A Benton resident, Anthony Devine, 35, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of methamphetamine distribution. The indictment was issued on July 24, 2025, and unsealed after Devine's initial appearance and arraignment in Williamsport on August 18.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the charges allege Devine distributed more than five grams of methamphetamine in Columbia County on May 30, 2024, and over fifty grams on June 5, 2024.
The investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), an initiative from the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and addressing violent crime through coordination with programs like Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
If convicted, Devine faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for each count as well as fines and supervised release. Sentencing will be determined by a judge according to federal statutes and guidelines.
Authorities emphasize that indictments are not proof of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
