The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that two men from Hazleton, Pennsylvania, have been indicted on drug trafficking charges. Cesar Altagracia Mateo Lara, also known as Miguel Carrasquillo Apolinaris, aged 46, and Luis Mercado-Alicea, also known as Yensi Mateo, aged 44, were charged by a federal grand jury.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the indictment accuses the defendants of conspiring to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl between November 2024 and February 2025. It further alleges that they distributed fentanyl and possessed it with intent to distribute during this period.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and Hazleton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is handling the prosecution.
This case is part of a district-wide initiative aimed at addressing the heroin epidemic in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The Heroin Initiative focuses on apprehending heroin traffickers through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Additionally, this case falls under Operation Take Back America. This nationwide initiative utilizes resources from the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
If convicted under federal law for these offenses, the maximum penalty includes up to 40 years in prison, supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are merely allegations; all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.