Cocaine Conspiracy Lands Two PA Men in Federal Prison

SCRANTON, PA – The streets of Northeastern Pennsylvania are a little less flooded with poison today after Ronald Drayton, 48, of Wilkes-Barre, and Marcal Fraction, 36, of Hudson, Pennsylvania, received federal sentences for their roles in a large-scale cocaine distribution network. U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion handed down the punishments on February 23, 2017, capping a case that began with an indictment in November 2014.

Drayton was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment, while Fraction received a significantly harsher penalty of 120 months behind bars. Both men pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine – a charge that reflects their direct involvement in peddling the deadly drug throughout the region.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the pair weren’t operating alone. A total of nine individuals were indicted in the original case, all linked by a common scheme to bring cocaine into Pennsylvania. The investigation revealed a chilling pipeline: the drugs were shipped from Puerto Rico, then distributed throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania by Drayton, Fraction, and their co-conspirators. All nine have now admitted guilt.

The scope of the operation is now clear. Authorities determined that Drayton moved between 500 grams and two kilograms of cocaine during the conspiracy, which stretched from January 2013 to November 2014. Fraction, while operating on a smaller scale, still distributed between 100 and 200 grams of the drug. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the damage inflicted on families and communities.

The takedown was a collaborative effort, led by the Scranton Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with crucial assistance from the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. These agencies worked tirelessly to dismantle the network and bring these criminals to justice. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring accountability for Drayton and Fraction.

This case serves as a stark reminder that drug trafficking carries severe consequences. While these sentences offer a measure of relief, the fight against drug crime in Pennsylvania – and across the nation – is far from over. Grimy Times will continue to follow this and other federal investigations as they unfold. # # #