The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced an indictment against Jamal Townsend, a 35-year-old inmate at FCI Schuylkill. The federal grand jury indicted Townsend on March 27, 2025, on charges of possessing a weapon in prison.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the indictment claims Townsend had a piece of plastic approximately seven inches long, sharpened at one end with a cloth handle, in his possession on February 20, 2025.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is responsible for prosecuting the case.
Under federal law, this offense carries a maximum penalty of five years and a fine. Additionally, a sentence involves a period of supervised release post-imprisonment. Sentences following a finding of guilt are imposed by a Judge who considers applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
It is important to remember that indictments are only allegations. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
