Federal Inmate In Minersville Charged With Possession Of Drug Contraband

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Scranton has indicted John Vercusky, age 38, a federal inmate at the United States Penitentiary Schuylkill (“USP Schuylkill”), Minersville, Pennsylvania, charging him with possession of a prohibited object.  Specifically, marijuana, at the facility on October 25, 2015.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers from USP Schuylkill.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob.

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

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.

The maximum penalty under federal law is 5 years of imprisonment for Vercusky, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 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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