Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Norristown Man Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Luis Tellez, a/k/a “Jorge Luiz Hernandez-Tellez,” a/k/a “Efren Serrano,” of Norristown, PA was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about May 17, 2017, Tellez, an alien, and native and citizen of Mexico, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about February 18, 2013, September 9, 2013, April 9, 2015.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of two years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly A.L. Fallenstein.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Magdiel Garcia and MAK Healthcare PC, d/b/a Multicare Plus Agree to Settlement for Stark Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
The United States announces that it has settled claims under the False Claims Act with Magdiel Garcia and MAK Healthcare PC d/b/a Multicare Plus for improperly billing Medicare in violation of the Stark Law prohibition against self-referrals.
The Stark Law, 42 U.S.C. § 1395nn, prevents a medical provider from referring patients to a medical facility in which the provider has a financial interest. Such referrals encourage over-utilization of medical services and drive up health care costs, and are prohibited.
The United States alleges that Magdiel Garcia and the medical providers who were employed by him improperly referred Medicare beneficiaries for services and equipment to MAK Healthcare PC, the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company owned by Magdiel Garcia. The United States alleges that these improper self-referrals violated the Stark Law and resulted in false claims being submitted to the United States for payment.
The settlement covers claims submitted between January 2010 and December 23, 2013. Magdiel Garcia and MAK Healthcare PC have agreed to pay to the United States $225,000.00 to settle this matter.
This matter was handled by Department Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, including Attorney Katherine Matos and Investigator Mark Pascua and Assistant United States Attorney Susan Dein Bricklin.
Eastern District of Pennsylvania Observes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
As part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is one of 10 federal districts in the United States that formed an Elder Justice Task Force. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced its task force here in March 2016, and maintains a website for the public to access here.
The Eastern District of Pennsylvania’s task force met in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Fall 2016 and Spring 2017, and will meet again in Fall 2017. Task force members include federal, regional, state, and local government officials within the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, as well as advocacy groups that focus on elder justice. Through collaboration, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania’s task force seeks to enhance government protection of vulnerable, elderly Pennsylvanians from harm, including from: (1) abuse, neglect, and failures of necessary care in nursing homes, hospices, hospitals, personal care homes, and other settings; and (2) financial fraud schemes. The task force also works to ensure the integrity of government spending by eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in health care programs.
Our office welcomes an opportunity to speak to your group about the Elder Justice Initiative and the publicly available resources that can help us all to advance elder justice in Pennsylvania. If you are interested in a meeting, please send an email message to [email protected].
Bala Cynwyd Man Sentenced to Prison for Hacking Computers of Public UtilitiesRead the Press Release
Adam Flanagan, 42, of Bala Cynwyd, PA was sentenced yesterday by the Hon. Paul Diamond to 12 months, 1 day in prison, based upon his plea of guilty to two counts of unauthorized access to a protected computer and thereby recklessly causing damage, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. Flanagan was indicted on November 22, 2016, arrested without incident on November 23, 2016, and plead guilty on March 7, 2017.
Flanagan had worked as a radio frequency engineer for a company that made remote meter readers for utility systems. These readers would receive radio signals from individual meters and then process the data for billing. In these instances, the remote readers were installed to read water meters in municipalities spread throughout the eastern United States. After the company terminated Flanagan, he used his knowledge of how these readers operate to gain access to them through the Internet and to disable them. The result was that the municipal water authorities had to send people out to read the individual meters because the billing data was inaccurate. In addition, Flanagan’s former employer had to expend a large amount of time to conduct forensic examinations of the readers to determine what had happened and how to fix the problems.
The advisory Sentencing Guidelines provide for enhanced sentences for attacks on computers involved with critical infrastructure, such as water systems. In this case, Judge Diamond applied the enhancement for interfering with computers used to maintain or operate a critical infrastructure. (The Guidelines also provide a more serious enhancement for computer attacks that cause a substantial disruption of a critical infrastructure.)
The case was investigated by the FBI offices in Raleigh, NC and Philadelphia PA. The investigation was initially handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and then transferred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, when the defendant was identified as the intruder. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael L. Levy handled the case.
Avondale Man Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Alberto Cruz-Gonzalez, of Avondale, PA was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about May 11, 2017, Cruz-Gonzalez, an alien, and native and citizen of Mexico, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about November 17, 2015, November 22, 2015, March 6, 2016, April 4, 2016, and June 2, 2016.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of two years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric L. Gibson.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Miguel Domingo Barbosa, of Philadelphia, PA was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about May 2, 2017, Barbosa, an alien, and native and citizen of Brazil, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about March 31, 2008, June 14, 2009, October 21, 2009, and April 7, 2011.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of two years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anita Eve.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Defrauding Social SecurityRead the Press Release
William Robertson, 65, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by Indictment, unsealed today, with five counts of wire fraud, one count of theft of government funds, one count of social security fraud, and one count of making false statements announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. According to the Indictment[1], the defendant received retirement benefits intended for a deceased relative after his relative’s death in June 2005. The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $148,938.
If convicted, defendant William Robertson faces a sentence of incarceration, a period of supervised release, full restitution to the government of $148,938, a fine, and a special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher E. Parisi.
[1] An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Woman Sentenced to Two and Half Years Imprisonment for Theft and Embezzlement from Philadelphia Non-Profit Serving ChildrenRead the Press Release
Sonja McQuillar, 50 of New Castle, Delaware was sentenced yesterday to 30 months in prison for embezzling from Northern Children’s Services, where she was employed. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court ordered 3 years of supervised release, a$300 special assessment, and $607,067 restitution.
McQuillar was the Director of Health and Information at Northern Children’s Services (NCS) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NCS is a nonprofit organization that provides mental and behavioral treatment services to children. As Director of Health and Information, one of McQuillar’s responsibilities was to verify the accuracy of consultants’ invoices and submit them for payment. From December 2002 and April 2014, McQuillar embezzled approximately $607,067 from NCS by creating consulting invoices for relatives and friends who were never consultants for NCS, and for individuals who were consultants for NCS, but for work they did not perform. After creating bogus invoices, McQuillar then forged the signatures of the alleged consultants in order to cash the checks.
McQuillar embezzled more than $600,000 from a non-profit organization that existed to benefit our most vulnerable youth,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen. “In doing so, the defendant deprived these children of much needed public funds that were designed to help them overcome trauma and behavioral disorders. We will continue to investigate and prosecute those who, for their own personal benefit, abuse the trust of public and private organizations
"This case is an example of the most damaging kind of theft. The defendant stole taxpayer dollars that were meant to support at-risk children. We will not tolerate this kind of self-serving act against vulnerable members of our population," said Inspector General Amy Kurland. "I thank our federal law enforcement partners for their close cooperation in this investigation and assure the public that we will continue working diligently to maintain integrity in our City."
The case was initiated by a tip to the Philadelphia Office of the Inspector General and was also investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Morgan.
Philadelphia Man Charged SNAP Benefit Fraud and Theft of Government FundRead the Press Release
Matthew Philip, 55, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by Information with one count of SNAP benefit fraud and one count of theft of government funds, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. According to the Information, from January 2013 through December 2016, the defendant unlawfully exchanged cash for SNAP benefits. The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the government of more than $3,500,000.
If convicted, the defendant faces a term of imprisonment, a period of supervised release, restitution to the government, a $260,000 fine, and a $200 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher E. Parisi.
An Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Delaware County Trio Charged with Drug Conspiracy,and Murdered Drug RivalRead the Press Release
A six-count second superseding indictment was unsealed today, charging three people with conspiring to distribute oxycodone in the Philadelphia area, and charging two of those defendants with committing murder with firearms during the course of that drug conspiracy. Mitesh Patel 36, Anthony Vetri, 31, and Michael Vandergrift, 29, all of Delaware County, were charged in the second superseding indictment[1] with one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone from 2008 until June 4, 2013. The indictment alleges that defendant Patel, a pharmacist, diverted oxycodone from pharmacies he owned in Delaware County and Philadelphia, to co-defendants Vetri and Vandergrift and others, including the pharmacies’ co-owner, Gbolahan Olabode. Defendants Vetri and Vandergrift are charged with murdering Olabode on January 4, 2012, outside his Lansdowne home, in order to eliminate Olabode as a drug rival, and to increase their illegal supplies of oxycodone from Patel. They are charged with committing this murder with Michael Mangold, who was charged separately. Patel is also charged with one count of money laundering conspiracy, and three counts of tax evasion. The government is also seeking forfeiture of more than $2.7 million in drug proceeds, and more than $1 million in laundered drug money. The unsealing of the indictment was announced by cting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
If convicted, the defendants face lengthy prison sentences.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Lansdowne Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan B. Ortiz and David. E. Troyer.
[1]An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Medical Office Manager Charged with Healthcare Fraud, and in Conspiracy with Thirteen Defendants to Distribute OxycodoneRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today, charging defendant Michael Milchin, 37, of Philadelphia, PA, with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and five counts of health care fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. In addition, the indictment charges Milchin and the 13 defendants listed below with one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone:
NAME
ADDRESS
YEAR OF BIRTH
Augustine Lee
Philadelphia PA
1975
Nikita Latychev
Feasterville-Trevose PA
1988
Yaroslav Stadniychuk
Philadelphia PA
1989
Bryant Bishop
Philadelphia PA
1969
Ning Jian Du
Philadelphia PA
1984
Taras Trushchenko
Jamison PA
1978
Armen Khimoian
Warwick PA
1978
Linda Flamer
Philadelphia PA
1955
Igor Khavulya
Philadelphia PA
1981
Nik Palatnik
Feasterville-Trevose PA
1994
Vannarat Xayavongsithideth
Philadelphia PA
1982
Thearack Tham Kith
Philadelphia PA
1985
Sebastian Moeung
Philadelphia PA
1980
Each of the 13 defendants listed above is also charged with one count of distribution of oxycodone. In addition, Milchin is charged with fifteen counts of possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute.
According to the indictment, Milchin became involved in two criminal agreements: first, from approximately June 2010 until approximately July 2012, a conspiracy to commit health care fraud with a chiropractor, John Vira, who is charged elsewhere; and second, from approximately May 2012 until approximately March 2015, a separate conspiracy with the other 13 charged defendants listed above, to distribute oxycodone.
Concerning the health care fraud conspiracy and substantive health care fraud charges, the indictment alleges that Milchin, who is not a medical professional, was the business manager at Vira’s office, Central Bucks Health Associates, located in Southampton PA. The indictment charges that Milchin and Vira worked together to defraud private insurance companies, Independence Blue Cross and Aetna, Inc., by billing those insurers more than $700,000 for chiropractic services that were never provided.
Concerning the drug distribution charges, the indictment alleges that Milchin conspired with the 13 defendants listed above to fill hundreds of fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone at various pharmacies in and around Philadelphia. Milchin then sold the fraudulently obtained pills to others. The indictment charges that while the fraudulent prescriptions purported to be written by a physician with Central Bucks Health Associates, the physician in question had no affiliation with Central Bucks Health Associates and never authorized any of the prescriptions.
"The exploitation of the healthcare system through fraudulent claims for personal gain affects all of us who rely on that system,” said Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. “The trafficking of oxycodone completely devastates individuals, their families and all of our communities. We remain dedicated to prosecuting those who illegally exploit the healthcare system and fuel the opioid epidemic.”
If convicted, defendant Michael Milchin faces a maximum possible sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and 10 years’ imprisonment for each count of health care fraud. In addition, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and 20 years’ imprisonment for each count of distributing oxycodone or possessing oxycodone with the intent to distribute. Milchin also faces full restitution on the health care fraud charges.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Kay Costello.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Reading Man Charged with Illegal Reentry after DeportationRead the Press Release
Luis Villa De Leon, of Reading, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about December 14, 2016, Villa-De Leon, an alien, and native and citizen of the Dominican Republic, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about October 10, 1999, July 26, 2000, and September 27, 2006.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of twenty years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nancy Rue.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Pair Charged with Hobbs Act RobberiesRead the Press Release
A superseding indictment[1] was filed today charging Montanez Adams, 22, and Robert Holmes, 19, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with two counts each of Hobbs Act robbery, and two counts each of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and aiding and abetting, and Adams was also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The superseding indictment alleges that the defendants committed two armed robberies of GameStop stores located at 6406 Sackett Street and 4600 Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia, PA on or about January 2 and 7, 2017, respectively.
If convicted the defendants face maximum possible sentences of life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Driscoll.
[1] An Indictment or Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bucks County Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography with 3-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Norman Ridgeway, 27, of Croydon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison as a result of his production of child pornography with a 3-year-old child, his distribution of that same child pornography over the internet, and his possession of a massive trove of videos and images containing child pornography.
Defendant Ridgeway pleaded guilty on February 9, 2017, to counts one through three of an indictment charging him with production of child pornography, transportation of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Defendant Ridgeway’s crimes involved the production of child pornography with a 3-year-old child, and his subsequent distribution of that child pornography over the internet. Separately, defendant Ridgeway was caught possessing approximately 1,886 images containing child pornography, and 225 videos containing child pornography. When federal and local law enforcement attempted to arrest the defendant, he fled in a vehicle, during which time he destroyed additional evidence containing child pornography. Subsequently, while detained at the Federal Detention Center, Defendant Ridgeway attempted to obstruct justice by calling an associate and ordering that associate to locate and destroy additional evidence containing child pornography that the defendant had secretly stored in his wallet on a digital memory card.
Defendant Ridgeway was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno to a 30-year term of incarceration, 20 years of supervised release, a $2,000 fine, and a special assessment of $300. “The crimes that this defendant committed against the three-year old victim in this case, and numerous other children, are an abomination,” said Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. “We are pleased with today’s outcome, and we remain dedicated to working on behalf of the victims of child sexual abuse and exploitation to prosecute and incarcerate for lengthy periods of time those who exploit the most vulnerable members of our community.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance provided by the Bensalem Township Police Department, the Warminster Township Police Department, the Middletown Township Police Department, and the Bristol Township Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James Petkun.
Abington Memorial Hospital to Pay $491,672 to Settle False Claims Act Liability for Improper Medicare Reimbursement SubmissionsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen announced that Abington Memorial Hospital, which does business as Abington Hospital – Jefferson Health (AMH), has agreed to pay the United States $491,672, to resolve allegations that an AMH employee forged physician signatures on forms submitted to the Medicare program for home care services. These forms required physicians’ genuine signatures for such claims to be reimbursed by Medicare.
In June 2016, AMH disclosed to the Government its discovery that during a period beginning in May 2014, AMH’s affiliated home care agency, Jefferson Abington Health Home Care and Hospice, had submitted claim forms on which an AMH employee had improperly cut-and-pasted the required physician signatures. Accordingly, there was no legitimate physician authorization on these forms.
In addition to reporting the conduct to the Government, AMH promptly reversed any claims to Medicare that were within one year of billing and repaid the money received in reimbursement for those claims. AMH has also taken corrective measures to prevent such conduct from recurring. These measures include terminating the employee responsible and installing a computer program that requires physicians’ electronic signatures, eliminating the need for AMH to obtain physical signatures.
“Medicare beneficiaries are entitled to receive care that is determined by their clinical needs, and if health providers wish to be reimbursed with taxpayer funds, they must follow the rules and ensure that the services they provided were properly authorized and documented,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lappen. “We commend Abington Memorial Hospital for coming forward to disclose its problems and for working to improve its practices to ensure compliance by all personnel.”
The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul W. Kaufman and Mark J. Sherer
Philadelphia Man Charged with Sextraffcking a Minor via Force, Fraud and CoercionRead the Press Release
Tyquil Clayron Norris III, 20, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged today by Indictment with sex trafficking via force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of a minor, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
The Indictment alleges that Norris engaged in sex trafficking via force, fraud and coercion, and in the sex trafficking of a minor, between April 2, 2017 and April 4, 2017.
If convicted as charged, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum term of 15 years’ imprisonment, supervised release for a minimum term of five years and a lifetime maximum term, a $500,000 dollar fine, mandatory restitution, and a $200 special assessment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Schlessinger.
Nottingham, PA Man Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Luis Enrique Rueda-Barcenas, a/k/a “Luis Rueda,” of Nottingham, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about April 3, 2017, Rueda-Barcenas, an alien, and native and citizen of Mexico, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about April 6, 2004 and March 24, 2005.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of twenty years.
The case was jointly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Josh A. Davison.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bucks County Man Charged with Filing False Tax Returns and Structuring Cash Deposits of Marijuana Sales ProceedsRead the Press Release
An Information[1] was returned yesterday charging Bradley Mark Cohen, 60, of Ottsville, PA, with four counts of filing false tax returns and three counts of structuring cash deposits to avoid a reporting requirement, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
The Information alleges that Cohen was the owner/operator of two companies, Green Revolution, Inc. and Plug-In Manufacturing, which were involved in the business of selling “green” energy products, such as capacitors, to commercial and residential customers. As alleged in the Information, between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014, Cohen failed to report on his tax returns over $950,000 that he earned from these two companies, because instead he paid the majority of his personal living expenses, including his home mortgage, personal credit cards, golf club membership, and home improvements, through his business bank accounts and falsely treated these payments as business expenses.
In addition, the Information further alleges that between January 1, 2014, and September 18, 2015, Cohen received cash from his illegal sale of marijuana that he caused to be shipped from California to Pennsylvania New Jersey. The Information alleges that during this period, Cohen structured the deposits of over $143,000 in cash from his sale of marijuana into bank accounts that he controlled by making sure that the individual deposits were in amounts less than $10,000, in order to evade the banks’ currency transaction reporting requirements, of which Cohen was aware.
Cohen faces a maximum sentence of 27 years’ imprisonment, a three-year period of supervised release, a $1,150,000 fine, and a $700 special assessment. Cohen also will be required to provide payment for all unpaid taxes, interest and penalties finally determined to be due and owing.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael S. Lowe.
[1] An Indictment or Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Philadelphia Man Charged with Receipt, Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Grant Shea, 30, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was charged today by Indictment with receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. Shea is currently pending trial for the same exact charges which were the result of an earlier Indictment filed on July 14, 2016.
The May 18, 2017 Indictment alleges that on certain dates in the month of January 2017, Shea received and distributed child pornography over the Internet. The Indictment further alleges that on January 30, 2017, Shea possessed child pornography. The alleged criminal activity took place while Shea was on pretrial release.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence 60 years imprisonment, a mandatory minimum term of 5 years, a minimum 5 year term up to lifetime of supervised release, a $750,000 dollar fine, mandatory restitution, and a $300 special assessment, and a Justice for Trafficking Victims additional assessment of $15,000.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Priya T. De Souza.
Citizen of Honduras Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Franklin Renan Euceda, a/k/a “Nathaniel Fuentes,” “Nathanael Ortiz,” and “Nathanael Ortiz-Fuentes,” was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about May 10, 2016, Euceda, an alien, and native and citizen of Honduras, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about June 26, 2009.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of two years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Mark B. Dubnoff.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Trio Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
Cesar Jaime Ayala, 37, of Mission, Texas; Eugene Harwood, 57, of Greenbrier, Arkansas; Victor Gutierrez, 55, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Marcos Callejas-Nava, 35, of Marietta, South Carolina, were charged today by Indictment with one count each of conspiracy to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, possession with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, possession with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin within 1000 feet of a school, and aiding and abetting, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. In addition, Victor Gutierrez was also charged with one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises.
If convicted the defendants face a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment, lifetime supervised release, $30,000,000 fine, and $300 special assessment. For count 4, Gutierrez faces an additional maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, $500,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Montgomery County Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer B. Jordan.
Bethlehem Man Charged with Making False Statements in Connection with the Acquisition of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Jonathan William Vazquez, 37, of Bethlehem, PA, was charged today by indictment with fourteen counts of making false statements to federal firearms licensees announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about various dated between July 27, 2015 and March 22, 2016, Jonathan William Vazquez purchased sixteen firearms from three different federal firearms licensees, and in doing so, knowingly made false statements pertaining to information that the law requires the licensees keep.
If convicted of the charges, defendant faces a maximum sentence of 70 years’ imprisonment. He also faces a maximum period of supervised release of 3 years, a $3,500,000 fine, a $1,400 special assessment, restitution, and forfeiture of the firearms involved.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah T. Damiani.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Individuals Charged in Four Robberies of Pizza Delivery DriversRead the Press Release
David Torres-Medina (19) and Adiezel Perez-Rosario (19), both of Philadelphia, were charged today by Indictment[1] with four counts of robbery which interferes with interstate commerce; four counts of using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence; carjacking; and, as against Torres-Medina only, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment charges that Torres-Medina committed a robbery of a Domino’s Pizza delivery person on September 20, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and that Torres-Medina and Perez-Rosario committed gunpoint and knifepoint robberies of pizza delivery employees of Domino’s Pizza, Fishtown Pizza and Bravo Pizza, each located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 13, 21 and 22, 2017, respectively. Torres-Medina and Perez-Rosario are also charged with a gunpoint robbery of a motor vehicle in connection with the February 22, 2017 Bravo Pizza delivery driver robbery.
If convicted of all counts, Torres-Medina faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, with a mandatory 82-year minimum sentence, a $2,500,000 fine, five years supervised release, and a $1,000 special assessment.
If convicted of all counts, Perez-Rosario faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, with a mandatory 82-year minimum sentence, a $2,000,000 fine, five years supervised release, and a $800 special assessment.
This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Philadelphia Police Department and the Bensalem Police Department. The case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Eric A. Boden.
[1] An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Area Restauraneur Indicted on Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Giuseppe “Pino” DiMeo, 49 years old, and a resident of Eagleville, Pennsylvania was charged today by indictment[1] with two counts of conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and twelve counts of filing false tax returns announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment charges that from 2008 through 2012, DiMeo conspired with his business partners at restaurants in Wilmington, Delaware and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to defraud the IRS of income taxes and payroll taxes. DiMeo skimmed cash from four of his restaurants and failed to report the cash income to the IRS. DiMeo also paid many of his employees in cash under the table and failed to inform his accountant or the IRS about his businesses’ cash payroll. In total, DiMeo had over three million dollars in unreported gross receipts and failed to pay to the IRS approximately one million dollars in income taxes and payroll taxes.
DiMeo has owned and operated numerous restaurants in the Philadelphia area, and presently owns DiMeo’s Pizzaiuoli Napulitani in Wilmington, Delaware; Pizzeria DiMeo’s (Andorra) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Arde Osteria in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
The defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 46 years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, a $3.5 million fine, and a $1,400 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations,
and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carrillo and Tiwana L. Wright.
[1] An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Brooklyn Man Charged with Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
An Indictment[1] was unsealed today charging Bright Ogodo, 42, of Brooklyn, New York, with one counts of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
The Indictment alleges that Ogodo recruited other persons, referred to as “runners,” to pose as TD Bank customers by using false drivers’ licenses supplied by Ogodo and means of identification of the TD Bank customers, including their names, social security numbers, and dates of birth. The Indictment alleges that Ogodo drove the runners to TD Bank branches in the Philadelphia area, as well as in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware, gave the runners the false drivers’ licenses and other means of identification, and instructed them how to access the TD Bank customers’ accounts. The Indictment alleges that the runners, and defendant Ogodo himself, deposited large-dollar counterfeit checks and small amounts of cash and money orders into the bank accounts, thereby learning the account numbers (if they were not already known) and also as a way of being able to know the exact date, location, and amount of the last deposit into the account, which co-schemers then used to set up on-line access to the accounts. The Indictment alleges that runners posing as the true account holders obtained new ATM cards tied to the TD Bank customers’ checking accounts, and then one or more co-schemers, including defendant Ogodo himself, began to deplete the funds in that checking account by using the newly-obtained ATM cards to withdraw cash and purchase merchandise and money orders. The Indictment alleges that one or more co-schemers often transferred funds from the TD Bank customers’ existing home equity lines of credit (HELOC) into the checking accounts that were tied to the ATM cards in the possession of defendant Ogodo and other co-schemers, which allowed defendant Ogodo and other co-schemers to obtain over $579,000 from the TD Bank accounts. The Indictment further alleges that defendant Ogodo and his co-schemers intended to cause TD Bank to sustain more than $785,000 in losses, as that is the amount of counterfeit checks and HELOC and other transfers made into the checking accounts tied to the ATM cards in the co-schemers’ possession.
Ogodo faces a maximum sentence of 34 years’ imprisonment, including a mandatory minimum two-year term of imprisonment, a five-year period of supervised release, a $1,500,000 fine, and a $300 special assessment and restitution of $597,107.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael S. Lowe.
[1] An Indictment or Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Defrauding Assistance ProgramRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - Abdoulaye Diallo, 52, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for defrauding the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the federal food stamp program, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
Diallo owned and operated Brothers Food Market, a grocery store on Germantown Avenue near Venango Street in Philadelphia. On January 12, 2017, at a trial before the Honorable Cynthia M. Rufe and a federal jury, the jury convicted Diallo on all counts of the indictment. The jury convicted Diallo of conspiring with another individual to buy SNAP benefits for cash from those who had SNAP benefit cards (also known as PA Access cards) between September 2011 and February 2015. The jury also found Diallo guilty of exchanging SNAP benefits for cash on five different dates during that period, each of which constituted wire fraud and SNAP benefit fraud. The amount of money charged to the SNAP Program varied from $300 to almost $600 for each transaction.
.Between September of 2011 and March of 2015, Diallo submitted to USDA, on behalf of Brothers Food Market, fraudulent SNAP reimbursement requests for $1,063,541
In addition to the prison term, Judge Rufe imposed a term of supervised release of three years, restitution to USDA of $1,063,541, and a $1,300 assessment.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Floyd J. Miller and Albert S. Glenn.
Philadelphia Felon Charged with Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Omar Meares, 28, of Philadelphia was charged today by Indictment[1] with being a felon in possession of a firearm announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment charges that Meares possessed a Colt, Police Positive MK V, .38 Special caliber revolver, bearing serial number RD1155, which was loaded with six (6) live rounds of .38 caliber ammunition, on January 23, 2017, in Philadelphia, after having been convicted of a felony.
If convicted, Meares faces a maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, three years’ supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
This case has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department. The case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Zaleski.
[1]An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Florida Investment Adviser Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Clients Out of More Than One Million DollarsRead the Press Release
Sean Donald Premock, 44, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, entered pleas of guilty to nine counts of mail fraud, nine counts of wire fraud, one count of securities fraud, and one count of investment adviser fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
As part of his guilty plea, Premock, who was formerly a licensed stockbroker and investment adviser, got fired by his employer for selling investments that were not approved by his employer and then started his own investment companies that he used to defraud his existing and new clients, most of whom were elderly. Premock admitted that he obtained more than $1 million from his clients, who believed they were giving the money to Premock to invest for them, by lying to his clients and telling them he would put their money in stocks, bonds, and other “safe” investments, while in reality Premock spent most of their money on himself and used some of the money to pay other clients. Premock also admitted that he did not disclose to his clients that he had permanently lost his stockbroker and investment adviser licenses. Premock admitted that he fabricated false account statements that he mailed to his clients, and used other means to deceive his clients into believing their investments were safe and to stall their attempts to obtain the return of their funds, including blaming a “lack of liquidity” on the policies of then-President Obama.
Premock faces a maximum sentence of 385 years’ imprisonment, a five-year period of supervised release, a $9,510,000 fine, and a $2,000 special assessment, and a likely advisory sentencing guideline range of 87 – 108 months’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael S. Lowe.
Bristol Man Charged with Intent to Distribute Heroin and FirearmRead the Press Release
Dwayne J. Lynch, 28, of Bristol, Pennsylvania, was charged on May 4, 2017 by Indictment[1] with possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment charges that on or about March 21, 2016, in Bristol, Lynch possessed heroin, which he intended to distribute, and also possessed a Remington model 870 Wingmaster sawed-off shotgun with a 13-inch barrel cut from the original length of 18 inches, bearing serial number S096668V, loaded with four live rounds and one spent shell casing, during and relation to a drug trafficking crime, after having been convicted of a felony.
If convicted of all counts, Lynch faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, with a mandatory 10-year minimum sentence consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a $1,500,000 fine, a mandatory-minimum three years up to lifetime supervised release, and a $300 special assessment.
This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bristol Borough Police Department. The case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Zaleski.
[1]An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Registered Sex Offender Charged with Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
James Johnman Jr., 36, of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania and a registered Megan’s Law offender, was charged today by Indictment with attempted enticement of a minor, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment and a mandatory of at least 15 years of imprisonment, a lifetime of supervised release, a $750,000 dollar fine, mandatory restitution, a $300 special assessment, and a $15,000 special victims assessment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Priya De Souza.
Philadelphia Pair Charged with CounterfeitingRead the Press Release
Garmonyou Wiles, 31, of Philadelphia, PA, and Michael Barnes, 29, of Camden, NJ, were charged today by Grand Jury Indictment with counterfeiting and narcotics charges announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. Wiles and Barnes were charged with possession and sale of counterfeit currency, as well as conspiring to sell and possess counterfeit currency. Additionally, Wiles alone was charged with possession with intent to distribute and sale of crack cocaine, as well as conspiring to possess and sell crack cocaine.
If convicted, Wiles and Barnes face guideline range sentences of 78-97 months and 70-87 months, respectively.
The case was investigated by Special Agent Harry Speer of the United States Secret Service and Special Agents Dale T. Keddie, James W. Crockett and Michael E. Roche of the United States Drug Enforcement Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Mannion.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Karie Tafari Anthony Hibbert of Philadelphia, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about April 3, 2017, Hibbert, an alien, and native and citizen of Jamaica, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about October 22, 2001.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of twenty years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Grigsby.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Morrisville Man Charged with Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Jose Chaves-Leiva, a/k/a “Jose Amando Chaves,” of Morrisville, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about April 3, 2017, Chaves-Leiva, an alien, and native and citizen of Costa Rica, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about April 28, 2008, July 9, 2008, January 14, 2009, and March 26, 2009.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of ten years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terri Marinari.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Monsignor Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – William Dombrow, of Darby, PA, pled guilty to four counts of wire fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. Dombrow, a Monsignor in the Archdiocese who is currently on administrative leave, is charged with fraudulently diverting more than $535,000 in Archdiocese funds for his own personal use.
Dombrow resided at the Villa Saint Joseph Retirement home in Darby, PA, which also served as home to a number of retired priests. In his position as Monsignor, Dombrow had sole access to a Villa Saint Joseph bank account at Sharon Savings Bank, which was funded by gifts from wills and life insurance proceeds that were intended for the Archdiocese. Today Dombrow admitted that from December 2007 through May 2016 he withdrew, or caused to be withdrawn, and fraudulently misappropriated approximately $535,258.11 in fraudulently obtained funds from the bank account that he controlled at Sharon Savings Bank, and spent the funds at casinos in Chester, the Poconos, and Aruba, as well as funding a lavish lifestyle for himself.
Sentencing has been set for August 15, 2017 before the Honorable Jeffrey Schmehl, Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Dombrow faces a maximum of 80 years’ imprisonment for all four counts of wire fraud, $1,000,000 in fines, 5 years of supervised release, a $400 special assessment, and mandatory restitution. Dombrow is 77 years of age.
This case was investigated by the FBI in conjunction with the Darby Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.
Kennett Square Man Charged with Illegal Re-entry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Miguel Zavala-Lopez, of Kennett Square, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about April 7, 2017, Zavala-Lopez, an alien, and native and citizen of Mexico, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about October 15, 2002, May 2, 2007, and April 17, 2008.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of two years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurie Magid.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mortgage Foreclosure Rescue Owner Recieves Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
Drew Alia, 40, of Philadelphia was sentence to a 12 month and 1 day term of imprisonment for willfully failing to file federal income tax returns for tax years 2010 through 2013 announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. Alia, an attorney, operated a home mortgage rescue service that was designed to assist home owners who were facing foreclosure.
During the sentencing hearing before United States District Court Judge Paul Diamond, the Court noted that Alia had received approximately $1.6 million in gross income. Alia was charged, by Information, with four counts of failing to file returns resulting in a tax loss of $127,037. In addition to a term of imprisonment, Judge Diamond also ordered Alia to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service for the tax loss he caused after he is released from prison.
The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Floyd J. Miller.
Man Charged with Passport FraudRead the Press Release
Defendant Leuk Kwan Chau, 21, of East Hampton, NY, was charged yesterday by Indictment with mail fraud, passport fraud, and aiding and abetting announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
According to the Indictment, beginning in or about November 2016, the defendant engaged in a scheme to defraud the Educational Testing Service (ETS) by having an imposter take a standardized entrance exam, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), on his behalf. As part of the scheme, a counterfeit Chinese passport made and sent to the United States was intended to be used by the imposter to defraud ETS administrators into believing that the defendant had actually taken the standardized test. The defendant then received the benefit of the imposter’s test score for use at American colleges and universities.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, a $500,000 fine, and a $200 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State, and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terri A. Marinari. ETS cooperated fully in the investigation.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Villanova Man Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Esam Salah, age 54, of Villanova, Pennsylvania, was charged today by information[1] with one count of tax evasion, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The information charges that from January 2008 through April 2011, Salah, who was the president and sole shareholder of several restaurants in the Philadelphia area, did not report to the Internal Revenue Service approximately $2,769,813 in cash revenue that he used to pay employee salaries at two of his restaurants. Also according to the information, he failed to pay approximately $506,875 due for federal employee tax withholding and required Social Security and Medicare taxes.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, a three year period of supervised release, $ 250,000 fine and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Judy G. Smith.
[1]An Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to file 1.2 Million in False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Voncel R. Harrigan, Sr., 51, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to file false income tax returns, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
According to court documents, the charges arose from Harrigan’s daughter, Vontia Jones’ tax fraud and identity theft scheme to obtain tax refunds from the IRS by filing over 700 false tax returns amounting to over three million dollars in the tax years 2008 through 2013. Defendant Jones operated a “business” she called “Jones Tax Service” which operated out of her home in Philadelphia. Jones designed multiple flyers for distribution advertising her services that stated “DON’T YOU DESERVE SOME INCOME TAX MONEY TOO? $750 [PER CHILD] WELFARE SOCIAL SECURITY UNEMPLOYMENT DISABILITY EVEN IF YOU NEVER HAD A JOB.” Defendant Jones conspired with her father, Voncel R. Harrigan, Sr., her sister, Michele Wood, and others who solicited personal identifying information from individuals under the guise that Jones’ business would get them “tax money” even if they never worked. Defendant Jones used the individuals’ information to file false tax returns and open bank accounts so that fraudulent tax refunds could be deposited and withdrawn from those accounts.
Among other things, defendant Harrigan opened up a business account so that the fraudulent tax refund checks could be deposited into that account. Defendant Harrigan made deposits of fraudulent tax refund checks, forged signatures on checks, and made withdrawals from that business account. This account had approximately $206,751, deposited in fraudulent tax refunds. Harrigan participated in the false claims conspiracy from February 9, 2011, when he opened the account, through January 24, 2012, when search warrants were executed at his home and defendant Jones’ home. During this time period, the conspiracy included 282 fraudulent tax returns (for the 2010 and 2011 tax years), which collectively claimed refunds of $1,233,974.
The defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, $250,000 fine, $100 special assessment
The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Natali.
Owners of Floral Call Center Charged with Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Andrew Bassaner, age 44 and Vicki Bunchuk, age 44, of Southampton, Pennsylvania were arrested today, when a 27-count indictment was unsealed, which charged the couple with various criminal tax fraud violations including conspiracy to defraud the United States, filing false individual, corporate and employment tax returns and with aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
According to the indictment, Bassaner and Bunchuk were the managers and owners of Florist Concierge Corporation located in Orlando, Florida. The corporation was initially formed in Pennsylvania, but subsequently incorporated in the State of Florida where it operated a telephone call center and internet service that accepted floral arrangement orders from customers throughout the United States. The indictment further alleges that Bassaner and Bunchuk entered into a contract with Floral Source International, located in Oregon, who managed a national registry of florists, who would fill the initial order for floral arrangement that Bassaner and Bunchuk’s company had contracted to provide.
The indictment alleged further that Bassaner and Bunchuk diverted funds from Florist Concierge which they used to pay personal living expenses and then failed to report the diverted funds as income on their personal income tax returns. The diverted funds were then misclassified as legitimate business expenses on the corporation’s tax returns which resulted in the corporation filing false returns as well. In addition, the indictment charges that Bassaner failed to collect and pay over employment taxes, Federal Insurance Contribution Act Taxes and Federal Unemployment Tax on behalf of employees who worked for Florist Concierge.
If convicted of the crimes charged in the indictment, the Bassaner and Bunchuk face a substantial period of incarceration in addition to a fine. This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Floyd J. Miller.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Allentown Physican Pleads Guilty of Failure to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Harry W. “Buck” Buchanan, 63, of Allentown, PA, pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts of willfully failing to file tax returns, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. According to the information, Buchanan, who operated Harry Buchanan IV MD PC, failed to file federal tax returns in 2009 and 2010, although his income substantially exceeded the minimum income establishing the requirement to file.
The charges, the defendant faces up to one year in federal prison on each of two counts, as well as restitution, fines, supervised release, and special assessments.
This case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bea Witzleben.
Stockbroker Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison in Connection with Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA –William Bucci, 60, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced yesterday to 78 months in prison for running an investment fraud scheme that duped victims into turning over more than $3.2 million, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. United States District Judge Joel H. Slomsky also ordered that Bucci serve five years of supervised release after his prison term. In addition, Bucci must pay more than $3 million in restitution to the victims and the Internal Revenue Service.
According to the indictment, Bucci told his victims he was starting a wine and high-end olive oil import business. Among his one dozen victims was a Catholic Priest and a retired Philadelphia firefighter. The indictment charges securities fraud, four counts of mail fraud, one count of mortgage fraud, and five counts of making and subscribing false federal income tax returns for underreporting his income for the tax years 2007 through 2011. On June 8, 2016, Bucci entered a plea of guilty to the securities fraud, mail fraud, and mortgage fraud counts. He entered a plea of nolo contendre to the tax counts. After the government presented its evidence, the Court found the defendant guilty of all charges.
According to the indictment, beginning as early as 2004, Bucci represented to his brokerage clients-victims that he was starting a business to import high end olive oil and wine from Italy. But Bucci, who was a licensed stockbroker and a non-lawyer elector on the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline, never had an olive oil and wine business. He allegedly promised the clients a rate of return of at least 10% on their investment. He also falsely guaranteed to the investors that he would repay principal and interest. Bucci also allegedly solicited other individuals to loan him money for the purchase of real estate. According to the indictment, Bucci used funds from these individuals to support his lifestyle and to make payments to earlier victims. In total, the indictment alleges that victims entrusted in excess of $3.2 million to Bucci between November 2003 and December 2011.
The indictment further alleges that Bucci filed false federal income tax returns, underreporting his income, for the tax years 2007 through 2011. It is further alleged that, in 2012, Bucci provided false documents to Beneficial Mutual Savings Bank in connection with a mortgage that Beneficial held on a property that Bucci owned in Brigantine, New Jersey.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Ignall and Trial Attorney Derek J. Ettinger of the Fraud Section of the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice.
Two Indicted in Burglary of Nineteen Firearms from Collingdale Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – A three-count indictment was unsealed today charging Jabaar Tindell (41) and Marc Bredell (28), both of Philadelphia, with theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee, knowing possession of stolen firearms, and, as against Tindell only, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, all in connection with a burglary of Suburban Armory, a federally licensed firearms dealer located at 1008 MacDade Boulevard, Collingdale, Pennsylvania, on May 21, 2015. That burglary resulted in the theft of nineteen firearms the indictment alleges.
“ATF will continue to identify and arrest those individuals who steal firearms from our licensed dealers and funnel them into the hands of criminals who use them to commit violent crimes,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi. “We are committed to protecting our communities and business owners.”
If convicted of all counts, Tindell faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, while Bredell faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Each defendant also faces possible fines, supervised release, and special assessments.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Collingdale Police Department and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, Criminal Investigation Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric A. Boden.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Doylestown Man Arrested for Committing Eleven Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Richard Boyle, 57, of Doylestown, PA was arrested today by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On April 19, 2017, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Boyle with 11 counts of bank robbery, 10 counts of using or carrying a firearm during the commission of those bank robberies, and 10 counts of money laundering. Boyle stole a total of $495,686 in U.S. currency during the commission of the 11 bank robberies, which occurred in Montgomery and Bucks counties between 2012 and 2016. The indictment further alleged that Boyle laundered a portion of the proceeds of these robberies through his aerial photography business, in an attempt to hide the source of these funds.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Task Force and Fort Washington Resident Agency, in conjunction with the Horsham Township Police Department; Newtown Township Police Department; Lower Makefield Township Police Department; Upper Dublin Township Police Department; Upper Providence Township Police Department; Pennsylvania State Police; Whitpain Township Police Department; Plymouth Township Police Department; Montgomery Township Police Department; Warminster Township Police Department Montgomery County District Attorney's Office; and Bucks County District Attorney's Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Livermore.
Canadian Man Charge with Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
Robert James Tyndall, 45, of Canada, was charged today by indictment with coercion and enticement of a minor, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. According to the indictment, from on or about August 13, 2012, to on or about July 12, 2013, Tyndall, using the internet, knowingly persuaded, induced and enticed a minor under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense.
If convicted, Tyndall faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, which includes a mandatory minimum 10 year term of imprisonment, a mandatory minimum 5 years up to a lifetime of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Henrico County Virginia Police Department, and the Calgary Police Service in Calgary, Alberta Canada, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery W. Whitt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division=s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
California Man Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Ernesto Perez Martinez-Macias, a/k/a “Ernesto Perez Macias,” of Sunnyville, CA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about March 8, 2017, Martinez-Macias, an alien, and native and citizen of Mexico, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about September 15, 2004, July 9, 2015, and October 22, 2015.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of ten years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James Petkun.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Allentown Man Convicted of Tax Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury today found Abel Gonzalez, 46, guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States, theft of government money, and aggravated identity theft, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis Lappen.
The evidence at trial proved that Gonzalez participated in a scheme to defraud the United States by filing false income tax returns using stolen identities of Puerto Rico residents. Gonzalez and other members of the scheme ensured they controlled the addresses listed on the tax returns. Once the tax refund checks were mailed to and collected from the addresses he controlled, Gonzalez cashed the fraudulently obtained checks at multiple check cashing businesses he and others operated. Between 2010 and 2012, Gonzalez and others in the scheme cashed over $2 million of fraudulently obtained United States Treasury tax refund checks.
Gonzalez faces a sentence of incarceration including a mandatory minimum sentence of two years’ imprisonment for each of the aggravated identity theft convictions, followed by three years of supervised release. He also faces a possible fine and mandatory payment of full restitution.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tiwana Wright and Jennifer B. Jordan.
Darby Man Pleads Guilty to Aiding in Preperation of Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Mohamed Waritay, 41, of Darby, Pennsylvania entered pleas of guilty to a two-count Information charging him with aiding and assisting in the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns for his clients, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
According to court documents, the charges arose from Waritay’s scheme, which included tax years 2009 through 2014, in which he placed materially false items on the fraudulent tax returns such as inflated deductions, bogus tax credit amounts and fictitious dependent identities. The inflated deductions included itemized deductions such as gifts to charity, medical expenses and unreimbursed employee expenses on IRS Form 2106. Waritay also placed bogus tax credit amounts on the fraudulent tax returns related to education and residential energy credits, and falsely documented dependents by placing the biographical information of unrelated children on his clients’ returns, in order to defraud the United States government. Waritay’ scheme caused a tax loss to the United States in the amount of approximately $175,939.00. Additionally, during the course of the IRS investigation into Waritay’s conduct, Waritay met with one of his clients twice prior to that client’s scheduled interview with IRS agents. During those meetings, Waritay instructed his client to lie and provide false statements to IRS agents conducting the client’s interview in a corrupt effort to impede the investigation.
The defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 6 years imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, $200,000 fine, $200 special assessment
The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric L. Gibson.
Philadelphia Woman Charged with Preparation of False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Rhonda Coleman, 56, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by Indictment unsealed today with nineteen counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of materially false income tax returns, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. According to the Indictment, Coleman is the co-owner of P.C. Tax Services, a business located in Philadelphia. She used her position as a tax preparer at the business to falsely overstate and include income, deductions and credits on her clients’ returns without the authorization of those clients between 2011 and 2012.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 48 years’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, a $1,900,000 fine, and a $1,900 special assessment.
The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tomika N.S. Patterson.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Serial Armed Robber Sentenced to 59 1/2 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Philadelphia – Cory D. Foster, 29, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney to a total of 714 months (59.5 years) in prison for three armed robberies of convenience stores and an armed carjacking. In May 2016, a jury convicted Foster of robbing at gunpoint a Lukoil Service station and convenience store in Trevose, Bucks County, PA; a Liberty gas station and convenience store in Plymouth Meeting, Montgomery County, PA; and a CITGO gas station and convenience store in Phoenixville, Chester County, PA, and of stealing a customer’s car at gunpoint during the CITGO robbery. Foster committed these crimes during November and December 2014. In February 2015, Delaware State Police arrested Foster in possession of the stolen car and the semiautomatic pistol. In the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, Foster has been sentenced to ten years in prison for possession of the pistol by a convicted felon. He must serve 57 years of the prison sentence imposed by Judge Kearney after serving the previous ten-year sentence. Foster’s confederates in the robberies have not been identified.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Plymouth Township Police Department, which with the FBI took the lead in the investigation, the Bensalem Township and Schuylkill Township Police Departments, and the Delaware State Police. The case was prosecuted by then Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney and Special Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel C. Magee.