LUZERNE COUNTY DRUG DEALER AND ARMED ROBBER SENTENCED
TO 85 MONTHS

Martin C. Carlson, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that a 22-year old man who admitted to participating in a drug conspiracy and an armed robbery of a gun store was sentenced today to serve 85 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik.

Carlson stated that Ryan Kelly, formerly of Jamaica and New York City, pleaded guilty to both offenses on August 28, 2007. Kelly admitted to distributing crack cocaine and marijuana in Luzerne County during 2004-2006, and to participating in the robbery of Bob’s Sporting Good’s Store in Hazleton on November 28, 2005. Kelly and two others forcibly stole 35 firearms from the store.

Kelly was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 5, 2006, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pennsylvania State Police.

Judge Kosik also ordered Kelly to pay more than $14,000 in restitution, and to pay a $200 special assessment. Kelly must also serve five years of supervised release after being released from prison.

Carlson noted that the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.

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