Bryan Wade Smith, 29, Charged with Possession of Contraband in Prison

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – In a shocking turn of events, Bryan Wade Smith, 29, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison.

According to the indictment, on October 3, 2018, Smith was found in possession of a quantity of buprenorphine, a powerful opioid medication. The indictment alleges that Smith’s possession of the controlled substance was a serious breach of prison protocol.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Smith.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Smith’s next court appearance has not been scheduled.

The indictment marks a significant development in the ongoing effort to combat illicit substances in prisons across the country. As the nation grapples with the opioid crisis, cases like this serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.

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