Michael Lonesome, a 40-year-old inmate at USP Allenwood in White Deer, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 23 for allegedly possessing a weapon in prison and assaulting another inmate with a dangerous weapon, according to an April 24 announcement from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address violence within correctional facilities. The indictment alleges that Lonesome had a razor blade in his possession and used it during an assault against another incarcerated individual.
United States Attorney Brian D. Miller said the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the incident. Assistant United States Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case. "Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court," Miller said.
If convicted, Lonesome faces up to ten years in prison as well as fines under federal law. Sentencing would also include supervised release after imprisonment, with final penalties determined by a judge based on applicable statutes and guidelines.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecutes federal crimes and manages civil cases across 33 counties, serving about 3.2 million residents according to its official website. The office operates under the United States Department of Justice according to its official website and maintains facilities in Harrisburg, Scranton, Williamsport, and Wilkes-Barre according to its official website. It covers approximately 21,907 square miles according to its official website.
In addition to prosecuting criminal cases like this one, the office offers victim support programs as well as initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhoods and re-entry services designed to reduce recidivism according to its official website.
