Antwan Edward Johnson, Jr., a 27-year-old from North Carolina, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 28 for allegedly possessing prohibited items while incarcerated at the Federal Correction Institution Schuylkill in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, according to a May 1 announcement from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to address contraband within federal prisons and underscores law enforcement’s commitment to maintaining safety and order in correctional facilities. The indictment alleges that Johnson had both a cell phone and a six-inch sharpened plastic weapon with a cloth handle on January 10 while at FCI Schuylkill.
United States Attorney Brian D. Miller said that the investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Johnson faces up to six years in prison, supervised release after imprisonment, and a fine. Sentencing will be determined by a judge who will consider applicable federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania handles prosecutions of federal crimes as well as civil litigation for the government and victim assistance programs according to its official website. The office also promotes community safety through initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhoods and re-entry services designed to reduce recidivism according to its official website.
Serving about 3.2 million residents across an area covering more than 21,900 square miles in central Pennsylvania—including locations like Harrisburg, Scranton, Williamsport, and Wilkes-Barre—the office operates under the United States Department of Justice according to its official website. Its jurisdiction includes managing both criminal prosecutions and civil cases over 33 counties while offering victim support services and rehabilitation programs aimed at enhancing community safety according to its official website.
Miller reminded that indictments are only allegations: “Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.”
