Zachary O’Meara, a 28-year-old inmate at the United States Penitentiary Canaan, has been sentenced to 45 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley on September 3, 2025.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the incident occurred on September 24, 2024. O’Meara stabbed another inmate multiple times in the head using an inmate-manufactured weapon. The victim suffered six lacerations to the back of his head and one to his right temple, all requiring surgical sutures. Prison officials recovered the weapon after the attack; it was described as a five-inch “shank” made from melted plastic with a sharpened metal tip.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—Scranton Office. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson prosecuted the case.
“According to the Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, on September 24, 2024, O’Meara stabbed another inmate multiple times in the head with an inmate-manufactured weapon. The victim sustained six lacerations to the back of his head and one laceration to his right temple that required surgical sutures. The weapon, commonly referred to as a ‘shank,’ was recovered by prison officials following the assault. The weapon measured five inches in length and was constructed of melted plastic with a sharpened metal tip on one end.”
The sentencing underscores ongoing concerns about violence within federal prisons and highlights efforts by law enforcement agencies to address such incidents.
