SCANTON- Federal prosecutors have thrown the book at eight alleged kingpins in Luzerne County, charging them with a brazen drug trafficking network involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and marijuana.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marvin Rivera, known as ‘Mace,’ along with Oliver Rivera, Mark Reynolds, Sherrielee Stout, Chandler George, Angela Ruggiero, Joel Fernandez, and Eric Konnick were hit with federal indictments on charges of drug trafficking and firearm offenses.
The indictment paints a picture of a conspiracy in motion, detailing that between January and July 2025, the defendants conspired to distribute large quantities of drugs. Among the allegations are the distribution of over 50 grams of methamphetamine by Rivera, multiple instances of communication facilities being used to further drug trafficking crimes, and the possession of firearms in relation to drug transactions.
During a DEA-led investigation, agents executed search warrants at various locations tied to the defendants’ activities. The haul included roughly 71 pounds of meth, over 2 kilograms of fentanyl—worth over one million potential fatal doses—and other drugs, plus multiple firearms and cash totaling over $160,000.
This case is a cornerstone of Operation Take Back America, a DOJ initiative targeting organized crime and drug cartels. The defendants face life sentences and fines if convicted.
Indictments are merely allegations. All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime|Firearm Offenses
- Source: Official Source ↗
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