Jeffrey Taveras, 36, of Schuylkill Haven, was charged by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence following an undercover operation.
According to court documents filed, intelligence gathered in January 2026 through a confidential source indicated that Taveras had agreed to introduce contraband into SCI Mahanoy in exchange for payment.
Investigators allege Taveras planned to smuggle synthetic cannabinoids - commonly referred to as “gas” - along with U.S. currency into the facility.
Undercover Operation
Authorities say an undercover agent created a fictitious Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone number and provided it through the confidential source to Taveras.Court documents state Taveras contacted the number and communicated via text messages to arrange a meeting to obtain what he believed would be three pages of paper saturated with synthetic cannabinoids and $5,000 in cash.
Investigators noted in the affidavit that “gas” is slang for synthetic cannabinoids and “bands” is slang for $1,000 increments of cash.
Messages allegedly exchanged between Taveras and the undercover agent referenced both terms while arranging the transaction.
Arrest
On February 3, 2026, investigators met with Taveras at a prearranged location and handed him a manila envelope containing replica contraband and $1,500 in currency.Authorities say additional agents moved in and took him into custody immediately after he accepted the envelope.
Taveras was transported to Schuylkill County Prison without incident.
Charges
Taveras is charged with:
- Criminal Attempt – Contraband/Controlled Substance (Felony 2)
- Criminal Attempt – Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver (Felony)
- Criminal Attempt – Possession of a Controlled Substance by a Person Not Registered (Misdemeanor)
- Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony 3)
Court Proceedings
He was arraigned Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, before Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker in Shenandoah.Bail was set at $50,000 straight cash.
Taveras remains incarcerated at Schuylkill County Prison.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 12th before Judge Kilker.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations and Taveras is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.