Ricky Charles Patterson, a 45-year-old resident of Plymouth in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, according to an announcement by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on July 30. Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion imposed the sentence.
United States Attorney Brian D. Miller said that on May 2, 2025, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives served a federal search warrant at Patterson’s residence in Plymouth. During the search, agents seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, and a loaded Smith & Wesson revolver. Patterson is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his status as a previously convicted felon.
The investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Kingston Police Department, and Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is described as “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.” The program operates in all federal districts with strategies tailored to address specific community challenges related to violent crime.
The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania serves about 3.2 million residents across approximately 21,907 square miles through facilities in Harrisburg, Scranton, Williamsport and Wilkes-Barre; it prosecutes federal crimes including drug trafficking cases like this one while also promoting community safety through initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhoods and providing re-entry services aimed at reducing recidivism, according to the official website.