A federal grand jury has indicted Ricky Charles Patterson, 44, of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, on charges related to drug trafficking and firearm offenses. The announcement was made by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, “the indictment alleges that on or about May 2, 2025, Patterson possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, both Schedule II controlled substances. It is further alleged that Patterson possessed a Smith & Wesson .44 caliber revolver in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime knowing that he was a prohibited possessor as a convicted felon.”
The investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Kingston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), an initiative from the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The operation brings together resources from programs such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
If convicted under federal law, Patterson faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on federal statutes and guidelines.
Authorities emphasized that indictments are only allegations and all individuals charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
