SCRANTON, PA — Christopher Essameddin Birry, a 41-year-old resident of Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2023, on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms.
United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam stated that the indictment alleges Birry distributed methamphetamine multiple times in Luzerne County between May 31, 2023, and July 27, 2023. The indictment further alleges that Birry, on September 11, 2023, possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute and had a handgun during and in relation to drug trafficking activities. Birry was prohibited from possessing a firearm, adding another layer to his charges.
The case was carefully investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
Under federal law, the charges brought against Birry carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The final sentence, however, will be imposed by the Judge after considering the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
It’s important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation. Information, a criminal complaint, or an arrest is not a declaration of guilt. A suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.