SCRANTON – Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian J. Gallagher announced today that five South Scranton residents have been charged in relation to a month-long investigation into the sales of crack cocaine. Luis Cardona, Jim Rodriguez Gailiano, Leslie Alicia Ramos, and Mariangelys Robles Guzman were charged with felony drug trafficking offenses for their role in this ongoing drug trafficking organization. Joseph Esquilin Moldonado was also charged with Flight to Avoid Apprehension for having an active bench warrant out of the Lackawanna County Sherriff’s Office for firearms related charges.
These arrests stem from a comprehensive investigation by the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Police Troop R- Vice Unit. The investigation culminated with the assistance of the Scranton Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit in the execution of a search warrant at 330-332 Prospect Avenue in Scranton’s “Southside”. During the search, detectives recovered a quantity of cocaine—as well as cash and various tools commonly used for mass drug distribution. The investigation comprised of four controlled purchases of crack cocaine. One of the offenders, Luis Cardona, is on State Parole from a previous drug trafficking and corrupt organization conviction and is actively wanted for these charges.
“These individuals set up this drug trafficking network like a business, with the sole goal of profiting off of our citizens addiction,” said District Attorney Gallagher. “We will continue to be relentless when it comes to dismantling drug trafficking organizations.” “However, this operation is about more than arrests — it’s about giving families their neighborhood back. By standing together, we’ve taken a step toward safer streets, stronger communities, and a brighter future for our kids.”
Criminal charges are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. For more information, please contact the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office at 570-963-6717.
