Valerie Rose Tallent, a 40-year-old resident of Snyder County, was sentenced on March 26 to 168 months in prison and five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. The sentencing was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on April 24.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address drug trafficking in the region. Prosecutors say Tallent took over her boyfriend's drug business while he was incarcerated and sold narcotics during January 2023. Law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase from Tallent before executing a search warrant at her residence, where they found about 25 grams of fentanyl, 11 grams of crack cocaine, and approximately 1.5 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.
"Law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of narcotics from Tallent who had professed that she had taken over her incarcerated boyfriend’s drug trafficking business," said United States Attorney Brian D. Miller.
The investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police, and Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania operates under the United States Department of Justice according to its official website. The office prosecutes federal crimes such as this one and manages civil litigation on behalf of the government while providing victim assistance programs according to its official website. Its jurisdiction covers about 21,907 square miles across central Pennsylvania—including Harrisburg, Scranton, Williamsport and Wilkes-Barre—and serves approximately 3.2 million residents according to its official website.
Broader community safety is promoted through initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods and re-entry services aimed at reducing recidivism according to its official website.
