Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Huntingdon County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG –The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Scott Douglas Moyer, age 49, of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 7, 2024, to 10 years in prison by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for drug offenses.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Moyer was sentenced for trafficking methamphetamine from his home between October 2020 and February 2021. Previously, Moyer entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking charges where he admitted that on multiple occasions he distributed methamphetamine, which led police to search his Union Township home on February 1, 2021. Police found close to kilogram of methamphetamine and 17 firearms at his home.
When imposing sentence, Judge Conner noted the significant amount of drugs distributed and seized, as well as the presence of weapons at his home.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Former Minersville Police Officers Charged with Civil Rights and False Report OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Harry Brown, age 43, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and Richard Clink, age 50, of Minersville, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury for depriving the civil rights of another under the color of law and for making false reports.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on or about February 2, 2022, while acting under the color of law, Brown and Clink, aiding and abetting each other, did deprive an arrestee of his constitutional right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a law enforcement officer. This use of unreasonable force led to bodily injury of the arrestee. The indictment further alleges that both Brown and Clink falsified, covered up, and made false entries into police reports documenting the arrest and their use of force during that arrest.
“Law enforcement officers take an oath to serve and protect the public, but as alleged in this case, these officers violated the constitutional rights of an individual and then attempted to cover up their actions,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. "FBI Philadelphia and our partners will continue to ensure the civil rights of all our citizens are protected, and that those who commit crimes will be held accountable."
The matter was investigated by the Minersville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan is prosecuting the case with assistance from the Civil Rights Division.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is twenty years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Carbon & Luzerne County Men Charged with Conspiracy, Burglary of A U.S. Post Office, and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Juan Jose Rodriguez Tejeda, age 22, of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and Angel Luis Carrasco Marinez, age 20, of Carbon County, Pennsylvania, were indicted on October 8, 2024, by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit burglary of U.S. Post Offices, burglary of a U.S. Post Office, and bank fraud.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that between May 12, 2024 and August 12, 2024, Rodriguez Tejeda and Carrasco Marinez conspired to burglarize multiple U.S. Post Offices in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the District of New Jersey. The indictment also alleges that Rodriguez Tejeda and Carrasco Marinez burglarized a U.S. Post Office in Cornwall, Pennsylvania. The indictment further alleges that Rodriguez Tejeda altered checks stolen from the burglaries in order to deposit them into his own bank account.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Investigation Service (USPIS). Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for burglary of a U.S. Post Office is 5 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty under federal law for bank fraud is 30 years imprisonment, a term supervised release, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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York County Judge Indicted for Fraud, Tampering with A Witness, and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Steven Stambaugh, age 61, of York, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a 31-count indictment with wire and mail fraud, as well as witness tampering and obstruction of justice.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Stambaugh with twenty-six counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, two counts of tampering with a witness, and one count of obstruction of justice. It is alleged that from March 19, 2020 to on or about May 18, 2020, Stambaugh devised a scheme to defraud the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to obtain money through materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. The indictment charges that Stambaugh instructed his employees to file and collect unemployment compensation benefits with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania during the COVID-19 pandemic, while at the same time directing and requiring his employees to continue working for Stambaugh Law, P.C. In furtherance of the scheme to defraud, it is alleged that Stambaugh caused the use of interstate wire communications, as well as the delivery of mail matter via interstate mail deliveries.
The indictment further alleges that beginning in April 2021 through November 2022, Stambaugh attempted to intimidate and corruptly persuade a government witness to offer false testimony before a federal grand jury and to lie to federal law enforcement officers, and also attempted to obstruct justice while serving as a judicial officer for the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas for York County.
“An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud involving unemployment insurance programs. We will continue to work with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations,” stated Syreeta Scott, Special Agent-in-Charge, Mid-Atlantic Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
"As alleged, the defendant orchestrated a scheme that defrauded the Commonwealth of unemployment benefits designed to provide relief amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and to further this fraud, sought to mislead federal investigators," said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia. "The FBI will continue to work alongside partners to protect the integrity of these programs, investigate allegations of fraud, and bring those who engage in these schemes to justice."
The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Harrisburg. Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Sean Camoni are prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for mail/wire fraud and witness tampering is 20 years of imprisonment. The maximum penalty for obstruction of justice is 10 years of imprisonment. A term of supervised release follows any term of imprisonment and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Mexican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Elvis Alfonso Lopez-Perez, age 31, of Mexico, was indicted on October 2, 2024, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Lopez-Perez was previously removed from the United States on February 1, 2013. It is alleged that he was subsequently found in the United States on May 28, 2024, in Cumberland County, without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Two Luzerne County Brothers Indicted on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Akilees Kadeem Hobson, age 26, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, and Armand Kierran Hobson, age 27 of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that in August and September 2024, Akilees Hobson distributed cocaine and fentanyl over a dozen times in Luzerne County. The indictment further alleges that on September 12, 2024, Armand Hobson assisted Akilees with the distribution of fentanyl. It is also alleged that on September 25, 2024, Akilees Hobson possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and Armand Hobson possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Three Individuals Charged in Gun Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Naquann Simmons, age 30, of New York, New York, Eva Kelly Smith, age 31, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Eugene David Deininger, age 50, of Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on September 22, 2022, Simmons and Kelly went to a gun store in Wilkes-Barre Township, Luzerne County and provided false information on an application where two firearms were obtained. The indictment further alleges that on that same date Simmons possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. It is further alleged that on August 15, 2023, Simmons and Deininger went to a gun store in Plains Township, Luzerne County and provided false information on an application for two firearms.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is lifetime imprisonment for Simmons and 10 years imprisonment for Smith and Deininger, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Monroe County Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of ChildrenRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ivan Nicholas Baez, age 45, of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on charges of sexual abuse of children.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on multiple occasions Baez produced images of child pornography.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Luzerne County Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Ammunition ViolationsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Wendell Freeman, age 30, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and ammunition charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that in September 2024, Freeman distributed cocaine on multiple occasions in Luzerne County. The indictment further alleges that on September 25, 2024, Freeman possessed fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana for purposes of distribution. The indictment also alleges that Freeman possessed multiple rounds of various ammunition when he was prohibited by a prior felony conviction from possessing ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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FCI Schuylkill Inmate Charged with Possession of A WeaponRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rasaan Gourrier, age 29, an inmate at the Schuylkill Federal Correctional Institution, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for possessing a weapon in prison.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on August 7, 2024, Gourrier was discovered to be in possession of a homemade plexiglass weapon, known as a “shank.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for possessing a weapon in prison is 5 years imprisonment, a term of supervision following release, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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North Carolina Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Money Laundering in Connection with Embezzlement of Funds from Her EmployerRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rhonda Rochelle Canidate, age 48, of Greensboro, North Carolina, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to a two-count criminal information charging her with wire fraud and money laundering, in connection with a scheme to embezzle funds from her employer between 2021 and 2022.
According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between March 2021 and July 2022, Canidate was employed as an accounting specialist at Henry Molded Products Company (“Henry Molded”) in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Between October 2021 and June 2022, Canidate entered false payment entries for former Henry Molded employees into Henry Molded’s third-party payroll software, causing the software to issue direct deposit payments from Henry Molded’s bank account to bank accounts controlled by Canidate in the name of the former employees. This fraud not only financially injured Henry Molded; it also harmed the former employees by creating an overpayment for tax purposes.
Canidate caused a loss of $532,050 and has agreed to pay restitution in accordance with a schedule to be determined by the Court.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney David C. Williams is prosecuting the case.
The maximum combined penalty under federal law for these offenses is 30 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Huntingdon County Man Indicted for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Timothy Albert Brewin, age 54, of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for firearms offenses.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Brewin with possessing approximately 40 firearms as a prohibited person and possessing two sawed-off shotguns that were not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record in violation of the National Firearms Act.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the charges against Brewin is 25 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons indicted are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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California Man Indicted for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nathaniel Sean Deleon, age 20, of Tulare, California, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of distribution of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on November 24 and 25, 2023, Deleon distributed child pornography in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney David C. Williams is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources".
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 years, with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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New York Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Bruce Neil Kresin, age 51, of Binghamton, New York, was indicted by a federal grand jury for failing to register as a sex offender upon relocating to Pennsylvania.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that from July 2024 and continuing to at least August 27, 2024, despite being required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), upon relocating to Lackawanna County, PA, Kresin failed to register his address in Pennsylvania as required by SORNA.
This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service (USMS). Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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North Carolina Man Sentenced for Defrauding Attorneys Through International Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Omoyoma Christopher Okoro, age 50, was sentenced on September 19, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 100 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $22,565,929.18 in restitution.
In September 2023, Okoro was found guilty of all charges against him following a five-day jury trial. Okoro was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution, mail fraud affecting a financial institution, and bank fraud. In addition, Okoro was charged with two counts of wire fraud affecting a financial institution, one count of mail fraud affecting a financial institution, and one count of bank fraud.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Okoro, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Nigerian origin, resided in Nigeria before moving to the United States around 2013. Between 2006 and 2010, Okoro conspired with others to defraud attorneys located in the United States through what became known as the “attorney collection scheme.” Through this scheme, attorneys in the United States were contacted by a prospective “client” in a foreign country who purported to be in need in legal representation. The client would typically claim to be owed money from someone in the United States resulting from a business transaction, settlement from a dispute, or an accident. If the attorney responded to the initial inquiry, the attorney would then be told that the other party had agreed to settle the matter and was prepared to make a payment. Soon after that, the attorney would receive a counterfeit “official check” supposedly issued by a U.S. bank in the mail. The attorney was directed by the client to deposit the check into his or her law firm escrow account, keep a portion of the funds as payment for services, and wire the balance to a foreign bank account, typically located in an East Asian country. Once the funds reached the foreign bank account, they were immediately withdrawn by a member of the conspiracy, generally before the attorney victim realized that he or she had been defrauded. The attorney and the attorney’s bank would then be left responsible for the loss once they realized that the official check was counterfeit.
The evidence at trial showed Okoro communicating with numerous other members of the conspiracy, including individuals responsible for furnishing the financial accounts in East Asia used to receive victim funds, as well as individuals who appeared to be in contact with attorney victims. On numerous occasions, Okoro was either the sender or recipient of emails confirming that an attorney victim had wired funds to a foreign bank account. In addition, evidence at trial showed funds flowing back to Okoro from coconspirators located in the area of Toronto, Canada, where several key members of the conspiracy resided.
In total, it is believed that over $23 million in fraudulent proceeds were actually obtained through the attorney collection scheme, and over $80 million in attempted fraud occurred. Okoro represents the latest defendant to be prosecuted in this district for his role in the attorney collection scheme. Prior defendants include Emmanuel Ekhator and Yvette Mathurin, previously residents of Canada and Nigeria, and Kingsley Osagie of Nigeria. For more information, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdpa/pr/nigerian-national-sentenced-100-months-involvement-scheme-defraud-lawyers-out-millions. They also include Henry Okpalefe, previously a resident of Toronto, Canada and Nigeria. For more information, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdpa/pr/canadian-man-sentenced-18-years-imprisonment-multi-million-dollar-fraud-targeting-us.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma, Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams, and Shaunik R. Panse, previously a Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, prosecuted the case. This case and other prior cases related to the attorney collection scheme were previously handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christy Fawcett, Kim Douglas Daniel, Chelsea Schinnour, and Paul J. Miovas, Jr.
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Cumberland County Man Charged with Impersonating A Deputy U.S. MarshalRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that William Graves, Jr., age 50, of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information with false personation of an officer or employee of the United States.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the information alleges that on multiple occasions in 2022 and 2023, Graves falsely represented himself to be a deputy U.S. Marshal. The information alleges that during a traffic stop conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police, Graves displayed a U.S. Marshals badge and identification and stated that he worked with the U.S. Marshals. The information also alleges that Graves falsely told other individuals that he was engaged in locating and apprehending fugitives.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is three years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Hollidaysburg Couple Sentenced for Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Health Care Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John H. Johnson and his wife, Paula Z. Johnson, both age 62, of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, were sentenced on September 17, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner, for committing fraud. John Johnson received a sentence of 97 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Paula Johnson received a sentence of three years of probation, including six months of home detention with location monitoring, and was ordered to immediately pay $249,301.36 in restitution, fines, and assessments.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in 2016, John H. Johnson, a physician with specialized training in anesthesiology, entered into an agreement with other individuals to defraud health insurance programs by billing them illegally for expensive tests known as “urine drug tests.” One of the individuals that Johnson conspired with was Rodney L. Yentzer, who pleaded guilty for his role in related offenses in March 2022 and is awaiting sentencing. Johnson and Yentzer carried out this agreement through a couple different groups of pain management practices located throughout central Pennsylvania, known as Lighthouse Medical and Pain Medicine of York (“PMY”). Yentzer, who had no medical training, acquired PMY in 2014 at the suggestion of John H. Johnson, with whom Yentzer was business partners. PMY absorbed Lighthouse Medical in 2017, and PMY closed permanently in November 2019 after law enforcement agents executed search warrants at its various locations.
“Ensuring the integrity of health care programs in this age of rising costs is paramount to our mission,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “We will continue to work with federal, state, and local partners to hold providers accountable for misconduct that exploits the programs.”
“Healthcare fraud is not a victimless crime. In this case, the defendants caused taxpayers' hard-earned dollars to be diverted from patients who needed care, and instead served their own interests,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special in Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates the FBI and our partners’ commitment to rooting out fraud and pursuing those who conspire to exploit our healthcare systems for financial gain."
In 2016, Lighthouse Medical, under the direction of John H. Johnson, operated a drug testing laboratory on its own premises. This laboratory had the equipment and capabilities to perform urine drug testing (“UDT”) on site. UDT, when used legitimately, is a method for physicians to test their patients for the presence and specific amounts of various substances. A very high percentage of the patients of Lighthouse Medical (and, subsequently, PMY) were prescribed with opioid medications at each monthly visit. UDT could be used, for instance, to test whether such patients were taking their medications as prescribed or taking illegal recreational drugs in addition to their prescribed medications. Urine drug tests were typically reimbursed at a high rate by Medicare and private insurance programs.
In March 2016, Johnson and Yentzer agreed with the new owners of a rural, 25-bed “Critical Access Hospital” located near the border of Florida and Alabama to “sell” Lighthouse Medical’s UDT laboratory services to the hospital; in exchange, the hospital purchased the exclusive right to bill for payment and collect payment from patients and insurance programs. The hospital agreed to pay Lighthouse Medical a kickback of $900 per test.
As a Critical Access Hospital under federal law, the hospital received very favorable payment from Medicare and private insurance programs, including, for example, for UDT. Thus, even while paying a $900 kickback per test to Lighthouse Medical, the hospital was still able to collect and keep a significant amount of money over and above that amount. The owners of the hospital also used other laboratories like Lighthouse Medical in a similar pass-through manner. As a result, the hospital was able to bill for a number of laboratory tests that far exceeded what would normally be associated with a small facility of its kind, and Lighthouse Medical was paid far more than what it would have typically received for UDT from Medicare and other insurers. For instance, on July 12, 2016, the hospital paid Lighthouse Medical $816,300 for 907 urine drug tests. Approximately one week later, the hospital paid Lighthouse Medical $628,200 for nearly 700 tests.
In total, the owners of the hospital billed others, including private insurers, approximately $1.4 billion for various laboratory testing services that were not medically necessary. The majority of this amount was due to UDT. Lighthouse Medical received $2,341,775 in kickback payments over a four-month time period, with 85% of this amount going to John H. Johnson and the remaining amount going to Rodney L. Yentzer.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, John H. Johnson will also be required to pay over $2.3 million in restitution to defrauded health insurance companies. The restitution order against John H. Johnson is expected to be finalized within the next sixty days.
In addition to pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, John H. Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. His wife, Paula Z. Johnson, who is also a physician from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to the same offense. Together, John H. Johnson and Paula Z. Johnson conspired to evade payments to the U.S. Government that John H. Johnson was required to make for a prior criminal conviction.
In July 2015, John H. Johnson was indicted for various tax offenses in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. In September 2016, John H. Johnson was charged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with a separate health care fraud scheme. In early 2017, John H. Johnson knew that he was likely going to prison for these offenses, so he approached Rodney L. Yentzer and got Yentzer to agree to place Paula Z. Johnson, who had not practiced medicine in years, on the PMY payroll.
In June 2017, John H. Johnson was sentenced to an 84-month term of imprisonment for the various offenses with which he had been charged. He was also ordered to repay to the U.S. Government over $3 million restitution payments for fraudulent health care billing and unpaid taxes.
Even following his imprisonment, Johnson and Yentzer remained in close contact through phone and in-person visits, with Johnson providing direction to Yentzer. During conversations, Johnson and Yentzer sometimes used coded language to describe sensitive subjects, including the term “toy” to refer to money and the term “toy box” to refer to bank accounts.
John H. Johnson knew that PMY continued to be highly profitable, in large part owing to its UDT billing. Specifically, PMY billed every patient for two urine drug tests at each visit: one test a presumptive “screen” for the presence of certain substances and the second a definitive test for specific levels of 22 different substances. This testing protocol had been put in place by John H. Johnson when he ran Lighthouse Medical, and he instructed Yentzer to do the same at PMY. Yentzer followed this direction.
From mid-2017 until late 2019, PMY submitted bills just to Medicare for around $10 million in UDT, with well over $4 million being paid out. John H. Johnson, Paula Z. Johnson, and Rodney L. Yentzer devised various other ways to funnel money to the Johnsons so that they could benefit from this wealth without the money being captured for John H. Johnson’s restitution payments. Among other things, Yentzer purchased a car for the Johnsons’ son and leased an Audi Q5 for Paula Z. Johnson, at her request. Yentzer also made $28,000 in contributions to their children’s 529 college savings accounts, paid over $40,000 in legal bills for “asset and estate planning,” made over $40,000 in payments toward personal loans, and covered other large bills, all with the knowledge of both John H. Johnson and Paula Z. Johnson. On a number of occasions, Paula Z. Johnson requested these payments directly from Yentzer or his assistant.
PMY shut down abruptly in November 2019 after search warrants were executed because it was no longer able to retain medical providers to see patients. In January 2020, in a recorded prison call, Yentzer stated to John H. Johnson, that “if there’s anything left, I will make sure Paula gets, uh, a piece.” He added that “whatever’s left” after satisfying certain creditors he would “divvy up.” Yentzer made this statement despite the fact that Paula Z. Johnson had been formally terminated by PMY in November 2019.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office to Work with Dauphin County Partners to Reduce Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
SCRANTON– U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam announced today that Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, has been designated by the U.S. Department of Justice to receive additional resources to focus on combating domestic gun violence.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has approved an initial set of 78 communities across 47 states, territories, and the District of Columbia for designation under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022. The Justice Department - through its United States Attorney’s offices (USAOs) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Field Divisions - will partner with each designated jurisdiction to develop a plan to reduce intimate partner firearm violence and to prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders prohibited under 18 U.S. Code Section 922(g) from owning firearms.
“Our office is committed to working closely with our federal and local partners to hold offenders accountable for crimes associated with domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking,” said U.S. Attorney Karam.
“ATF Philadelphia Field Division will work closely with our law enforcement partners in the designated counties to combat firearm violence against intimate partners and children, ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, that the rule of law is upheld, and that survivors are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Office.
Communities have been designated in close coordination with community stakeholders. They include rural areas, suburban areas, urban areas, and Tribal communities. The Justice Department used data to identify communities that could benefit from increased focus on intimate partner violence resources and where the local jurisdiction is committed to partnering with the Department to increase the use of federal tools to prosecute offenders under 18 U.S.C. 922(g). The designation represents the partnership and coordination between the department and the local jurisdiction to ensure federal resources are being leveraged effectively to address intimate partner firearm violence.
The Justice Department anticipates additional jurisdictions to be designated as USAOs continue coordination with their local stakeholders. All USAOs, with or without specific community designations under Section 1103, will continue to combat intimate partner firearm violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders as part of their Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy and in support of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime.
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Monroe County Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Anthony Boomer, age 60, of Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to a term of 41 months’ imprisonment for trafficking cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Boomer pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm on February 28, 2024. Boomer was the target of joint investigation conducted by the FBI and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department into drug trafficking occurring in the Monroe County, Pennsylvania area. Boomer sold cocaine to a confidential informant on multiple occasions, which lead investigators to seek a federal search warrant for his Blakeslee residence. Boomer and his codefendant/son Justin Lamont Hardy were found to be in possession of additional cocaine, drug paraphernalia, cash, and multiple firearms.
In addition to serving 41 months in federal prison, Boomer will pay a $200 special assessment and be placed on three years of supervised release upon release from custody. Judge Mariani sentenced Justin Lamont Hardy to 60 months’ incarceration for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking earlier this year.
This case was jointly investigated by the FBI and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Missouri Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on September 16, 2024, United States District Court Judge Karoline Mehalchick sentenced Brian Wilder, age 54, of Jefferson City, Missouri, to 240 months imprisonment followed by 10 years supervised release, on the charge of conspiracy to commit sexual abuse of children.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between December 3, 2022, and December 7, 2022, Wilder participated in an online chat using the Kik application, with Mason Morey, age 27, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Wilder purported to be a young woman during these online conversations and directed Morey to sexually abuse two minor children, ages 3 and 5. At Wilder’s request and direction, Morey transmitted numerous videos and images of himself sexually abusing the children to Wilder.
On November 20, 2023, Morey was sentenced to 300 months imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for attempted online enticement and sexual exploitation of children.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
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Tioga County Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Young, age 43, of Elkland, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann to a term of 180 months of imprisonment for the receipt of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Young pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography on March 26, 2024. Young was previously identified by the FBI in 2022 as participating in a website that engaged in the file sharing of child pornography. After his arrest in January 2022, Young was placed on supervised release pending trial. In July 2023, Young was found to have downloaded additional images of child pornography.
This case was by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
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Members of A Luzerne County Family Each Sentenced to Serve 10 Years Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Disabella, age 35, James Disabella, Jr. age 60, and James Disabella, III, age 36, all of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, were each sentenced by United States District Court Judge Julia K. Munley to serve 10 years’ imprisonment for their role in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of pure methamphetamine in the Hazleton area between August 2022 and December 2022.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the Disabellas each previously pleaded guilty before Judge Munley to distributing over 50 grams of pure methamphetamine. Throughout the time period of the conspiracy the Disabellas distributed at least 500 grams of pure methamphetamine to other street level distributors and drug addicts.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on September 10, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Jeremy Anderson, age 28, of West Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to a term of 60 months’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Anderson pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on April 3, 2024. Anderson was the target of a DEA investigation during which he sold heroin and fentanyl on three occasions. Agents obtained a federal search warrant, and on July 15, 2021, searched Anderson’s West Hazleton residence, vehicle, and a storage unit. The search resulted in the seizure of 10 grams of fentanyl; a loaded Ruger 9 mm pistol; and $28,457. Anderson was interviewed by agents and admitted selling “pre-packaged bundles” of narcotics to a “short list of customers.”
This case was jointly investigated by the DEA and the Hazleton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and other opioids. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin and opioid traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Luzerne County Man Indicted for Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON -- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Garfet Todd Patton, age 60, of Dallas, Pennsylvania, was indicted on September 10, 2024, by a federal grand jury on distribution and possession of child pornography charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Patton with three counts of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography depicting minors engaging in sexual activity. The offenses took place in Luzerne County between June and September 2024.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The combined maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is eighty years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Inmate at USP Canaan Charged with Voluntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Bryant Wilson, age 54, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary Canaan, in Waymart, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury with voluntary manslaughter.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges that on or about November 28, 2021, Wilson killed an inmate with a prison-made weapon “upon a sudden quarrel and heat of passion.” The indictment also alleges that Wilson unlawfully possessed a weapon, a seven-inch piece of metal sharpened to a point, commonly known as a “shank.”
The charges stem from a joint investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Moreno is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the crimes charged in the Indictment is twenty years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Federal Inmate Charged with Possessing A WeaponRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Evans, age 28, a federal inmate, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury with possessing contraband in prison.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on or about July 15, 2024, while an inmate at the Federal Correction Institution Allenwood (FCI Allenwood), in Union County, Pennsylvania, Evans possessed a six-inch piece of metal sharpened to a point with a cloth handle commonly referred to as a “shank.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on September 5, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Antoine Montgomery, age 34, of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, to a term of 108 months’ imprisonment for trafficking of fentanyl.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Montgomery pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking on February 23, 2022. Montgomery was arrested during the DEA’s Operation Overdrive which targeted drug trafficking, firearms and violent crimes in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas. Agents conducted surveillance in the area of Beaumont Street, Wilkes Barre when they observed Montgomery and his co-defendant Jamal Jenkins conduct numerous illegal drug transactions. As a result of further investigation, a federal search warrant was served on a residence and parked vehicle controlled by Montgomery and Jenkins on January 4, 2023. Agents seized 300 grams of fentanyl and fluorofentanyl, together with crack cocaine and cocaine.
Judge Mannion previously sentenced Jenkins to 36 months’ imprisonment, and in this case also ordered Montgomery to serve a term of 4 years of supervised release following release from custody.
This case was jointly investigated by the DEA and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and other opioids. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin and opioid traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Pennsylvania Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for evading his personal and employment taxes.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Brandon Aumiller, of Milroy, owned an insurance sales business. For tax years 2007, and 2009 through 2011, Aumiller filed personal income tax returns reporting that he owed taxes, but did not pay them. He also filed employment tax returns for his business reporting that it owed taxes for the third quarter of 2013 and the first two quarters of 2014, but did not pay those taxes either.
When the IRS sought to collect the taxes Aumiller admitted he owed, Aumiller engaged in a multi-year scheme to thwart the IRS’ efforts by concealing his assets in nominee bank accounts, structuring multiple real estate deals to conceal the transactions from the IRS, and submitting false financial disclosure forms to the IRS that did not fully disclose his bank accounts and his real estate assets.
In total, Aumiller caused a tax loss to the IRS of $478,270.
“Taxpayers thinking about committing tax evasion should stop and consider the consequences,” stated Amy MacNeely, IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge, Philadelphia Field Office. “Those consequences include possible incarceration, being branded a convicted felon for the rest of their lives, and paying back all the taxes owed plus steep penalties and interest. Mr. Aumiller’s conviction and sentencing ensures that he will face those consequences, while reinforcing our commitment to identify and prosecute those who evade their taxes.”
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Christopher C. Conner ordered Aumiller to serve 3 years of supervised release and to pay approximately $180,000 in restitution to the United States.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Matthew L. Cofer of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur of the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case.
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Pennsylvania Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for evading his personal and employment taxes.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Brandon Aumiller, of Milroy, owned an insurance sales business. For tax years 2007, and 2009 through 2011, Aumiller filed personal income tax returns reporting that he owed taxes, but did not pay them. He also filed employment tax returns for his business reporting that it owed taxes for the third quarter of 2013 and the first two quarters of 2014, but did not pay those taxes either.
When the IRS sought to collect the taxes Aumiller admitted he owed, Aumiller engaged in a multi-year scheme to thwart the IRS’ efforts by concealing his assets in nominee bank accounts, structuring multiple real estate deals to conceal the transactions from the IRS, and submitting false financial disclosure forms to the IRS that did not fully disclose his bank accounts and his real estate assets.
In total, Aumiller caused a tax loss to the IRS of $478,270.
“Taxpayers thinking about committing tax evasion should stop and consider the consequences,” stated Amy MacNeely, IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge, Philadelphia Field Office. “Those consequences include possible incarceration, being branded a convicted felon for the rest of their lives, and paying back all the taxes owed plus steep penalties and interest. Mr. Aumiller’s conviction and sentencing ensures that he will face those consequences, while reinforcing our commitment to identify and prosecute those who evade their taxes.”
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Christopher C. Conner ordered Aumiller to serve 3 years of supervised release and to pay approximately $180,000 in restitution to the United States.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Matthew L. Cofer of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur of the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case.
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Monroe County Man Convicted of Making Straw Purchases of FirearmsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Delvin Hutchinson, age 33, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was convicted of three counts of making false statements in connection with the purchase of six firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer following a four-day jury trial before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Hutchinson purchased six firearms in three separate transactions at Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitter, in Stroudsburg, within a 19-day period in March 2019. When investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives later interviewed Hutchinson, he was in possession of none of the firearms and claimed that some of the firearms had been stolen. Testimony presented at trial showed that Hutchinson’s story regarding the theft was false and that he had “straw purchased” the firearms for one or more other individuals. In connection with the purchase of the firearms, Hutchinson completed federal forms in which he falsely stated that he was purchasing the firearms for himself, when in fact he was purchasing the firearms for one or more other individuals. Hutchinson was convicted of three counts of providing false information to Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitter regarding the purchase of the firearms.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bensalem Police Department also participated in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert J. O’Hara and Sarah R. Lloyd prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each of the offenses is ten years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
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Mexican Citizen Indicted for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ulises Perez-Herrera, age 35, a Citizen of Mexico, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Perez-Herrera was previously removed from the United States on June 15, 2019, through Hidalgo, Texas. It is alleged that he was subsequently found in the United States on July 27, 2024, in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for the charged offense is 10 years imprisonment, three years of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Luzerne County Attorney Pleads Guilty to Multiple Charges of Failing to Pay Income TaxesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the Department of Justice, Tax Division announced that Jill Moran, age 55, of Conyngham, Pennsylvania, appeared in federal district court today and pleaded guilty to a three-count criminal information charging her with failing to pay individual income taxes for calendar years 2016, 2017, and 2018, in connection with substantial legal fees she earned as the owner and operator of The Powell Law Group, P.C., a Luzerne County-based law firm, and as a member of the Trust Advisory Committee for the mass tort litigation described below. Moran was released on an unsecured bond while awaiting her sentencing.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Moran did not pay individual income taxes for tax year 2016 on approximately $1,215,000 she received, and also did not pay individual income taxes for substantial income that she received in tax years 2017 and 2018.
In total, Moran caused a tax loss to the IRS of between $250,000 and $550,000.
Below is a detailed statement of facts that accompanied the guilty plea. In 2009, Moran became the Managing Director and President of the Powell Law Group, when the founder and owner of the firm, Robert J. Powell, was suspended from the practice of law and ultimately disbarred. Moran and Powell agreed, however, that she would collect 10% and he would collect 90% of any future fees the firm earned after the payment of expenses. Specifically, The Powell Law Group represented thousands of plaintiffs in a mass tort litigation that settled for approximately $5.15 billion in 2015, from which the firm was expected to receive approximately $120 million in attorneys’ fees.
Prior to the attorneys’ fees disbursement, The Powell Law Group and its co-counsel used those future legal fees as collateral to obtain a series of loans totaling over $125 million. In 2014 and 2015, Moran received two disbursements of $500,000 each from those loan proceeds. Moreover, Moran received approximately $215,000 for her work on the Trust Advisory Committee.
In June 2016, most of the attorneys’ fees were finally disbursed and the loans were repaid. Nevertheless, Moran did not pay taxes on both the $1,000,000 she received in attorney’s fees that year, and the $215,000 she received for her work on the Trust Advisory Committee. Likewise, in both 2017 and 2018, Moran received substantial income, but nonetheless did not pay taxes on it.
On August 14, 2024, Robert Powell pleaded guilty to evading taxes on the millions of dollars in income he received in legal fees from the mass tort litigation. Powell awaits sentencing.
"Running a business is not a license to avoid paying taxes,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Denise Leuenberger. “Moran’s misconduct by not reporting her income cheated all Americans, since we all pay our fair share for the government services and protections that we enjoy."
The cases were investigated by the Scranton office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. Senior Litigation Counsel Phillip J. Caraballo, Tax Division Trial Attorney Alexandra Fleszar, and Criminal Division Chief Bruce D. Brandler are prosecuting the cases.
The maximum penalty under federal law is one year in prison for each failure to pay count, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine and restitution. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Statement of Facts
Defendant Jill Moran is an attorney and a resident of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Jill Moran is the owner and operator of The Powell Law Group, P.C. (“Powell Law Group”), and has been since on or about August 31, 2009. The Powell Law Group is a law firm located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in or about December 2002. Prior to August 31, 2009, Robert J. Powell was the founder and owner of the Powell Law Group. In or about August 2009, Robert J. Powell’s license to practice law was suspended by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Robert J. Powell subsequently was disbarred from the Bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in or about January 2015.
Prior to Robert J. Powell’s suspension from the practice of law, he owned 90% of the shares, and Jill Moran owned 10% of the shares of the Powell Law Group. On or about August 31, 2009, Robert J. Powell relinquished his directorship of the Powell Law Group, and Jill Moran became the Managing Director and President of the Powell Law Group. Robert J. Powell also surrendered his shares in the Powell Law Group, leaving Jill Moran the sole shareholder.
Beginning prior to Robert J. Powell’s suspension from the practice of law, the Powell Law Group served as counsel for approximately 4,300 plaintiffs in a mass tort litigation (the “Mass Tort Litigation”). On or about September 15, 2009, Robert J. Powell and Jill Moran entered a Memorandum of Understanding whereby they agreed that any future attorneys’ fees from the Mass Tort Litigation would first be applied to pay the Powell Law Group’s expenses, with 90% of the remaining fees disbursed to Robert J. Powell, and 10% of the remaining fees disbursed to Jill Moran. In or about April 2014, the Mass Tort Litigation settled for approximately $5.15 billion. Of that settlement, the Powell Law Group expected to receive attorneys’ fees in excess of approximately $120 million.
In or about May 2014, the Powell Law Group and two co-counsel law firms entered a loan agreement with Financing Company #1. Pursuant to that loan agreement, Financing Company #1 agreed to loan approximately $100 million to the Powell Law Group and the two co-counsel law firms. The loan was collateralized by the anticipated attorneys’ fees from the Mass Tort Litigation. In or about June 2014, Jill Moran received $500,000 of those loan proceeds.
In or about May 2015, the Powell Law Group and the two co-counsel law firms refinanced the loan agreement with Financing Company #1, by entering an agreement with Financing Company #2. Pursuant to that agreement, Financing Company #2 agreed to repay Financing Company #1, and to distribute an additional approximate $7.6 million to the Powell Law Group and the two co-counsel law firms. The funds distributed by Financing Company #2 were collateralized by the anticipated attorneys’ fees from the Mass Tort Litigation. In or about December 2015, Jill Moran received another $500,000 of the refinancing proceeds.
Between in or about February and June 2016, the trustee overseeing the Mass Tort Litigation (the “Tort Trustee”) repaid Financing Company #2 in full, by distributing approximately $125,849,595.59 in attorneys’ fees due to the Powell Law Group. In 2016, as a member of the Trust Advisory Committee for the Mass Tort Litigation’s trust, Jill Moran received approximately $215,000 for services rendered to the Trust Advisory Committee.
On or about April 18, 2017, Jill Moran willfully failed to pay taxes for tax year 2016, on the $1,000,000 she received from the Mass Tort Litigation, and on the $215,000 she received for services rendered to the Trust Advisory Committee.
In tax year 2017, Jill Moran received a substantial income and was required to pay federal income taxes. However, on or about April 17, 2018, Jill Moran willfully failed to pay taxes on personal income earned in tax year 2017.
In tax year 2018, Jill Moran received a substantial income and was required to pay federal income taxes. However, on or about April 15, 2019, Jill Moran willfully failed to pay taxes on personal income earned in tax year 2018.
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Dominican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Onassis Alexander Tejeda-Arias, age 31, of the Dominican Republic, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 28, 2024, for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Lopez-Zamora was previously removed from the United States on October 16, 2016, through Alexandria, Louisiana. It is alleged that he was subsequently found in the United States on October 6, 2022, in Dauphin County, without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Mifflin County Man Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Vincent Minervini, age 49, of Reedsville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on August 27, 2024, to filing a false tax return in 2018.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, from 2014 through 2018, Minervini, operated various companies that he either owned on his own or controlled through a partnership. These businesses included VM Holdings, LLC; Supreme Star Property Management, LLC; Boomer Builders LLC; Debt Free Partnerships, LP; Boomer Ranches DS, LLC; and VMJH Holdings, LLC.
Minervini filed personal and business tax returns in each of these years. Minervini made it appear that his businesses were incurring expenses, which were deducted from his businesses’ taxable income, by moving money from one of his companies to another and labeling such payments “Management Services,” “Management Fees,” “Operating Expenses,” “Operating Budget,” and “Transfers.” For example, in 2016, VMJH Holdings and Boomer Ranches made $134,500 worth of transfers to Boomer Builders that were labeled “Operating Budget” and “Operating Expenses,” but Boomer Builders did not declare any of these transfers as gross receipts on its own tax return. Minervini’s actions therefore reduced the amount of income that was subject to taxation by the IRS.
In addition, Minervini made payments from his companies to himself without reporting such transfers as income in his personal tax returns. For instance, in 2017, VM Holdings transferred approximately $809,648.22 to Minervini’s personal bank account, and Minervini deducted this amount as an expense on VM Holdings’ tax return, but he did not declare it as income on any other return, personal or business.
As a result of these actions, Minervini underreported approximately $2,102,512 in income.
Minervini submitted his tax returns to the IRS under penalty of perjury. As part of his guilty plea, Minervini admitted that the tax returns for 2014 to 2018 contained knowingly false information.
Minervini also admitted and accepted responsibility for $266,618 in unpaid taxes, which was the full amount of unpaid taxes for 2014 to 2018. He also agreed to pay restitution to the IRS in that amount prior to the date of sentencing. The IRS will also assess penalties and interest on Minervini’s back taxes following the completion of the criminal case.
The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for filing a false tax return is three years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Wilkes-Barre Accountant Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Embezzling over $1.5 Million from EmployerRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Lawrence Malachefski, age 39, of Wilkes-Barre, PA, was sentenced on August 26, 2024, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 30 months’ imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release for wire fraud.
According to the United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, from approximately March 2023 to May 2023, while serving as the financial Controller of a Wilkes-Barre based Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) business, Malachefski embezzled over $1.5 million from his employer, converting the funds to his own personal use and then spending the money primarily on online sports betting websites. At his sentencing, Malachefski was also ordered to pay $1,586,557.45 in restitution to the victim-company.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John.
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York Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for His Role in Smuggling Kilos of Cocaine from Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kevin Marrero-Morales, from York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 20, 2024, to 10 years in prison by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for trafficking cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, a grand jury indicted Marrero-Morales and others for their role in conspiracy to smuggle kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico into York. Marrero-Morales pled guilty and admitted to his participation in the conspiracy, which included smuggling 30 kilograms of cocaine in one shipment. Marrero-Morales was sentenced to the mandatory minimum sentence of 10-years in prison.
Also charged in the case are Juan Escalera-Carrasquillo, age 25, Daniel Velez-Olivero, age 37, Gerald J. Calcano, age 31, Takquasha C. Beatty, age 29, Reynaldo Vargas Seda, age 23, Kevin Marrero-Morales, age 29, and Jorge Angel Rivera-Ortiz, age 24. The indictment alleged as part of the conspiracy, drugs and weapons were stored at various locations in York. It was also alleged that Escalera-Carrasquillo, Beatty, and Seda possessed a Glock 9mm pistol, a Smith and Wesson 380 pistol, and Del-Ton AR15 rifle during and in relation to their drug trafficking activities.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the York County Drug Task Force, and the York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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New York Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Interstate Travel in Aid of Drug Trafficking and Violating His Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marcello Whyte, age 40, of Queens, New York, was sentenced on August 21, 2024, to five years imprisonment for interstate travel in aid of drug trafficking and an additional two years of imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervised release on his prior federal drug conviction.
According to United States Attorney Gerard Karam, Whyte was convicted in federal court in 2011 for conspiring to distribute between 100 and 400 kilograms of marijuana and sentenced to serve 70 months’ imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release. Approximately five months after his release from federal prison, and while on supervised release, Whyte was stopped on March 18, 2016, by Pennsylvania State Police Troopers on I-81 driving a rented vehicle from New York to Pennsylvania. Troopers recovered approximately 249 grams of cocaine inside the vehicle and Whyte pled guilty to interstate transportation in and of drug trafficking in 2019 and remained free pending sentencing. In July 2020, Whyte was arrested in New York and found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and marijuana. Whyte posted bail for that offense but failed to appear for his federal sentencing. He remained a fugitive for approximately four years, until March 23, 2024, when he was arrested in New York and charged with controlled substance offenses. The New York charges remain pending.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Behe and Assistant United States Attorney Bruce Brandler.
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FCI Schuylkill Inmate Indicted for Possession of A WeaponRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Gilbert-Brown, age 29, a federal inmate incarcerated at FCI Schuylkill, Minersville, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on the charge of possession of a weapon.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Gilbert-Brown with possessing a prohibited object designed to be used as a weapon, commonly known as a “shank.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Special Investigative Services of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Centre County Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Taylon Hamilton, age 30, of Centre County, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and firearm offenses.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges that Hamilton possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distributed methamphetamine on multiple occasions. It is further alleged that Hamilton possessed a Hi-Point Model C9 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number after previously been convicted of a felony offense.
The charges stem from a joint investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Centre County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Moreno is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the crimes charged in the Indictment is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Bradford County Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jamar McDowell, age 32, of Columbia Cross Roads, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and firearm offenses.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges that on or about May 30, 2024, in Bradford County, McDowell possessed with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, psilocin and marijuana. It is further alleged that McDowell possessed a Glock 37 .45 caliber handgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The charges stem from a joint investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo Border Enforcement Security Taskforce, the Elmira Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the crimes charged in the Indictment is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Luzerne County Woman Convicted for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Asiana Christine Williams, age 30, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was convicted on August 13, 2024 for the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death following a 7-day trial before United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Williams was a drug dealer residing in Wilkes-Barre in 2020. On February 15, 2020, Williams sold a quantity of fentanyl to a woman who ingested the fentanyl and died within two hours of the sale. Williams was also found guilty of another sale of fentanyl that occurred on March 5, 2020, and for maintaining drug-involved premises at 76 Lockhart Street in Wilkes-Barre from December 2018 through May 2020.
During the seven-day trial, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented the testimony from approximately 24 witnesses, including expert witness testimony from a forensic pathologist, a forensic toxicologist, a medical toxicologist, a forensic cell phone examiner, and an expert in the field of cell site analysis.
The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Scranton, the Lehman Township Police Department, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Kyle Moreno.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute for drug distribution resulting in death is life imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Former Luzerne County Attorney Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the Department of Justice, Tax Division announced that Robert J. Powell, age 65, of Palm Beach, Florida, appeared in federal district court today and pled guilty to a one-count criminal information charging him with tax evasion for calendar year 2016, in connection with substantial legal fees he earned while associated with The Powell Law Group, P.C., a Luzerne County-based law firm. Powell was released on an unsecured bond while awaiting his sentencing.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Powell sought to evade a substantial tax that was due and owing the IRS for 2016 by using nominee bank accounts, causing an accountant to file a request for a filing extension that falsely reported zero estimated tax liability for 2016, and making false statements during an IRS audit in 2019.
Attached hereto is a detailed statement of facts that accompanied the guilty plea. Powell’s license to practice law was suspended in 2009 and he was subsequently disbarred in 2015. As a result, in 2009 he relinquished his ownership of The Powell Law Group. He nevertheless retained the right to collect 90% of the remainder of any future fees collected by the firm after the payment of firm expenses. Specifically, The Powell Law Group represented thousands of plaintiffs in a mass tort litigation that settled for approximately $5.15 billion in 2015 and The Powell Law Group was expected to receive approximately $120 million in attorneys’ fees from that settlement.
Prior to the attorneys’ fees disbursement, The Powell Law Group and its co-counsel used those future legal fees as collateral to obtain a series of loans totaling over $125 million. Instead of depositing the loan proceeds into the Powell Law Group's bank accounts and using them to pay firm expenses, Powell instead directed the loans to nominee bank accounts that were under his control. He then used the loan proceeds for his personal debts and expenses, as well as his and his former law partner’s personal benefit.
In June 2016, most of the attorneys’ fees were finally disbursed and the loans were repaid. Nevertheless, Powell did not file a personal income tax return and pay taxes on the receipt of the fees in that year. After the initial disbursement and through October 2019, an additional $12 million in attorneys’ fees was distributed and The Powell Law Group’s share continued to be directed into nominee bank accounts that Powell controlled. Powell personally received an additional $3.6 million of the fees during that time.
Indeed for the full period of tax years 2010 through 2022, Powell did not file income tax returns for those years despite receiving and spending other personal income. Rather he willfully attempted to evade taxes due and owing by him to the United States.
In 2019, when the IRS commenced an audit of his tax liabilities, Powell made false statements to the interviewing revenue agents to conceal his income and expenditures for tax years 2014 through 2016. Namely, Powell falsely stated that his only source of funds were loan advances, that he and his spouse did not have signature authority or control over other bank accounts, and that he had no ownership in any corporations.
Ultimately, as alleged by the government, over the relevant time period Powell received millions in income resulting in substantial taxes that were due but not paid to the United States.
In the plea agreement filed with the Court, Powell agreed to pay full restitution to the IRS in an amount to be determined by the Court at a later date.
“For over a decade Robert Powell failed to file personal income tax returns and executed a sophisticated scheme to evade paying substantial taxes that were due and owing the IRS from massive legal fees his firm earned, said U.S. Attorney Karam. “The brazenness of his conduct included using nominee bank accounts, reporting zero estimated tax liability for the years in question, and repeatedly lying to IRS auditors attempting to unravel the scheme. I want to thank all the IRS agents, prosecutors, and support staff for their hard work that will allow justice to be finally served in this important case.”
“Federal income tax compliance should be equally shared among all Americans,” said Denise Leuenberger, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office. “Defrauding the government with an elaborate scheme to underreport taxable income is unlawful. Mr. Powell’s plea today serves as an important reminder that IRS-CI is committed to bringing to justice those who evade their federal income tax responsibilities.”
The Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department's Tax Division, Stuart M. Goldberg, said, “Powell engaged in a lengthy scheme to hide his income and not pay taxes. And when audited by the IRS, rather than step up, acknowledge his illegal conduct, and pay what he owed, he chose to double down and lie to the revenue agents who interviewed him.”
The case was investigated by the Scranton office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. Senior Litigation Counsel Phillip J. Caraballo, Tax Division Trial Attorney Alexandra Fleszar, and Criminal Division Chief Bruce D. Brandler are prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine and restitution. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Statement of Facts
Defendant Robert J. Powell was an attorney, businessman, and investor. Robert J. Powell was a resident of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, until in or about 2009, when he relocated to Palm Beach County, Florida.
Until on or about August 31, 2009, Robert J. Powell was the founder and owner of The Powell Law Group, P.C. (“Powell Law Group”), a law firm located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in or about December 2002. In or about August 2009, Robert J. Powell’s license to practice law was suspended by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Robert J. Powell subsequently was disbarred from the Bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in or about January 2015.
Prior to Robert J. Powell’s suspension from the practice of law, he owned 90% of the shares of the Powell Law Group. The remaining 10% of shares were owned by his partner, attorney Jill Moran. On or about August 31, 2009, Robert J. Powell relinquished his directorship of the Powell Law Group, and Jill Moran became the Managing Director and President of the Powell Law Group. Robert J. Powell also surrendered his shares in the Powell Law Group, leaving Jill Moran the sole shareholder.
Beginning prior to Robert J. Powell’s suspension from the practice of law and incarceration, the Powell Law Group served as counsel for approximately 4,300 plaintiffs in a mass tort litigation (the “Mass Tort Litigation”). On or about September 15, 2009, Robert J. Powell and Jill Moran entered a Memorandum of Understanding whereby they agreed that any future attorneys’ fees from the Mass Tort Litigation would first be applied to pay the Powell Law Group’s expenses, with 90% of the remaining fees disbursed to Robert J. Powell, and 10% of the remaining fees disbursed to Jill Moran. In or about April 2014, the Mass Tort Litigation settled for approximately $5.15 billion. Of that settlement, the Powell Law Group expected to receive attorneys’ fees in excess of approximately $120 million.
In or about May 2014, the Powell Law Group and two co-counsel law firms entered a loan agreement with Financing Company #1. Pursuant to that loan agreement, Financing Company #1 agreed to loan approximately $100 million to the Powell Law Group and the two co-counsel law firms. The loan was collateralized by the anticipated attorneys’ fees from the Mass Tort Litigation. As Robert J. Powell had relinquished his ownership of the Powell Law Group, he provided Jill Moran the loan agreement with Financing Company #1, to sign on behalf of the Powell Law Group.
Pursuant to the loan agreement with Financing Company #1, and after the payment of fees and expenses, the Powell Law Group and the two co-counsel law firms were each designated to receive approximately $33 million in loan proceeds. Of the $33 million in loan proceeds designated for the Powell Law Group, approximately $9 million was sent by Financing Company #1 to three financial institution creditors holding outstanding debt-related judgments against Robert J. Powell, the Powell Law Group, and Jill Moran. The remaining Powell Law Group loan proceeds of approximately $24 million were deposited into an account held in the name of Company #1.
Robert J. Powell arranged for the Powell Law Group’s loan proceeds to be held in Company #1’s bank account, instead of transferring those funds to the Powell Law Group’s bank accounts. Robert J. Powell had the ability to request distributions of the Powell Law Group loan proceeds held in Company #1’s bank account. Robert J. Powell used funds from the Powell Law Group loan proceeds held in Company #1’s bank account for his own personal expenses and investments, including to pay down personal debts accrued by Robert J. Powell.
In or about May 2015, the Powell Law Group and the two co-counsel law firms refinanced the loan agreement with Financing Company #1, by entering an agreement with Financing Company #2. Pursuant to that agreement, Financing Company #2 agreed to repay Financing Company #1, and to distribute an additional approximate $7.6 million to the Powell Law Group and the two co-counsel law firms. The funds distributed by Financing Company #2 were collateralized by the anticipated attorneys’ fees from the Mass Tort Litigation. As Robert J. Powell had relinquished his ownership of the Powell Law Group, he provided Jill Moran with the agreement with Financing Company #2, to sign on behalf of the Powell Law Group.
Financing Company #2 distributed the additional approximate $7.6 million to a bank account held in the name of Company #1. Robert J. Powell retained those funds in a bank account held in the name of Company #1, instead of transferring those funds to the Powell Law Group’s bank accounts.
On or about April 8, 2016, the Powell Law Group and the two co-counsel law firms entered a second amendment to the agreement with Financing Company #2. As Robert J. Powell had relinquished his ownership of the Powell Law Group, he provided Jill Moran with the second amendment, to sign on behalf of the Powell Law Group. Pursuant to the second amendment, Financing Company #2 distributed an additional $3 million to Company #1’s bank account. Robert J. Powell used funds from the $3 million for personal obligations and expenses.
Between in or about February and June 2016, the trustee overseeing the Mass Tort Litigation (the “Tort Trustee”) repaid Financing Company #2 in full, by distributing approximately $125,849,595.59 in attorneys’ fees due to the Powell Law Group. Following the payoff of Financing Company #2, all additional attorneys’ fees due to the Powell Law Group from the Mass Tort Litigation were distributed by the Tort Trustee to a bank account held in the name of a co-counsel law firm. Between in or about June 2016 to October 2019, the Tort Trustee distributed in excess of approximately $12 million to the co-counsel law firm’s bank account. Nearly all of those approximate $12 million were in turn transferred to Company #1’s bank account.
Of that approximate $12 million in additional attorneys’ fees distributed by the Tort Trustee, Robert J. Powell personally received in excess of approximately $3.6 million, between in or about June 2016 through August 2019. Robert J. Powell personally received those funds from Company #1’s bank account, including by requesting that Company #1 transfer funds to a bank account under Robert J. Powell’s control, but held in the name of 656 Hermitage Circle LLC. Robert J. Powell used the funds held in 656 Hermitage Circle LLC’s bank account for his own personal expenses and investments.
Robert J. Powell failed to file personal income tax returns for tax years 2010 through 2022, despite receiving and spending personal income during those years, and willfully attempted to evade taxes due and owing by him to the United States. For tax years 2015 through 2019, Robert J. Powell’s accounting professionals filed with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) tax filing extensions that reported zero estimated tax liabilities, on the following dates:
- a tax filing extension for tax year 2015, filed on or about April 14, 2016;
- a tax filing extension for tax year 2016, filed on or about April 12, 2017;
- a tax filing extension for tax year 2017, filed on or about March 17, 2018;
- a tax filing extension for tax year 2018, filed on or about March 10, 2019; and
- a tax filing extension for tax year 2019, filed on or about July 9, 2020.
In or about August 2019, the IRS notified Robert J. Powell that he was the subject of an IRS audit. On or about October 22, 2019, Robert J. Powell was interviewed by IRS revenue agents in the course of the audit. During that interview, Robert J. Powell made several false statements to the IRS revenue agents, to conceal his income and expenditures during tax years 2014, 2015, and 2016. Those false statements included:
- that his only sources of funds were loan advances;
- that he and his spouse did not have signature authority or control over any other bank accounts; and
- that he had no ownership in any corporations.
Harrisburg Man Charged with Narcotics Distribution and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Frederick G. Guider, age 41, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on August 7, 2024, by a federal grand jury for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances and three firearms offenses.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on October 27, 2023, in Dauphin County, Guider possessed the following controlled substances with the intent to distribute: fentanyl; psilocybin; cocaine; marijuana; and 50 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
Additionally, it is alleged that Guider possessed more than twenty firearms of varying style and caliber in furtherance of his drug trafficking. The firearms listed on the indictment include, among others, 9mm semi-automatic pistols, a 20-gauge short-barreled shotgun, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifles, and two machinegun conversion devices. It is further alleged that Guider possessed these firearms and accompanying ammunition in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Lastly, Guider is charged directly for possessing two machineguns.
This matter was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, Dauphin County Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is a life term of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Frackville Man Sentenced for Influencing A Federal Official by ThreatRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joshua Frisch, age 42, of Frackville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 7, 2024, to time served (six months) and three years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Julia K. Munley for one count of Influencing a Federal Official by Threat.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Frisch previously pled guilty to threatening federal law enforcement officers, namely FBI Agents, with the intent to interfere with those officers in the performance of their official duties. Frisch further admitted that between November 12, 2022, and November 13, 2022, he posted a series of threatening communications on multiple social media accounts, including Truth Social and X, formerly known as Twitter, which were designed to interfere with federal law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan prosecuted the case.
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Pleasant Gap Man Charged with Attempted Enticement of A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Morelli, age 55, of Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information on August 6, 2024, with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the information charges Morelli with knowingly using a facility of interstate and foreign commerce to attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in prostitution and sexual activity for which any person can be charged under Pennsylvania criminal laws, specifically aggravated indecent assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and statutory sexual assault under Pennsylvania criminal laws.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Mexican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Virgilio Cisneros-Mayo, age 45, of Mexico, was indicted on August 7, 2024, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Cisneros-Mayo was previously removed from the United States on July 12, 2021 through Brownsville, Texas, and it is alleged that he was subsequently found in the United States without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country. The indictment also alleges that on June 28, 2024, Cisneros-Mayo was encountered in York County, Pennsylvania.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Carbon County Man Charged with Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ignacio Salcido-Lopez, age 19, of Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on child pornography charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that between August 4, 2023, and April 29, 2024, in Carbon County, Salcido-Lopez received and distributed multiple images of child pornography.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Federal Inmate Sentenced to 30 Years’ Imprisonment for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lorenzo Scott, age 51, formerly of Rayville, Louisiana, and an inmate at the United States Penitentiary (USP) at Lewisburg, was sentenced on August 2, 2024, by Chief District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann, to 30 years’ imprisonment following his conviction of assault with intent to commit murder and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Scott was an inmate at USP Lewisburg on March 25, 2015, when he physically assaulted his cellmate and repeatedly struck, stomped, and inflicted blunt force trauma to the cellmate’s head resulting in severe, life- threatening injuries. A corrections officer at USP Lewisburg, who was conducting rounds at 4:00 a.m., observed Scott stomping on the cellmate’s head as the cellmate lay on the floor of the cell in a puddle of blood. The cellmate died approximately two years and two months after the assault from the injuries inflicted by Scott.
The indictment in this case originally charged Lorenzo Scott with murder. However, the charge of murder was withdrawn by the government due to existing federal caselaw regarding the “year-and-a-day-rule,” which bars a prosecution for murder in cases in which the victim dies more than a year and a day after the infliction of the wound causing the victim’s death.
During the trial, Scott testified and admitted that he intended to kill his victim, who suffered a traumatic brain injury because of Scott’s attack.
The case was investigated by the FBI-Williamsport Division and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Special Investigations Section (SIS). Assistant United States Attorneys Robert J. O’Hara and Kyle A. Moreno prosecuted the case.
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Inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Schuylkill Sentenced to 35 Months in Prison for Assault with A Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jared Sebaugh, age 36, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 1, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to serve 35 months in prison for assaulting another inmate with a dangerous weapon.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Sebaugh, formerly of Olmstead Falls, Ohio, pleaded guilty and admitted to assaulting another inmate with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. The charge stems from an incident in February 2023 in which Sebaugh assaulted another inmate with a prison-made weapon consisting of a combination lock attached to a cloth strap.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
At the time of the incident at FCI Schuylkill, Sebaugh was serving a sentence from the Northern District of Ohio for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. That sentence has since expired.
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Dauphin County Man Indicted for Controlled Substance and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Keane Jackson, age 38, of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for controlled substance and firearms offenses.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Jackson with possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possessing a firearm (.38 caliber Colt DA) in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a prohibited person.
The case was investigated by the Dauphin County Criminal Investigations Division and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the charges against Jackson is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons indicted are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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