Tyrik Brown, Possession of a Dangerous Prison-Made Weapon, Pennsylvania 2023

SCRANTON, Pennsylvania – In a disturbing revelation, Tyrik Brown, a 28-year-old inmate from Washington D.C., has been charged with possessing a dangerous prison-made weapon, commonly known as a ‘shank’, in FCI Schuylkill, Minersville, Pennsylvania.

According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Brown was charged separately on May 23, 2023, by a federal grand jury for possessing a contraband in prison. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Brown’s charges stem from his alleged possession of a ‘shank’, a type of prison-made weapon. The indictment only alleges that Brown possessed the weapon, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

The incident highlights the ongoing issue of contraband possession in prisons. Efforts to prevent the smuggling of contraband into prisons are essential to maintaining a safe and secure environment for both inmates and correctional officers.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is committed to ensuring that those who commit crimes within the federal prison system are held accountable for their actions.

Brown’s case is a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance in preventing the spread of contraband in prisons. The Bureau of Prisons and law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to prevent such incidents and maintain a safe environment for all.

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