Mountaintop Man Admits ‘Bath Salts’ Smuggling Role

SCRANTON, PA – Jason Randazzo, 46, of Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, has confessed to his part in a large-scale conspiracy to import the dangerous synthetic drug known as “bath salts” from China. Randazzo pleaded guilty on May 23, 2019, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, finally facing the music for his involvement in a network that flooded the country with the illicit substance.

According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, Randazzo’s criminal activity spanned from March 2014 to January 2016. He was one of seven individuals indicted in August 2016, a result of a prolonged investigation that has already brought down 18 people involved in the importation and distribution of “bath salts.” The operation centered around a Texas-based couple who allegedly shipped the drugs to dealers across the United States, including within Pennsylvania’s borders.

Randazzo isn’t operating alone. Several of his co-conspirators have already received significant prison sentences. Todd Morgans, a major local supplier from West Pittston, is currently serving a 135-month sentence. David Folweiler, a Luzerne County sub-distributor, received 90 months. From the Texas end of the pipeline, Treiu Thuy Duong earned 70 months, while Alan Folweiler got 63 months and Frank Brennan 60. These aren’t victimless crimes; these sentences represent shattered lives and communities poisoned by dangerous drugs.

Federal investigators haven’t just targeted the dealers – they’ve gone after the profits of this illicit trade. The investigation has led to the seizure and forfeiture of a substantial amount of assets, including firearms, thousands of dollars in cash, hundreds of silver coins, real property, and bank accounts totaling over $750,000. This isn’t just about taking drugs off the street, it’s about dismantling the financial infrastructure that supports the criminal enterprise.

Judge Munley has ordered a pre-sentence investigation, meaning Randazzo’s background and the specifics of his involvement will be thoroughly examined before sentencing. A sentencing date is set for August 26, 2019. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, supervised release, and a hefty fine. However, the actual sentence will depend on federal sentencing guidelines and a variety of factors considered by the judge.

The case was a collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Department of Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case. This investigation is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and improving community safety. The Department of Justice revitalized PSN in 2017, emphasizing partnerships between all levels of law enforcement to tackle violent criminals effectively.