FCI Schuylkill Inmates Busted in Drug Conspiracy

SCRANTON, PA – Two inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution in Schuylkill are facing serious federal charges after a grand jury indictment revealed a scheme to bring contraband into the prison. William Bonilla, Jr., age 31, and William Davis, age 29, both currently housed at FCI Schuylkill in Minersville, Pennsylvania, were indicted December 20, 2016, on charges of conspiracy and attempted possession of marijuana and synthetic marijuana.

The indictment alleges the pair actively worked to obtain the illicit substances while already serving time, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law and prison regulations. Details of how they attempted to smuggle the drugs remain sealed, but sources within the Bureau of Prisons confirm a full internal investigation was launched weeks prior to the indictment.

Federal investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons worked in tandem on the case, uncovering evidence of the conspiracy. The FBI provided the investigative muscle, while the Bureau of Prisons offered crucial insight into the inner workings of FCI Schuylkill and potential smuggling routes. Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley is leading the prosecution, signaling the seriousness with which the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is treating the matter.

It’s important to remember that an indictment is not a conviction. Both Bonilla and Davis are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, if convicted, they face a significant penalty: up to 10 years in federal prison, in addition to their current sentences, along with a hefty $500,000 fine and a term of supervised release following their incarceration.

Federal sentencing isn’t a simple calculation. A judge will consider a multitude of factors beyond the statutory maximum. The nature of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and the need for both punishment and rehabilitation all play a role. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines provide a framework, but judges retain discretion, meaning the actual sentence could vary considerably. Don’t expect the maximum sentence to be the rule, not the exception.

This case highlights the ongoing battle against contraband within federal prisons. While security measures are in place, inmates continually seek ways to circumvent them. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops, bringing you the unvarnished truth from the federal criminal justice system. # # #