Juniata County Man Charged in Cocaine, Meth Ring

HARRISBURG – Federal authorities have taken down a Juniata County man accused of peddling cocaine and methamphetamine across the region.

Larry L. Grove, Jr., 36, of Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury on eight counts of drug trafficking and firearms charges, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus said the indictment alleges Grove distributed cocaine and methamphetamine on separate occasions between December 2024 and May 2025. Grove is also accused of possessing more than 500 grams of cocaine, as well as quantities of marijuana, with the intent to distribute on May 20, 2025.

The indictment further alleges that Grove possessed firearms after being convicted of a felony, a crime that carries severe penalties.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police Troop G VICE Unit, and the Mifflin County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.

The charges against Grove are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at dismantling transnational criminal organizations and protecting communities from violent crime.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the most serious offense alleged in the indictment is 40 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

Indictments are only allegations, and Grove is presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) to combat the scourge of cartel-related crime.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the opioid epidemic and the need for continued vigilance in the face of this national crisis.

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.