Five South Scranton residents were charged in a monthlong investigation into the sale of crack cocaine, Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian J. Gallagher announced Thursday.
Luis Cardona, Jim Rodriguez Gailiano, Mariangelys Robles Guzman and Leslie Alicia Ramos were charged with felony drug trafficking offenses for their roles in an ongoing operation.
Joseph Esquilin Moldonado was charged with flight to avoid apprehension for having an active bench warrant out of the Lackawanna County sheriff’s office for firearm-related charges.
Cardona (SUBMITTED)
Gailiano (SUBMITTED)
Guzman (SUBMITTED)
Moldonado (SUBMITTED)
Ramos (SUBMITTED)
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Cardona (SUBMITTED)
According to a criminal complaint:
In August, Lackawanna County Detective John Munley learned from a confidential source that a man, later identified as Cardona, 25, of 330-332 Prospect Ave., was selling drugs in Lackawanna County.
County detectives intercepted and recorded multiple texts referencing a drug transaction between Cardona and the informant.
After the informant arranged to meet Cardona to purchase crack cocaine, the informant was given confidential funds and equipped with a recording device.
Investigators established surveillance and saw the informant exchange cash for crack cocaine from Gailiano, who was accompanied by Cardona.
Later in August, investigators again met with the informant to further investigate Cardona and Gailiano, 34, also of 330-332 Prospect Ave.
Investigators intercepted multiple text messages regarding a drug transaction between the informant and Cardona.
Lackawanna County detectives and drug task force officers established surveillance.
Detectives saw Gailiano arrive in the passenger seat of a vehicle driven by Leslie Alicia Ramos, 39, of 330-332 Prospect Ave.
The informant entered the vehicle and again exchanged confidential funds for crack cocaine.
Ramos told the informant to call if they needed anything else.
Investigators again met with the informant in September to continue their investigation.
County detectives established surveillance and watched Gailiano arrive in a vehicle, exchanging crack cocaine for confidential funds with the informant.
Mariangely Roblez Guzman, 36, of 328 Prospect Ave., was inside the vehicle with Gailiano and the informant, sitting in the front passenger seat.
Later in September, investigators again met with the informant.
They intercepted multiple text messages between the informant and Cardona during which the two agreed to meet.
County detectives established surveillance and watched while the informant met with Gailiano and exchanged confidential funds for crack cocaine.
Detectives then witnessed Gailiano return to 328 Prospect Ave.
On Wednesday, investigators obtained a warrant to search the property. As they approached the residence, they saw a man sitting on the back porch watching them.
As county detectives and state police entered the residence, Moldonado attempted to flee out the back door. It was determined he had a warrant out of the Lackawanna County sheriff’s office for a firearm charge.
Moldonado, 31, of 328 Prospect Ave., also had five tramadol pills — a synthetic opioid pain reliever — on him.
Gailiano told investigators he had a scale and crack cocaine in his bedroom. Investigators seized a bag containing 7 grams of crack cocaine, a digital scale and $1,082 from Gailiano’s bedroom.
They also seized five cellphones and a metal lid with drug residue inside it.
“These individuals set up this drug trafficking network like a business, with the sole goal of profiting off of our citizens’ addiction,” said Gallagher. “We will continue to be relentless when it comes to dismantling drug trafficking organizations.
“However, this operation is about more than arrests — it’s about giving families their neighborhood back. By standing together, we’ve taken a step toward safer streets, stronger communities, and a brighter future for our kids,” he said.
Originally Published: September 11, 2025 at 5:15 PM EDT