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Press Release

Wilkes Barre Man Charged With Cocaine Possession

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Pennsylvania

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jesse Carey, age 30, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 6, 2018, by a federal grand jury for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.   

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that in August 2017, Carey was detained by the Mount Airy Lodge Casino Security staff for showing fake identification at the casino. After being detained, Carey tried to flee but security officers apprehended him with cocaine in his possession. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

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 maximum penalty under federal law for this drug conspiracy is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a 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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Updated February 9, 2018

Topic
Drug Trafficking