Former Inmate Sentenced for Prison Yard Assault with Weapon

A former inmate at United States Penitentiary Canaan has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for a violent assault involving a homemade weapon. The sentencing concludes a case that began with a stabbing in the prison’s outdoor recreation yard and involved multiple defendants.

Victor Blanco, 42, received a 72-month prison term following his conviction for assault with a dangerous weapon. The incident occurred while Blanco was incarcerated at USP Canaan in Waymart, Pennsylvania. During the altercation, Blanco used a sharpened metal object attached to a bed sheet to stab another inmate. The attack led to a bench trial and subsequent conviction on a single count of assault.

A co-defendant in the case, Isaac Carreno, previously entered a guilty plea to the same charge and was sentenced to 31 months in prison. The investigation into the incident was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Prisons in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Buchanan and Gerard Donahue and was overseen by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert D. Mariani. Blanco’s sentencing brings closure to a violent episode within the federal correctional system.

Blanco’s sentence adds to his existing time behind bars, further extending his incarceration for the violent conduct committed while in custody. The authorities emphasized the serious nature of prison violence and reaffirmed their commitment to prosecuting such offenses.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Pennsylvania

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