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Press Release

Two Federal Inmates Charged With Possessing Phones In Prison

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Pennsylvania

WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that two federal inmates were charged separately by criminal informations yesterday for possessing contraband in prison.

According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, two federal inmates were charged with possessing phones in prison:

  • Christopher Edwards, age 51, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg, possessed an iPhone on October 22, 2021;
  • Angel Anchondo, age 20, an inmate at the Low Security Correctional Institution, Allenwood, possessed an LG cellphone on December 15, 2021.

Federal law prohibits inmates from possessing cellphones to ensure institutional security.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Special Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman and Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel are prosecuting the cases.

If convicted, Edwards and Anchondo face a maximum of one year of incarceration and a fine.  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. 

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

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Updated June 8, 2022