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 a Federal Grand Jury in Scranton returned an indictment yesterday charging Jose Mendoza, age 38, and Edwin Aguilar, age 25, with conspiracy to distribute heroin and the possession of heroin with the intent to distribute. 

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment alleges that the crimes occurred on August 31, 2015, in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Both individuals are New York residents    

The investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Prosecution is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorneys John C. Gurganus, Jr. and Phillip Caraballo.   

This case is 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 for each offense under federal law is 20 years’ 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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