A Hazleton man has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Juan Elvis Monsanto, 59, of Hazleton, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, admitted to committing the crime in February 2016.
Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Hazleton Police executed a search warrant at Monsanto’s residence and seized 453 grams of methamphetamine and 150 grams of cocaine, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Monsanto is currently detained in prison pending sentencing, which will be scheduled at a later date. Judge Robert D. Mariani ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed, and the defendant agreed not to oppose deportation and removal from the United States following his prison sentence.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Hazleton Police, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuting the case.
The charges against Monsanto include possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, both of which carry a maximum penalty under federal law of 40 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and making neighborhoods safer for everyone. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is working in partnership with local law enforcement and the community to develop effective strategies to reduce violent crime.
The maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant, as the Judge is 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.
Monsanto’s case is a reminder of the importance of working together to combat crime and make our communities safer. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is committed to prosecuting those who engage in violent and drug-related crimes, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to achieve this goal.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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