Two residents of Reading, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Angel Diaz-Gibson, 34, and Kayla Rickenbach, 24, separately pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on January 5, 2026.
In connection with the guilty pleas, the Court was advised that, from in and around June 2024 to in and around August 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Diaz-Gibson and Rickenbach conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, with Diaz-Gibson also conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and Rickenbach conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Additionally, each defendant pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl: Diaz-Gibson, in and around July 2024, and Rickenbach, in and around August 2024.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for Diaz-Gibson for May 4, 2026, and for Rickenbach for May 5, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both for Rickenbach. Diaz-Gibson faces a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $20 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of the defendants.
