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 Gilbert Concepcion, age 40, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was indicted on August 8, 2017, by a federal grand jury for crystal methamphetamine trafficking. The case was unsealed on August 31, 2017, following Concepcion’s apprehension.

 

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Concepcion with conspiring to distribute and possessing with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of crystal methamphetamine between December 1, 2014 and August 26, 2015. The indictment also charges Concepcion with distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine on May 26, 2015 and on July 15, 2015.

 

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting 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 penalties under federal law for the charges are life imprisonment. The charge for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of crystal methamphetamine carries a ten-year mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment. 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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