Kevin Neysmith, also known as Kevin Blackwood, was sentenced to 160 months in prison for drug trafficking and firearm offenses. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley. Neysmith, 45, is a resident of Kingston, Pennsylvania.
Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus stated that on September 9, 2022, members of the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force arrested Neysmith in Moosic, Pennsylvania. He was attempting to deliver fentanyl at the time of his arrest. During the incident, Neysmith left his moving vehicle and ran through a parking lot before being apprehended while hiding behind a dumpster. His car continued moving and collided with an unoccupied vehicle.
Authorities seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and an unregistered 9-millimeter Canik 55 Model TP9 semi-automatic pistol equipped with a tactical laser from Neysmith and from a compartment in his car.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).”
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation Scranton Office, Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, members of the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force, and Moosic Borough Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson prosecuted the case.
