Jose Urena-Capellan, a 40-year-old resident of Allentown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for an alleged drug trafficking offense. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Urena-Capellan is charged with attempted possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl in Franklin County on July 30, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case.
The prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, which is described as “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.” According to information provided by the Department of Justice at https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline, this operation brings together efforts from programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
If convicted, Urena-Capellan faces a maximum penalty under federal law of life imprisonment, a fine, and supervised release following imprisonment. Sentencing would be determined by a judge based on federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
The announcement emphasized: “Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.”
