HARRISBURG, PA — Noel Mateo, 35, of Umatilla, Florida, and David Duclos, 29, of Orlando, Florida, face serious allegations following their indictment by a federal grand jury on Thursday, April 4, 2024. The charges include conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine, alongside possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam announced that the indictment stems from activities on December 7, 2023, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. According to the allegations, Mateo and Duclos were involved in a scheme to distribute a significant quantity of cocaine, with three firearms reportedly in their possession to advance their drug trafficking endeavors.
The investigation, led by United States Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police, has brought these allegations to light as part of a broader effort to combat violent crime and drug trafficking. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes is tasked with prosecuting the case, which falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This program aims to unite law enforcement at all levels with communities to address violent crime and gun violence, striving for safer neighborhoods across the nation.
The PSN initiative reflects a comprehensive strategy launched on May 26, 2021, emphasizing the importance of trust between communities and law enforcement, support for organizations working to prevent violence, strategic enforcement priorities, and measurable outcomes.
Should Mateo and Duclos be found guilty, they face the possibility of life imprisonment, supervised release following their imprisonment, and fines. These potential penalties underscore the severity of the charges and the federal government’s commitment to addressing drug-related crimes and associated violence.
It is important to note that an indictment is not an indication of guilt. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. As the case against Mateo and Duclos progresses, it will be closely watched for its implications on drug trafficking enforcement and the effectiveness of collaborative efforts to enhance public safety.
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