Pennsylvania - WILKES-BARRE, Ex-guard now inmate over drugs

OFF THE WIRE
BY: SHEENA DELAZIO
Source: timesleader.com

WILKES-BARRE – A former Luzerne County correctional officer will return to the county prison once again, but this time as an inmate.



John “G Unit” Gonda, 39, of Fern Ridge Road, White Haven, was sentenced Thursday to one to two years on charges he participated in a $3.6 million cocaine distribution ring based in Ashley and run by members of a motorcycle club.

Senior Judge Chester Muroski said Gonda must report to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility on Monday to begin serving his sentence.

Gonda was represented by attorney Bruce Miller. Deputy Attorney General Tim Doherty prosecuted the case.

In December, Gonda pleaded guilty to charges of corrupt organizations, criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance and delivery of a controlled substance.

Investigators said Gonda and 22 other members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club were charged in the ongoing investigation, known as Operation Avalanche.

According to court records, the investigation began in July 2008 when agents with the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation unit received information that Gonda was selling large quantities of cocaine in the Wilkes-Barre area.

Undercover agents on March 6 simultaneously raided the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, based in a clubhouse at 115 N. Main St., Ashley, as well as Gonda’s residence and four other locations.
Investigators said they made about 30 controlled cocaine purchases from members since July 2009.

Thousands of calls were intercepted through court-authorized wiretaps that led agents to identify Anthony Manchio, of Wapwallopen, as the Outlaws’ main cocaine supplier.

Manchio is currently awaiting trial on related charges.