Leon Weathersbe, a 38-year-old resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 137 months in prison. The sentencing was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and handed down by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary on May 7, 2025. Weathersbe faced charges for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The case stems from an incident on April 12, 2022, when Pennsylvania State Police troopers stopped Weathersbe's vehicle. During the stop, officers found $1,600 on his person. Although Weathersbe initially consented to a search of his vehicle, he fled on foot during the process and was not immediately apprehended. Troopers continued their search and discovered distribution quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, and a loaded handgun under the driver’s seat.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021. This strategy focuses on fostering community trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation involved the Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams led the prosecution.
