Pottsville Man Indicted on Federal Drug and Gun Charges

A Pottsville man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on drug and gun charges.

The US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania revealed the indictment of Pottsville resident William Quintana, 50, on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam explained that the indictment accuses Quintana of intending to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as possessing two pistols to further his drug trafficking activities. Additionally, Quintana is charged with knowingly possessing three firearms, including an assault rifle, despite having a prior felony conviction.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Pottsville Police Department, and Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office collaborated on the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan is responsible for prosecuting the case.

This case falls under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, a collaborative effort between various levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and violent crime, ultimately creating safer neighborhoods. On May 26, 2021, the Department introduced a strategy to enhance PSN by promoting trust and legitimacy within communities, supporting community-based organizations in preventing violence, prioritizing focused and strategic enforcement, and evaluating the outcomes.

If convicted, Quintana could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, supervised release after imprisonment, and a monetary fine. A judge will determine the sentence based on federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines after a finding of guilt.

It is essential to remember that indictments represent allegations only. All individuals charged maintain their presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in a court of law.