A Harrisburg man, Tayvain Folkes, has been sentenced to a decade in prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson. Folkes, 24, was found guilty of possession with intent to deliver fentanyl and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of one gram of fentanyl from Folkes on December 28, 2021. This led to a search warrant for his residence, where authorities discovered approximately 269 grams of fentanyl, a Glock 9mm pistol, and around $35,000 in cash. Folkes admitted to the charges following his arrest.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021, strengthening PSN with principles such as fostering trust in communities and supporting organizations that prevent violence.
The investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation Harrisburg, the Vice Unit, Dauphin County Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.
