Santino Bellucci, a former correctional officer from Dickson City, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 252 months in prison on August 8, 2025. The sentencing was handed down by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani. Bellucci was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone and at least 40 grams of fentanyl resulting in death, as well as distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that between January 2022 and February 2023, Bellucci conspired with others to distribute controlled substances throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. On December 18, 2022, Bellucci sold pills containing a lethal dose of fentanyl that caused an individual's death. At the time of the sale, he was employed as a correctional officer at a county facility.
"This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN)."
The investigation involved both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dunmore Police Department. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny Roberts along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
