The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a criminal Information was filed today charging a West Pittston resident with participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin during 2013 and early 2014.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Information alleges that Michael Romasiewicz, age 21, conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin in Luzerne County and elsewhere during January 2013 through Feb. 24, 2014.
The charge stems from an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Romasiewicz faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine if he is convicted of the charge. The Information also seeks the forfeiture to the United States of two firearms seized during the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 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.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
