JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – In a shocking turn of events, a federal inmate has been charged with possession of contraband in prison.
According to sources, Lonnie Johnston, a 31-year-old inmate at FCI Loretto, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of possession of contraband in prison, announced United States Attorney David J. Hickton.
The one-count indictment named Johnston as the sole defendant, alleging that on October 31, 2012, he possessed heroin and marijuana.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, 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 John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Special Investigative Staff at the Federal Correctional Institution at Loretto conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case highlights the ongoing struggle to combat contraband within the country’s prison system, with officials vowing to take a tougher stance against those who attempt to smuggle goods into facilities.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it serves as a reminder of the harsh penalties faced by those who engage in such activities.
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Related Federal Cases
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- Inmate Charles Jones Busted with Marijuana in Loretto Prison · Pennsylvania
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- Terrance Shelby Charged with Heroin Possession in Beaver County · Pennsylvania
- Heroin Traffickers Convicted · West Virginia
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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