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 Eshawn Harrell, age 31, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 130 months’ imprisonment for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on June 29, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant on Harrell’s residence and seized approximately 195 grams of fentanyl, 24 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia including sandwich bags, digital scales, glassine bags, vacuum sealer, $1,000 in U.S. currency, seven iPhones, 50 rounds of ammunition, and two loaded handguns. Harrell had previously been convicted of drug trafficking and was not legally permitted to possess firearms or ammunition.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This matter was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
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