Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 144 Months’ Imprisonment for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lee Crawford, age 62, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 5, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to 144 months’ imprisonment on the charge of conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and the charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Crawford previously pleaded guilty and admitted to conspiring with other individuals to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl in the Luzerne County area between July 2020 and February 2021. Investigators made several purchases of fentanyl from Crawford and then obtained a search warrant for Crawford’s residence in Wilkes-Barre, where an additional amount of fentanyl was seized. Crawford also admitted to a separate charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting from the search of his residence. Crawford was indicted by a grand jury sitting in Scranton in March 2021.
The charges against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Kingston Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara 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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Federal Inmate Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Assaulting and Causing Bodily Injury to Three Federal Corrections OfficersRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Thomas Waters, age 37, a federal prison inmate, was sentenced on June 5, 2024, by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 168 months’ imprisonment for three counts of assaulting a federal officer.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the evidence presented at a three day trial held in January 2024 revealed that on January 18, 2023, while an inmate at United States Penitentiary, Canaan (“USP Canaan”), in Wayne County, PA, Waters assaulted three federal corrections officers, causing bodily injury to each man. More specifically, the evidence showed that while being counseled for a rule violation, Waters repeatedly struck one corrections officer in the head with his fists. Then, during this assault, Waters disarmed the officer of his service baton and used it to strike the officer in the head. When additional corrections officers responded to assist, Waters bit two other corrections officers.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Mannion ordered that Waters’ 168-month sentence run consecutively to the federal sentence that Waters was already serving at the time of the assault.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Special Investigative Services component within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffery St John and Tatum R. Wilson prosecuted the case.
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Cumberland County Men Indicted for Firearms and Drug-Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marty Robinson, age 46, and Jordan Brown, age 35, both of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury on May 8, 2024, on charges of firearms and drug trafficking offenses.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Robinson and Brown for conspiring to make a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm and aided and abetted by each other, making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on or about June 5, 2023, Brown bought a firearm for Robinson in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and lied to a licensed dealer of firearms about being the actual buyer and transferee.
The indictment also charges Robinson with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine; possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a prohibited person on June 7, 2023, in Cumberland County.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Carlisle Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe 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 prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the indicted offenses against Robinson is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and special assessment. The maximum penalty under federal law for the indicted offenses against Brown is 15 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 charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Former Scranton Police Officer and Police Union President Sentenced to Imprisonment for Federal Program Fraud in Connection with Overtime Patrol Shifts at Scranton Area Housing ComplexesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Paul Helring, age 48, a former Scranton police officer and the former elected police union president, was sentenced on June 4, 2024, by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 6 months’ imprisonment and a 2-year term of supervised release for the offense of Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, from approximately March 2021 to May 2022, while serving as the coordinator of Scranton Police Department’s extra duty overtime program, Helring knowingly obtained by fraud over $5,000.00 in compensation that was paid to him for certain extra duty patrol shifts at local, Scranton-area, lower-income housing complexes that Helring claimed to work but did not in fact work. In all, the investigation found a total of 526 hours that Helring claimed to work patrolling the complexes but that he did not actually work. At his sentencing, Helring was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $17,831.40 and to pay a fine of $5000.00. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service as a condition of his supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Public Corruption Task Force with assistance from the Office of Inspector General within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffery St John and Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
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Pittsburgh Woman Sentenced to 30 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carla Brown, age 45, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 31, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner, to 30 months’ imprisonment following her conviction on the charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the charges stem from an investigation in which the Pennsylvania State Police made a traffic stop on May 14, 2020, in Lebanon County, of a vehicle in which Brown was an occupant. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 350 grams of cocaine, and $5,020 in U.S. currency.
The driver of the vehicle, William Shaw, was convicted on the charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment.
The charge against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Scott R. Ford 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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Adams County Man Sentenced for Straw Purchasing FirearmsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Donovyn Lee Smallwood, age 25, of McSherrystown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 29, 2024, to 12 months and one day imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson following his conviction for straw purchasing four firearms for individuals who were prohibited from possessing firearms.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Smallwood previously pleaded guilty to these offenses, which involved Smallwood’s purchase of a total of four 9mm handguns on two separate occasions in September 2021 from a licensed firearms dealer. At the time of the purchases, Smallwood falsely stated that he was the actual purchaser. One of the firearms was subsequently used in a homicide and a separate carjacking.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Baltimore Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams prosecuted the case.
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Federal Inmate and Texas Resident Charged with Attempting to Introduce Fentanyl into A United States PenitentiaryRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Julian Beavers, age 37, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary in Canaan (USP Canaan), Wayne County, Pennsylvania, and Feniqua Walker, age 30, Fort Worth, Texas, were indicted on May 28, 2024, by a federal grand jury on charges for attempting to provide fentanyl to an inmate at USP Canaan.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that between January 13, 2023 and April 13, 2023, Beavers and Walker attempted to provide fentanyl to an inmate at USP Canaan and Beavers also attempted to possess the fentanyl.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Special Investigative Services Unit at USP Canaan. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenn P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each 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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Bronx Man Charged with Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Rodriguez, age 62, of Bronx, New York, was indicted on May 28, 2024, by a federal grand jury on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that in December of 2023, Rodriguez utilized false identification documents to withdraw and attempt to withdraw roughly $50,000 from customer accounts at multiple banks throughout Lycoming, Tioga, and Centre Counties. The indictment also alleges that Rodriguez unlawfully possessed means of identification of at least four bank customers in connection with the fraudulent scheme.
This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service (USSS). Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the bank fraud offense is 30 years of imprisonment, 5 years of supervised released, and a $1,000,000 fine. The aggravated identity theft offense imposes an additional 2-year term of 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.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Lancaster County Woman Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Moniqua Ramirez, age 44, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 40 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson following her conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Ramirez conspired with others to smuggle kilograms of cocaine into Central Pennsylvania through the U.S. Mail. The cocaine was shipped in Puerto Rico and mailed to various drop locations in Lancaster, where the parcels were retrieved by conspirators for further distribution. They also engaged in street level drug trafficking, including selling heroin and fentanyl to customers. The conspirators transported cash back to Puerto Rico in furtherance of the trafficking. A jury convicted Ramirez of conspiracy to traffic cocaine after a three-day jury trial that concluded in November 2023.
Ramirez’s coconspirators, Jonathan Lopez Arizmendi, Ricardo Soto, Ricky Sanchez, Angel Leon-Rivera, Omar Carmenaty Morales, and Lucas Doel Gonzalez-Alvarado, pleaded guilty. They were sentenced as follows:
- Jonathan Arizmendi was sentenced to 150 months in prison.
- Ricardo Soto was sentenced to 46 months in prison.
- Ricky Sanchez was sentenced to 36 months in prison.
- Lucas Doel Gonzalez-Alvarado was sentenced to 97 months in prison.
Angel Leon-Rivera and Omar Carmenaty Morales are awaiting sentencing.
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 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Lancaster County Drug Task Force and York County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
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Dominican Republic Native Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Rodriguez-Ortiz, age 36, native and citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for distribution of fentanyl and illegal reentry by a previously deported alien following an aggravated felony conviction. Rodriguez-Ortiz will again face deportation following his term of imprisonment.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Rodriguez-Ortiz was previously deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic in 2013. He illegally reentered the United States again sometime after December 2013 and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Investigators made two separate purchases of fentanyl from Rodriguez-Ortiz and then obtained a search warrant for Rodriguez-Ortiz’s residence, where several bundles of fentanyl, several thousand dollars in cash, packaging material, multiple cell phones, packaged pills, edibles, and multiple firearms, including some with obliterated serial numbers, were found. At the time of the fentanyl sales and Rodriguez-Ortiz’s arrest, he was using an alias.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case.
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.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Commends the Release of Framework for Prosecutors to Strengthen National Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam of the Middle District of Pennsylvania commends the announcement of the Department of Justice’s new resource for prosecutors, “Framework for Prosecutors to Strengthen Our National Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Involving Adult Victims.”
The announcement was made on May 20, 2024, in Dallas, TX, at the Conference on Crimes Against Women by Rosemarie Hidalgo, Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). The guide, written by prosecutors for prosecutors, sets out five principles that, if implemented, will lead to better outcomes for victims, safer communities, and greater accountability for perpetrators of sexual assault and domestic violence.
“Our office remains steadfast in strengthening our commitment to support victims and pursue criminals who commit crimes of sexual assault and domestic violence,” said U.S. Attorney Karam. “The new framework released yesterday will allow our prosecutors and victim specialists to take a more trauma-informed approach and thoroughly investigate and prosecute such heinous crimes.”
“The framework reaffirms our commitment to expanding access to justice for all survivors, who deserve respect and the right to be heard,” said the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Director Rosie Hidalgo. “Enhancing the prosecution response to sexual assault and domestic violence in a trauma-informed manner is a key piece in ending gender-based violence, as part of a broader coordinated community response that includes services and support for survivors, and can have a real, immediate impact on the safety of survivors and entire communities.”
Declinations of meritorious allegations may result from misconceptions about how crimes involving sexual assault and domestic violence are committed and reported, how victims give their accounts, and the evidence required to prove their accounts. This guide equips prosecutors to build provable cases by: (1) relying on the evidentiary value of the victim’s account to frame the investigation; (2) meeting with victims and working with investigators and victim specialists to do so; (3) using the law and evidentiary rules effectively; (4) being thoughtful about what justice and accountability look like; and (5) sustaining a productive, healthy, and committed workforce by redefining success– all of which are rooted in a prosecutor’s primary obligation to seek the truth and uphold the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law.
More than 120 state, Tribal, military, and federal prosecutors, as well as advocates, academics, and investigators from an array of jurisdictions were consulted in developing this guide. This guide is designed to encourage prosecutors with all levels of experience to implement its principles when evaluating, investigating, and prosecuting allegations involving sexual assault and domestic violence. In conjunction with the release of the new framework, OVW launched a new webpage with resources designed to assist prosecutors in implementing its principles. The framework further serves as a complement to the Justice Department’s 2022 updated guidance on Improving Law Enforcement Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence by Identifying and Preventing Gender Bias.
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OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW funds national training and technical assistance and undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
Carbon County Man Sentenced to 132 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Curtis Margle, age 34, of Lehighton, Carbon County, was sentenced on May 21, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to 132 months’ imprisonment on the charge of possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Margle pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing between 200 grams and 350 grams of high-quality crystal methamphetamine for distribution in the Schuylkill County and Carbon County areas in 2022. The charges stem from an investigation in which investigators made a purchase of crystal methamphetamine from Margle in March 2022 in Schuylkill County and later seized an additional quantity of crystal methamphetamine from Margle.
The charges against Margle resulted from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is 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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Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andrew Pope, age 45, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 15, 2024, to 120 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, and over 50 grams of methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between May 2021 and April 2022, Pope was involved in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of multiple different types of drugs throughout Luzerne County.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Hardik 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. 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.
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Luzerne County Man Charged with Threatening to Murder the PresidentRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jordan Gee, age 37, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of threats against the President and interstate communications with a threat.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Gee posted several videos on the Internet shortly before President Joseph Biden’s visit to Scranton, Pennsylvania, for a campaign event on April 16, 2024. In those videos, Gee made several threats to the President and others, including, “Joe Biden: I’m going to kill you and your whole cabinet,” and, “If you come to my city in Scranton, Pennsylvania, I’m cutting your f**king head off in front of everybody; I promise.”
This matter is being investigated by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses 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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Colombia Native Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Leonardo Moreno Bernal, age 42, of Colombia, was indicted 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 Moreno Bernal was previously removed from the United States on August 27, 2012, 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 April 25, 2024, Moreno Bernal was encountered in Centre County, Pennsylvania.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson 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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CEO of Clean Energy Company Sentenced to 72 Months’ Imprisonment for Fraud, Identity Theft, Money Laundering, and Obstruction of Justice OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced James Abrams, age 41, of Easley, South Carolina, to 72 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. In June 2023, Abrams was convicted following a nine-day jury trial of all 48 counts in an indictment charging wire and mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, money laundering, unlawful monetary transactions, obstruction of justice, and false statement offenses.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Abrams was the Chief Executive Officer of EthosGen LLC, a company operating in the clean energy industry. The evidence at trial showed that in 2017 and 2018, Abrams provided extensive forged documents and false information to induce several investors to invest $1,100,000 in his company. The false documentation included forged teaming agreements and intellectual property licenses, where Abrams substituted his and EthosGen LLC’s name for other companies and individuals, claiming that EthosGen LLC owned technology it did not own. During a pre-investment due diligence process, Abrams also provided forged tax returns and false financial statements that fabricated an existing customer base, and inflated EthosGen LLC’s historical revenues, business activity, and profitability, thereby making it a more attractive investment. Abrams further provided forged contracts and purchase orders to potential investors, in which he claimed to have a revenue stream that, in reality, belonged to other companies. Following an initial investment of $900,000, Abrams provided additional forged contracts and false customer sales documentation to induce an investor to advance another $200,000 to EthosGen LLC.
As a result of those activities, the jury convicted Abrams of 18 counts of wire fraud, and one count of mail fraud. The jury also convicted Abrams of five counts of aggravated identity theft based on his forging multiple individuals’ signatures and using their personal information on falsified documentation, without their authorization.
The evidence at trial also showed that Abrams used approximately $800,000 of the investors’ money to purchase a personal residence in Easley, South Carolina. To conceal his financial activities, Abrams transferred $700,000 of the funds through a series of five bank accounts under his control, and opened in the names of shell companies, before purchasing the residence. He then lied to investors and to his own financial professionals, claiming that he used the funds to purchase company inventory for EthosGen LLC. Abrams provided investors with falsified company reports, certifications, and accounting records to corroborate his misrepresentations about the use of the investment funds. He also provided forged bank account statements and false information to both of EthosGen LLC’s sequential Chief Financial Officers, and to its accounting professionals. In reliance on those forgeries and lies, the accounting professionals unknowingly included false entries in EthosGen LLC’s books and records. As a result of those actions, the jury convicted Abrams of one count of money laundering, and 12 counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions.
The evidence at trial further showed that, upon becoming aware of the Internal Revenue Service’s criminal investigation, Abrams took several steps to obstruct investigators. Namely, he used misrepresentations and forged bank statements to induce EthosGen LLC financial professionals to create false documents and accounting records that purported to classify his embezzlement of investor funds as a shareholder loan. Abrams also met with investigators on two occasions and provided materially false statements in response to their questions. Those false statements included lies about purchasing inventory for EthosGen LLC, that EthosGen LLC owed him $800,000, that he provided his investors with truthful information when they evaluated his company during a due diligence process, and that he was ignorant about the origin of multiple forged contracts that he sent to investors. As a result of those activities, the jury convicted Abrams of four counts of obstruction of justice, and seven counts of providing false statements to federal investigators.
As part of the sentence, Judge Mannion ordered Abrams to pay the victims of his crimes $1,100,000 in restitution. Judge Mannion also ordered the forfeiture of the residence Abrams purchased in Easley, South Carolina, with the proceeds of his fraud.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip J. Caraballo and Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
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Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Emile Occean, age 38, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment by United Sates District Court Judge Malachy Mannion for distributing methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Occean distributed methamphetamine in Luzerne County on March 31, 2022, and April 12, 2022. Occean was deemed to be a career offender for sentencing purposes because he had two prior drug distribution convictions, two robbery convictions and a burglary conviction in his prior record.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts 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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Two Men Charged with Trafficking in Stolen Human RemainsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Angelo Pereyra, age 39, of Wichita, Kansas, and Andrew Ensanian, age 38, of Montgomery, Pennsylvania, were charged today by Criminal Information with interstate transport of stolen goods.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the information alleges that between 2018 and 2022, Pereyra and Ensanian caused stolen human remains to be transported between Kansas and Pennsylvania.
These charges resulted from a multi-year investigation into the nationwide trafficking of stolen human remains. Multiple defendants have been charged previously in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and three have thus far entered guilty pleas. An additional defendant has been charged and convicted in Arkansas. None have yet been sentenced.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case.
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.
Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Mexico Native Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gustavo Nabor Tolentino Cortes, age 46, of Mexico, was indicted yesterday 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 Tolentino Cortes was previously removed from the United States on January 24, 2018. The indictment further alleges that Tolentino Cortes unlawfully reentered the United States without legal permission, and was subsequently discovered in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Sarah R. Lloyd 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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York County Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marcos Fernandez Rivera, age 27, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 30 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Christopher C. Conner following his conviction for conspiring and attempting to traffic cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Rivera previously pleaded guilty to those crimes, which stemmed from, among other things, the seizure of a parcel that contained one kilogram of cocaine concealed inside of a boardgame box, the seizure of cash, and evidence obtained from cell phones revealing that Rivera was communicating with codefendant Gregory Ruiz Mercado about other packages.
Judge Conner also ordered Rivera to pay a fine and special assessment, and to serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence. Ruiz Mercado was sentenced on February 26, 2024, to 30 months’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johnny Baer and K. Wesley Mishoe.
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 Charged with Commercial BriberyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose L. Ortiz, age 48, of Drums, Pennsylvania, was charged May 8, 2024, in a criminal Information with conspiring to commit honest services fraud.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the Information alleges that, during his tenure as a manager and director at a Pennsylvania food services company from 2014 to 2021, Ortiz and his coconspirators accepted cash bribes and other things of value from other coconspirators who owned and operated Global Staffing Services, Inc. and Penns Independent Staffing. Global Staffing Services, Inc. and Penns Independent Staffing were two companies that leased temporary employees to Ortiz’s company. In exchange for the kickbacks, Ortiz and his coconspirators entered contracts with and hired the temporary employees of the two staffing companies. Allegedly, over $18,000,000 were paid to the two staffing companies, in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks. Ortiz allegedly received approximately $200,000 of those cash kickbacks.
Six other individuals were previously prosecuted in this investigation:
- Mark Holmes, age 66, of Hughes Springs, Texas, pleaded guilty to accepting, as the General Manager of the Pennsylvania food services company, approximately $400,000 in bribes and kickbacks from Global Staffing Services, Inc. and Penns Independent Staffing, in exchange for hiring their employees. The two temporary staffing companies, in turn, received approximately $7,800,000 from Holmes’s employer. Holmes also pleaded guilty to failing to remit approximately $135,000 in employment taxes to the IRS that were owed by Encore Staffing Solutions LLC, another temporary staffing company that he owned and operated. Encore Staffing Solutions LLC leased temporary employees to manufacturing businesses throughout Pennsylvania. Holmes awaits sentencing.
- Madeline Nieves, age 49, of Plains, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to a tax fraud conspiracy. Nieves conspired with other individuals to defraud the IRS, from 2018 to 2020, in connection with staffing company Encore Staffing Solutions LLC, which she owned and operated. Nieves failed to report Encore Staffing Solutions LLC employee wages to the IRS, resulting in approximately $67,000 in employment taxes owed, but never paid, by Encore to the IRS. Nieves also failed to report her own personal income from Encore Staffing Solutions LLC to the IRS. Nieves was sentenced to 15 months of imprisonment.
- Nari Lam, age 31, of Wilmington, Delaware, pleaded guilty to failing to remit employment taxes to the IRS. From 2016 through 2020, Nari Lam, as the owner of temporary staffing company Penns Independent Staffing, failed to pay approximately $300,000 in employment taxes owed by Penns Independent Staffing to the IRS. Nari Lam was sentenced to three years of probation.
- Danny Sing, age 60, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to conspiring with other individuals to evade federal income taxes for approximately $1,600,000 in wages paid by Global Staffing Services, Inc. to its employees, and to failing to withhold and remit approximately $1,360,000 in federal employment taxes to the IRS. Danny Sing and his coconspirators paid Global Staffing Services, Inc. employees in cash, paid themselves in cash, and cashed all checks received from Global Staffing Services, Inc.’s clients, to conceal the income and wages from the IRS. The criminal activities occurred between 2013 and 2020. Sing also pleaded guilty to providing in excess of approximately $400,000 in bribes and kickbacks to managers and supervisors at Global Staffing Services, Inc.’s client, to obtain business for Global Staffing Services, Inc. Sing awaits sentencing.
- Den Lam, age 49, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged in an information alleging that he conspired with other individuals to evade federal income taxes for approximately $1,600,000 in wages paid by Global Staffing Services, Inc. to its employees. Den Lam also was charged with failing to withhold and remit approximately $1,360,000 in federal employment taxes owed, but never paid, by Global Staffing Services, Inc. to the IRS.
- Jason R. Bonnewell, age 41, of North Abington Township, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to accepting, as a supervisor of the Pennsylvania food services company, approximately $150,000 in bribes and kickbacks from Global Staffing Services, Inc. and Penns Independent Staffing, in exchange for hiring their employees. The two temporary staffing companies, in turn, received approximately $13,000,000 from Bonnewell’s employer. Bonnewell also pleaded guilty to failing to disclose cash income on his personal tax returns. Bonnewell awaits sentencing.
The cases were investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigations Division. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.
The maximum penalty under federal law 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 and Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Pottsville Man Sentenced to 96 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Allateef Alkamil Ali-White (“White”), age 43, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 7, 2024, by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to 96 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year period of supervised release, for methamphetamine trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, during July 2022, in Schuylkill County, and elsewhere, White conspired to distribute over five pounds (2,336 grams) of a substance containing methamphetamine, which he was to receive through the United States mail from a supply source in California. The package containing the narcotics was intercepted by law enforcement prior to its final delivery to a location in Pottsville near White’s residence.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John 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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Monroe County Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Make Straw Purchases of FirearmsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Yesenia Ramos, age 44, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on May 5, 2024, before United States District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to the charge of conspiracy to make false statements in connection with the purchases of multiple firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Ramos admitted to conspiring with Windall Mitchell, age 34, of East Stroudsburg, to provide false information to federally licensed firearms dealers regarding the purchases of fifteen firearms between May 15, 2021, and June 14, 2022, in Monroe County. The firearms were purchased from various federally licensed firearms dealers in Monroe County. The investigation began after one of the purchased firearms was recovered from another individual by police in New York City.
Windall Mitchell previously entered a guilty plea to the charge of conspiracy to make false statements in connection with the purchases of multiple firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers. On April 30, 2024, Judge Munley sentenced Mitchell to serve 30 months’ imprisonment.
The charge against the defendants resulted from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara 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 conspiring to make false statements to firearms dealers is 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.
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Harrisburg Drug Trafficker Convicted of Hiring Gunmen to Protect Thousands of Pounds of Marijuana Through the U.S. MailRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on May 6, 2024, Christopher Texidor, age 36, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was convicted following a jury trial of trafficking over 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of marijuana and hiring gunmen to protect his illegal activities. The trial, held before United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, spanned six days, and the jury deliberated for approximately four hours before returning its verdict.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between October 2018 and May 2020, Texidor and his codefendants operated a marijuana smuggling operation out of Fastlane Auto Sales, a used car lot located on Paxton Street in Harrisburg. Texidor and his codefendants arranged to have his drug source in California mail hundreds of parcels full of marijuana to Harrisburg through the U.S. Mail. In the same way, they regularly mailed tens of thousands of dollars in cash back to the California source. Texidor and his codefendants used a sophisticated system of GPS tracking devices, which they placed in their parcels, to keep track of their drugs and money. Through this the scheme, over 9,000 thousand pounds of suspected marijuana parcels, worth millions of dollars, were brought to the Harrisburg area.
Texidor and his codefendants used guns, robbery, and kidnapping as tools to keep their criminal operation running. At the trial, the jury heard evidence of the violence Texidor and his codefendants used to try and stop a thief from stealing their marijuana. In late 2019, a thief began stealing their marijuana from parcels shipped to them. By using tracking devices in their parcels and attaching tracking devices to vehicles, they identified the person that they suspected was stealing their marijuana. Texidor and his codefendants then hired gunmen to stop the thefts. From December 2019 to February 2020, the gunmen went after the suspected thief. In December the gunmen shot up a truck in Harrisburg connected to the suspected thief; they shot into an occupied home in Susquehanna Township where the suspected thief was sleeping; and they shot into an occupied home in Steelton that they guessed was connected to the suspected thief. In February 2020, they robbed the suspected thief at gunpoint in Highspire.
The jury convicted Texidor of conspiracy to traffic more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, conspiracy to use a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, use of a means in interstate communication to commit a crime of violence, and drug trafficking. Sentencing has not been scheduled.
Texidor’s codefendants, William Kuduk, Jonathan Cobaugh, Justin Laboy, Jose Laboy, and Julio Arellano have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Codefendant Jamie Valenzuela pleaded guilty to being the marijuana source from California. He was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office, and the Susquehanna Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio and Scott Ford prosecuted the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses are 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.
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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Justice Department Files Statement of Interest Supporting Individuals’ Right to Sue Under Voting Rights Act of 1965Read the Press Release
SCRANTON – The Justice Department announced that it has filed a statement of interest in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania supporting the right of private plaintiffs to bring a lawsuit to enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. This filing is one of many recent briefs by the Justice Department supporting the longstanding principle that private plaintiffs are authorized to bring lawsuits to vindicate important rights protected by the Voting Rights Act.
“The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, and it is the right on which all other rights depend,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Since the enactment of the landmark Voting Rights Act in 1965 to protect this precious right, private parties have enforced the law in courts across this county, enabling countless Americans to vote free from unlawful discrimination. The Justice Department will continue vigorously enforcing the Voting Rights Act and defending the right of private citizens and organizations to do the same.”
“The Voting Rights Act gives private citizens a voice to stand up to unlawful voting discrimination by their government,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “My office will continue to enforce the civil rights statutes like the Voting Rights Act, and proudly partners with the Civil Rights Division in protecting a private citizens’ right to enforce that Act.”
The department filed its statement of interest in Aquino and Lopez v. Hazleton Area School District, a case in which plaintiffs allege the at-large method of electing the nine-member school board of directors unlawfully dilutes the ability of Hispanic voters to elect candidates of their choice. The school district seeks to dismiss the case, arguing that private parties like the plaintiffs are not able to file lawsuits under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The department’s statement of interest argues that private parties may enforce the Voting Rights Act directly, as well as through another civil rights law ton which plaintiffs often rely.
The Justice Department has filed 18 statements of interest and amicus briefs in federal district courts and courts of appeals since January 2021 supporting the right of private parties to file suits under the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act to protect the right to vote. In all, since January 2021, the Justice Department has filed 32 statements of interest in courts across the country to protect the right to vote.
More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Individuals may report possible violations of the federal voting rights laws through the Civil Rights Division’s website at ciilrights.justice.gov or by telephone toll-free at 800-253-3931.
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Staffing Company to Pay $2.7M for Alleged Failure to Provide Adequate Cybersecurity for COVID-19 Contact Tracing DataRead the Press Release
Insight Global LLC, headquartered in Atlanta has agreed to pay $2.7 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to implement adequate cybersecurity measures to protect health information obtained during COVID-19 contact tracing.
The United States alleged that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania Department of Health hired Insight Global to provide staffing for COVID-19 contact tracing and paid Insight Global using funds from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Insight Global understood that personal health information of contact tracing subjects needed to be kept confidential and secure, but it failed to do so. For example, certain personal health information and/or personally identifiable information of contact tracing subjects was transmitted in the body of unencrypted emails, staff used shared passwords to access such information, and such information was stored and transmitted using Google files that were not password protected and were potentially accessible to the public via internet links.
The United States further alleged that from November 2020 through January 2021, Insight Global managers received complaints from Insight Global staff that such information was unsecure and potentially accessible to the public, but Insight Global failed to start remediating the issue until April 2021. At that point, Insight Global addressed the issue, including by securing such information, investigating the cause and scope of the incident, strengthening internal controls and procedures, adding more data-security resources and issuing a public notice regarding the scope of the potential exposure and offering free credit monitoring and identity protection services to those affected. Insight Global also cooperated with the United States’ investigation.
“The resolution announced today reflects our continuing commitment to ensure that government contractors fulfill their cybersecurity obligations,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Failure to do so can compromise sensitive information of individuals and the government. The Justice Department will hold accountable those contractors who knowingly fail to satisfy cybersecurity requirements.”
“We will continue to work tirelessly here in the Middle District of Pennsylvania to make sure that those who do business with the government fulfill their commitments,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “Increasingly, cybersecurity is a critical part of most, if not all, federally funded contracts. We are thankful for the support of HHS-OIG and their assistance in investigating this case.”
“Contractors for the government who do not follow procedures to safeguard individuals’ personal health information will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to protecting the American public and the security of their personal health data.”
On Oct. 6, 2021, the Deputy Attorney General announced the department’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative, which aims to hold accountable entities or individuals that put sensitive information at risk by knowingly providing deficient cybersecurity products or services, knowingly misrepresenting their cybersecurity practices or protocols, or knowingly violating obligations to monitor and report cybersecurity incidents. Information on how to report cyber fraud can be found here.
The United States’ investigation was prompted by a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that defendants submitted false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, Terralyn Williams Seilkop, a former Insight Global staff member who worked on the contact tracing at issue, to receive a $499,500 share of the settlement amount. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Seilkop v. Insight Global LLC, No. 1:21-cv-1335 (M.D. Pa.).
Senior Trial Counsel Albert P. Mayer of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara J. Haken for the Middle District of Pennsylvania handled this matter, with assistance from HHS-OIG.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
SettlementStaffing Company to Pay $2.7 Million for Alleged Failure to Provide Adequate Cybersecurity for COVID-19 Contact Tracing DataRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - Insight Global LLC, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has agreed to pay $2,700,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to provide adequate cybersecurity to protect health information obtained during COVID-19 contact tracing.
The United States alleged that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania Department of Health hired Insight Global to provide staffing for COVID-19 contact tracing, and paid Insight Global using funds from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Insight Global understood that personal health information of contact tracing subjects needed to be kept confidential and secure, but it failed to do so. For example, certain personal health information and/or personally identifiable information of contact tracing subjects was transmitted in the body of unencrypted emails, staff used shared passwords to access such information, and such information was stored and transmitted using Google files that were not password protected and were potentially accessible to the public via internet links.
The United States further alleged that from November 2020 through January 2021, Insight Global managers received complaints from Insight Global staff that such information was unsecure and potentially accessible to the public, but Insight Global failed to start remediating the issue until April 2021. At that point, Insight Global addressed the issue, including by securing such information, investigating the cause and scope of the incident, strengthening internal controls and procedures, adding more data-security resources, and issuing a public notice regarding the scope of the potential exposure and offering free credit monitoring and identity protection services to those affected. Insight Global also cooperated with the United States’ investigation.
“The resolution announced today reflects our continuing commitment to ensure that government contractors fulfill their cybersecurity obligations,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Failure to do so can compromise sensitive information of individuals and the government. The Justice Department will hold accountable those contractors who knowingly fail to satisfy cybersecurity requirements.”
“We will continue to work tirelessly here in the Middle District of Pennsylvania to make sure that those who do business with the government fulfill their commitments,” said United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam. “Increasingly, cybersecurity is a critical part of most, if not all, federally funded contracts. We are thankful for the support of HHS-OIG and their assistance in investigating this case.”
“Contractors for the government who do not follow procedures to safeguard individuals’ personal health information will be held accountable,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to protecting the American public and the security of their personal health data.”
On October 6, 2021, the Deputy Attorney General announced the Department’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative, which aims to hold accountable entities or individuals that put sensitive information at risk by knowingly providing deficient cybersecurity products or services, knowingly misrepresenting their cybersecurity practices or protocols, or knowingly violating obligations to monitor and report cybersecurity incidents. Information on how to report cyber fraud can be found here.
The United States’ investigation was prompted by a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that defendants submitted false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, Terralyn Williams Seilkop, a former Insight Global staff member who worked on the contact tracing at issue, to receive a $499,500 share of the settlement amount. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Seilkop v. Insight Global LLC, No. 1:21-cv-1335 (M.D. Pa.).
This matter is being handled by Senior Trial Counsel Albert P. Mayer of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Tamara J. Haken of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Justice Department Files Statement of Interest Supporting Private Citizens’ Right to Sue Under Voting Rights Act of 1965Read the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced that it has filed a statement of interest in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania supporting the right of private plaintiffs to bring a lawsuit to enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. This filing is one of many recent briefs by the Justice Department supporting the longstanding principle that private plaintiffs are authorized to bring lawsuits to vindicate important rights protected by the Voting Rights Act.
“The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, and it is the right on which all other rights depend,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Since the enactment of the landmark Voting Rights Act in 1965 to protect this precious right, private parties have enforced the law in courts across this country, enabling countless Americans to vote free from unlawful discrimination. The Justice Department will continue vigorously enforcing the Voting Rights Act and defending the right of private citizens and organizations to do the same.”
“The Voting Rights Act gives private citizens a voice to stand up to unlawful voting discrimination by their government,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “My office will continue to enforce the civil rights statutes like the Voting Rights Act, and proudly partners with the Civil Rights Division in protecting a private citizens’ right to enforce that Act.”
The department filed its statement of interest in Aquino and Lopez v. Hazleton Area School District, a case in which plaintiffs allege the at-large method of electing the nine-member school board of directors unlawfully dilutes the ability of Hispanic voters to elect candidates of their choice. The school district seeks to dismiss the case, arguing that private parties like the plaintiffs are not able to file lawsuits under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The department’s statement of interest argues that private parties may enforce the Voting Rights Act directly, as well as through another civil rights law on which plaintiffs often rely.
The Justice Department has filed 18 statements of interest and amicus briefs in federal district courts and courts of appeals since January 2021 supporting the right of private parties to file suits under the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act to protect the right to vote. In all, since January 2021, the Justice Department has filed 32 statements of interest in courts across the country to protect the right to vote.
More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Individuals may report possible violations of the federal voting rights laws through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone toll-free at 800-253-3931.
Honduran National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Doanin Reyes-Diaz, age 24, of Honduras, was indicted today 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 Reyes-Diaz was previously removed from the United States on September 3, 2019, 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 March 16, 2024, Reyes-Garcia was encountered in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
This case 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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Guatemalan 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 Oseas Froilan Gomez-Tebalan, age 29, a Citizen of Guatemala, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for illegally reentering the United States.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Gomez-Tebalan was previously removed from the United States on March 18, 2017, through Phoenix, Arizona, 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 March 21, 2024, Gomez-Tebalan was encountered in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for the charged offenses is 20 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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Cumberland County Men Charged with Drug Trafficking and Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William L. Nalley Jr., age 27, of Boiling Springs, PA, and Rafael Orihuela, age 22, of Carlisle, PA, were indicted today by a federal grand jury on charges related to the distribution of controlled substances and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Nalley possessed with the intent to distribute marijuana, lysergic acid diethylamide, and psilocin. It is also alleged that Nalley possessed two firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. The indictment further alleges that Orihuela maintained a premise for the purpose of unlawfully storing, distributing, and using the controlled substances listed above.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Middlesex Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty Nalley faces under federal law for these offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Orihuela faces a maximum penalty of twenty 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 are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Wilkes-Barre Accountant Pleads Guilty to 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, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to wire fraud.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the criminal Information to which Malachefski pleaded guilty alleges that, from approximately March 2023 to June 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 possession and use.
Malachefski acknowledged that the monetary loss attributable to his conduct was greater than $1.5 million and that he abused a position of private trust in a manner that significantly facilitated the commission of his crime. Malachefski also agreed to make restitution to the victim-company in the amount of $1,586,557.45.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John 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.
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Lebanon County Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Online ExtortionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Anthony Zayas, age 35, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo following his conviction for extortion by interstate communication.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Zayas previously pleaded guilty to this offense, which involved Zayas’s efforts in the fall of 2022 to coerce a victim to pay $150,000 under the threat that Zayas would publicize intimate photos and images of the victim if they did not comply. In a sentencing memorandum, Zayas asked Judge Rambo to sentence him to house arrest in lieu of prison, but Judge Rambo rejected that request and ordered that Zayas report to prison in June 2024 to begin serving his sentence.
Judge Rambo also ordered Zayas to pay $850 in fines and assessments and to serve one year of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian T. Haugsby.
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Inmate at FCI Schuylkill Pleads Guilty to Assaulting A Correctional OfficerRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carlos Rodriguez-Cruz, age 33, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on April 29, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to the charge of assaulting a federal correctional officer.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Rodriguez-Cruz, formerly of Puerto Rico, admitted to punching a correctional officer on October 6, 2023, at FCI Schuylkill, after an incident in which the officer conducted a search of the cell of Rodriguez-Cruz and removed items of contraband from the cell.
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 is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law is up to 8 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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East Stroudsburg Man Sentenced to 30 Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Make Straw Purchases of FirearmsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Windall Mitchell, age 34, of East Stroudsburg, Monroe County, was sentenced on April 30, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to 30 months’ imprisonment on the charge of conspiracy to make false statements in connection with the purchases of multiple firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Mitchell previously pleaded guilty and admitted to conspiring with his co-defendant, Yesenia Ramos, age 43, of Stroudsburg, to provide false information to federally licensed firearms dealers regarding the purchases of ten firearms between May 15, 2021, and June 14, 2022, in Monroe County. The firearms were purchased from various federally licensed firearms dealers in Monroe County. The investigation began after one of the purchased firearms was recovered from another individual by police in New York City.
The charges against Ramos are still pending.
The charge against the defendants resulted from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara 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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Sunbury Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Failing to Comply with Sex Offender Registration RequirementsRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Xavier Josey, age 33, of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison on the charge of failing to comply with sex-offender registration requirements.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Josey was required to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act due to a 2013 conviction for indecent liberties with a child in North Carolina, but failed to do so upon establishing a residence in Pennsylvania. The indictment charged that Josey traveled interstate to Pennsylvania, established a residence in Sunbury, but failed to register or update his sex offender registration information in Pennsylvania as required by the law.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Court Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann also ordered that Josey be supervised by a probation officer for five years following his release from prison, that he undergo sex-offender treatment, and that he comply with all registration requirements of the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act.
The charges were the result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service – Harrisburg office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scalera.
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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FCI Schuylkill Inmate Pleads Guilty to Assault with A Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jared Sebaugh, age 36, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on April 26, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Sebaugh, formerly of Olmstead Falls, Ohio, admitted to assaulting another inmate with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. The charges stem 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 is prosecuting the case.
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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each charge is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
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Montgomery County Man Sentenced to 19 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tylee Brown, age 39, of Norristown, Montgomery County, was sentenced on April 23, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to 19 years’ imprisonment on the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Brown previously pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing between 1.5 kilograms and 5 kilograms of high-quality crystal methamphetamine for further distribution in the Susquehanna County area in April 2020. On April 30, 2020, the Pennsylvania State Police apprehended Brown in Susquehanna County and seized approximately four pounds of crystal methamphetamine from a vehicle in which Brown was traveling. Brown had traveled from Montgomery County to distribute the crystal methamphetamine to other individuals in Susquehanna County. Brown was indicted by a grand jury in Scranton for methamphetamine trafficking in October 2020.
The charges against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara 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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Lackawanna County Woman Indicted for Production and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mykayliah Hevener, age 25, of Carbondale, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 23, 2024, for production and distribution of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that in 2023, Hevener both produced and distributed child sexual abuse material in the form of images and videos of herself engaging in sexual contact with a toddler.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 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 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, Complaints, 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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York County Man Indicted on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Isiah Smith, age 59, of York, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 3, 2024, by a federal grand jury for firearms offenses.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that, on or about December 7, 2022, Smith possessed an unregistered firearm, without a serial number, and transferred the firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act. Additionally, Smith allegedly possessed ammunition when he was prohibited by law from doing so.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the York County Drug Task Force, and the York County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the indicted offenses is a combined 45 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 charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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York County Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eliezer Almanzar, age 34, of York County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 17, 2024, by a federal grand jury with child pornography offenses.
According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Almanzar is charged with two counts of sexually exploiting a child to produce child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Penn Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
The 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 upon conviction for the charged offenses is 160 years imprisonment, a lifetime term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, a statutory assessment, 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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Justice Department to Monitor Polls in Pennsylvania for Compliance with Federal Voting Rights LawsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced that it is monitoring today’s election in Berks, Luzerne and Philadelphia Counties, Pennsylvania, to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws.
The Civil Rights Division enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The division regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the division also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Act and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.
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York County Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Porfirio Peralta-Nunez, age 45, of York, PA, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to U.S. Attorney Gerard Karam, the indictment alleges that between November 2022 and October 2023, Peralta-Nunez engaged in a conspiracy to traffic cocaine into York County. The indictment further alleges that on October 23, 2023, Peralta-Nunez possessed five kilograms or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute the controlled substance.
The case was investigated by the York County Drug Task Force, along with the Drug Enforcement Agency and the York City Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Monroe 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 for the offenses is life imprisonment, a five-year term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $10,000,000 fine. A sentence for each of these offenses also includes a period of supervised release following imprisonment.
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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Dauphin County Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jaquan Ardrey, age 30, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for methamphetamine trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Ardrey with two counts of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Dauphin and Cumberland Counties.
The charges resulted from an investigation by the FBI Capital City Safe Streets Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police, Harrisburg City Police, and Cumberland County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera 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.
Under federal law, Ardrey faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, a maximum sentence of life in prison, a term of 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 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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Four Individuals Indicted on Charges Related to Attempted International Arms TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Durante King-Mclean, age 25, Prasath Paramalingam, age 34, Archit Grover, age 36, all of Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and Jalisa Edwards, age 25, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, were charged in a multi-count federal indictment with charges stemming from a conspiracy to engage in international firearms trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that King-Mclean was stopped by Pennsylvania State Police on September 2, 2023, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, after several motor vehicle violations were observed. It is further alleged that King-Mclean, who was illegally in the United States from Canada, fled on foot when troopers discovered firearms in the rental vehicle. A court authorized search warrant for the vehicle led to the recovery of 65 firearms that were allegedly destined to be illegally smuggled into Canada. Two of those firearms were fully automatic and considered machine guns under federal law. Eleven of the firearms were determined to be stolen, and one firearm had an obliterated serial number.
The indictment further alleges that Paramalingam was involved in the conspiracy since April 2023 with persons known and unknown to the grand jury, including King-Mclean, to arrange for King-Mclean’s illegal entry into the United States. While King-Mclean was in the United States, Paramalingam allegedly arranged funding for King-Mclean to purchase the various firearms which he obtained in Florida, Georgia and elsewhere as King-Mclean traveled back towards Canada and through Franklin County. Grover and Edwards were charged by the grand jury as accessories after the fact for their alleged assistance to King-Mclean after his arrest to conceal evidence concerning his attempted gun smuggling and provide co-conspirators with information regarding the scope of the investigation, among other things.
“ATF’s highest priority is reducing violent gun crime, and firearms trafficking feeds that crime by putting guns in the hands of violent criminals and other prohibited people,” said Eric J. DeGree, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Philadelphia Field Division. “Far from being a victimless crime, trafficking presents a grave threat to public safety across our nation and to our neighbors. Thanks to our cooperative efforts, this action has kept 65 firearms off the street — preventing them from being used in any number of killings and other crimes – and ended this international firearms trafficking scheme. ”
“International arms trafficking greatly endangers citizens of both countries,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Sara C. Bay. “HSI is proud to be on the front lines against the crime and devastation that illegal weapons bring to the cities in which they are used. We will continue to use our global reach and cooperate with our law enforcement partners to combat transnational weapons trafficking.”“This indictment is the result of outstanding pro-active enforcement by our Patrol Troopers, which led to a larger successful inter-agency investigation,” said Major Serell Ulrich, Director, Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation. “Illegal firearm trafficking has no boundaries, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners both federally and internationally to mitigate this worldwide problem. Anytime illegal firearm trafficking affects our Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania State Police will strive to identify, investigate, and arrest those responsible.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Harrisburg Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe 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 prosecution is also part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Prison for Torture and Illegally Exporting Weapons Parts and Related Services to IraqRead the Press Release
A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 70 years in prison for torturing an Estonian citizen in 2015 in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and for the illegal export of weapons parts and related services.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ross Roggio, 55, of Stroudsburg, arranged for Kurdish soldiers to abduct and detain the victim at a Kurdish military compound, where Roggio suffocated the victim with a belt, threatened to cut off one of his fingers, and directed Kurdish soldiers to repeatedly beat, choke, tase, and otherwise physically and mentally abuse the victim over a 39-day period. The victim was an employee at a weapons factory that Roggio was developing in the Kurdistan region of Iraq that was intended to manufacture automatic rifles and pistols.
“Ross Roggio had his victim abducted and detained at a Kurdish military compound in Iraq, where Roggio and others physically and mentally tortured the victim over the course of 39 days,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “During that time, Roggio suffocated the victim and directed others to beat, choke, and tase him. Roggio’s victim worked at a weapons factory in Iraq, where Roggio illegally sent weapons parts and illegally provided services, in violation of export controls laws. Today’s sentence—following the second-ever conviction under the federal torture statute—shows that, no matter where such deplorable acts occur, the United States is committed to holding the perpetrators accountable.”
“As proven at trial and demonstrated by today’s sentence, Mr. Roggio committed egregious human rights abuses and smuggled restricted firearm components from the United States to launch an unsanctioned weapons factory,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “We will not waver in bringing to justice those that violate our export controls in contravention of our national security and foreign policy priorities.”
“The sentence imposed by the court demonstrates the seriousness of Ross Roggio’s crimes and brings some measure of justice for his torture victim,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “Violence against the dignity and human rights of any victim cannot be tolerated and our office will continue to prioritize and pursue those who would do so in violation of federal law. Ross Roggio was also convicted of United States export laws related to illegally producing firearms in Kurdistan, Iraq. Though more technical in nature, these laws are no less important and are designed to take into account human rights considerations on a larger scale, to limit access to our most sensitive technologies and weapons, and to promote regional stability. I commend all the prosecutors and law enforcement agents who worked tirelessly to bring justice in this matter.”
In connection with the weapons factory project, Roggio exported firearms parts and tools without the required approvals by the U.S. government. He also illegally trained foreign persons in the operation, assembly, and manufacturing of the M4 automatic rifle.
“Torture is among the grievous crimes the FBI investigates and this is the second time we have been able to bring justice under the federal torture statute,” said Executive Assistant Director Timothy Langan of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch. “Our investigation into Roggio’s abominable crimes and today’s sentencing would not be possible without the sheer courage of the victim to tell his story. The FBI and our international partners stand with victims by standing up to human rights violations wherever they occur.”
“Today’s sentence highlights our commitment to stopping those who commit human rights abuses and threaten the security of the U.S. and partner nations,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “Thanks to our close interagency and international cooperation, Roggio has been brought to justice.”
“Export evasion is often not a standalone crime,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). “Here, the same defendant who was illegally exporting weapons parts to his Iraqi weapons factory was also brutally torturing one of his employees there.”
A federal jury convicted Roggio in May 2023 of 33 counts of torture, conspiracy to commit torture, conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, exporting weapons parts and services to Iraq without the approval of the U.S. Department of State, exporting weapons tools to Iraq without the approval of the U.S. Department of Commerce, smuggling goods, wire fraud, and money laundering.
Roggio was the second defendant to be convicted of torture since the federal torture statute went into effect in 1994.
The FBI and HSI investigated the torture and were joined in the investigation of the arms export violations by BIS’ Office of Export Enforcement.
Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley for the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case.
The Estonian Internal Security Service, Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and Pennsylvania State Police also provided valuable assistance.
Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the HSI tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE, or complete the FBI online tip form or the ICE online tip form.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Prison for Torture and Illegally Exporting Weapons Parts and Related Services to IraqRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 70 years in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for torturing an Estonian citizen in 2015 in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and for the illegal export of weapons parts and related services.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ross Roggio, 55, of Stroudsburg, arranged for Kurdish soldiers to abduct and detain the victim at a Kurdish military compound, where Roggio suffocated the victim with a belt, threatened to cut off one of his fingers, and directed Kurdish soldiers to repeatedly beat, choke, tase, and otherwise physically and mentally abuse the victim over a 39-day period. The victim was an employee at a weapons factory that Roggio was developing in the Kurdistan region of Iraq that was intended to manufacture automatic rifles and pistols.
“Ross Roggio had his victim abducted and detained at a Kurdish military compound in Iraq, where Roggio and others physically and mentally tortured the victim over the course of 39 days,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “During that time, Roggio suffocated the victim and directed others to beat, choke, and tase him. Roggio’s victim worked at a weapons factory in Iraq, where Roggio illegally sent weapons parts and illegally provided services, in violation of export controls laws. Today’s sentence—following the second-ever conviction under the federal torture statute—shows that, no matter where such deplorable acts occur, the United States is committed to holding the perpetrators accountable.”
“The sentence imposed by the Court demonstrates the seriousness of Ross Roggio’s crimes and brings some measure of justice for his torture victim,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam. “Violence against the dignity and human rights of any victim cannot be tolerated and our office will continue to prioritize and pursue those who would do so in violation of federal law. Ross Roggio was also convicted of United States export laws related to illegally producing firearms in Kurdistan, Iraq. Though more technical in nature, these laws are no less important and are designed to take into account human rights considerations on a larger scale, to limit access to our most sensitive technologies and weapons, and to promote regional stability. I commend all the prosecutors and law enforcement agents who worked tirelessly to bring justice in this matter.”
In connection with the weapons factory project, Roggio exported firearms parts and tools without the required approvals by the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce. He also illegally trained foreign persons in the operation, assembly, and manufacturing of the M4 automatic rifle.
“The sentencing today is a testament to not only the diligent work done by law enforcement, both here and overseas, but most importantly, the courage of the victim and witnesses in coming forward,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Torture is among the most egregious crimes the FBI investigates. The FBI along with our law enforcement partners will continue to purse justice for victims of these horrendous crimes.”
“The extensive cooperation, information sharing, and dedication shown by the law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation has been extraordinary,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Sara C. Bay. “Roggio’s sentence stands as proof that the United States will investigate and prosecute those that break our laws and violate human rights regardless of where they are committed.”
“The illegal export of firearms parts and tools from the United States often goes hand in hand with other criminal activities, such as the charge of torture on which the jury voted to convict the defendant,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office. “This sentence sends a strong message to those who wish to illegally traffic in firearms. I commend our law enforcement colleagues for their dedication to bringing justice in this case.”
A federal jury convicted Roggio in May 2023 of 33 counts of torture, conspiracy to commit torture, conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, exporting weapons parts and services to Iraq without the approval of the State Department, exporting weapons tools to Iraq without the approval of the Commerce Department, smuggling goods, wire fraud, and money laundering.
Roggio was the second defendant to be convicted of torture since the federal torture statute went into effect in 1994.
The FBI and HSI investigated the torture and were joined in the investigation of the arms export violations by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement.
Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley for the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case.
The Estonian Internal Security Service, Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and Pennsylvania State Police also provided valuable assistance.
Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the HSI tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE, or complete the FBI online tip form or the ICE online tip form.
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Four Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jamie Smicherko, age 27, of Avoca, Pennsylvania, Patrick Russin, age 54, of Shavertown, Pennsylvania, Ryan Medar, age 36, of Jenkin Township, Pennsylvania, and Carlos Laurel, age 45, of White Haven, Pennsylvania, were indicted on April 9, 2024, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that between October, 2023, and April, 2024, Smicherko, Russin, and Medar conspired to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine within Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The indictment also alleges that Smircherko, Russin, Medar, and Laurel conspired to distribute cocaine. The indictment also alleges that Smicherko, Russin, and Medan also distributed quantities of methamphetamine. The indictment further alleges that Medar and Smicherko both trafficked firearms and possessed firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspired to do the same.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), the Kingston Police Department, the Plains Township Police Depart, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Pittston Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.
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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is imprisonment for life, 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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Chambersburg Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Guibbonz Marcellus, age 43, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 12, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 27 months’ imprisonment on 23 counts of aiding and assisting the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns. Marcellus was convicted following a jury trial in July 2023.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Marcellus operated a tax-preparation business in Chambersburg called M&M Confident Multi Services from 2013 to 2016. In an effort to increase refund amounts and generate business, Marcellus regularly included false numbers on the returns he prepared and filed. The returns falsely claimed, among other things, the federal fuel-tax credit, business losses, and deductions for charitable gifts and unreimbursed employee expenses. The Court found that the total loss to the government due to Marcellus’s conduct was over $208,000.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Miovas prosecuted the case.
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Wilkes-Barre Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ras Dalmar Johnson, age 27, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 9, 2024, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on February 1, 2024, Johnson possessed with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, over 50 grams of methamphetamine, and amounts of cocaine and marijuana. The indictment also alleges that on the same date, Johnson, who is a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, possessed a Glock 26 handgun in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Narcotics and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. 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 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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