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 Shawn Adams, age 56, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a firearms charge. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Adams possessed two firearms, that is, a High Point .45 caliber handgun and a Jennings .22 caliber handgun on July 6, 2026. The indictment also alleges that Adams is a felon, having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. 

The FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency, Safe Streets Task Force, and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 15 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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