Tyler Kegolis, Meth Distribution, Pennsylvania 2018

SCRANTON – In a shocking turn of events, Tyler Kegolis, a 34-year-old man from Frackville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to distributing highly pure crystal methamphetamine in the Schuylkill County area between December 2018 and February 2019.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Kegolis admitted to distributing the highly addictive and potent substance, which has devastated communities across the country.

The case against Kegolis was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

Kegolis’s guilty plea is a significant blow to the methamphetamine trade in the region, which has been plagued by the highly addictive substance. The guilty plea also highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the growing problem of methamphetamine trafficking.

As part of the plea agreement, Kegolis faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. The maximum sentence under federal law is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

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 case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The program was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the renewed focus on targeting violent criminals.

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