Corey L. Thomas, Jr., a 39-year-old resident of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 42 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. The sentencing was delivered by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani on January 15, 2025.

Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus reported that Thomas's vehicle was stopped on July 13, 2021, by a detective from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. This stop occurred after Thomas had a brief encounter with a drug trafficker who was under investigation for an unrelated case. During the stop, authorities discovered drug proceeds and a .380 Ruger handgun with its serial number obliterated in Thomas's possession.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) alongside the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley handled the prosecution.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched an enhanced strategy to reduce violent crime by fostering community trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.