The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced the indictment of David Gladden, a 46-year-old resident of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury, includes charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of firearms in drug trafficking, and firearms possession as a felon.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus detailed the indictment, noting that Gladden allegedly intended to distribute 28 grams of crack cocaine and additional quantities of cocaine on August 21, 2021. The indictment further alleges similar offenses on September 11, 2023, and March 7, 2024, with Gladden said to have possessed significant quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, PCP, and marijuana. Allegations also claim firearm possession in furtherance of drug trafficking.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a national initiative designed to address illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and enhance community safety through the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhood.
The investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Harrisburg Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Susquehanna Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is handling the prosecution.
Gladden faces a potential life sentence, supervised release, and fines, with sentencing determined by a judge per federal guidelines. The statement reiterated that indictments are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
