The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced the sentencing of Charles Vincent Benincasa, a 41-year-old resident of Kingston, Pennsylvania. On December 12, 2024, Benincasa received a prison sentence of 136 months from United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam stated that on July 19, 2023, Benincasa distributed cocaine from his home in Kingston. Subsequently, on July 21, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at his residence. During the search, they found significant quantities of cocaine, marijuana, and fentanyl along with nearly $15,000 in cash. Additionally, Benincasa had one thousand rounds of ammunition and six firearms in his possession. Among these were multiple handguns and rifles; two firearms lacked serial numbers and are commonly referred to as "ghost guns." One unserialized firearm was identified as an AR-15 style short-barrel rifle while another handgun was equipped with an extended 31-round magazine.
The investigation was conducted by the Luzerne County Drug Task Force in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence through cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, this initiative aims to enhance community trust and legitimacy while supporting organizations that work to prevent violence.
Under federal law, the maximum penalty for these offenses includes life imprisonment along with supervised release post-imprisonment and a fine. Sentencing is determined by a judge who considers federal sentencing statutes and guidelines following a guilty verdict.