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 today that U.S District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann sentenced Stephen Morrison to 21 months’ imprisonment on August 11, 2017, for possession of AB-Pinaca (synthentic cannabinoid), a Schedule I controlled substance, and a sharpened weapon, commonly called a “shank,” while an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Allenwood, Pennsylvania (FCI Allenwood).
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Morrison was discovered with the synthetic cannabinoid and weapon on his person at FCI Allenwood in September 2016. Morrison was indicted on December 20, 2016, and pled guilty on April 6, 2017.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers at FCI Allenwood. Assistant United States Attorney Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.
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 under federal law is 10 years of 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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