SCRANTON—The grim tally of drug traffickers in the Middle District of Pennsylvania swelled as Juan Elvis Monsanto, a 59-year-old citizen of the Dominican Republic from Hazleton, faced federal charges. Monsanto has been caught with intent to distribute cocaine and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, according to a statement by the United States Attorney’s Office.
The crime, confessed by Monsanto on April 25, 2019, took place in February 2016 within the borders of Hazleton. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local law enforcement agents swooped into action, executing a search warrant at Monsanto’s residence and securing a significant haul: 453 grams of methamphetamine and 150 grams of cocaine.
Judge Robert D. Mariani has ordered a pre-sentence investigation to wrap up before Monsanto’s fate is sealed. Sentencing is scheduled for another day but the defendant remains locked up until then. In an unprecedented agreement, Monsanto consented to his deportation following prison, demonstrating the gravity of his offense and the severity of the consequences.
The DEA and Hazleton Police worked hand-in-hand to bring this trafficker to justice, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa leading the prosecution. This case is an integral part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that mobilizes all levels of law enforcement in a unified battle against violent crime.
Project Safe Neighborhoods was reinvigorated in 2017, reflecting the Department of Justice’s commitment to target violent criminals and make neighborhoods safer. The maximum penalty under federal law for Monsanto’s offense stands at 40 years’ imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. However, the final sentence will depend on numerous factors outlined in the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
As this case unfolds, it underscores the relentless efforts by law enforcement to protect communities from the scourge of drug trafficking. The grimy truth is that traffickers like Monsanto have no place in the neighborhoods they seek to prey upon. The justice system has spoken, and now Monsanto must face the full weight of the law.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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