The streets of Scranton are a little safer following the indictment of a New York man accused of peddling poison to the city’s residents. Ethan Ashong, 28, of Fishkill, New York, has been hit with a slew of charges related to the distribution of over 500 grams of methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Ashong allegedly conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute the highly addictive substance between January 2021 and July 2021. The indictment also alleges that he distributed over 50 grams of methamphetamine on multiple occasions between March 8, 2021 and July 15, 2021.
The case was the result of a collaborative effort between Homeland Security, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is leading the prosecution of Ashong.
The indictment is just the beginning for Ashong, who could face a maximum penalty of 40 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine if convicted. The case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime in the community.
The PSN Program is an evidence-based approach that brings together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to identify and address the most pressing violent crime problems in the community. By focusing enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partnering with locally based prevention and reentry programs, the program hopes to achieve lasting reductions in crime.
Ashong is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. A sentence following a finding of guilt will be imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
While the maximum penalty for this offense is 40 years of imprisonment, the actual sentence will depend on 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.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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