June 23, 2008

NEWS RELEASE

DRUG TRAFFICKER SENTENCED TO 140 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT

     Martin C. Carlson, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that United States District Judge A. Richard Caputo sentenced Dominic Wilkins, age 47, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to 140 months’ imprisonment for his involvement in the sale of crack cocaine in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

     On February 26, 2008, Wilkins pled guilty to the charge of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack). The conviction followed an investigation by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement agents received information that Dominic Wilkins was selling crack cocaine with others in the Luzerne County area. During the course of the investigation, an undercover agent made seven purchases of one to two ounces of crack cocaine from Wilkins. As the investigation progressed, investigators developed sufficient probable cause for a wiretap on the cellular telephone utilized by Wilkins to conduct his drug trafficking activities. During a 27-day period beginning on September 9, 2005, the agents intercepted hundreds of drug-related conversations on the wiretap which revealed that Wilkins had a large number of drug customers in the Wilkes-Barre area.

     United States Attorney Carlson noted that parole has been abolished, and Wilkins will be required to serve at least 85% of his 140-month sentence, assuming he receives full time off for good behavior while incarcerated. In addition to the 140-month sentence of imprisonment, Judge Caputo further ordered Wilkins to be supervised by a United States Probation Officer for five years after serving his jail term.

     The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Gurganus and Robert O’Hara.

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