Charles Adams, a 40-year-old resident of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of attempted possession of a listed chemical with the intent to manufacture a controlled substance. The indictment alleges that Adams attempted to possess methylamine on or about November 19 and November 22, 2024, intending to use it for the unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that Adams’s actions were aimed at producing methamphetamine, which is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Customs and Border Protection. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
The prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a national initiative led by the Department of Justice designed to address illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime perpetrators. This initiative brings together resources from several programs within the Department of Justice including the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). More information about Operation Take Back America can be found at https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline.
If convicted, Adams faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, supervised release following imprisonment, financial penalties, and a special assessment. Sentencing will be determined by the court after considering federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
Authorities emphasized that indictments are only allegations and all individuals charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
