SCRANTON—A Hazleton man has been charged with distributing heroin on two occasions between December 2015 and January 2016.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the two-count indictment alleges that Juan Elvis Monsanto, who used the street name “Elvi,” distributed heroin on December 15, 2015, and January 28, 2016.
The indictment was unsealed yesterday following Monsanto’s arrest. He was arraigned late yesterday by U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick in Scranton and was ordered to be detained in prison pending trial in the case.
The charges against Monsanto resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Hazleton Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
Monsanto faces up to 20 years in prison for each charge, totaling up to 40 years.
This case was brought as part of a district-wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
Related Federal Cases
- Gregory Washington, Heroin Distribution, Pennsylvania 2011 · Washington
- Ryan Raithel, Oxycodone and Heroin Distribution, Pennsylvania 2014 · Pennsylvania
- Vantroy Godboat, Heroin Distribution, Pennsylvania 2016 · Pennsylvania
- Edwin Vaquiz, Heroin Distribution and Possession with Intent to Distribute, Pennsylvania 2016 · Pennsylvania
- Sable Daniel, Heroin Distribution, Pennsylvania 2024 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking