Stephen M. Smith Pleads Guilty

Stephen M. Smith, a 42-year-old man from Bushkill, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The guilty plea was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

According to the United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Smith was stopped by Park Rangers on August 29, 2022, while in his vehicle at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Upon search, he was found to be in possession of packets of fentanyl, multiple syringes, glass smoking pipes containing drug residue, and other items of drug paraphernalia.

The case against Smith was investigated by Park Rangers from the National Park Service, and Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case. It is a federal crime to possess illegal controlled substances on federal property, and Smith has admitted to committing this crime.

The guilty plea was entered on February 3, 2023, before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. Under federal law, the maximum penalty for possession of controlled substances on federal property is up to one year in prison and a minimum fine of $1000 and a maximum fine of $100,000.

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 exact sentence that Smith will face is yet to be determined, but he faces the possibility of significant prison time and fines.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a federal property, and as such, it is subject to federal laws and regulations. The possession of controlled substances, including fentanyl, is strictly prohibited on federal property, and those found to be in possession of such substances can face serious penalties.

The case against Smith serves as a reminder of the importance of enforcing federal laws and regulations, particularly when it comes to the possession of controlled substances. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania will continue to work to prosecute those who commit crimes on federal property, and to keep our communities safe from the dangers of drug possession and distribution.

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