WILLIAMSPORT — A Shamokin man who was one of more than 20 involved in a regional drug organization has been placed on probation with a warning if he violates it he will go to jail.
U.S. Middle District Judge John E. Jones III issued the warning Tuesday after he placed Robert Lee Knoeppel, 33, on three years’ probation. The judge noted Knoeppel was a minor player in the organization, has his own business and appears to have cleaned up his addiction.
Knoeppel was charged with 22 others with participating in a drug ring in Columbia, Montour, Northumberland and Snyder counties between January 2004 and 2006.
He pleaded guilty in March 2008 to a charge of use of a communication device to facilitate the distribution of 100 to 200 grams of cocaine.
As part of his plea, he agreed to forfeit any interest he had in items seized during the investigation, which include a Milton property, a car, motorcycle, more than $110,000 in cash and a number of weapons.
The forfeiture clause also was contained in plea agreements with the other defendants.
The government alleged participants would travel to New York and Connecticut to obtain cocaine, heroin and marijuana, which was distributed through a network of sellers and users in central Pennsylvania.
One of the reputed leaders of the organization, Danny Fuentes, of Scranton, is serving a 12-year prison term imposed in federal court.
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Shamokin man gets probation in drug case
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Memorial Day Observances
Here is a listing of Memorial Day events this weekend in the Central Susquehanna Valley.
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Jerry Sandusky charity to shut down and transfer programs
PHILADELPHIA — The charity for troubled youths started by Jerry Sandusky more than three decades ago — and through which the retired Penn State assistant football coach met the boys he is charged with sexually abusing — said today it is seeking court approval to shut down and transfer its programs to a Texas-based youth ministry that serves abused and neglected children.
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Midd-West taxpayers face increase of $109
MIDDLEBURG — The Midd-West School District on Thursday night announced an average property tax increase of $109 to help offset its $1.8 million budget deficit for the 2012-13 school year.
Midd-West will also close two elementary schools, consolidate two middle schools, cut programs and furlough seven teachers and 23 other staff members. -
Jokester cop tased intern at station
NORTHUMBERLAND — A Northumberland police detective claims in a lawsuit filed Wednesday he was wrongly blamed after an officer shot an intern with a Taser gun while fooling around at the police station in December.
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Man pleads guilty in 2006 Penn State student death
STATE COLLEGE — A man whose murder conviction was previously thrown out in the fatal beating of a Penn State student six years ago has pleaded guilty in the killing under a deal with prosecutors.
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Streaker at Phillies-Cardinals game last night lost a bet
ST. LOUIS — The streaker who ran naked onto the field during a Cardinals game says he did so because he lost a bet.
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Privately-operated Dragon capsule arrives at space station
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Space station astronauts have captured the Dragon. The privately bankrolled Dragon capsule arrived at the International Space Station today, making history as the first commercial delivery truck in orbit
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10 Things to Know Today
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today (times EDT):
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LARA: Charred bridge sound
LEWISBURG — The fire-damaged railroad bridge crossing the Susquehanna River at Lewisburg is structurally sound following the March fire that discolored steel and charred roughly 400 ties, the Lewisburg Area Recreation Authority said at its meeting Thursday.
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Stat of the Day: $2.6 million
Stat of the Day: $2.6 million.
That's what President Barack Obama has spent on advertising in Iowa, which may be a battleground state in November's election against presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney.
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Northampton County jury sentences man to death in officer killing
EASTON — Jurors in eastern Pennsylvania have sentenced a man to death for fatally shooting a police officer last summer.
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'To Do': Ambulance Anniversary
DANVILLE - The Danville Ambulance Service will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a free pig roast open to the public starting at noon May 25 at the service on A Street.
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