Two Reading, Pennsylvania residents have pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking. The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Angel Diaz-Gibson, 34, and Kayla Rickenbach, 24, entered their guilty pleas separately before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on January 5, 2026.
According to information presented in court, from June 2024 through August 2024 in the Western District of Pennsylvania, both Diaz-Gibson and Rickenbach conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 40 grams of a fentanyl mixture. Additionally, Diaz-Gibson admitted to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine. Rickenbach admitted to conspiring for at least 50 grams of methamphetamine. Both defendants also pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of a methamphetamine mixture and at least 40 grams of a fentanyl mixture: Diaz-Gibson in July 2024 and Rickenbach in August 2024.
Sentencing for Diaz-Gibson is set for May 4, 2026, while Rickenbach’s sentencing is scheduled for May 5, 2026. For Rickenbach, the law allows for a sentence ranging from five years up to forty years in prison and a fine as high as $5 million. Diaz-Gibson faces between fifteen years and life imprisonment and up to a $20 million fine. Sentences will be determined according to federal guidelines that consider the seriousness of the crimes and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting the case.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency along with the Pennsylvania State Police.
