Milton Man Faces 30 Years for Cocaine Trafficking

A 44-year-old Milton man is facing up to 30 years in prison after being indicted on cocaine trafficking charges. Justo Melendez-Morales, 44, of Milton, Pennsylvania, was charged with selling and possessing approximately 38 grams of cocaine in his Milton apartment, which he allegedly maintained as a premises for drug trafficking.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about February 26, 2025, through May 9, 2025, Melendez-Morales sold and possessed the cocaine in his Milton apartment. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuting the case.

The charges against Melendez-Morales are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The initiative aims to dismantle the infrastructure of violent crime and disrupt the flow of narcotics into our communities.

As part of the indictment, Melendez-Morales faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine. A sentence for this offense may also include a period of supervised release following imprisonment. 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 indictment is only an allegation, and Melendez-Morales is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The case is ongoing, and further developments will be reported as necessary.

The Department of Justice is committed to protecting our communities from the scourge of narcotics and violent crime. Through initiatives like Operation Take Back America, we are working tirelessly to dismantle the infrastructure of crime and bring perpetrators to justice.

As the investigation continues, the public is reminded that tips and information can be reported anonymously to the Federal Bureau of Investigation or local law enforcement agencies.