SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — A Carbon County man with a lengthy criminal record has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison after authorities say he was caught with methamphetamine, firearms, and tactical gear during a traffic stop earlier this year.
James Scott McMurray, 44, of Palmerton, received a 137-month prison sentence from U.S. District Judge Julia K. Munley on December 12, 2025, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. He was convicted of possessing 111 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Prosecutors said the case began on January 5, 2025, when Pennsylvania State Police pulled McMurray over and determined he was under the influence of multiple controlled substances. A subsequent search warrant for his vehicle uncovered a significant cache: more than 100 grams of meth, a loaded handgun, a rifle, a laser sight, 150 rounds of ammunition, a ballistic vest marked “Police,” and various drug-trafficking tools…