Jamell R. O’Neal, 42, of East Meadow, New York, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearm possession offenses. The sentencing took place on August 22, 2025, before United States District Judge Julia K. Munley in Scranton. After his release from prison, O’Neal will serve a five-year term of supervised release.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, federal agents began investigating illegal drug activity in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania between September 2023 and February 2024. Surveillance by law enforcement observed O’Neal and a co-conspirator conducting hand-to-hand drug transactions on September 20 and September 22 at multiple residences in Wilkes-Barre. Another transaction was observed on January 16, 2024.
On February 7, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at one of the residences where O’Neal was present and taken into custody. Authorities recovered crack cocaine, fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine intended for distribution, a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver, and drug paraphernalia.
“This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results,” said officials.
The investigation was conducted by the Luzerne County Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted the case.
