Martin C. Carlson, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that United States District Judge James M. Munley sentenced Tyree Shabass, age 37, formerly of Bronx, New York, to 10 years imprisonment for his involvement in the sale of crack cocaine in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

On May 1, 2008, Shabass pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack). The conviction followed an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police. In connection with the offense of conviction, on April 7, 2007, agents received information that Shabass, utilizing the name “E,” would be arriving at Buenzili Court, Scranton, Pennsylvania, to deliver $350 worth of cocaine base (crack), and that Carolina Wever, Shabass’s girlfriend, frequently traveled with him. At that time, the agents had received information that Wever’s role was to conceal drugs in her bra until Shabass needed to complete a transaction. Shortly thereafter, Tyree Shabass and Carolina Wever arrived at 953 Buenzli Court in a black Lincoln Navigator. Officers approached the vehicle, questioned Carolina Wever, and determined she had drugs concealed in her bra. A total of eleven (11) baggies containing approximately 17.1 grams of cocaine base (crack) were turned over by her. In addition, officers seized $3,111 in currency from the Shabass.

Further investigation established that Shabass had other individuals assisting him in the sale of crack cocaine in the Lackawanna County area. Those individuals (1) distributed the crack cocaine to others on his behalf; (2) introduced Shabass to potential customers; (3) drove Shabass to drug deals in the Northeastern Pennsylvania area; and (4) transported Shabass to New York City to obtain more drugs. One of the individuals involved, Kelly Kasper, previously pleaded guilty to her involvement in the conspiracy and received a 38-month imprisonment sentence. Carolina Wever also pleaded guilty and received a one-year sentence of imprisonment.

United States Attorney Carlson noted that parole has been abolished, and Shabass will be required to serve at least 85% of his 10-year sentence, assuming he receives full time off for good behavior while incarcerated. In addition to the 10-year sentence of imprisonment, Judge Munley further ordered Shabass to be supervised by a United States Probation Officer for five years after serving his jail term.

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