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 Roberto Magobet, age 45, of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for drug trafficking.

According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Magobet previously pleaded guilty on March 6, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine and fentanyl.  On August 31, 2021, state parole agents were attempting to conduct a residence inspection at Magobet’s residence in Jim Thorpe when they observed a package of methamphetamine on the front porch.  A search of the residence revealed seven grams of fentanyl and 243 grams of pure methamphetamine, along with drug packaging materials.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Jim Thorpe Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as 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 to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

###