Narcotics and Firearms Offenses

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Shawn Money Jones, 33, of Lancaster, PA, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., for being convicted of possession with intent to distribute a variety of illegal narcotics, and illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.

In August 2022, the defendant pleaded guilty to three counts, which included two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. The charges in this case stemmed from a months-long investigation, which culminated in a search of the defendant’s residence. During the search, local and federal investigators located and seized methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and a substance containing a detectable amount of oxycodone. Investigators also seized thousands of dollars in cash and three semi-automatic firearms, including one assault rifle and one “ghost gun” with no make, model, or serial number.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to keep illegal weapons out of the hands of people who are not permitted to possess them, and to cutting off the supply of deadly narcotics flowing into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Shawn Money Jones presented a danger to the community in Lancaster, and for his crimes he will now spend fifteen years in prison.”

“Like other drug traffickers, Shawn Jones had no regard for the harm he caused in his community,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Getting illegal narcotics off the street and illegal guns out of criminals’ hands is a step toward making Lancaster safer. The FBI and our partners will continue to work on behalf of all the good, law-abiding folks there.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lancaster County Drug Task Force, the Lancaster City Bureau of Police Selective Enforcement Unit, and Pennsylvania State Parole, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Stengel.