Akilees Kadeem Hobson, 27, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, and Armand Kierran Hobson, 28, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, were sentenced for their roles in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy. The sentencing took place on February 10, 2026, before Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania reported that Akilees Hobson received an 11-year prison sentence. Armand Hobson was sentenced to time served after being incarcerated since September 25, 2024.
United States Attorney Brian D. Miller stated that in August and September 2024, the brothers conspired to distribute fentanyl. “On fourteen occasions, Akilees Hobson sold drugs, which included fentanyl and crack cocaine, to a confidential informant. At the time, Akilees Hobson was on federal supervised release for previous conviction charging him with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking in 2017. On one occasion, Armand Hobson sold fentanyl to a confidential informant,” Miller said.
Authorities executed search warrants at both residences on September 25, 2024. Additional drugs were seized during these searches. Investigators determined that Akilees Hobson was responsible for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 27 grams of fentanyl and 39 grams of crack cocaine. Armand Hobson was found responsible for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute at least four but less than eight grams of fentanyl and less than a kilogram of marijuana.
The investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Kingston Police Department and Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative involving multiple law enforcement agencies aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by building trust within communities and supporting organizations that work toward preventing violence.
