Jeffrey Abney, Heroin and Fentanyl Distribution, Pennsylvania 2019

SCRANTON – A Luzerne County man has been brought to justice for his role in distributing deadly heroin and fentanyl in the region. 28-year-old Jeffrey Abney, of Sugar Notch, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl on January 10, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Abney admitted to distributing heroin and fentanyl in July 2018 in Luzerne County. Investigators made several purchases of packets containing heroin laced with fentanyl from Abney, and then obtained a search warrant for Abney’s residence in Sugar Notch, where additional amounts of heroin and fentanyl were found.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, who were assisted by the Kingston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

This case is 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.

The case was also brought as part of a district-wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin-related offenses.

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 is up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

The sentencing guidelines also require the Judge 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.

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