A West Nanticoke resident, Daniyel Jamal Heyward, aged 45, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to drug trafficking. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania disclosed this development.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that Heyward faces charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine on February 13, 2025. Additionally, he is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine from January 1, 2025, to February 13, 2025.
The investigation was conducted by the Luzerne County Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is leading the prosecution in this case.
This legal action is part of Operation Take Back America. This nationwide initiative seeks to combat illegal immigration and eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators. It integrates resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Under federal law, these offenses carry a maximum penalty of up to 40 years imprisonment, followed by supervised release and a fine. Sentencing occurs post-conviction based on federal statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are merely allegations; all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
