Corey L. Thomas, Jr., a 39-year-old resident of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 42 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. The sentencing was handed down by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani on January 15, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus reported that Thomas was apprehended on July 13, 2021, following a vehicle stop conducted by a Luzerne County Detective. This occurred after Thomas had a brief encounter with an individual involved in drug trafficking under investigation for unrelated charges. During the stop, authorities discovered drug proceeds and a .380 Ruger handgun with its serial number removed in Thomas's possession.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation into this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley led the prosecution.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department of Justice reinforced PSN's strategy on May 26, 2021, emphasizing trust-building within communities, supporting preventive community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.