Kevin Neysmith, also known as Kevin Blackwood, was sentenced to 160 months in prison for drug trafficking and firearm offenses. The sentence was issued by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley. Neysmith, a 45-year-old resident of Kingston, Pennsylvania, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Neysmith was arrested on September 9, 2022, in Moosic, Pennsylvania. Members of the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force apprehended him as he attempted to deliver fentanyl. During the arrest, Neysmith fled from his moving vehicle through a parking lot. His car struck an unoccupied vehicle before officers detained him behind a dumpster.
Authorities seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and an unregistered 9-millimeter Canik 55 Model TP9 semi-automatic pistol equipped with a tactical laser from Neysmith and his car.
"This case is part of Operation Take Back America," stated the release. "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 multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Scranton Office, Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, members of the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force, and Moosic Borough Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson prosecuted the case.
