John Nester, a 55-year-old resident of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 144 months in prison and a term of supervised release. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick on November 20, 2025. Nester was convicted for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Brian D. Miller stated that Nester had previously pleaded guilty to possessing about 30 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it and to having a Glock pistol related to the drug offense. Authorities discovered both the pistol and fentanyl during a search at Nester’s home in June 2024. Additional quantities of fentanyl were also found on his person and in his vehicle.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Pocono Mountain Regional Police, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.
According to officials, this prosecution is part of an ongoing district-wide initiative led by the United States Attorney’s Office aimed at addressing heroin use and distribution in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The Heroin Initiative coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to target individuals involved in heroin-related offenses.
