Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Ringleader of Bank Fraud Organization Sentenced to 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Shawn Hilliard, 30, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for his role as a ringleader of a nationwide bank fraud organization which stole more than $1.3 million from customers’ accounts. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge C. Darnell Jones, II, ordered 3 years of supervised release, $1.3 million in restitution, and an $800 special assessment.
“Hilliard and his co-conspirators created a nationwide bank fraud organization which corrupted numerous bank employees and convinced them to provide confidential customer account information, including bank account numbers, answers to security questions, and photos of signature cards. The impact of Hilliard’s crimes on his victims is profound and far reaching, as the victims may suffer long lasting consequences of this organization’s criminal activity,” said U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger. “Today's sentence sends a clear message to those who might commit financial fraud that it will not be tolerated, and to those in positions of trust at our financial institutions, that they must do everything in their power to protect the security of their client’s confidential information."
“HSI aggressively pursues scam artists who defraud unsuspecting victims by stealing sensitive banking information for their own financial gain. Let this case serve as a reminder to all of the importance of closely monitoring their bank accounts and reporting any unauthorized or suspicious activity within those accounts to their banks as soon as they are detected,” said Marlon Miller, special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. “HSI remains committed to investigating criminals who perpetrate financial crimes like Mr. Hilliard, who, in this case, defrauded hundreds of victims across the United States. Today, Mr. Hilliard has been held accountable for his actions.”
Hilliard and his co-conspirators used a network of dozens of imposters to take over the compromised bank accounts and withdraw thousands of dollars in cash. Hilliard used the information provided by the corrupt bank employees to defeat the banks’ security measures. Hilliard and others then took road trips around the country to Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and elsewhere withdrawing funds from the compromised accounts. Hilliard and his co-conspirators employed drivers and handlers to transport the imposters from bank to bank and collect the stolen funds.
To date, ten members of the organization including two bank employees have pleaded guilty in federal court. Numerous other members of the organization have pleaded guilty in state court around the country.
The case was investigated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Secret Service, and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office with assistance from the Philadelphia Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Livermore.
Warrington Man Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Cristhian Guerrero-Alvarez, a/k/a “Raul Hernandez,” of Warrington, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The indictment alleges that on or about October 18, 2016, Guerrero-Alvarez, 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 August 18, 2008, February 24, 2011, March 28, 2011, April 3, 2011, April 15, 2011, July 8, 2015, January 27, 2016, and June 15, 2016.
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 Sean P. McDonnell.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Allentown Man Charged with Illegal RentryRead the Press Release
Ruben Dario Pena-Ortiz, 43, a/k/a “Willie Diaz Rosa,” a/k/a “Lorenzo Echavaria,” of Allentown, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The indictment alleges that on or about June 1, 2016, Pena-Ortiz, 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 August 8, 2004 and November 19, 2013.
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 Katherine E. Driscoll.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
South Carolina Couple Charged with Trafficking Counterfeit GoodsRead the Press Release
David Haisten, 51, and Judy Haisten, 51, both of Irmo, South Carolina, were charged by Indictment, unsealed yesterday, with one count of conspiracy, six counts of violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, five counts of distributing misbranded animal drugs, and three counts of trafficking in counterfeit goods, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the Indictment[1], the defendants operated an online business that sold unregistered and misbranded pet pesticides, misbranded animal drugs, and counterfeit DVDs.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum possible sentence of 54 years imprisonment, a 3‑year period of supervised release, a $7,850,000 fine, and a $950 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General, the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, the Department of Homeland Security, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher E. Parisi.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bank CEO Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Brian Hartline, 52, of Collegeville, PA, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge C. Darnell Jones, II, to a term of imprisonment of 14 months and fined $50,000 for his role in a fraud conspiracy to obtain $13.5 million in public funds for NOVA Bank. On April 27, 2016, Hartline and co-defendant Barry Bekkedam were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States, TARP fraud, and two counts of false statements to the federal government. Hartline had served as President and Chief Executive Officer of NOVA Bank and co-defendant Bekkedam had served as Board Chairman. Their scheme involved the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and was devised to defraud the government of more than $13 million.
Bekkedam and Hartline, with others, formed NOVA Bank in 2002. Bekkedam also owned and operated a financial advisory company, Ballamor Capital Management, and advised Ballamor clients to invest in NOVA. But in 2008, NOVA faced risk of failure because of bad loans and investments. In October 2008, NOVA Financial Holdings, Inc., of Berwyn, Penn., the parent company of NOVA Bank, applied for approximately $13.5 million through the U.S. Department of the Treasury Troubled Asset Relief Program. In June 2009, NOVA Bank was approved to receive the TARP funds on the condition that the bank raised $15 million in additional, private capital.
Bekkedam and Hartline devised a scheme to make NOVA bank appear more financially sound than it was – that new money was being invested in the bank. As part of the scheme, the defendants arranged for NOVA Bank to loan money to three individuals to transfer to NOVA’s parent company so it would appear as though the bank had new capital from an outside investor. In fact, the “new money” investment was the bank’s own money.
The bank ultimately did not receive TARP funds, and in October 2012, the bank failed and was closed by state and federal banking regulators.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, the Office of Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Ignall.
Philadelphia Man Charged with RobberyRead the Press Release
Armond Suber, 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged today by indictment with committing a bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the indictment, Suber robbed the Citizens Bank branch located at 4949 North Broad Street on October 8, 2016.
If convicted, he faces approximately 77 to 96 months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a special assessment of $100, and up to three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney José R. Arteaga.
Doylestown Man Charged with Financial FraudRead the Press Release
Brent Kopenhaver, 61, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, was charged by Indictment with three counts of filing false tax returns and two counts of wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
According to the Indictment, Kopenhaver failed to report to the IRS more than $400,000 in income that he earned between 2011 through 2013. The indictment further alleges that while Kopenhaver was earning this income, he applied for and obtained approximately $40,000 in unemployment compensation benefits, which were funded by the Pennsylvania and United States governments.
Kopenhaver allegedly earned six-figure annual salaries as the chief financial officer of Micro Loan Management, Division A (“Micro Loan”), and Sequoia Tribal Management Services, Inc. (“STMS”), hid that income from the IRS, and simultaneously obtained unemployment compensation benefits. Both Micro Loan and STMS have been identified in a separate indictment as belonging to an alleged RICO enterprise that allegedly collected unlawful debt through payday lending (docketed as United States v. Charles M. Hallinan, et al., Crim. No. 16-130).
If convicted, Kopenhaver faces a maximum possible sentence of 49 years’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, a fine of $800,000, and a $500 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Department of Labor, and the United States Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark B. Dubnoff and James A. Petkun.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Philadelphia Men Sentenced for Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
Brian Wright, 40, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in prison today following his guilty plea to three counts of sex trafficking by force, announced US Attorney Zane David Memeger. The Honorable C. Darnell Jones II also sentenced Wright to 20 years' supervised release, and to pay a $5000 fine, $631,000 in restitution jointly and severally with his co-defendants, and a $300 special assessment.
In the same case, Judge Jones also sentenced Renato Teixeira, 26, of Philadelphia, following his guilty plea to three counts of sex trafficking by force, to 8 1/2 years in prison, 20 years' supervised release, and to pay a $1000 fine, $631,500 in restitution jointly and severally with his co-defendants, and a $300 special assessment.
According to court testimony, between 2010 and 2013, the defendant and his three co-defendants operated a prostitution website known as "Passionate Touch," which advertised females whom the defendants harbored in a brothel at a leased property in West Philadelphia known as "Club Passions." At that location, they caused numerous females ages 18-19 to engage in prostitution through the use of sadistic acts of torture and sexual violence. The defendants recruited the young women by passing out business cards on the streets of West Philadelphia offering the opportunity to earn money through striptease dancing. Co-defendant Kevino Graham then kept all of the women's earnings from prostitution. Co-defendants Kevino Graham and Raffael Robinson were convicted by a jury in February 2016 and await sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Philadelphia Police Department Special Victim's Unit and the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Morgan.
CPA Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud for Providing Inflated Tax Retruns to Client to Use to Defraud LendersRead the Press Release
Barry Horrow, 68, of Glenn Mills, pled guilty today to 4 counts of bank fraud, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
As part of his guilty plea, Horrow, a Certified Public Accountant who owned and operated his own accounting company, Horrow and Associates, which operated in both Delaware and Chester Counties, admitted that he committed bank fraud by helping one of his clients, George Barnard of Newtown Square (who owned Capital Financial Mortgage Corporation ("CFMC") and who was charged previously in an indictment with various offenses stemming from a $13 million fraud scheme who owned) to defraud lenders into issuing mortgages for 3 multi-million dollar New Jersey Shore beach mansions and a yacht based on false tax returns, false audit reports, and other false information. Horrow admitted that he repeatedly provided false tax returns for Barnard to submit to lenders on which Horrow inflated Barnard’s income by hundreds of thousands of dollars, when Horrow knew that the lenders were going to be relying upon the inflated income figures in approving Barnard’s loan requests.
Horrow faces a maximum sentence of 120 years’ imprisonment, a five-year period of supervised release, a $4,000,000 fine, a $400 special assessment, and a likely advisory sentencing guideline range of 41 – 51 months’ imprisonment. Horrow also agreed, as part of his plea, to make restitution of over $2,965,000.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigative Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael S. Lowe.
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network and Einstein Practice Plan Agree to Settlement of Voluntary DisclosureRead the Press Release
The United States announces that it has settled allegations under the False Claims Act with Albert Einstein Healthcare Network and the Einstein Practice Plan for improperly billing Medicare for services submitted on behalf of a cardiologist. The Einstein defendants voluntarily disclosed the allegations and have agreed to pay $968,418.60 to resolve the matter. The cardiologist no longer works for the Einstein defendants.
According to the self-disclosure and the investigation that followed, between October 15, 2010 and January 9, 2012, bills were submitted to Medicare for services performed by the cardiologist which the United States alleges were not medically necessary or lacked sufficient documentation, resulting in overpayments to Einstein. The United States alleges that false claims were submitted to the government. After it discovered the problem, the Einstein defendants took corrective action to resolve the improper payments, and disclosed the matter to the United States Attorney’s Office.
This matter was handled by Department Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, including Attorney Katherine Matos, and Assistant United States Attorney Susan Dein Bricklin and Auditor George Niedzwicki.
Press Release by United States Attorney Zane David Memeger Relating to November 2016 ElectionsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Zane David Memeger announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Tomika N.S. Patterson will lead the efforts of the Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Tomika N.S. Patterson has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Zane David Memeger said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Zane David Memeger stated that AUSA/DEO Tomika N.S. Patterson will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (215) 861-8200.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Zane David Memeger said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.
Philadelphia Woman Charged with Fraud in Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Dominique Washington, 27, of Philadelphia, PA was charged today by Indictment Complaint with conspiracy, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, in a scheme, involving numerous individuals, in which fraudulent Sears credit accounts were opened in victims’ names and co-conspirators, whose names were added as authorized users to those accounts, then made fraudulent purchases with those credit accounts at Sears and Kmart stores announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 19 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine and a $400 special assessment
The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney K.T. Newton.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Glen Mills Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Crimes Relating to Child Pornography and Sexual Abuse of A ToddlerRead the Press Release
Jose Gonzalez, age 34, of Glen Mills, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today in federal court on two counts of manufacturing child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The Honorable John R. Padova sentenced Gonzalez to 420 months’ incarceration and lifetime supervised release for crimes involving Gonzalez’ sexual abuse of a two-year old toddler. Gonzalez photographed his sexual abuse of this child and distributed the images over the Internet. The investigation also uncovered his collection of more than 19,000 images and videos of infants and toddlers being sexually assaulted that Gonzalez downloaded from the Internet.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, assisted by the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.
Convicted Felon Charged with 3 Counts in Effort to Further Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Sharif Gray, 25 of Easton, Pennsylvania, was charged today by Indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of convicted felon in possession of a firearm, in violation, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger and Northampton County District Attorney John M. Morganelli.
Gray is alleged to have knowingly possessed a loaded Bersa .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol and 30 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on March 1, 2016, in the City of Easton. Gray also possessed the loaded Bersa .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol after having previously been convicted in a court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
If convicted, defendant faces a total maximum penalty of life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence imposed and up to a lifetime of supervised release, with a mandatory minimum of 4 years’ of supervised release, a $4,500,000 fine, and a $300 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Allentown Division, the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office, and the City of Easton Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Lewis Fallenstein and Assistant United States Attorney Kishan Nair.
6 Charged with Unlawfully Entering Restricted Grounds Surrounding the Democratic National ConventionRead the Press Release
Name Age City and State of Residence Travis G. Martin 29 Houston, TX Lincoln E. Bohn 24 Manteca, CA Jacob J. Van Buskirk 34 Tacoma, WA Danny E. Nguyen 19 Gaithersburg, MD Natalie M. Fraver 27 Portland, OR Megan T. Munk 27 Forks, WA
The following people were charged by Information today with unlawfully entering restricted grounds
surrounding the Democratic National Convention while the President was in attendance, in violation
of 18 U.S.C. 1752(a)(1), announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of one year imprisonment.
The case was investigated by Department of Homeland Security and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Northampton County Man Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jeffrey Curtis Drexler, age 27, of Northampton County, Pennsylvania, was charged today by Indictment with one count of Possession of Child Pornography, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The defendant was previously convicted in Northampton County Court of Common Pleas of Sexual Abuse of Children, and was registered as a sex offender under Megan’s Law at the time that he is charged with committing these federal offenses.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment with a 10-year minimum mandatory term of incarceration, a $250,000 fine, 5 years up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Convicted Felon Charged with Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Marquise Bell, 25, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was charged today by Indictment[1] with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of ten years imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yvonne Osirim.
[1] An Indictment or Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Kenneth Duffy, 64, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by Information with one count of theft of government funds, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the Information[1], the defendant received retirement benefits intended for his mother, after his mother’s death in January 1997 until his fraud was discovered in August 2016. The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $235,995.
If convicted, the defendant faces a substantial period of incarceration, a 3‑year period of supervised release, restitution to the government of $235,995, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 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 Amanda R. Reinitz.
[1] An Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Americans with Disabilities Act Settlement Removes Architectural Barriers at A Reading YMCA FacilityRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has entered into a settlement agreement with the United States to resolve an allegation that a YMCA facility located at 631 Washington Street in Reading, Pennsylvania, contains architectural barriers in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The settlement arises out of a complaint that the United States received alleging that the YMCA’s facility on Washington Street is not accessible to individuals who have mobility impairments. After conducting an investigation, the United States identified architectural barriers to access relating to a parking area, entrance signs, swimming pool lift, and a restroom facility.
To resolve the matter, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has agreed to modify the facility’s family-friendly restroom in a manner that complies with the applicable standards for accessible design under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has also agreed provide a van accessible parking space located on the shortest accessible route to the facility’s entrance ramp and to install a directional sign indicating the location of an accessible entrance at all inaccessible entrances at the facility. In addition, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has agreed to install a vertical sign identifying the accessible parking spaces, and a directional sign indicating the location of the facility’s accessible toilet/bathing room at all inaccessible toilet/bathing rooms. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has further agreed to install a new swimming pool lift that complies with the standards for accessible design.
The YMCA of Reading & Berks County agreed to take these actions on a timetable, and the United States reserved its right to review the facility’s compliance at any time.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is committed to investigating alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those interested in learning more about architectural barriers to access under the Americans with Disabilities Act may access www.ada.gov, or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD). Information about filing a complaint, including instructions for filing a complaint online, can be found at www.ada.gov/filing_complaint.htm.
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul W. Kaufman and Michael S. Macko.
Member of the Pagans Outlaw Motorcycle Club Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Role in Prescription Pill MillRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Today, a federal judge sentenced Joseph Mitchell, Sr., 40 to 9 years in prison for his role in a prescription pill mill that trafficked oxycodone and other dangerous and addictive opioids. United States District Court Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro also ordered the defendant to serve 3 years of supervised release upon release from prison, and pay a special assessment of $100. The court also entered a judgment of forfeiture.
On July 14, 2015, a grand jury in Philadelphia charged Mitchell, along William O’Brien, a former doctor of osteopathic medicine, and eight codefendants with conspiring to distribute controlled substances. Mitchell was a member of the Pagans Motorcycle Club (“Pagans”), an outlaw biker gang known for violence and drug dealing. O’Brien worked together with Pagans, and their associates, to operate a “pill mill” out of his medical offices. O’Brien wrote fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone and other drugs, while the Pagans and their associates recruited “pseudo-patients” to buy the fraudulent prescriptions. O’Brien charged $250 cash for the first appointment to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances and $200 cash for each subsequent visit. Oxycodone (30 mg) was in high demand by drug dealers who could sell each pill on the street for $25 to $30. O’Brien sold prescriptions for these dangerous and addictive drugs to hundreds of “pseudo-patients.” After filling the prescriptions, the Pagans and their associates resold the pills on the street. The investigation showed that from March 2012 to January 2015, more than 700,000 pills containing oxycodone and other Schedule II controlled substances were distributed by members of the conspiracy.
On October 5, 2016, O’Brien, who was convicted by a jury in summer 2016, was sentenced to 30 years in prison. The remaining codefendants in the case have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Beth Leahy and David E. Troyer.
Man Charged with Robbing Two Philadelphia BanksRead the Press Release
An Indictment1 was returned today charging Charles Richard Boehm, 46, formerly of Erie, Pennsylvania, with two counts of bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
The indictment alleges that Boehm robbed a TD Bank branch in Philadelphia on August 12, 2016, and later robbed a PNC Bank branch in Philadelphia on September 16, 2016.
Boehm faces a maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a three-year period of supervised release, a $500,000 fine, and a $200 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael S. Lowe.
Breinigsville Man Charged with Transportation and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Keith Tostevin, 52, of Breinigsville, Pennslyvania was charged today by Information1 with the transportation and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of forty years imprisonment, a mandatory minimum five years imprisonment, a mandatory minimum five years supervised release up to lifetime supervised release, a $500,000 fine, a $200 special assessment, and an additional $5,000 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sherri A. Stephan.
1An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bangor Man Charged with Enticement of A Minor and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Matthew Simineri, age 21 of Bangor, Pennsylvania, was charged today by Indictment1 with one count of Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, four counts of Manufacturing Child Pornography, four counts of Receipt of Child Pornography, and one count of Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The charges arose out of the defendant’s online communications with a 9-year old autistic girl.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment with a 15-year minimum mandatory term of incarceration, a $2,000,000 fine, 5 years up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $2,000 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department in Washington, the Berks County District Attorney’s Office in Pennsylvania, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.
1An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States Resolves Dispute with Doylestown Nursing Home over Access to Sign Language InterpretersRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Briarleaf Nursing and Convalescent, Inc., a skilled nursing facility in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, has entered into a settlement agreement with the United States to resolve an allegation that the facility violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The settlement arises out of a complaint that the United States received from the son of a deaf prospective resident who communicated using sign language. The complainant allegedly informed Briarleaf that his mother would need a sign language interpreter 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The admissions representative allegedly responded that a sign language interpreter was not in the facility’s budget.
According to Briarleaf, a nursing home administrator told the complainant during a subsequent call that Briarleaf did not have the current capability to provide sign language interpreter services, but would research their availability. The complainant’s mother died at a hospital before she transitioned to Briarleaf or any other skilled nursing facility.
To resolve the matter, Briarleaf has agreed to provide residents who are deaf or hard of hearing with appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including qualified interpreters, when necessary to ensure effective communication. In addition, the settlement agreement requires Briarleaf to assess residents’ communications needs during the admission process, maintain records of interpreter requests, contract with a third-party interpreter service, post signs at the facility, provide training to personnel, and publish a policy statement about effective communication. After the United States requested information from Briarleaf during its investigation, Briarleaf voluntarily took steps to train the facility’s personnel, contract with an interpreter service, and establish a communication policy.
The settlement agreement also requires Briarleaf to provide an annual written report to the U.S. Attorney’s office regarding the status of its compliance during the agreement’s two-year term, and to notify the U.S. Attorney’s Office of any complaints that the facility failed to provide auxiliary aids and services to residents or companions who are deaf or hard of hearing. Briarleaf did not admit liability, and the settled civil claims are allegations only.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is committed to investigating alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those interested in learning more about effective communication obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act may access www.ada.gov, or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD). Information about filing a complaint, including instructions for filing a complaint online, can be found at www.ada.gov/filing_complaint.htm.
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Macko.
Buisnessman Indicted on Embezzlement and Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - An indictment was returned today charging David T. Shulick, 46, of Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, with embezzling funds from the School District of Philadelphia. Shulick was also charged in a scheme to defraud PNC Bank, and with filing false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.
The indictment charges that between 2010 and 2012, defendant Shulick, and co-conspirator Chaka Fattah, Jr., embezzled funds from the School District of Philadelphia, in part by misrepresenting the educational services that would be provided to students pursuant to a contract between the School District and Shulick’s company, Unique Educational Experiences, Inc. (“UEE”). According to the indictment, Shulick and Fattah Jr. hid the true costs of services provided by UEE by submitting false budgets to the School District of Philadelphia. The indictment alleges that the budgets contained false entries for benefit costs, inflated staff salaries, and salaries for staff positions that were never filled at the school operated by UEE. The indictment alleges that as a result of this scheme, defendant Shulick fraudulently obtained funds from the School District of Philadelphia that were supposed to be used to educate students. According to the indictment, defendant Shulick used those funds to enrich himself, including by paying for contractors who performed work at Shulick’s personal residence and vacation homes.
The indictment also alleges that Shulick and Fattah Jr. devised a scheme to defraud PNC Bank. According to the indictment, Fattah Jr. had defaulted on a loan made by PNC. As part of the scheme, Shulick acted as Fattah Jr.’s lawyer and threatened PNC Bank with the possibility that Fattah Jr. might file bankruptcy if he were unable to resolve his outstanding debts, which would result in the bank receiving little or no repayment on the loan. According to the indictment, defendant Shulick sent a letter to PNC Bank, offering to settle PNC Bank’s claim for $2,500. The letter included a form which represented that Fattah Jr.’s monthly income was $2,500. According to the indictment, Shulick’s companies were paying Fattah, Jr. a salary of $75,000 per year, and Shulick and Fattah Jr. had entered into an agreement to increase Fattah Jr.’s compensation.
Finally, the indictment charges that Shulick filed false federal income tax returns for tax years 2009, 2010, and 2011. According to the indictment, Shulick failed to report all of his taxable income in these years, and improperly claimed itemized deductions.
The charges were announced by United States Attorney Zane David Memeger, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Harpster, IRS Special Agent-in-Charge Akeia Conner, and Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent-in-Charge Geoffrey D. Wood.
If convicted of all charges, Shulick, faces a substantial term of imprisonment, restitution to the School District of Philadelphia and PNC Bank, and a fine of up to $3,800,000.
The case was investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Education, with the cooperation of the Philadelphia School District’s Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael T. Donovan.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Philadelphia Doctor Sentenced to 30 Years for Running Pill Mill and Distributing Oxycodone Resulting in Patient DeathRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Today, a federal judge sentenced William J. O’Brien III, a former doctor of osteopathic medicine, to 30 years in prison for illegal distribution of controlled substances resulting in death and additional charges arising from O’Brien’s operation of a pill mill. United States District Court Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro also ordered the defendant to serve five years of supervised release upon release from prison; pay restitution of $342,504 to the bankruptcy trustee in connection with his conviction for conspiracy to commit bankruptcy fraud; and pay a special assessment of $12,300. The court also entered a judgment of forfeiture.
“We are pleased with the substantial sentence imposed on the defendant in this case,” said United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. “Those doctors who distribute dangerous prescription drugs for no legitimate medical purpose need to be held fully accountable when their irresponsible conduct leads to death and addiction among patients.”
On July 14, 2015, a grand jury in Philadelphia charged O’Brien and nine codefendants in a 139-count Second Superseding Indictment (‘the indictment”) with conspiring to distribute controlled substances and other crimes. O’Brien was also charged with 121 separate counts of distribution of controlled substances, and distribution resulting in death. In addition to O’Brien, the defendants charged in the indictment included members and associates of the Pagans Motorcycle Club (“Pagans”), an outlaw gang known for violence and drug dealing. O’Brien and his paramour Elizabeth Hibbs were charged with conspiracy to engage in money laundering, conspiracy to commit bankruptcy fraud, and making false statements under oath in bankruptcy proceedings.
On June 28, 2016, after a six-week trial, a jury found O’Brien guilty of all charges in the indictment except for four distribution counts. All codefendants in the case have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The evidence at trial showed that O’Brien worked together with Pagans and their associates to operate a “pill mill” out of O’Brien’s medical offices. O’Brien wrote fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone and other drugs, while the Pagans and their associates recruited “pseudo-patients” to buy the fraudulent prescriptions. O’Brien charged $250 cash for the first appointment to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances and $200 cash for each subsequent visit. Oxycodone (30 mg) was in high demand by drug dealers who could sell each pill on the street for $25 to $30. O’Brien sold prescriptions for these dangerous and addictive drugs to hundreds of “pseudo-patients.” After filling the prescriptions, the Pagans and their associates resold the pills on the street. The trial evidence showed that from March 2012 to January 2015, more than 700,000 pills containing oxycodone and other Schedule II controlled substances were distributed by O’Brien in furtherance of the conspiracy. O’Brien generated for himself an estimated $2 million in cash proceeds from the drug trafficking conspiracy.
In connection with his operation of the pill mill, and as proven at trial, O’Brien intentionally distributed, for no legitimate medical purpose, oxycodone, methadone, and cyclobenzaprine, a muscle relaxer, to Joseph Ennis, 38, of Bucks County. Mr. Ennis had initially sought treatment from O’Brien following a car accident. On December 17, 2013, O’Brien prescribed oxycodone and methadone without a legitimate medical purpose, which combined with the cyclobenzaprine, led to Mr. Ennis’ death. Mr. Ennis died five days later on December 22, 2013 from the combination of these substances. At sentencing, Mrs. Bridget Shaw, Mr. Ennis’ sister, asked the Court to consider “the countless victims [O’Brien] fooled who are not here to represent themselves. The patients he turned into addicts for his profit and their families who are now left swimming in hospital bills or worse, wondering how this hell came to be . . . Rather than save lives, according to the oath he took, he chose to ruin them.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Beth Leahy and David E. Troyer.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Cyber StalkingRead the Press Release
Devin Marino, 29, of Philadelphia, PA was charged today by Indictment[1] with charges of cyber stalking, unauthorized access to a protected computer, wrongfully obtaining individually identifiable health care information, and wrongfully disclosing individually identifiable health care information, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 175 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Levy.
[1]An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ambulance Company Owner Sentenced to 10 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Bassem Kuran, 23, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced today to ten months in prison for making false statements to Medicare through VIP Ambulance, Inc., an ambulance company that Kuran owned and which he served as President. The Honorable Gerald J. Pappert, United States District Judge, ordered that upon Kuran’s release from prison, he must serve three years of supervised release, and further ordered Kuran to pay restitution to Medicare in the total amount of $66,901.93.
At his guilty plea hearing, Kuran admitted that through his company, VIP, he submitted false billings for the purported transport of three patients that VIP did not actually transport. He also submitted billings for patients who were able to walk and could travel safely by means other than ambulance and who, therefore, were not eligible for ambulance transportation under Medicare requirements. As a result of the fraudulent scheme at VIP, the Medicare program paid nearly $67,000 for fraudulent claims from VIP for these three patients.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mary E. Crawley and Paul W. Kaufman.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Receiving and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Adam Dolceamore, 35 of Philadelphia, PA was charged on September 29, 2016 by Indictment with one count of receiving and one count of distributing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible, sentence of up to 40 years’ imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, a $500,000 fine, mandatory forfeiture and a $200 special assessment
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Priya T. DeSouza.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Reading Man Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Salvador Ortiz-Uresti, 41 of Reading, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The indictment alleges that on or about November 13, 2015, Ortiz-Uresti, 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 26, 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 Jonathan B. Ortiz.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Passport FraudRead the Press Release
Alcides Rosario-Betances, 56, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was charged today by Indictment with three counts of passport fraud, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted the defendant Alcides Rosario-Betances faces a maximum possible sentence of 30 years imprisonment, three years supervised release, a $750,000 fine, and $300 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Diplomatic Security Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Diviny.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Gerson Joel Rivera-Suchite, a/k/a “Jerson Suchite,” 22, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The indictment alleges that on or about April 5, 2016, Rivera-Suchite, an alien, and native and citizen of Guatemala, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about July 5, 2012.
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 Robert E. Eckert.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Man Charged with Robbery of Kensington Bank and Attempted Robbery of South Philadelphia BankRead the Press Release
William Minson, 49 of Philadelphia was charged today by Indictment[1] with one count of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger. The indictment charges that Minson robbed the Hyperion Bank, located at 199 West Girard Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 19, 2016, and attempted to rob the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 2300 Snyder Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 22, 2016.
If convicted, Minson faces a maximum sentence of 40 years' imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, three years supervised release, and a $200 special assessment.
This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.
Dominican Republic Native Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Ramon Emilio Alvarez-Monegro, a/k/a “Jose Diaz Contreras,” a/k/a “Pedro Antonio Tejeda-Garcia,” a/k/a “Antonio Tejada,” 49, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The indictment alleges that on or about December 15, 2015, Alvarez-Monegro, 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 November 15, 2000, January 12, 2005 and February 18, 2014. If convicted the defendant faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney M. Beth Leahy.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Woman Charged with Theft and Embezzlement from Philadelphia Non-Profit Serving ChildrenRead the Press Release
Sonja McQuillar, 50, of New Castle, Delaware was charged today by Indictment with two counts of theft from a program that received federal funds and one count of making a material false statement, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger and Philadelphia Inspector General Amy Kurland.
McQuillar was the Director of Health and Information Management at Northern Children’s Services (NCS), a nonprofit organization that provides mental and behavioral health treatment services to children. One of her responsibilities at NCS was to verify the accuracy of consultants’ invoices and submit them for payment.
McQuillar allegedly caused to be prepared consulting invoices for relatives and personal friends who were never consultants for NCS, and for individuals who were consultants for NCS, but for work they did not perform. According to the indictment, she then forged the names of the recipients to cash the checks. Between roughly December 2002 and April 2014, McQuillar allegedly obtained approximately $607,067 from NCS through embezzlement and theft.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment, a $750,000 fine, three years’ supervised release and $300 special assessment.
“Every nonprofit that receives taxpayer funding accepts a responsibility to give charitably with integrity. These funds were designated to help some of Philadelphia’s children who are most in need,” said Inspector General Amy L. Kurland. “I'm grateful for our federal law enforcement partners for their close cooperation in this investigation.”
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.
Lehigh County Couple Sentenced for Scheme to Defraud NASARead the Press Release
A federal judge today sentenced Yujie Ding to a year and a day in prison for his role in defrauding NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. U.S. District Court Judge Harvey Bartle III also ordered Ding to pay a fine of $3,000 and restitution of $72,000. Last week, Ding's co-defendant and wife, Yuliya Zotova, was sentenced to 3 months in prison, along with a fine and restitution.
In August 2009 and July 2010, Ding and Zotova submitted proposals to NASA, seeking funding for scientific research. The defendants’ proposals claimed they would conduct the research at their business, ArkLight, and would subcontract some of the work to Lehigh University, where Ding was employed as a professor. Instead, the defendants used ArkLight as a front to funnel federal grant money to themselves for research performed by students and others working under Ding’s supervision at his university lab. The defendants sent invoices to NASA, via interstate electronic transmissions, for research in which the jury found that ArkLight had not participated.
The case was investigated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth F. Abrams and Gregory B. David.
Philadelphia Woman Charged with Fraudulently Obtaining Prescription DrugsRead the Press Release
Alicia O'Brien, 34, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was charged today by Indictment with obtaining prescription drugs by fraud announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of four years in prison, a one-year period of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Abrams.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Trio of Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - Reuben Jackson, 52, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to three counts of bank robbery, for three bank robberies that occurred in Center City Philadelphia in April and May 2016, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger and FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Harpster.
According to the indictment, on April 29, 2016, Jackson robbed the Citizens Bank at 1515 Market Street in Philadelphia; on May 3, 2016, he robbed the Polonia Bank at 2133 Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia; and on May 9, 2016, he robbed the PNC Bank at 400 Market Street in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Felon Charged with Posession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Naheem Stinnett, age 31, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged today by Indictment with possessing a firearm on September 13, 2016, after having been convicted of a felony offense, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a special assessment of $100, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a potential fine.
The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan B. Ortiz.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Philadelphia Man Charged with Five RobberiesRead the Press Release
Lamar Sowell, 26, of Philadelphia, PA was charged today by Indictment with five counts of robbery which interferes with interstate commerce and four counts of using and carrying a firearm in those robberies, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
It is alleged that Sowell committed the following robberies: 7-Eleven, located at 9001 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia on October 20, 2014; 7-Eleven, located at 250 South Easton Road, Glenside on November 26, 2015; Sunoco, located at 300 South Easton Road, Glenside, on December 2, 2015; and 7-Eleven, located at 2869 Limekiln Pike, Abington, on December 9, 2015 and April 5, 2016. During all but the first robbery, Sowell is accused of brandishing a handgun. During the final robbery on April 5, 2016, Sowell is accused of firing the gun and striking an employee of the 7-Eleven, shattering the victim’s femur.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, a mandatory term of 82 years’ imprisonment consecutive to all other sentences, 5 years supervised release, a $2,250,000 fine, and a $ 900 Special Assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Plymouth Township Police Department, the Abington Township Police Department, and the Cheltenham Township Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arlene Fisk.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Woman Charged with Loan FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Zane David Memeger announced that Tanika V. Little, 37, of Philadelphia, was charged in an Indictment[1] with loan application fraud. According to the indictment, at a time when Little was under the supervision of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and awaiting sentencing, Little allegedly submitted a loan application to PNC Bank, N.A. and falsely represented that she was employed by Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and also provided PNC Bank with fraudulent pay stubs in order to influence the actions of the bank upon a $50,400 cash-out refinance loan.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, five years’ supervised release, a $1,000,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anita Eve.
[1]An Indictment or Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New Jersey Woman Charged with Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Tracey Moses, 47, of Sicklerville, New Jersey was charged in an indictment1 returned today with ten counts of wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the indictment, from August 2010 until early December 2013, when she was fired for suspected embezzlement, defendant Moses worked as an accounting and payroll administrator for a market planning and research firm in Philadelphia. The indictment charges that from April 2011 until October 2013, defendant Moses schemed to defraud that company, identified in the indictment as Company A, by writing herself unauthorized electronic checks drawn on three of Company A’s bank accounts, in the total amount of approximately $117,000. The indictment charges further that defendant Moses also schemed to defraud the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor by applying for and obtaining unemployment benefits while she was actually working for Company A and her next two employers, identified in the indictment as Company B and Company C.
If convicted, defendant Moses faces a substantial prison term, restitution and fines, and is subject to criminal forfeiture proceedings.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Labor - Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Internal Audit Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary E. Crawley.
1 An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bucks County Man Pleads Guilty to Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
Benjamin Lomas, 46, of New Hope, PA, plead guilty today to an Information charging evasion of payment of tax, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the information, Lomas willfully attempted to evade the full amount of income tax he owed for calendar years 2009 through 2012 by filing false information with the IRS and diverting money from his business for personal expenses.
If convicted, the defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine, a $100 special assessment, and up to three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tomika N.S. Patterson.
An Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Manager at QVC Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA- Douglas Rae, 59, plead guilty today to wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering for defrauding his employer, QVC, a television based retail company, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
Rae, while employed as a manager in the Lighting Department at QVC, concocted multiple schemes to falsely invoice his employer of approximately $1.8 million.
Rae faces a statutory maximum of 130 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $1.75 million, supervised release and a $700 special assessment. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise S. Wolf
Ambulance Company Owner Sentenced in Medicare FraudRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Zahar “Alex” Tkach of Bensalem, PA, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Harvey Bartle III to 60 months’ incarceration, 3 years’ supervised release and $1,250,930 in restitution in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicare by charging for unnecessary ambulance services, obstructing two federal audits and laundering criminal proceeds. The scheme ran from approximately June 2008 through April 2012.
As described in the 19-count indictment, Zahar Tkach owned two ambulance companies, NovaCare Ambulance Services, Inc. (also called “Novocare Ambulance”) and Cardiac Care Ambulance, Inc. (“Cardiac Care”), operating primarily in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. The two ambulance companies shared resources, including employees and patients. Tkach managed both companies’ operations, finances and billings. Tkach transported dialysis patients who needed treatments three times per week, thereby allowing him to bill Medicare extensively for those patients, when the ambulance services were not medically necessary for those patients. He also billed Medicare for paratransit services by falsely claiming that the patients were transported by ambulance. When Medicare audited the 2011 billings of Novocare and Cardiac Care, the defendant obstructed the audits by altering, and directed employees to alter, ambulance transport records and he falsified medical authorization forms, all of which he submitted to the Medicare auditors to support the fraudulent billings.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Foulkes.
Reading Man Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
James Walker, 28 of Reading, PA was charged today by Indictment with possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a mandatory minimum of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum 5 years supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $5,000 special assessment. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rosalynda M. Michetti.
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.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Landenberg Man Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Hector Cisneros-Ibarra, a/k/a “Hector Ibarra Cisneros,” 38, of Landenberg, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The indictment alleges that on or about October 22, 2014, Cisneros-Ibarra, 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 May 5, 2006, July 6, 2006 and November 4, 2008.
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 Mary Kay Costello.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
CPA Charged with Bank Fraud for Providing Inflated Tax Returns to Client to Use to Defraud LendersRead the Press Release
An Information[1] was unsealed today charging Barry Horrow, 68, of Glenn Mills with 4 counts of bank fraud, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
The information alleges that Horrow, a Certified Public Accountant who owned and operated his own accounting company, Horrow and Associates, which operated in both Delaware and West Chester Counties, committed bank fraud by helping one of his clients, George Barnard of Newtown Square (who owned Capital Financial Mortgage Corporation (“CFMC”) and who was charged previously in an indictment with various offenses stemming from a $13 million fraud scheme who owned) to defraud lenders into issuing mortgages for 3 multi-million dollar New Jersey Shore beach mansions and a yacht based on false information. Specifically, the information alleges that Horrow repeatedly provided false tax returns for Barnard to submit to lenders on which Horrow inflated Barnard’s income by hundreds of thousands of dollars, when Horrow knew that the lenders were going to be relying upon the inflated income figures in approving Barnard’s loan requests. The information also alleges that Horrow purported to conduct audits of CFMC, when in reality Horrow did not conduct any audits, and that he issued false audit reports that he knew were being submitted to lenders to help secure loans for both CMFC and Barnard.
Horrow faces a maximum sentence of 120 years’ imprisonment, a five-year period of supervised release, a $4,000,000 fine, a $400 special assessment, and a likely advisory sentencing guideline range of 51 – 63 months’ imprisonment. The information also seeks the forfeiture of over $2,965,000.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigative Division, 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
Three Charged in Puerto Rico Based Identity Theft RingRead the Press Release
Luz Ramos-Correa, 39, of Landisville, PA, Marta Ruiz-Correa, 28, of Penuelas, Puerto Rico, and Julian Ruiz-Acosta, 58, of Penuelas, Puerto Rico, were charged by indictment, unsealed today, with conspiracy and fraudulent transfer of an identification document, and Luz Ramos-Correa was further charged with aggravated identity theft and fraudulent possession of five or more identification documents, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the indictment, the defendants – all family members – fraudulently obtained birth certificates and U.S. Social Security cards belonging to U.S. citizens residing in Puerto Rico, and then sold these identification documents for profit to buyers in Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico.
If convicted of all charges, Luz Ramos Correa faces a mandatory minimum term of two years in prison, a maximum statutory sentence of eighty-two years’ incarceration, a fine of up to $1,500,000, a special assessment of $700, and three years of supervised release; Marta Ruiz-Correa and Julian Ruiz-Acosta each face a maximum statutory sentence of twenty years’ incarceration, a fine of up to $500,000, a special assessment of $200, and three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Petkun.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Trainer Man Charged with Internet StalkingRead the Press Release
Matthew Handy, 24, of Trainer, PA, was charged today by indictment with stalking another person via the Internet, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Handy is charged with cyberstalking, two counts of interstate use of telecommunications device to willfully convey a threat, and two counts of false statements.
According to the indictment, Handy was involved in a romantic relationship with the victim that ended on January 17, 2014. From that date until February 24, 2014, Handy allegedly sent anonymous electronic mail messages to law enforcement agencies falsely claiming that the victim was engaging in child exploitation and molestation, was using drugs, was building pipe bombs, and a family member was supplying fertilizer and metal pipes to make the explosives, and the victim intended to use the explosives, all of which he knew was false. For example, on February 10, 2014, Handy allegedly sent an anonymous email to the Atlantic County (NJ) Prosecutor’s Office “Crime Stoppers” website claiming the victim and another individual intended to attack a middle school in New Jersey with guns and a pipe bomb on the morning of February 10, 2014, which he knew was false. As a result of the threat, the school of 393 students and 58 faculty had to be evacuated while the school was searched by the New Jersey State Police’s K-9 Unit and Bomb Squad. On February 9, 2014, Handy allegedly sent an anonymous email to the Department of Homeland Security alleging that the victim and the victim’s immediate family were obtaining materials to make explosives, one of the family members was supplying the bomb making materials, and that the victim was going to use the explosives against individuals, all of which he knew was false.
On January 28, 2014, Handy allegedly sent an anonymous email to the Department of Homeland Security alleging that the victim was selling drugs and explosives to people, threatened to use explosives at undisclosed locations, kept explosives somewhere in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and threatened to use an explosive at an unidentified mall in New Jersey, which Handy knew was false. On January 27, 2014, Handy allegedly sent an anonymous email to the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness stating that the victim intended to use explosive devices against the Salvation Army in Chester, Pennsylvania and the Chester (PA) Police Headquarters, which he knew was false.
If convicted of all charges, Handy faces a possible advisory sentencing guideline range of 63 to 78 months in prison with a statutory maximum 38 years, a $500 special assessment and up to three years of supervised release. He could also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim for any physical, psychiatric or psychological care, and possible fines.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New Jersey State Police, and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anita Eve.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.