Scranton Reporter

A federal jury has found Michael Jones, Jr., a 44-year-old resident of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, guilty on all ten counts of an indictment related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The verdict was delivered on December 10, 2024, after a trial lasting six and a half days before United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani.

United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam detailed the events leading to the charges against Jones. On April 27, 2021, Jones was stopped by the Pennsylvania State Police while traveling from Philadelphia to Wilkes-Barre. This stop resulted in the discovery of drugs concealed inside a stereo speaker in his car trunk. Further investigation led law enforcement to search Jones' stash house where additional drugs, packaging materials, a stolen firearm, and $20,000 in cash were seized.

During the trial proceedings conducted by prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, testimony from 22 witnesses was presented including that of a DNA expert.

The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Pennsylvania State Police, and Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jenny P. Roberts and Todd Hinkley handled the prosecution.

This case is part of broader efforts under the district-wide Heroin Initiative aimed at combating heroin use and distribution across Middle District of Pennsylvania. This initiative is supported by coordinated actions among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies targeting heroin traffickers.

Additionally, this case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement at various levels and community engagement strategies aimed at fostering trust and preventing violence.

If convicted on these charges under federal law, Jones faces life imprisonment as well as supervised release following imprisonment and fines determined by applicable federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.