A Scranton resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to cocaine trafficking. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lee Wood, 48, faces allegations of conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine between May 28, 2024, and August 17, 2024. The indictment also alleges that on August 8, 2024, Wood distributed and possessed with intent to distribute cocaine.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated: “The indictment alleges that from May 28, 2024 through August 17, 2024, Wood conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. The indictment further alleges that on August 8, 2024, Wood distributed, and possessed with intent to distribute, cocaine.”
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a national initiative using resources from multiple Department of Justice programs such as OCDETFs and Project Safe Neighborhoods to address illegal immigration and combat criminal organizations.
If convicted under federal law for these offenses, penalties can include life imprisonment, supervised release after incarceration, and fines. Sentencing decisions are made by a judge who considers federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
It is noted in the announcement: “Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.”
