Anthony Joseph Nieves, a 32-year-old resident of Pittston, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 105 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute five grams of fentanyl. The sentencing was handed down by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. on September 4, 2025.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the case began in October 2024 when members of the Pittston City Police Department used a confidential informant to purchase fentanyl from Nieves on several occasions. On November 1, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Nieves’ residence and found fentanyl, drug trafficking paraphernalia, $1,274 in cash, and body armor. Authorities noted that this marks Nieves’ fifth conviction related to drug trafficking.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittston City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
"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.
Authorities also stated that "this case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses."
