SCRANTON, PA – Jamell R. O’Neal, a 42-year-old from East Meadow, New York, is headed to federal prison for over fifteen years after being convicted of running a drug operation in Northeastern Pennsylvania. U.S. District Judge Julia K. Munley handed down an 188-month sentence on August 22, 2025, following O’Neal’s guilty plea.
O’Neal admitted to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a deadly cocktail of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, alongside the charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Following his release, he’ll face a mandatory five-year term of supervised release – if he even makes it that far.
Federal agents began monitoring O’Neal’s activities in Wilkes-Barre back in September 2023. Surveillance revealed a pattern of brazen, open-air drug deals conducted with a co-conspirator from at least two separate locations. Agents documented multiple hand-to-hand transactions on September 20th and 22nd, and again on January 16, 2024. The operation wasn’t subtle; O’Neal was directly observed facilitating the flow of poison into the community.
The bust went down on February 7, 2024, when law enforcement executed a search warrant at one of O’Neal’s operating locations. They found him on-site, along with a significant quantity of crack cocaine, fentanyl, and crystal methamphetamine – enough to supply a substantial network of addicts. Adding to the danger, a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver and associated drug paraphernalia were also recovered. This wasn’t just about moving drugs; it was about armed trafficking.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus emphasized that this case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at tackling violent crime and gun violence. The program focuses on building trust with communities, supporting local anti-violence groups, and strategically targeting the most dangerous offenders. The Department launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, with a clear focus on measurable results.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Luzerne County Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti skillfully prosecuted the case, securing a sentence that reflects the seriousness of O’Neal’s crimes. This conviction sends a clear message: bringing drugs and firearms into Pennsylvania won’t be tolerated. # # #
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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