York Man Indicted For Distribution Of Heroin And Possession Of Firearms

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg has indicted Christian Hogan, age 35, for distribution of heroin and unlawful possession of firearms. 

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the West Manchester Police Department allegedly observed Hogan selling heroin on September 22, 2015. Subsequent further investigation, including a search warrant resulting in the alleged seizure of handguns and evidence of additional alleged sales of heroin by Hogan in February 2016.

The matter was investigated by the West Manchester and York Police Departments, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford.   

This case was brought as part of two district wide initiatives to combatting the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office; (1) the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies; and (2) the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes.

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 for these offenses is life imprisonment, 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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