SCRANTON — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle), published as received.
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kurt Smith, age 50, formerly of Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today and Patrick Russell, age 50, of LeRaysville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced February 10, 2016, by U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik in Scranton, for drug related offenses.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Judge Kosik sentenced Smith to 24 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute Alpha-PVP, commonly known as “bath salts.” Smith imported two kilograms of the substance from sources of supply in China by placing orders over the internet. The bath salts were then distributed by Smith and other individuals in Bradford County. Smith has since moved to Kentucky.
Smith was initially charged in a Criminal Information on August 25, 2015 and pled guilty on September 8, 2015.
Russell was sentenced to 31 months imprisonment for his involvement in the conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute “bath salts.” Russell was directly involved in the importation and distribution of at least 500 grams of bath salts.
Russell was initially charged in an Indictment on December 10, 2013 and pled guilty on April 14, 2015.
The cases were investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Athens Borough Police Department and were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.
# # #
