FCI Schuylkill Inmate Found with "Shank"

A Federal Correctional Institution Schuylkill inmate is facing charges after he was found with a weapon last year.

On Wednesday, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Cornell Williams, 25, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill (FCI Schuylkill), was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for possessing a weapon in prison.

According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Williams possessed a sharpened piece of metal, commonly referred to as a “shank,” on October 9, 2021.

The charges stem from an investigation by FCI Schuylkill and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Williams faces a maximum penalty of five years of incarceration and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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