Three Individuals Charged In Gun Trafficking Case

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Naquann Simmons, age 30, of New York, New York, Eva Kelly Smith, age 31, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Eugene David Deininger, age 50, of Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on September 22, 2022, Simmons and Kelly went to a gun store in Wilkes-Barre Township, Luzerne County and provided false information on an application where two firearms were obtained. The indictment further alleges that on that same date Simmons possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. It is further alleged that on August 15, 2023, Simmons and Deininger went to a gun store in Plains Township, Luzerne County and provided false information on an application for two firearms.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Luzerne County District Attorney's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is lifetime imprisonment for Simmons and 10 years imprisonment for Smith and Deininger, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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