SCRANTON—A Schuylkill County woman has been found guilty of her role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.
Laverne Schaeffer, 46, of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on October 30, 2018 to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Schaeffer admitted to conspiring with her husband, Ernest Schaeffer, and others to distribute methamphetamine to customers in the Schuylkill County area.
Schaeffer committed the offense between July 2016 and May 24, 2017, in Schuylkill County and elsewhere.
Schaeffer was indicted by a grand jury along with three other persons in August 2017. Schaeffer’s husband Ernest previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
As part of a plea agreement, Schaeffer agreed to forfeit dozens of acres of real estate in Schuylkill County—property that Schaeffer and her husband used to store and distribute methamphetamine.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 40 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The charge also carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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