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 Dickson Gutierrez, age 41, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 24, 2017, by a federal grand jury for cocaine trafficking offenses.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Gutierrez with two counts of distributing cocaine on August 18 and 25, 2017, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine on August 31, 2017.
The government is also seeking forfeiture of approximately $10,275 in cash.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
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 under federal law is up to 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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