SCRANTON – A Hazelton man is behind bars, accused of peddling poison and packing heat. Edward Gonzalez, 30, was charged on November 30, 2018, with drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the complaint alleges that Gonzalez possessed with the intent to distribute over one kilogram of cocaine on November 30, 2018, in Hazelton, Pennsylvania. The complaint also alleges that Gonzalez possessed a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pennsylvania State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The program was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of a renewed focus on targeting violent criminals.
Criminal Complaints are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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 maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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