Press Release
Philadelphia Man Charged With Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Pennsylvania
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a criminal Information was filed today charging a Philadelphia resident with participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in the Hazleton area of Luzerne County during May through June of this year.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Information alleges that Edwin Laureano-Suarez, age 34, conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin in Luzerne County and elsewhere.
The charge stems from an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Scranton Police.
Laureano-Suarez faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine if he is convicted of the charge.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
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.
Updated April 9, 2015
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