Federal Prison Inmate Receives Five-Year Sentence for Drug Distribution Attempt

SCRANTON, PA – Julian Beavers, an inmate at United States Penitentiary-Canaan, has been sentenced to five years of imprisonment for his involvement in an attempt to distribute fentanyl, marijuana, and xylazine within the federal correctional facility. The sentence was handed down on November 14, 2025, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.

According to information released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the incident occurred on April 13, 2023. Correctional officers at USP Canaan, located in Waymart, Pennsylvania, intercepted a large manila envelope during the mail sorting process. This envelope contained papers that had been soaked in fentanyl, marijuana, and xylazine, and was intended for Beavers. Subsequent investigations revealed that Beavers had collaborated with individuals outside the prison to have these illicit substances packaged and sent into the facility for both his personal use and subsequent distribution to other inmates. Beavers was already serving a sentence of 130 months, imposed by a federal court in Buffalo, New York, for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. The newly imposed 60-month sentence will be served consecutively to his existing New York sentence.

The investigation into this case was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by correctional facilities in preventing the introduction of contraband and illegal substances, and underscores the commitment of federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute individuals involved in such activities.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

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