Marcus Young Charged With Cell Phone Possession in Prison

Scranton, PA — A federal inmate caught with a cell phone inside one of Pennsylvania’s highest-security lockups is now facing federal charges. Marcus Young, 32, currently incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary at Schuylkill, was charged via Criminal Information on November 16, 2016, with possession of contraband in prison — specifically, a cell phone.

The charge stems from an incident on October 14, 2016, when authorities discovered Young in possession of the device inside the federal penitentiary. According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the case underscores ongoing efforts to disrupt illicit communication networks operated by inmates from behind bars.

The investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in coordination with the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Such operations are routine but critical, as contraband phones are frequently tied to outside criminal activity, including drug trafficking, witness intimidation, and gang coordination.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara has been tapped to lead the prosecution. While Young has not yet entered a plea, the charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison, a term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Given that Young is already serving time, any additional sentence would likely extend his incarceration.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, judges must weigh multiple factors before imposing a sentence, including the nature and seriousness of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and the need for deterrence and public protection. The statutory maximum, therefore, is not necessarily reflective of the final outcome.

As with all federal cases, the charge against Marcus Young remains an allegation. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The case continues to unfold within the jurisdiction of the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

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