The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg returned an indictment Wednesday charging Darnell Lamont Doss, age 34, of Harrisburg, with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

     According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, the indictment was the result of an incident on July 27, 2012 when Doss’ car was stopped by police who then allegedly found a loaded handgun and crack cocaine in Doss' possession.

     The investigation is being conducted by Harrisburg Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Capital City Safe Streets Task Force which includes state, local and county agencies.

     Assistant United States Attorney Joseph J. Terz is prosecuting the case.

     Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

     A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

     In this particular case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is life imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh 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. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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