A Harrisburg man has been charged with narcotics trafficking and firearms possession.
According to the Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, David Gladden, 46, was charged by a federal grand jury with four counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and two counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges Gladden possessed 28 grams of crack cocaine and further quantities of cocaine on August 21, 2021.
Furthermore, the indictment stated that Gladden possessed 28 grams of crack cocaine with the purpose to distribute, as well as further quantities of cocaine and marijuana, possessed a pistol in furtherance of narcotics trafficking, and possessed a firearm as a felon on September 11, 2023.
On March 7, 2024, Gladden was also charged with possessing 100 grams of PCP, 28 grams of crack cocaine, and other quantities of cocaine with the intent to distribute them.
Finally, the indictment stated that Gladden possessed 28 grams of crack cocaine with the purpose to distribute, as well as further quantities of cocaine and marijuana, possessed a firearm in facilitation of narcotics trafficking, and possessed a firearm as a felon on July 30, 2024.
If found guilty, Gladden faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment, supervised release, and a fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Harrisburg Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Susquehanna Police Department all investigated the case. Scott Ford, an Assistant US Attorney, is prosecuting the case.
This lawsuit was part of Operation Take Back America, which uses all of the Department of Justice’s resources to defend against illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime. The effort draws on resources from the department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.