SCRANTON – The grim halls of justice in Luzerne County were echoed by the solemn sound of a plea deal. Michael F. Bogdon, 26, from Kingston, Pennsylvania, faced United States District Court Judge James M. Munley this week, where he admitted guilt for the distribution of fentanyl that ultimately ended the life of an 18-year-old woman.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Bogdon knowingly and intentionally dealt a fatal dose of the deadly substance, a Schedule II Controlled Substance, on or about December 12, 2017. His actions were part of a joint FBI and Kingston Police Department investigation that has been meticulously piecing together the web of crime surrounding drug distribution in the area.
The case against Bogdon is a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against the fentanyl crisis that plagues our nation. It’s a fight led by Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which has united all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and safeguard our communities.
Project Safe Neighborhoods, reinvigorated by the Department of Justice in 2017, targets violent criminals with an unwavering commitment to partnership among federal, state, local, and tribal enforcement agencies. The Heroin Initiative, spearheaded by the United States Attorney’s Office, is a district-wide initiative aimed at combating the pervasive use and distribution of heroin and fentanyl.
The maximum penalty under federal statute for drug distribution resulting in death is life imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine. However, the final sentence will depend on numerous factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offense, the defendant’s history, and the public interest considerations outlined by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Bogdon’s sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the court considers all relevant details of the case. The justice system awaits the day when Bogdon receives his due punishment for a heinous crime that has left a family in mourning and a community reeling from the repercussions of fentanyl abuse.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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