Two Defendants Plead Guilty to Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking Charges

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Claysburg, Pennsylvania, and a resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Derek Hunter, 34, of Claysburg pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on February 2, 2026, and John Rickenbach Jr., 44, of Reading pleaded guilty before Judge Haines on January 28, 2026.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around June 2024 to in and around August 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Rickenbach and Hunter conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine Further, in and around August 2024, Rickenbach and Hunter distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, with Rickenbach also possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencings for May 27, 2026, for Rickenbach and June 5, 2026, for Hunter. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

The guilty pleas follow those of co-defendants Kayla Rickenbach and Angel Diaz-Gibson Jr., who each pleaded guilty on January 5, 2026.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of the defendants.