Two Pennsylvania residents have pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Derek Hunter, 34, of Claysburg entered his plea before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on February 2, 2026. John Rickenbach Jr., 44, of Reading pleaded guilty before Judge Haines on January 28, 2026.
According to information presented in court, between June and August 2024 in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Rickenbach and Hunter conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 40 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and at least 50 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine. In August 2024, both defendants distributed and possessed with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. Additionally, Rickenbach was found possessing with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.
Sentencing for Rickenbach is set for May 27, 2026. Hunter’s sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2026. Each faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and could receive up to forty years along with fines up to $5 million. Sentences will be determined based on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history under federal guidelines.
The pleas by Hunter and Rickenbach follow those entered by co-defendants Kayla Rickenbach and Angel Diaz-Gibson Jr., who each pleaded guilty on January 5, 2026.
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.
"Troy Rivetti announced today."
