A man from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to over ten years in prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Eshawn Harrell, aged 31 and a resident of Hazleton, was sentenced to 130 months by Judge Malachy E. Mannion.
The sentencing follows an investigation led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that investigators executed a search warrant on June 29, 2023, at Harrell's residence. The search resulted in the seizure of approximately 195 grams of fentanyl, 24 grams of cocaine, various drug paraphernalia such as sandwich bags and digital scales, $1,000 in U.S. currency, seven iPhones, 50 rounds of ammunition, and two loaded handguns. Harrell had a previous conviction for drug trafficking and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is part of "Operation Take Back America," an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators. This operation aligns with efforts under the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The investigation involved collaboration between the Pennsylvania State Police, the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts handled the prosecution.
