ATF-led joint operation targets Kingston Pa.-Philadelphia gun and drug trafficking ring
Eight individuals charged in drug conspiracy, including former federal prisoner whose sentence was commuted
Philadelphia – In a joint operation led by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Philadelphia Field Division, ATF special agents, in conjunction with the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police, the Police Departments of Kingston, Hazelton, Wilkes-Barre, Pittston and Philadelphia, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Middle and Eastern Districts of Pennsylvania, executed federal search warrants in the morning September 17, targeting a firearms and gun trafficking ring at multiple sites in Luzerne County and Philadelphia.
Today the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Lozada, age 51, of Philadelphia, PA; Michael Rinaldi, age 49, of Philadelphia, PA; Ryan Kehoe, age 49, of Wilkes-Barre, PA; Michelle Hall, age 46, of Wilkes-Barre, PA; William Miller, age 43, of Forty-Fort, PA; Dylan Mohr, age 29, of Benton, PA; Keith Sassaman, age 48, of Shavertown, PA; and Melissa Butler, age 49, of Wilkes-Barre, PA, were indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that the eight defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including methamphetamine, from in or around August 2025 through in or around September 2026. The 21-count indictment also alleges that the defendants distributed and possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl on numerous occasions, in addition to multiple firearms charges.
According to public records, Michael Rinaldi was sentenced on July 26, 2021, by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani to serve 235 months of imprisonment following a conviction on federal drug trafficking charges. On January 17, 2025, Rinaldi received an Executive Grant of Clemency from former President Joseph R. Biden Jr., commuting Rinaldi’s remaining term of imprisonment.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation with assistance from the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, Hazelton Police Department, Wilkes-Barre Police Department, Philadelphia Police Department, Kingston Police Department, and Pittston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
If convicted, the maximum penalty under federal law for the drug offenses charged is 20 years’ imprisonment per count. The maximum penalty for the firearm offenses charged ranges from 15 years to life imprisonment. Each charge comes with a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
###
ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at www.atf.gov.
