Pittston Man Charged with Drug Dealing

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the filing of criminal charges Thursday against Justin Oliveri, age 32, of Pittston, Pennsylvania. The criminal information alleges that between 2010 and April 23, 2012, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Oliveri conspired with others to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Prosecution has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.

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

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

In this particular case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 40 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.