Multiple inmates at the Federal Correctional Center (FCC) Allenwood in Pennsylvania have been indicted on charges of assault, conspiracy, and possession of weapons within a prison facility. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the indictments, which stem from an incident that allegedly took place on June 2, 2023.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, “the indictment alleges that on June 2, 2023, at FCC Allenwood, Darwin Abudeye-Perez, Alex Ferrufino, Miguel Lopez, Ronald Montano-Ramirez, Miguel Abrego, Cristian Rios-Jarquin, Juan Villalobos, David Nolasco-Soriano, Guadalupe Sanchez-Cruz, Erick Aguilar-Motino, Jose Garcia-Bonilla, Jose Garcia, Jose Torres-Garcia, Henry Guittierez-Andrade, William Espinoza, and Walter Ejcalon-Xalcut conspired to assault a group of other inmates with dangerous weapons, including locks and other heavy objects attached to strings, belts and socks. In addition to a conspiracy charge, these inmates face individual counts of assault. The indictment also charges Jose Garcia, William Espinoz [sic], Guadalupe Sanchez-Crus [sic], Erick Aguilar-Motino and Darwin Abudeye-Perez of possessing prohibited objects (weapons) inside a prison facility.”
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is leading the prosecution.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), an initiative by the Department of Justice that coordinates resources to address illegal immigration issues and combat violent crime through efforts such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
If convicted under federal law for these offenses, each defendant could face up to ten years in prison as well as supervised release and fines. Sentencing will be determined by a judge who will consider federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
Authorities emphasized that indictments are only allegations and all individuals charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
