SCRANTON, PA — The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Steven Whitesell, age 46, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary Canaan, was sentenced on October 5, 2026, to 64 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr., for assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on September 4, 2025, Whitesell, while serving a federal sentence for illegal firearm possession, stabbed another inmate multiple times in the eyes and upper back with an inmate-manufactured weapon. The victim sustained serious bodily injury which required the victim to undergo surgical medical treatment. The weapon, commonly referred to as a “shank,” was recovered by prison officials following the assault. The weapon measured six and one-half inches in length and was constructed of metal sharpened to a point and affixed to a plastic handle. The U.S. Attorney said that Whitesell pleaded guilty on June 25, 2026.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—Scranton Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson.