DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Middle District of Pennsylvania

For Immediate Release

Thursday, December 10, 2015
Peter J. Smith
, United States Attorney
Contact: Dawn Mayko

Williamsport Man Indicted Federally for Heroin and Firearms Violations

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Williamsport man was indicted today by a federal grand jury for heroin trafficking and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug distribution.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the grand jury alleges that Michael Wright, age 22, by himself and acting with others, engaged in deliveries of heroin in Williamsport in 2015. A search of Wright’s apartment in July 2015, allegedly uncovered over 400 packets of heroin packaged for sale, as well as a revolver and a semi-automatic handgun. A third handgun with an obliterated serial number was allegedly recovered from Wright at the time of his arrest.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Williamsport Bureau of Police, and the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur.

This case was brought as part of 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.

This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, 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.

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 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 up to life imprisonment, a term of 3 years supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 dollar 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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Philadelphia Field Division