Hummelstown Man Charged Federally With Illegal Possession Of Firearm

     The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Devonte Betts, 20, of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania was indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg.  The indictment charges Betts with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and two counts of Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charges against Betts are a result of allegations that Betts was in the vicinity of 13th and Market Streets, Harrisburg, on June 6, 2014, in possession of two firearms, as well as heroin and crack cocaine. 

     If convicted, Betts faces a statutory maximum of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment.

     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.

     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.

     This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police as part of the ongoing cooperative effort to combat violent crime in the City.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.