West Nanticoke Man Charged With Cocaine Trafficking

Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 10:15 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

SCRANTON, PA.- A 45-year-old West Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, man, and an accused cocaine dealer, is facing up to 40 years in federal prison after being formally charged in a federal criminal information with drug trafficking offenses.

     According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, a Federal Grand Jury for the Middle District of Pennsylvania returned an indictment charging Daniyel Jamal Heyward, 45, of West Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, with one count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Cocaine; and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Cocaine.

According To Charging Information Unsealed In The Indictment

     According to the charging information unsealed in the indictment, it is alleged that during a narcotics investigation into the distribution of cocaine within the Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, area, Heyward was identified as a distributor of controlled substances.

     The indictment further alleges that on February 13, 2025, Heyward possessed a quantity of cocaine with the intent to distribute it, between January 1, 2025, and February 13, 2025, Heyward conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine within the Luzerne County, Pennsylvania area.

     If convicted at trial, Heyward faces a maximum penalty of up to 40 years in federal prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $500,000. At sentencing, upon a finding of guilt, a U.S. District Court Judge would determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Heyward’s prior criminal history.

     Acting U.S. Attorney Gurganus commended the investigative work of the Luzerne County Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, which led to Heyward’s indictment.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”