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 Michael Laurey and Amy Casey, both age 38, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, were indicted on October 17, 2017, by a federal grand jury for renting space at their residence in Wilkes-Barre for the purpose of producing methamphetamine. The indictment was unsealed yesterday following the arrest of the defendants.

           

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, between June 21, 2016 and June 29, 2017, Laurey and Casey rented rooms within their residence to two individuals who were operating a methamphetamine lab.  The defendants allegedly allowed the drug manufacturers to live rent free in exchange for methamphetamine being produced within the home.   

 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Kingston Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob 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 defendants are facing a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 maximum fine, and term of supervised release.   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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