John Nester, a 55-year-old resident of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 144 months in prison and a term of supervised release for drug and firearm offenses. The sentencing took place on November 20, 2025, before United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Nester pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute approximately 30 grams of fentanyl and possessing a Glock pistol in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. Authorities discovered the pistol and fentanyl during a search warrant executed at Nester’s home in June 2024. Additional fentanyl was also found on his person and in his vehicle.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Pocono Mountain Regional Police, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.
The prosecution is part of a district-wide initiative led by the United States Attorney’s Office aimed at combating heroin use and distribution in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The Heroin Initiative targets traffickers through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
