Inmate Joseph Edwards Indicted for Possessing Shank at USP Allenwood

Joseph Edwards, 35, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, was indicted on December 20, 2016, for possession of a dangerous weapon inside the federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

The charge stems from an August 2016 incident when corrections officers found Edwards in possession of a sharpened, makeshift blade—commonly referred to as a ‘shank’—concealed on his person during a routine search. The weapon, fashioned from contraband materials, posed a direct threat to staff and inmate safety.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons launched a joint investigation into the incident, uncovering evidence that led to the federal grand jury indictment. Possession of a weapon in federal prison is a serious felony offense, punishable by up to five years in prison.

Assistant United States Attorney Sean A. Camoni is handling the prosecution. Edwards now faces a federal trial where the government will present evidence collected during the investigation, including forensic documentation and witness statements from prison personnel.

According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, incidents like this undermine the integrity and security of the federal prison system. “Inmates do not get a pass on violent behavior just because they are already behind bars,” Brandler stated. “We will aggressively pursue charges when weapons are found in custody environments.”

It is important to note that indictments are not convictions. Joseph Edwards is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, the presiding judge will determine sentencing after weighing federal guidelines, the nature of the offense, and the defendant’s criminal and personal history. A term of supervised release and potential fines may also follow any prison sentence imposed.