Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Guatemala Native Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Camilo Antonio Batz-Ortiz, age 40, of Guatemala, was indicted on April 9, 2024, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien and possession of a fraudulent immigration document.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Camilo Antonio Batz-Ortiz was previously removed from the United States on September 9, 2013, 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 4, 2024, Batz-Ortiz was encountered in Clinton County, Pennsylvania and at that time, he was in possession of a fraudulent Permanent Resident Card.
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 ten 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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Edwardsville Man Sentenced to 168 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lamar Brown, age 38, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 168 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for drug trafficking offense.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on July 13, 2020, in Luzerne County, Brown possessed with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, both Schedule II controlled substances.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Kingston Police Department, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan 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.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Cumberland County Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Edward Clouser, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was charged on April 10, 2024, by a federal grand jury with distributing and possessing child pornography.
According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Clouser with distributing child pornography on November 28, 2022, and possessing child pornography including images involving a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age on February 7, 2023, in Cumberland County.
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 case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Haugsby prosecuted the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of up to lifetime 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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Pennsylvania Insurance Business Owner Convicted of Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG– A federal jury convicted a Milroy, Pennsylvania, man today of tax evasion for his years-long scheme to evade the payment of his individual income taxes and his business’s employment taxes.
According to court documents and evidence presented at the four-day trial before District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner, Brandon Aumiller owned Brandon Aumiller & Associates, an insurance sales business. For tax years 2007, and 2009 through 2011, Aumiller filed personal income tax returns reporting that he owed a total of approximately $82,311 in income taxes. He also filed employment tax returns for his business reporting that it owed approximately $24,882 in taxes for the third quarter of 2013 and the first two quarters of 2014. Despite reporting that he and his business owed more than a total of $107,193 in taxes to the IRS, Aumiller did not pay these assessments.
When the IRS attempted to collect the taxes, Aumiller engaged in a multi-year scheme to thwart the IRS’ efforts by concealing his assets in nominee bank accounts, structuring multiple real estate deals to conceal the transactions from the IRS and submitting false financial disclosure forms to the IRS that did not fully disclose his bank accounts and concealed critical information about his real estate transactions.
Judge Conner scheduled Aumiller to be sentenced on September 4. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each of the two counts of his conviction. Judge Conner will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorney Matthew L. Cofer of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur for the Middle District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.
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Montour County Man Charged with Threatening to Murder FBI AgentsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Thomas Green, age 33, of Danville, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on charges of influencing federal officials by threat and interstate communications with a threat.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Green called multiple FBI field offices across the country for several years to express frustration that the FBI was not investigating alleged criminal conduct reported by Green. The indictment also alleges that, beginning on or about August 18, 2022, Green began calling several FBI field offices across the country and threatening to assault and murder FBI agents if they did not investigate the alleged criminal conduct reported by Green. The indictment also alleges that Green called the FBI field office in Miami, Florida, and told FBI personnel that he knew about the murder of two Miami FBI agents and that “can happen again” if FBI personnel did not “act” how Green wanted them to. FBI Special Agents Laura Schwartzenberger and Daniel Alfin, who were members of FBI Miami, were killed while executing a search warrant in 2021.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Moreno is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is ten 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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Lancaster County Man Sentenced to 140 Months’ Imprisonment for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on April 3, 2024, United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson sentenced Brian Johnson, age 43, of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to 140 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine. Johnson had previously pleaded guilty to this offense. Judge Wilson also ordered Johnson to serve three years on supervised release after the conclusion of his prison sentence.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Johnson and three co-conspirators who have also pleaded guilty distributed hundreds of grams of methamphetamine in Lancaster and Dauphin Counties between September 2020 and August 2021, operating primarily out of Columbia Borough. Johnson began selling large quantities of methamphetamine to another co-conspirator in September 2020, when Johnson was living in Philadelphia. Johnson then relocated to Columbia Borough in early 2021, and continued trafficking substantial quantities of methamphetamine until he was arrested on August 30, 2021. By the time he was sentenced, Johnson had at least eight previous convictions for other criminal offenses, including drug trafficking, assault, and unlawful firearms possession.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lancaster County Drug Task Force, and the York County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Christian T. Haugsby 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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Florida 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 Noel Mateo, age 35, of Umatilla, Florida, and David Duclos, age 29, of Orlando, Florida, were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms and more of cocaine and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Mateo and Duclos possessed and conspired to possess with the intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine on or about December 7, 2023, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The indictment further alleges that three firearms were possessed in furtherance of the drug trafficking activities.
This case was investigated by United States Homeland Security Investigations and Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 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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Lebanon County Man Charged with Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Charles Witherson, III, age 38, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was charged by a federal grand jury with distributing child pornography.
According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on February 5, 2024, in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, Witherson distributed child pornography. The indictment also alleges that on March 29, 2024, Witherson possessed images of child pornography, including images involving a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
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 FBI investigated the case, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Haugsby.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a lifetime 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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Former Social Security Employee Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Pandemic Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Takiyah Gordon Austin, age 47, formerly of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits related to COVID-19 emergency relief funds. Judge Mannion also ordered Austin to pay restitution in the amount of $288,590.
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program was created by the March 27, 2020 CARES Act, as part of the United States government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public’s health and economic well-being. The PUA program was designed to provide unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits.
According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Austin pleaded guilty to one count wire fraud and one count of aggravated identify theft. From in or about May 2020 to in or about May 2021, Austin, a claims specialist with the Social Security Administration, filed PUA claims for ineligible recipients in exchange for payment from the individuals. Additionally, Austin filed claims after accessing SSA databases to obtain the personal identifying information from unsuspecting individuals and then diverted the unemployment funds to addresses she controlled in order to use the funds for her own personal expenses. Through the scheme, Austin defrauded the government of over $288,000.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Special Assistant United States Attorney Megan Curran and Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Dauphin County Man Charged with Stealing 13 Firearms from Licensed Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Edwin Rojas Cordova, age 20, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of stealing firearms from a licensed dealer.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on December 27, 2022, Cordova stole 13 firearms from a licensed firearm dealer located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J. Terz 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.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 14 ½ Years’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on April 2, 2024, George E. Jones, age 43, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 151 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years on supervised release for trafficking cocaine. Judge Wilson also sentenced Jones to a consecutive 24-month prison term for violating the conditions of a term of supervised release he was serving for a prior federal drug trafficking conviction.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Jones previously pleaded guilty on July 20, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 28 grams and more of cocaine base. In 2011, Jones was convicted of drug trafficking that resulted in Jones serving approximately a 10-year federal prison sentence. Jones was released from that sentence in May 2020, and resumed selling crack and powder cocaine in Harrisburg less than two months later while he was serving a term of supervised release.
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 matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance provided by the Harrisburg Police Bureau. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Consiglio prosecuted the case.
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Art Forger Sentenced for Mail and Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that that Earl Marshawn Washington, age 61, and previously a resident of Honolulu, Key West, Las Vegas, and other places, was sentenced to 52 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, at the time of his guilty plea, Washington admitted to working with a series of romantic partners, dating back to 2013, to create and sell counterfeit artistic goods known as “woodblocks” or “woodcuts.” Xylography is the art of making “woodcuts,” or engravings made from wooden blocks, especially for printing using historical techniques. In traditional xylography, an artist uses a sharpened tool to carve a design into the surface of a woodblock. The raised areas that remain after the block has been cut are inked and printed, while the recessed areas that are cut away do not retain ink and will remain blank in the final print. Woodblock images can be printed onto paper, fabrics, textiles, or other materials. The technique has been used in different geographic regions at different times. One woodblock tradition stems from Germany starting around the 14th century and continuing for several hundred years thereafter.
Washington was originally charged by indictment in January 2023, along with his then wife, Zsanett Nagy. As part of Washington’s plea agreement, the original charges against him were dismissed, and a new charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud was filed. Washington pleaded guilty to this offense in July 2023. Nagy pleaded guilty in August 2023 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.
Washington and Nagy each admitted to selling inauthentic woodblocks and prints made from woodblocks that they as advertised as being from between the 15th and early 20th centuries. The buyers included a pair of woodblock collectors residing in France, as well as a buyer of a woodblock print who then resided in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. On one occasion, for example, Washington promised to send the buyers in France fifteen “15th.C Reformation/Lutheran wood blocks.” The buyers then made PayPal payments to Nagy before learning that the woodblocks they purchased were not from the 15th and 16th centuries, as advertised. Nagy received these payments, moved the proceeds to a bank account in her name, and then quickly converted the proceeds to cash through withdrawals of several thousand dollars or more. Together, the buyers in France paid nearly $85 thousand for counterfeit woodblocks.
Washington’s buyers also included a collector of woodblocks from York, Pennsylvania, in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. This collector paid $118,810 to Washington and Washington’s then girlfriend from 2013 to 2016 in exchange for approximately 130 woodblocks, again advertised as being several centuries old. In one email, for instance, Washington, using the alias “River Seine,” claimed to be selling “original printing blocks from the 16th and 17th centuries.”
At the time of his guilty plea, Washington also admitted to regularly utilizing bank accounts and PayPal accounts belonging to his romantic partners, to utilizing the alias “River Seine” when dealing with customers, and to relying on his partners to handle mailings of packages to victims.
Washington was also ordered to pay restitution to victims in the total amount of $203,240.90 and ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release following his imprisonment.
Nagy was sentenced to time served in January 2024. She also faces potential deportation for her conviction.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Art Crime Team - Philadelphia Division, with assistance from the FBI Art Crime Program at FBI Headquarters. The DOJ’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance during the investigation. Assistance was also provided by the French Ministry of Justice, the French National Gendarmerie, the German Federal Criminal Police Office, the State Criminal Police Office of Saxony.
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Hollidaysburg Couple Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Husband Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John H. Johnson and Paula Z. Johnson, both age 62, of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging them with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. John H. Johnson also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in 2016, John Johnson, a physician with specialized training in anesthesiology, entered into an agreement with other individuals to defraud health insurance programs by billing them illegally for expensive tests known as “urine drug tests.” One of the individuals that Johnson conspired with was Rodney L. Yentzer, who pleaded guilty for his role in related offenses in March 2022, and is awaiting sentencing. Johnson and Yentzer carried out this agreement through a couple different groups of pain management practices located throughout central Pennsylvania, known as Lighthouse Medical and Pain Medicine of York (“PMY”). Yentzer, who had no medical training, acquired PMY in 2014 at the suggestion of John H. Johnson, with whom Yentzer was business partners. PMY absorbed Lighthouse Medical in 2017, and PMY closed permanently in November 2019 after law enforcement agents executed search warrants at its various locations.
In 2016, Lighthouse Medical, under the direction of John H. Johnson, operated a drug testing laboratory on its own premises. This laboratory had the equipment and capabilities to perform urine drug testing (“UDT”) on site. UDT, when used legitimately, is a method for physicians to test their patients for the presence and specific amounts of various substances. A very high percentage of the patients of Lighthouse Medical (and, subsequently, PMY) were prescribed with opioid medications at each monthly visit. UDT could be used, for instance, to test whether such patients were taking their medications as prescribed or taking illegal recreational drugs in addition to their prescribed medications. Urine drug tests were typically reimbursed at a high rate by Medicare and private insurance programs.
In March 2016, Johnson and Yentzer agreed with the new owners of a rural, 25-bed “Critical Access Hospital” located near the border of Florida and Alabama to “sell” Lighthouse Medical’s UDT laboratory services to the hospital; in exchange, the hospital purchased the exclusive right to bill for payment and collect payment from patients and insurance programs. The hospital agreed to pay Lighthouse Medical a kickback of $900 per test.
As a Critical Access Hospital under federal law, the hospital received very favorable payment from Medicare and private insurance programs, including, for example, for UDT. Thus, even while paying a $900 kickback per test to Lighthouse Medical, the hospital was still able to collect and keep a significant amount of money over and above that amount. The owners of the hospital also used other laboratories like Lighthouse Medical in a similar pass-through manner. As a result, the hospital was able to bill for a number of laboratory tests that far exceeded what would normally be associated with a small facility of its kind, and Lighthouse Medical was paid far more than what it would have typically received for UDT from Medicare and other insurers. For instance, on July 12, 2016, the hospital paid Lighthouse Medical $816,300 for 907 urine drug tests. Approximately one week later, the hospital paid Lighthouse Medical $628,200 for nearly 700 tests.
In total, the owners of the hospital billed others, including private insurers, approximately $1.4 billion for various laboratory testing services that were not medically necessary. The majority of this amount was due to UDT. Lighthouse Medical received $2,341,775 in kickback payments over a four-month time period, with 85% of this amount going to John H. Johnson and the remaining amount going to Rodney L. Yentzer.
In addition to pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, John H. Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. His wife, Paula Z. Johnson, who is also a physician from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to the same offense. Together, John H. Johnson and Paula Z. Johnson conspired to evade payments to the U.S. Government that John H. Johnson was required to make for a prior criminal conviction.
In July 2015, John H. Johnson was indicted for various tax offenses in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. In September 2016, John H. Johnson was charged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with a separate health care fraud scheme. In early 2017, John H. Johnson knew that he was likely going to prison for these offenses, so he approached Rodney L. Yentzer and got Yentzer to agree to place Paula Z. Johnson, who had not practiced medicine in years, on the PMY payroll.
In June 2017, John H. Johnson was sentenced to an 84-month term of imprisonment for the various offenses with which he had been charged. He was also ordered to repay to the U.S. Government over $3 million restitution payments for fraudulent health care billing and unpaid taxes.
Even following his imprisonment, Johnson and Yentzer remained in close contact through phone and in-person visits, with Johnson providing direction to Yentzer. During conversations, Johnson and Yentzer sometimes used coded language to describe sensitive subjects, including the term “toy” to refer to money and the term “toy box” to refer to bank accounts.
John H. Johnson knew that PMY continued to be highly profitable, in large part owing to its UDT billing. Specifically, PMY billed every patient for two urine drug tests at each visit: one test a presumptive “screen” for the presence of certain substances and the second a definitive test for specific levels of 22 different substances. This testing protocol had been put in place by John H. Johnson when he ran Lighthouse Medical, and he instructed Yentzer to do the same at PMY. Yentzer followed this direction.
From mid-2017 until late 2019, PMY submitted bills just to Medicare for around $10 million in UDT, with well over $4 million being paid out. John H. Johnson, Paula Z. Johnson, and Rodney L. Yentzer devised various other ways to funnel money to the Johnsons so that they could benefit from this wealth without the money being captured for John H. Johnson’s restitution payments. Among other things, Yentzer purchased a car for the Johnsons’ son and leased an Audi Q5 for Paula Z. Johnson, at her request. Yentzer also made $28,000 in contributions to their children’s 529 college savings accounts, paid over $40,000 in legal bills for “asset and estate planning,” made over $40,000 in payments toward personal loans, and covered other large bills, all with the knowledge of both John H. Johnson and Paula Z. Johnson. On a number of occasions, Paula Z. Johnson requested these payments directly from Yentzer or his assistant.
PMY shut down abruptly in November 2019 after search warrants were executed because it was no longer able to retain medical providers to see patients. In January 2020, in a recorded prison call, Yentzer stated to John H. Johnson, that “if there’s anything left, I will make sure Paula gets, uh, a piece.” He added that “whatever’s left” after satisfying certain creditors he would “divvy up.” Yentzer made this statement despite the fact that Paula Z. Johnson had been formally terminated by PMY in November 2019.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for conspiracy to defraud the United States is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty under federal law for conspiracy to commit health care fraud 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.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 65 Months’ Imprisonment for Possessing Ammunition as Previously Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Robles, age 43, formerly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to serve 65 months’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, and $100 in financial penalties based upon his guilty plea to possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in August 2021, Robles was operating a motorcycle at a high rate of speed on I-81 in Cumberland County. A Pennsylvania State Trooper attempted to stop Robles and a high-speed chase ensued where speeds reached up to 115 mph and Robles crossed the median into oncoming traffic. Robles was eventually stopped and found in possession of heroin, marijuana, and cocaine base, as well as a .9mm Polymer handgun with no serial number, known as a “ghost gun,” loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition. Prior to the August 2021 incident, Robles was previously convicted of a state felony drug offense in 2021 and a federal drug offense in 2002 that prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler and Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Miovas prosecuted the case.
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Mexican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mario Ruiz-Ruiz, age 35, of Mexico, was indicted on March 20, 2024, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Ruiz-Ruiz was previously removed from the United States on March 24, 2021, through El Paso, 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 13, 2024, Ruiz-Ruiz was encountered in Adams County, Pennsylvania.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is ten 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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Inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, Sentenced to Serve an Additional Six Months in Prison for Possession of ContrabandRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Tyrik Brown, age 29, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 20, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to serve an additional six months in prison on the charge of possession of contraband in prison.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Brown, formerly of Washington D.C., previously pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing a dangerous prison-made weapon, commonly known as a “shank.” The charge stems from an incident in April 2023 in which staff at FCI Schuylkill found Brown in possession of the weapon.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
At the time of the incident at FCI Schuylkill, Brown was serving a sentence from Washington D.C. for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. That sentence does not expire until November 2024. The sentence imposed by Judge Mariani for the charge of possession of contraband in prison will run consecutively to the Washington D.C. sentence.
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Hanover Man Charged with Hobbs Act RobberiesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mark S. Herrick, age 47, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for five counts of interference and attempted interference with commerce by robbery.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that between October 24, 2023 and October 29, 2023, Herrick robbed, or attempted to rob, five different businesses with a knife. The five businesses stretched across three counties within the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Palmyra, Swatara, and Lower Allen Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 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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U.S. Attorney’s Office Meets with Faith Leaders to Promote the United Against Hate InitiativeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam announced that as part of the Department of Justice’s United Against Hate initiative to better counter hate crimes and hate incidents in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, he has met and will continue to meet with religious leaders to discuss their concerns about extremism and threats to their places of worship and their members.
In December 2023, U.S Attorney Karam hosted two separate meetings in Scranton and in Harrisburg with local Jewish leaders to discuss their concerns about the recent uprise in antisemitic speech and incidents of hate. At those meetings, subject matter experts from the United States Attorney’s Office; Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigations; Pennsylvania State Police; Dauphin, Cumberland, Lackawanna, and York County District Attorney’s Offices; Harrisburg, Scranton, and York Police Departments; and York Human Relations Commission attended and listened to the leaders’ safety concerns and encouraged them to report all hate incidents and crimes. In February and March 2024, U.S. Attorney Karam had similar meetings with local Muslim, Islamic, and Arab Christian leaders to discuss the equally troubling uprise in threats to their members.
“We continue to strengthen our partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement in conjunction with our stakeholders in the religious communities by holding these conversations to serve them better, said U.S. Attorney Karam. “Hate-fueled violence and incidents will not be tolerated in our district, and we will continue to unite our stakeholders with the shared goal of reporting, preventing, disrupting, and prosecuting these crimes.”
The United Against Hate initiative seeks to strengthen collaborative relationships of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with communities in order to build trust and encourage the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents.
Those who believe they are subject to hate crimes or incidents should contact local law enforcement and the FBI. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/. Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing [email protected].
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Dominican Republic Native Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Adony Rivera-Cortorreal, age 28, of the Dominican Republic, was indicted on March 19, 2024, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Rivera-Cortorreal was previously removed from the United States on April 2, 2019, 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 2, 2023, Rivera-Cortorreal was encountered in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Moreno is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is ten 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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Columbia County Man Indicted for Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 12, 2024, Vincent Shaffer, age 44, of Schuylkill County, PA, was indicted on a charge of possession of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Shaffer received child pornography on August 20, 2023, and possessed child pornography on December 7, 2023, in Columbia County.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation-RAC Williamsport and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson 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 these offenses is 20 years, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Dauphin County Man Sentenced to 10 Years' Imprisonment for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Larry Patterson, age 32, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 12, 2024, to 10 years in prison, to be followed by a three year term of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Patterson was stopped by law enforcement in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 2022. He was found to be in possession of 29 grams of crack cocaine in two clear plastic baggies, as well as a digital scale.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Harrisburg City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johnny Baer and Michael Scalera 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.
# # #Cumberland County Man Sentenced to Three Years of Imprisonment for Threatening President Biden and Former President TrumpRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mohamed Farah, age 34, of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to three years’ imprisonment for threatening the President and a former President. The Court also imposed a three-year term of supervised release to follow imprisonment.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Farah previously admitted that in January 2022, he threatened to assassinate President Biden and threatened to assassinate former President Trump if he ran for reelection. Farah, a citizen of Somalia, may face deportation after serving his prison sentence.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Lower Allen Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.
# # #Bradford County Man Indicted for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jay Holloway, age 36, of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on child pornography charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Holloway distributed, received, and possessed child pornography from August 2021 to May 17, 2023, in Bradford County. The indictment further alleges that images and videos contained minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, some of which depict the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson 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 these offenses is 20 years, with a mandatory sentence of 5 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
# # #Texas Man Sentenced to Ten Years' Imprisonment for Cocaine Trafficking in Lackawanna CountyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Luis Gonzalez, age 28, of El Paso, Texas, was sentenced on March 12, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to ten years’ imprisonment on the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Gonzalez previously pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing between 15 kilograms and 50 kilograms of cocaine for further distribution in the Lackawanna County area in September 2022. Gonzalez and another individual, Jose Torres, age 27, also of El Paso, Texas, were indicted by a grand jury in Scranton for cocaine trafficking in October 2022. The charges stem from an incident on September 29, 2022, in which members of the Pennsylvania State Police made a traffic stop of a vehicle in Lackawanna County. Gonzalez and Torres were the occupants of the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of sixteen individually wrapped kilograms of cocaine, having a street-value of approximately $500,000.
Co-defendant Jose Torres is still awaiting sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police and the Scranton Police Department. 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.
# # #Second Texas Man Sentenced to Ten Years' Imprisonment for Cocaine Trafficking in Lackawanna CountyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jose Torres, age 28, of El Paso, Texas, was sentenced on March 12, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to ten years’ imprisonment on the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Torres previously pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing between 15 kilograms and 50 kilograms of cocaine for further distribution in the Lackawanna County area in September 2022. Torres and another individual, Luis Gonzalez, age 28, also of El Paso, Texas, were indicted by a grand jury in Scranton for cocaine trafficking in October 2022. The charges stem from an incident on September 29, 2022, in which members of the Pennsylvania State Police made a traffic stop of a vehicle in Lackawanna County. Torres and Gonzalez were the occupants of the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of sixteen individually wrapped kilograms of cocaine, having a street-value of approximately $500,000.
Co-defendant Luis Gonzalez was previously sentenced by Judge Mariani to serve ten years’ imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police and the Scranton Police Department. 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.
# # #Luzerne County Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Benjamin Woytas, age 34, of Wilkes-Barre Township, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that in August 2023, Woytas distributed methamphetamine on multiple occasions in Luzerne County.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department
launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles:
fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations
that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 40 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.
# # #Schuylkill County Man Indicted for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jose Miguel Peralta, Jr., age 35, of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for fentanyl trafficking in Luzerne County.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Peralta with one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
The charges against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. 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.
Under federal law, for the fentanyl trafficking charges, Peralta 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. For the firearms charge, Peralta faces a maximum sentence of 15 years 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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Guatemalan National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Cesar A. Reyes-Garcia, age 43, of Guatemala, was indicted on March 6, 2024, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Reyes-Garcia was previously removed from the United States on June 11, 2015, through Harlingen, 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 January 16, 2023, Reyes-Garcia was encountered in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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York County Man Sentenced to 96 Months for Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Terry Clark, age 59, of York County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 7, 2024, to 96 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in 2021, Clark was stopped by law enforcement in York, Pennsylvania, and found to be in possession of crack cocaine, two cell phones, a digital scale, and $18,200. Clark confessed that the money was from selling drugs. A month later, Clark sold crack cocaine to a confidential source, and then, two weeks later was stopped again. During the second stop, Clark was in possession of an additional quantity of crack cocaine and marijuana. Law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant at Clark’s residence and seized more crack cocaine, as well as fentanyl, a digital scale, and stun gun. In total, Clark was determined to be responsible for 398 grams of crack cocaine, 27 grams of marijuana, and 8 grams of fentanyl.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the York County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Bruce D. Brandler, Johnny Baer, and K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe 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 Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl and Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dexter Yard, age 36, of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 8, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to the charge of distributing fentanyl and cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Yard admitted that on August 17, 2021, he distributed fentanyl and cocaine to another individual in Luzerne County. The charge stems from an incident in which members of the Wilkes-Barre Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police made a purchase of fentanyl and cocaine from Yard, and then arrested him. A search of the vehicle Yard was driving resulted in the seizure of a fully loaded .38 caliber handgun, drug paraphernalia and the money police used to purchase the drugs from Yard.
The charge against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. 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.
Under federal law, Yard faces a maximum sentence of twenty years, 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.
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New Milford Man Sentenced to 262 Months in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Luke Shager, age 37, of New Milford, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 7, 2024, to 262 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for sexual exploitation of children.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual, later identified as Shager, was transmitting multiple images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Shager’s New Milord residence and seized four cellular telephones. The devices contained over 1,200 images and videos of child pornography, including 2 self-produced videos depicting Shager engaging in sexual contact with a minor under the age of 12.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc."
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Former Luzerne County Police Officer Sentenced to 96 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute DrugsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kevin Davis, age 28, of Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 7, 2024, to 96 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 methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between May 2021 and April 2022, Davis rented an apartment to a drug trafficking operation in Wilkes-Barre knowing the apartment was solely being used to store illegal drugs and drug proceeds. Davis installed security cameras inside the apartment and acted as security for the drug trafficking organization. He instructed members of the organization what to do and say if they were stopped by the police and warned them about potential law enforcement surveillance. On one occasion he used a law enforcement data base to determine whether a member of the organization had been stopped by law enforcement. During the time of the conspiracy, Davis was employed as a patrolman for a Luzerne County Municipal Police Department. Judge Mannion determined at sentencing that Davis abused is position of trust as a law enforcement officer when committing these acts.
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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Philadelphia Man Charged with Cocaine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Edgardo Pueyo-Malave, age 37, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for conspiring to distribute cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that between December 2020 and December 2021, Pueyo-Malave conspired to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli is prosecuting the case.
The total maximum penalty under federal law for this offense 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.
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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Maryland Woman Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Passing Fraudulent ChecksRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lucy Annette Alexander, age 37, of Maryland and Washington, DC, was sentenced yesterday to 46 months in prison to be followed by 60 months of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for bank fraud. Judge Wilson also ordered Alexander to pay restitution in the amount of $305,219.28.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Alexander previously pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud on May 2, 2023. Alexander admitted that between August 2012 and 2021, she wrote hundreds of checks at retail store locations, including PetSmart, Sears, Dollar Tree, Weis Markets (or Weis Pharmacy), Food Lion, MOM’s Organic Market, Giant Food, Harris Teeter, The Home Depot, Sally Beauty, Advance Auto Parts, Costco, Barnes & Noble, Hobby Lobby, BJ’s Wholesale Club, CVS Pharmacy, Party City, SHOE SHOW, Bed Bath & Beyond, Roses Discount Store, and others. The bank accounts from which Alexander wrote these checks were already closed and therefore did not have adequate funds to cover purchases at the above retail stores. In total, Alexander wrote over $300,000 in fraudulent checks during this time period.
In May 2020, Alexander also wrote and used seven checks from a Chase Bank account for a total of over $17,000, knowing that her account had insufficient funds to cover these checks. These checks were used to purchase goods at Weis Markets, Giant Food, and Roses Discount Store locations in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case.
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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 84 Months’ Imprisonment for Committing Four Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Damen Drakeford, age 30, of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, was sentenced on March 7, 2024, by United States District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to 84 months’ imprisonment for committing multiple bank robberies.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Drakeford previously entered a guilty plea and admitted to committing four bank robberies in July 2023: two in Pennsylvania and two New in Jersey.
Specifically, Drakeford admitted to robbing the following institutions:
- Fulton Bank, Netcong, New Jersey, on July 7, 2023;
- Provident Bank, Fair Lawn, New Jersey, on July 11, 2023;
- Fidelity Bank, Upper Mount Bethel Township, Pennsylvania, on July 11, 2023; and
- M&T Bank, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on July 14, 2023.
A total of $32,988 was taken in the robberies. After the M&T Bank robbery in Stroudsburg, Drakeford was apprehended by members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department, after he led the police on a high-speed vehicle chase, crashed his vehicle, and ran into the nearby woods where he was arrested by the police.
The charges against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Stroud Area Regional Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Members of the Fair Lawn and Netcong Police Departments in New Jersey, and the New Jersey State Police, also assisted with the investigation. 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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Lebanon County Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stephen Okamoto, age 35, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday on charges of distribution and possession of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on November 13, 2023, in Lebanon County, Okamoto distributed images and video of child pornography. The indictment further alleges that Okamoto possessed images of child pornography on February 8, 2024.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Derry Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera 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 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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U.S. Attorney Announces Completion of Joint Law Enforcement Operation Designed to Target Areas of High Rates of Violent Crime and Opioid OverdosesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the completion of a joint federal and state operation designed to target areas of high rates of violent crime and opioid overdoses within the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania area of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the United States Attorney’s Office in coordination with the DEA, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, and the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department conducted Operation Overdrive – a law enforcement initiative designed to disrupt violent crime and drug trafficking within specified areas of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Extensive research of 2023 data of violent crime and opioid overdose incidents within Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania identified two specific zones within the city in which a high number of violent crimes occurred together with frequent opioid poisoning. These two zones were identified to be the most violent areas of the city with a combined 39% of violent crimes occurring during the calendar year. The two zones also contained a higher rate of opioid overdoses, with 35% of such incidents occurring within Wilkes-Barre.
Law enforcement agents from federal, state, and local agencies coordinated efforts over a six-month period beginning in September 2023, to target drug trafficking organizations operating within Wilkes-Barre, with an eye on disrupting, dismantling, and arresting targets operating within the two zones identified by data analysis. The Scranton, Pennsylvania office of the DEA in coordination with the DEA Long Island (New York) District Office executed three federal search warrants associated with the leader of a targeted drug trafficking organization operating in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and Long Island, New York. These searches resulted in the arrest of four individuals, and the seizure of 7.6 kilograms of fentanyl; 100 counterfeit pills; 3 pounds of highly pure crystal methamphetamine; 100 grams of crack cocaine; and two firearms. In addition to this highly successful investigation Operation Overdrive enforcement operations resulted in the arrest of four additional unrelated drug traffickers and the seizure of more than four kilograms of fentanyl; 540 grams of crack cocaine; 640 grams of cocaine; more than a kilogram of highly pure crystal methamphetamine; and five additional firearms.
As these efforts were underway, the United States Marshals Service ran Operation Washout, a parallel initiative to locate and arrest violent fugitives hiding in Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested 43 fugitives. All these individuals were violent offenders with open arrest warrants. One of these individuals has since been indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton for drug trafficking and firearms possession discovered at the time of his arrest. Another fugitive arrested during the operation is under federal investigation for similar crimes. Of the arrests made by the United States Marshals Service five were wanted for homicide crimes; five for firearms related crimes (separate from the homicide fugitives); nine for narcotics crimes; and six for sex related felonies. The United States Marshals Service also seized six firearms; ½ kilogram of fentanyl; 27 grams of heroin; 74 grams of cocaine/crack cocaine; and more than 350 grams of highly pure crystal methamphetamine during the arrests.
The results of this law enforcement coordination have shown significant signs of lowering drug related violence and opioid poisonings in Wilkes-Barre. For example, from January 2023 through February 2023, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department reported 15 violent crime incidents (33 violent crimes per 100,000 persons) and 20 opioid poisonings (45 per 100,000 persons). Comparatively, from January 2024 through February 2024, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department reported 11 violent crime incidents (24 violent crimes per 100,000 persons) and eight opioid poisonings (18 opioid poisonings per 100,000 persons). More specifically, Zone 1 had 0 violent crime incidents and two opioid poisonings while Zone 2 had one violent crime incident and 0 opioid poisonings. That’s a 100 percent decrease of violent crime in Zone 1 and a 50 percent decrease in opioid poisonings, while Zone 2 showed a 67 percent decrease in violent crime and a 100 percent decrease in opioid poisonings.
“The goal of Operation Overdrive was to disrupt drug-trafficking organizations that pose the greatest threats to our communities,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Philadelphia Field Division. “The joint work of the DEA, Pennsylvania State Police, Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, and Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department did exactly that – together they prevented the distribution of over 531,000 potentially lethal doses of fentanyl in the Wilkes-Barre area. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their support of this initiative and the U.S. Marshals Service for their concurrent efforts in arresting violent fugitives across Luzerne County.”
"Operation Washout has successfully targeted and apprehended dangerous fugitives, removing threats from our streets,” said U.S. Marshal William Pugh. “Working in parallel with Operation Overdrive exemplifies law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding our communities."
“The City of Wilkes-Barre and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department appreciate the efforts of the DEA, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Chief Joseph Coffay, Wilkes-Barre Police Department. “This successful operation could not have been achieved without the combined efforts of local, state and federal authorities.”
Operation Overdrive is an initiative by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in coordination with the Pennsylvania State Police, the Wilkes-Barre City Police, and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Operation Washout is an initiative by the United States Marshals Service in coordination with the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Parole Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley is the Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and represented the United States Attorney on the two related law enforcement operations.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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.
These criminal cases were also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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New York Man Sentenced to 144 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine Trafficking in Susquehanna CountyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Roy Niles, age 59, of Nineveh, New York, was sentenced on February 29, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to 144 months’ imprisonment on the charge of conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Niles previously pleaded guilty and admitted to conspiring with another individual to distribute between 1.5 kilograms and 5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in the Susquehanna County area in March 2020. The charge stems from an incident in March 2020, in which Niles arranged to purchase several pounds of crystal methamphetamine from another individual in Susquehanna County. After the methamphetamine was received by Niles, the Pennsylvania State Police moved in and attempted to arrest him. Niles fled from the police and led police on a high-speed chase from Pennsylvania into New York. Niles was later apprehended.
The charge against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pennsylvania State Police. The New York State Police also provided assistance during the investigation. 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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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 78 Months’ Imprisonment for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dario George, age 32, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy Mannion, to 78 months’ imprisonment of the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, George previously pleaded guilty and admitted to distributing between 280 grams and 400 grams of fentanyl in the Luzerne County area in 2021 and 2022. The charge stems from an investigation in which investigators made four purchases of fentanyl from George and then, on May 19, 2022, obtained a search warrant for George’s residence in Nanticoke. A search of that residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 30,000 individual bags of fentanyl and additional amounts of heroin and cocaine, $8098 in U.S. currency, and drug packaging materials.
The charges against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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FCI Schuylkill Inmate Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Possession of A WeaponRead the Press Release
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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Xyvaion Lawrence, age 23, a federal inmate incarcerated at FCI Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for possession of contraband in prison.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in November of 2022, a correctional officer observed Lawrence in possession of a 6-inch homemade knife, commonly referred to as a “shank,” hidden in the waistband of his pants.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Special Investigative Services of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted the case.
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Bronx Man Sentenced to 80 Months’ Imprisonment for His Role as Lead Courier in “Grandparents” Mail Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Josiah DeJesus, age 22, of Bronx, NY, was sentenced on February 29, 2024 by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani to 80 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for his role as the lead or coordinating courier in a Dominican Republic-based “grandparents” fraud scheme that preyed upon elderly American victims from states across the country.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, from approximately June 2020 to October 2020, along with a group of other men from Bronx, NY, that he recruited, DeJesus regularly traveled from New York City to locations in Pennsylvania to retrieve UPS and Fed Ex packages containing thousands of dollars in cash. These packages were sent by elderly victims, who were induced to send the money based upon false claims that their grandchildren had been arrested and charged with serious crimes and, consequently, were in immediate need of money. These false claims were made to the elderly victims in phone calls that they received from oversees co-conspirators in the Dominican Republic, who posed either as the victims’ grandchildren or as attorneys representing the victims’ grandchildren. At his sentencing, DeJesus was ordered to pay $366,303.28 in restitution to the victims of the scheme.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation –Philadelphia Division, and its state and local law enforcement partners in Berks County, PA. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
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Beaver County Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Child Exploitation CrimeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Richard Rader, age 61, a resident of New Galilee, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for attempted online enticement of a minor.
According to the United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between June 20, 2022, and July 8, 2022, Rader used the internet and an electronic device to attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a person who he believed to be a 12-year-old child to engage in sexual conduct and to produce images of child pornography. During that period, on two occasions, Rader transmitted obscene photographs of himself to the purported child.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations – Philadelphia Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case.
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.
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Medical Doctor to Pay $60,000.00 to Resolve Civil Liability for Alleged Violations of the False Claims ActRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG, PA —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dr. Peter J. Baddick, III has agreed to pay the United States $60,000.00 to resolve civil liability for alleged violations of the False Claims Act.
According to the United States Attorney, Gerard M. Karam, between April 2015 and December 2015, Dr. Baddick prescribed the opioid medication Subsys to patients who did not have a cancer diagnosis without a legitimate medical purpose outside the usual course of professional practice. Dr. Baddick then billed Medicaid and Tricare for the visits associated with the prescription of Subsys to these patients. A civil action was filed in April of 2022 and is docketed as United States v. Dr. Peter J. Baddick, III.; Civ. No. 3: 22-512 (M.D. Pa.)
“This office is dedicated to combatting fraud and abuse impacting taxpayer-funded programs,” said United States Attorney Karam. “We use every tool at our disposal to do so, and this resolution reflects that commitment.”
This Settlement Agreement is neither an admission of liability by Dr. Baddick nor a concession by the United States that its claims are not well founded.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Office of the Inspector General for the Defense Health Agency. The investigation was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys, B. Craig Black and Tamara Haken, and the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit within the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, Pleads Guilty to Possession of Contraband in Prison and Is Sentenced to Serve an Additional Six Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Charles Epps, age 27, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on February 28, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to the charge of possession of contraband in prison. Epps was then sentenced by Judge Mariani to serve an additional six months in prison.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Epps, formerly of Washington D.C., admitted to possessing a dangerous prison-made weapon, commonly known as a “shank.” The charge stems from an incident in May 2023, in which staff at FCI Schuylkill found Epps in possession of the weapon.
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.
At the time of the incident at FCI Schuylkill, Epps was serving a sentence from Washington D.C. for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm. That sentence does not expire until 2025. The sentence imposed by Judge Mariani for the charge of possession of contraband in prison will run consecutively to the Washington D.C. sentence.
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U.S. Attorney Karam Holds United Against Hate Program at Wilkes-Barre Area High SchoolRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office held an event at the Wilkes-Barre Area High School to promote the Department of Justice’s United Against Hate initiative. The event, which included federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, focused on educating students on how to identify, report, and prevent hate crimes.
In its auditorium and broadcasted to over 2,800 students, the Wilkes-Barre Area High School hosted subject matter experts from the United States Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office; the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Mayor of Wilkes-Barre, the Luzerne County District Attorney, and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department. Presenters highlighted differences between hate crimes versus hate incidents and provided options for responding to hate incidents when situations do not constitute a federal or state crime. Presenters also distinguished unlawful conduct from protected First Amendment activity, including identifying protected speech versus speech that advocates violence or encourages people to commit hate crimes.
U.S. Attorney Karam previously hosted meetings in November 2022, in the Harrisburg area with an audience of various law enforcement agencies and community leaders from across the mid-state; in March 2023, at Scranton High School for students and community leaders; in December 2023, in Harrisburg and Scranton with Jewish faith leaders; and, January 2024, with Central York High School for students. Also, scheduled this month, U.S. Attorney Karam will meet with Islamic faith leaders.
“We are committed to reach young people, our future leaders, to ensure they understand the difference between speech that is protected under the First Amendment and crimes that threaten not just one individual but groups of people because of what they look like, who they love, and what faith they practice,” said U.S. Attorney Karam. “The United Against Hate initiative continues to bring our communities together in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement in order to build trust and encourage the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents.”
Those who believe they are subject to hate crimes or incidents should contact local law enforcement and the FBI. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/. Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing [email protected].
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Huntingdon County Man Charged with Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Chris Weaver, age 50, of Spruce Creek, Pennsylvania, was charged on February 21, 2024, in a criminal information with receiving child pornography.
According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the information charges Weaver with being in receipt of child pornography between July 1, 2020 and January 31, 2023, in Huntingdon County.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) 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 offense is 20 years imprisonment, a lifetime term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Dauphin County Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ewhnik Proctor, age 26, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 7, 2024, by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that, on separate dates in 2022, Proctor distributed a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and possessed a firearm while he was prohibited by law from doing so.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. 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 35 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.
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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U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam Announces Fraud Alert for Covid-19 Cryptocurrency ScamRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is alerting the public about a nationwide scam to trick unsuspecting individuals into paying cryptocurrency to lift non-existent arrest warrants.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, targets of the scam have received forged court documentation stating that they are being investigated for Payroll Protection Program (PPP) fraud and are the subject of an arrest warrant. The documents often claim to have been sent on behalf of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch. Additional documents sent by scammers advise the recipient that to lift the arrest warrant, the recipient must make a payment through a cryptocurrency kiosk. The documents contain detailed instructions on how to use a cryptocurrency kiosk to send payment.
The United States Attorney’s Office is warning the public that these solicitations are unapproved and illegitimate. If you receive solicitations to lift an arrest warrant in exchange for cryptocurrency payments, you should not respond or follow those instructions. Please report these scams to law enforcement by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721, or by submission to the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. You also may report the scam to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at: https://www.ic3.gov/.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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NOTE: This press release has been updated to reflect the removal of the names of uncharged entities.
Connecticut Man Sentenced to 210 Months’ Imprisonment for Enticement of A Minor and Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Capozza, age 42, of Newington, Connecticut, was sentenced yesterday to 210 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for the online enticement of a minor and production of child pornography.
Capozza previously pleaded guilty to one count of online enticement of a minor and one count of production of child pornography. Between July 23, 2020, and December 31, 2020, Capozza used Snapchat to persuade, induce, and entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, including to engage in sexual intercourse with Capozza and to travel with him to Connecticut and Massachusetts for the purposes of continuing their illegal sexual activity together. On or about August 23, 2020, Capozza persuaded, induced, and enticed the same minor victim to make several pornographic videos and then send those videos to him via Snapchat.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Omaha, Nebraska Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Connecticut and Nebraska. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
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Law Enforcement Authorities Hold Anti-Gang Program for the Scranton School DistrictRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office organized an anti-gang program yesterday for over 2,000 Scranton School District students grades 7-12. The event focused on educating students on the perils of gang membership.
In its auditorium and broadcasted to all their classrooms, the Scranton School District hosted subject matter experts from the United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Presenters focused on the myth of gang membership and the destruction that follows the “big lie” - that gangs provide protection, family, and loyalty. The presenters highlighted the tools that law enforcement have at its disposal to prosecute those who join a bad association knowing of its criminal objectives. Those tools include federal RICO and VICAR statutes which carry substantial penalties. Students were also advised about the many resources available to them to escape violence and danger, and were encouraged that if they see something – say something. The goal seeks to keep students, their family, and our communities as safe as possible and to prevent harm.
“As our schools have seen an increase in gang activity and recruitment, and thus it is an important priority to educate students on the risks and consequences of joining a gang,” said U.S. Attorney Karam. “Our goal is to bring that awareness to students, and we are grateful to have strong partnerships with the school district and our law enforcement partners to support this objective.”
This event 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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