Harrisburg Man Found Guilty of Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearm Offense

A Harrisburg man has been convicted by a jury of multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Shawkon Sharif Jamison, 30, was found guilty on all counts following a four-day trial before United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion. Sentencing for Jamison has not yet been scheduled.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the conviction, which stems from an investigation that began in August 2023. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officials conducted controlled purchases of ecstasy pills from Jamison on several occasions between August and September of that year. The investigation continued into December 2023, during which time authorities also made a total of seven purchases of fentanyl from Jamison. In a significant development during the final fentanyl purchase, Jamison also sold a firearm to law enforcement.

The charges against Jamison include conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, nine counts of distribution of fentanyl (two of which involved 40 grams or more), and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The firearm possession charge indicates that Jamison had a prior felony conviction, prohibiting him from legally owning a gun.

This case was a collaborative effort between Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The prosecution was handled by Special Assistant United States Attorney Robert Smulktis and Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe.

The investigation and prosecution of Jamison are part of “Operation Take Back America,” a broad national initiative by the Department of Justice. This operation aims to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime. Operation Take Back America integrates resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) to streamline efforts against these threats.

The conviction of Shawkon Sharif Jamison highlights the ongoing efforts by federal and state law enforcement to address drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession within the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Those convicted of such offenses face significant federal prison sentences.

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

---