EASTON MAN JAILED FOR THREE YEARS AND ORDERED TO FORFEIT CASH, HOMES, VEHICLES, SILVER, GOLD, AND GUNS FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

Dennis C. Pfannenschmidt, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that an Easton man who participated in a large marijuana grow and drug trafficking operation in Monroe County, was sentenced today to serve 37 months in federal prison and forfeit his interest in more than a half-million dollars in cash and property by U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley.

Pfannenschmidt stated that Ronald Brinker, age 54, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute more than 100 marijuana plants, more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, psilocybe mushrooms, and methamphetamine.

Brinker and four others, including his brother Barry who headed-up the drug operation, were indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2008, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The offenses allegedly occurred between 2005 and October 17, 2008. Ronald Brinker pleaded guilty on March 4, 2009. Barry Brinker and Linda Brinker previously entered guilty pleas in the case and were sentenced to federal prison. The fourth defendant, Karl Truszkowski, is awaiting trial.

Judge Munley also ordered Ronald Brinker to serve three years on supervised release following his prison sentence, and to pay a fine of $1,000 and a $100 special assessment.

Brinker was also ordered to forfeit to the United States his interest in four residences, three vehicles, over $270,000 in cash, silver, gold, and firearms seized during the investigation.

Pfannenschmidt noted that Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.

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