The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced the sentencing of Charles Vincent Benincasa, a 41-year-old resident of Kingston, Pennsylvania. On December 12, 2024, United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Benincasa to 136 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam stated that on July 19, 2023, Benincasa distributed cocaine from his home in Kingston. Following this incident, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at his residence two days later. The search uncovered distribution quantities of cocaine, marijuana, and fentanyl, along with nearly $15,000 in cash. Additionally, authorities found one thousand rounds of ammunition and six firearms including multiple handguns and rifles. Among these firearms were two without serial numbers known as "ghost guns," including an AR-15 style short-barrel rifle. One handgun was equipped with an extended 31-round magazine.

The investigation was conducted by the Luzerne County Drug Task Force alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is handling the prosecution.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department introduced a strategy to enhance PSN focusing on building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, prioritizing strategic enforcement actions, and evaluating outcomes.

Under federal law, the maximum penalty for this offense includes life imprisonment along with supervised release post-imprisonment and fines. Sentences are determined by judges who consider federal sentencing statutes and guidelines after a guilty verdict.