Multiple inmates at the Federal Correctional Center (FCC) Allenwood in Pennsylvania have been indicted on charges of assault, conspiracy, and possession of weapons. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The indictment alleges that on June 2, 2023, sixteen inmates—Darwin Abudeye-Perez, Alex Ferrufino, Miguel Lopez, Ronald Montano-Ramirez, Miguel Abrego, Cristian Rios-Jarquin, Juan Villalobos, David Nolasco-Soriano, Guadalupe Sanchez-Cruz, Erick Aguilar-Motino, Jose Garcia-Bonilla, Jose Garcia, Jose Torres-Garcia, Henry Guittierez-Andrade, William Espinoza, and Walter Ejcalon-Xalcut—conspired to assault a group of other inmates using dangerous weapons. These weapons included locks and other heavy objects attached to strings, belts, and socks. In addition to the conspiracy charge faced by all sixteen individuals, each also faces individual counts of assault.
The indictment further charges Jose Garcia, William Espinoza, Guadalupe Sanchez-Cruz (noted as “Crus” in one instance), Erick Aguilar-Motino and Darwin Abudeye-Perez with possessing prohibited objects (weapons) inside the prison facility.
“This case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” according to the release. “Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting the case.”
The case is 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 and eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The operation brings together resources from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
If convicted under federal law for these offenses, defendants face a maximum penalty of ten years in prison as well as supervised release and fines. Sentencing will be determined by a judge after considering federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
“Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court,” states the release.
