Inmate Charged with Assaulting USP Canaan Employee and Possessing a Weapon

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Donald Hinley, 53, an inmate incarcerated at USP Canaan, was indicted by a federal grand jury for assaulting a U.S. Penitentiary Canaan official and possession of a weapon by an inmate.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on April 7, 2026, Hinley assaulted a U.S. Penitentiary Canaan official while engaged in their official duties. The indictment also alleges that on the same date, Hinley possessed a 4 ½ inch weapon made from plastic with two razor blades affixed to one end.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons' Special Investigative Service and the FBI Philadelphia's Capital Area Resident Agency investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Anthony R. Williamson is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 13 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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