News

December 11, 2009

Ex-jail guard pleads guilty in coke ring

John Gonda is one of 23 members of a motorcycle club who have been charged in Operation Avalanche drug investigation.

By Sheena Delazio sdelazio@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – A former Luzerne County correctional officer pleaded guilty Thursday to his role in a $3.6 million cocaine distribution ring based in Ashley and run by members of a motorcycle club.

John “G Unit” Gonda, 38, of Fern Ridge Road, White Haven, pleaded guilty before Luzerne County Court President Judge Chester Muroski to charges of corrupt organizations, criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance and delivery of a controlled substance.

Investigators said Gonda and 22 other members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club were charged in the ongoing investigation, known as Operation Avalanche.

According to court records, the investigation began in July 2008 when agents with the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation unit received information that Gonda was selling large quantities of cocaine in the Wilkes-Barre area.

The Outlaws Motorcycle Club, based in a clubhouse at 115 N. Main St., Ashley, as well as Gonda’s residence and four other locations, were simultaneously raided by undercover agents on March 6.

Investigators said they made about 30 controlled cocaine purchases from Kevin Nowakowski and Outlaw members John “J Bone” Ricci and Ronald Molnar since July.

Thousands of calls were intercepted through court authorized wiretaps that led agents to identify Anthony Manchio, of Wapwallopen, as the Outlaws’ main cocaine supplier.

Ricci, 36, of Hanover Township, was scheduled to enter a guilty plea Thursday, but his attorney, John Donovan, told Muroski that he and Deputy Attorney General Tim Doherty need more time to discuss a possible plea agreement.

According to the arrest affidavit, investigators seized cocaine, marijuana seeds, drug paraphernalia, firearms and a passport from Gonda’s residence on March 6.

Gonda was suspended with pay after he was charged, according to Times Leader archives.

Muroski said it would be up to Doherty to schedule a sentencing date for Gonda, which could happen within six months of Thursday’s guilty plea.

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