A federal grand jury has indicted Charles Adams, 40, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, on two counts related to the attempted possession of a chemical used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Adams tried to obtain methylamine on November 19 and November 22, 2024, with the intent to unlawfully produce methamphetamine.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that Adams is accused of attempting to possess a listed chemical for illegal drug manufacturing purposes. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
The charges are part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), an initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime. This operation brings together resources from programs such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
If convicted, Adams faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, supervised release after imprisonment, a fine, and a special assessment. Sentencing will be determined by a court based on federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
Authorities emphasized that indictments are allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
