Pubdate: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 Source: Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, PA) Copyright: 2014 The Times Leader Contact: http://www.timesleader.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/933 FORMER HUGHESTOWN POLICE OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG TRAFFICKING SCRANTON - Robert F. Evans Jr., 38, Moosic, has pleaded guilty to a charge that he distributed oxycodone on numerous occasions between August 2012 and July 29, 2013, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Tuesday. At the time of the offense, Evans was employed as a police officer with the Hughestown Borough Police Department. U. S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion accepted Evans' guilty plea after Evans acknowledged distributing approximately 750 oxycodone pills during the scheme; possessing a firearm in connection with the activity; and abusing his position of trust as a police officer which significantly facilitated and concealed the offense. Mannion ordered that a presentence investigation report be compiled in advance of the sentencing. U.S. Attorney Peter J. Smith stated the charge is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney John Gurganus. Evans could face a maximum penalty under the federal statute of 20-year imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment and a fine. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D