Two Federal Inmates Charged With Possession Of A Weapon

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that two United States Penitentiary, (“USP”) Lewisburg inmates were indicted separately by a federal grand jury on March 28, 2019, for possession of a weapon while in prison.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Jermaine Ray, age 36, was found in possession of a homemade sharpened piece of plastic with a metal tip, commonly referred to as a “shank” that was designed to be a weapon on August 22, 2018.  

Tony C. Knott, age 36, was found in possession of a homemade sharpened piece of plastic with a metal tip, commonly referred to as a “shank” that was designed to be a weapon on August 24, 2018.

The charges in both cases stem from an investigation by officers at USP Lewisburg and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Figgsganter are 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 ten 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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