Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Scranton Man Sentenced to 60 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Cory O’Connor, age 33, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 4 years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, O’Connor previously pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. During an October 2020 execution of a search warrant at O’Connor’s residence, approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine was seized. O’Connor also admitted that he had earlier possessed a firearm in connection with this case.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Gallagher 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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Lebanon County Man Sentenced to 10 Months’ Imprisonment for Fraudulently Obtaining Pandemic Unemployment AssistanceRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Luis Mercado, age 44, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 10 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, for fraudulently claiming pandemic unemployment assistance funds. Mercado was also ordered to pay $37,555 in restitution.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Mercado began claiming Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in August 2020 despite being employed with the United States Department of Agriculture as a poultry inspector. Mercado falsely claimed that he was unemployed due to the pandemic or a major disaster, and he received benefits based on this false claim. Mercado reaffirmed his unemployment status on a weekly basis and ultimately received $37,555 in fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits. Mercado pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud based on his course of conduct.
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 (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Miovas, Jr. is prosecuting the case.
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York Man Sentenced to 270 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eric Banks, age 42, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 270 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for drug-trafficking and firearms offenses.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, following a four-day trial in October 2021, a jury found Banks guilty of conspiracy to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of firearms as a previously convicted felon. The trial evidence showed that Banks distributed significant quantities of heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine in the York area in 2017 and 2018. In January 2018, during the execution of a search warrant at Banks’ York residence, law enforcement recovered drugs, drug-packaging materials, and three loaded handguns. Two of the handguns had been reported stolen.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the York County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlo D. Marchioli and Christian T. Haugsby 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.
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.
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Harrisburg Man Charged with Failing to Pay over $700,000 Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Sam Duong, age 48, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information with failing to withhold and pay employment taxes.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the information alleges that between March 2015 and June 2018, Duong failed to pay approximately $784,475 in employment taxes for his company ETS, Inc. The company was located in Harrisburg and provided temporary staffing.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Two Luzerne County Men Sentenced for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Kearon Brinson, age 42, formerly of West Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, to 41 months of imprisonment, and Lamont Hubbard, age 51, formerly of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, to a time served sentence of approximately 26 months of imprisonment. Both men were incarcerated on the offenses while pending their sentencings.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Brinson and Hubbard previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to traffic between 40 grams and 160 grams of fentanyl between January 2019 and February 2020. That quantity of fentanyl is the equivalent of approximately 20,000 to 80,000 potentially lethal individual doses of fentanyl. The defendants also forfeited assorted ammunition and over $3,500 seized by law enforcement during the investigation.
In addition to Brinson and Hubbard, five other Luzerne County men have been charged and convicted in the broader investigation, for various fentanyl, cocaine, and tramadol trafficking offenses, including fentanyl trafficking that resulted in death:
- James Tindol, Jr., age 38, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl that resulted in death;
- James Garris, Jr., age 52, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 168 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl that resulted in death;
- Emilio Tejeda, age 33, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute between 400 grams and 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl;
- Edwin Tejeda, age 31, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, which resulted in death, and awaits sentencing; and
- Jose Raymer Tejeda, age 37, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, which resulted in death, and awaits sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Luzerne Country Drug Task Force, and the Kingston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
This case was also 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.
This case also 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.
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Maryland Man Found Guilty of Murder for Hire, Robbery and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kevin Coles, age 36, of New York, NY and Hagerstown, Maryland, was found guilty yesterday of multiple crimes, including murder for hire, robbery, and drug trafficking after a three-week trial before United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner. The jurors deliberated for approximately three hours before rendering a guilty verdict on all counts.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the charges against Coles were the result of a six-year investigation into three murders that occurred on June 25, 2016, on a property along Welsh Run Road in Mercersburg, Franklin County. When Pennsylvania State Police officers were called to the scene, they found Wendy Ann Chaney, 39, Hagerstown, Md, Brandon Cole, 47, Fayetteville, PA, and Phillip Matthew Jackson, 36, Mercersburg, PA, all to have been shot in a barn on victim Jackson’s property. The three victims had their hands zipped-tied behind their backs and had been set on fire. Jackson and Cole were shot once in the head. Chaney was shot twice, once in the back and one in the head. Wendy Chaney and Brandon Cole were already dead when the police responded to the scene. Phillip Jackson was transported to York Hospital where he died shortly after arrival.
The evidence presented at trial established that Wendy Chaney was in a relationship with Coles and had been previously assisting him with his drug distribution operation. Coles learned that Chaney was cooperating with federal authorities and contracted for her to be murdered. Intermediaries recruited members of a Baltimore based gang known as the Black Guerilla Family and others from Baltimore to travel to the Jackson property to kill Wendy Chaney. The killers were promised that they could take as payment $20,000 that was to be in a safe in the barn and any drugs and firearms that they could locate on the Jackson property. Once there, the killers encountered not only Wendy Chaney but also Brandon Cole and Phillip Jackson. All were murdered to prevent them from cooperating and from being witnesses to the crimes of violence that were committed at that time. The killers never found any money on the property.
The evidence also established that Coles was involved in trafficking significant amounts of heroin and crack cocaine in Chambersburg, PA, Hagerstown, MD and elsewhere. The jury found that two individuals to whom Coles distributed heroin suffered serious bodily injury when they overdosed on the heroin Coles supplied and had to be resuscitated by the administration of Narcan. Finally, the jury found Coles guilty of using, brandishing and discharging a firearm during and in relation to his drug trafficking activities.
“This is one of the most disturbing and violent cases in this Division’s history. The fact that all three victims were shot in the head with their hands restrained and then set on fire shows how utterly deplorable these murders were,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “Coles was the one who contracted for these murders to occur due to Chaney’s cooperation with the DEA. Let me be clear; anyone who attempts to intimidate, harm, or murder a witness will feel the full wrath and weight of a federal criminal prosecution.”
“We would like to thank all of the personnel within the department and our local, state and federal partners who worked tirelessly on this case,” said Pennsylvania State Police, Troop H Captain Mark Magyar. “The total team effort is a testament to what is needed to successfully investigate and prosecute a case of this magnitude.”
Initially, Coles, along with other individuals, were charged in connection with the investigation:
- Devin Dickerson, age 31, Hagerstown, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine and is awaiting sentencing;
- Kenyatta Corbett, age 38, Hagerstown, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and to being an accomplice to the use of a firearm during Hobbs Act robbery and is awaiting sentencing;
- Michael Buck, age 30, Hagerstown, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and to being an accomplice to the use of a firearm during Hobbs Act robbery and is awaiting sentencing;
- Nicholas Preddy, age 29, Baltimore, pleaded guilty to attempting to kill a witness and is awaiting sentencing;
- Johnnie Jenkins-Armstrong, age 22, Baltimore, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and to being an accomplice to the use of a firearm during Hobbs Act robbery and is awaiting sentencing;
- Terrance Lawson, age 31, Baltimore, sentenced to time served for attempting to intimidate a witness;
- Tyrone Armstrong, age 30, Baltimore, sentenced to time served for attempting to intimidate a witness; and
- Christopher Johnson, age 31, Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty to multiple counts including murder for hire and is awaiting sentencing.
Joshua Davis, age 30, previously pled guilty to participating in the conspiracy to locate and kill an individual believed to be cooperating with federal authorities in the investigation of the triple murders. Davis was sentenced to serve 100 months’ imprisonment.
Two other individuals, Torey White, age 30, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, and Jerell Adgebesan, age 32, of Baltimore, Maryland, are charged in connection with the investigation and are awaiting trial.
The following federal, state and local law enforcement agencies participated in the investigation: Drug Enforcement Administration Harrisburg Resident Office; Pennsylvania State Police, Chambersburg; Pennsylvania State Police, Troop H; Franklin County Drug Task Force; Franklin County Adult Probation; Pennsylvania State Probation and Parole; Hagerstown Police Department, Criminal Investigation Division; Drug Enforcement Administration, Hagerstown Resident Office; Washington County Narcotics Task Force; Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office, Strike Force Group 1; Maryland State Police Homicide Unit; Baltimore Police Department Narcotics, Fugitive And Homicide Units; Baltimore County Police Department Narcotics and Gang Unit; Federal Bureau of Investigation Evidence Management Unit, Quantico, VA; US Marshal’s Service Harrisburg, PA and Phoenix, AZ; Franklin County District Attorney’s Office; United States Attorney’s Office, District Of Maryland; and the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, and Senior Litigation Counsel Michael Consiglio are prosecuting the case.
This case was 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.
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.
This prosecution is also part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) identified as “Retribution for Welsh Run”. OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
The penalty under federal law for several of these offenses is mandatory 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 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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KCF Technologies, Inc. to Pay $1.2 Million 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 KCF Technologies, Inc., located in State College, PA, has agreed to pay the United States $1,226,436.14 to resolve civil liability for alleged violations of the False Claims Act.
According to United States Attorney, John C. Gurganus, the investigation arose from KCF’s conduct with respect to various Department of Defense contracts. It is alleged that KCF billed labor time spent on commercial contracts improperly to contracts it had both with the Department of the Navy and the Department of the Army between 2016 and 2019.
"Investigating procurement fraud allegations is a top priority for the DoD Office of the Inspector General's Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS)," stated Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. "This settlement reflects our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania to ensure contractors who misuse taxpayer funds are held accountable."
“NCIS and our federal law enforcement partners remain committed to ensuring the good stewardship of taxpayer dollars by rooting out procurement fraud at its source,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office.
In addition to DCIS and NCIS, the case was also investigated by the Major Procurement Fraud Field Office, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Scott Moreland.
KCF cooperated with the investigation. This Settlement Agreement is neither an admission of liability by KCF, nor is it a concession by the United States that its claims are not well founded.
The investigation was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Tamara Haken, and the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit within the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Former Monroe County Man Sentenced to 210 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Distribution Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
SCRANTON —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nathaniel Speaks, age 46, formerly of Tobyhanna, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 28, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 210 months’ imprisonment for drug distribution resulting in death. Speaks was also ordered to serve 4 years of supervised release upon release from custody.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Speaks previously pleaded guilty to drug distribution resulting in death. Speaks admitted that on March 22, 2020, he sold fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, to a 50-year old female in Coolbaugh Township, Pennsylvania, causing her death.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Scranton, and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski prosecuted the case.
This case was 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.”
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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Federal Inmate Charged with Possession of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Cox, age 35, an inmate at the United States Federal Penitentiary, Lewisburg (USP Lewisburg), was indicted on April 28, 2022, by a federal grand jury for possessing marijuana in prison.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Cox was found in possession of marijuana on November 15, 2021, during a search.
The charges stem from an investigation by USP Lewisburg and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
The defendant faces a maximum penalty of five years of incarceration and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Criminal indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Two Harrisburg Men Indicted for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Steven Seibert, age 42, and Dennis Banegas, age 46, both of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, were indicted on April 28, 2022, by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges Seibert and Banegas with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine between October 2018 and January 2019, and attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on January 7, 2019, in Dauphin County.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian T. Haugsby is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Seibert and Banegas face a maximum penalty of up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and a term of supervised release of up to life. 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 being 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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New York Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on April 27, 2022, Michael Muse, age 44, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to the charge of armed bank robbery.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Muse committed armed robbery of the ESSA Bank, located in Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County, on September 16, 2021. During the robbery Muse pointed what appeared to be a firearm (later discovered to be an air pistol) at the bank tellers. Muse stole approximately $9,031.
Judge Mannion ordered that a presentence investigation take place. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
The charge against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case is being 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.
Under federal law, Muse faces a maximum sentence of up to twenty-five years in prison, 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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Luzerne County Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Marchese, age 30, of Swoyersville, Luzerne County, pleaded guilty on April 28, 2022, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to the charge of conspiracy to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Marchese admitted to conspiring with other individuals to distribute methamphetamine in the Luzerne County area in 2020. The charges stem from an investigation in May 2020 in which police obtained a search warrant for a residence where Marchese was residing in Swoyersville and seized crystal methamphetamine, a scale, drug packing materials, and $2245 in U.S. Currency.
The investigation was conducted by the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Kingston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case is being 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.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, up to a maximum sentence of forty years in prison, 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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Convicted Bank Robber Indicted for EscapeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Derek T. Smith, age 54, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and previously of Maryland, was indicted on April 27, 2022, by a federal grand jury on escape charges.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on April 21, 2022, Smith escaped from custody of the Capital Pavilion Residential Reentry Center in Dauphin County, where he was confined following his conviction for Bank Robbery. Following the escape, he was apprehended on April 23, 2022.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 5 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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Reading Man Sentenced to 70 Months’ Imprisonment for Trafficking Crystal MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Gilbert Concepcion, age 44, formerly of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 26, 2022, to 70 months of imprisonment by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani. Concepcion previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to traffic crystal methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Concepcion admitted to distributing approximately 2.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine with his coconspirators, between December 2014 and August 2015. The crystal methamphetamine was determined by laboratory analysis to qualify as high purity “Ice,” or actual methamphetamine.
In addition to Concepcion, Donald Fritz, Jr., formerly of Palmerton, Pennsylvania, was previously convicted of crystal methamphetamine trafficking and firearms offenses during the course of this investigation. Fritz was sentenced to 100 months of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
This case is being 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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Dingman’s Ferry Man Sentenced to 94 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Felix Enrique Carrion, age 49, of Dingman’s Ferry, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 94 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 6 years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Carrion previously admitted that he conspired to distribute and distributed cocaine and other controlled substances, including valium and oxycodone. Carrion was arrested by authorities after service of a search warrant at his residence resulted in the seizure of cocaine and drug packaging materials.
Walter Valdivia, Jr. was also arrested at the time of the search at Carrion’s residence. Valdivia was convicted of being a felon in possession of a shotgun which he was reaching for at the time police secured entrance. Valdivia was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment in June 2021.
The case was investigated by the ATF and the Pike County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted the case.
This case was 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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Two New Jersey Men Indicted for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Kelvin Vazquez-Pagan, age 24, of Passaic, New Jersey, and Carlos Perez-Rivera, age 37, of West New York, New Jersey, were indicted on April 26, 2022, by a federal grand jury for cocaine trafficking.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges Vazquez-Pagan and Perez-Rivera with possession with intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of cocaine on March 23, 2022, in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian J. Gallagher are prosecuting the case.
This case is being 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.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum penalty under federal law is up to 40 years in prison, 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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Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Covid-19 Related Fraud and Identity Theft Offenses in Connection with A Scheme to Unlawfully Obtain Pandemic Unemployment Assistance FundsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jorice Williams Dennard, age 25, of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty today before United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to mail fraud and identity theft offenses in connection with a scheme to unlawfully obtain Pennsylvania Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) funds.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the criminal Information to which Dennard pleaded guilty alleges that Dennard submitted a false application with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for PUA funds utilizing the personal identification information, including name, birth date, and social security number of another person. The PUA program is administered by the various states, including Pennsylvania, but its benefits are funded in part by the federal government through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (or “CARES Act”). The Information further alleges that Dennard also falsely provided a residential address in Jim Thorpe, PA on the same fraudulent application and then, on January 28, 2021, traveled to this address and to the Jim Thorpe Post Office in an effort to obtain a package addressed to his identity theft victim that contained a debit card in the victim’s name with a balance of over $14,000 in PUA funds.
This case stems from an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John.
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 (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 22 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum period of imprisonment of 2 years that attaches. A sentence following a finding of guilt will be imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes.
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York Woman Sentenced in Connection with Straw Purchasing FirearmsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Hannah Lapham, age 23, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 22, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to one year of probation for conspiring to make false statements during the purchase of firearms. The term of probation includes three months of home confinement.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Lapham previously admitted that she purchased a firearm in February 2021, for another individual who was prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm. While making that purchase, Lapham falsely represented to the seller that she was the actual purchaser of the firearm. Lapham also admitted that she later attempted to purchase two additional firearms for that same individual.
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.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the York County Drug Task Force, and the York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.
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Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Ira Sims, age 24, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann for his role in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy based in Williamsport.
According to U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, Sims previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl from August 2019 to August 2020 in Williamsport.
At the sentencing, Chief Judge Brann highlighted the way that fentanyl has ravaged this community and the country, along with the fact that Sims was being supervised for a prior drug-trafficking conviction when he engaged in the criminal conduct that led to his federal charges.
Six other co-defendants were previously sentenced and received the following:
- Braheem Lewis, age 24, was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment;
- Kevin Bryant, age 23, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment;
- Ethan Bailey, age 23, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment;
- Basil Arties, 27, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment;
- Damion Bethea, 26, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment; and
- Kenyon Bonaparte, 21, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment.
Co-defendants Angellitto Lawton and Jordan Watkins are awaiting trial.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Williamsport Bureau of Police, the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
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.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gilroy Stewart, age 52, of Cleveland, Ohio, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Stewart admitted to possessing twenty kilograms of cocaine for further distribution. The charge stems from an incident on August 28, 2018, in which members of the Pennsylvania State Police made a traffic stop of a vehicle on Interstate Route 80 in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. Stewart was the sole occupant of the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of twenty kilograms of cocaine found in a hidden compartment inside the vehicle.
The investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case is being 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.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. The maximum penalty under federal law is up to life in prison, 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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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 70 Months’ Imprisonment for Cocaine and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ricardo Jimenez-Rodriguez, age 35, of Hazelton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 22, 2022, to 70 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Jimenez-Rodriguez previously pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine. On February 23, 2020, Jimenez-Rodriguez was intercepted while driving a tractor trailer in Conyngham, Pennsylvania. Investigators searched the cab of the truck and found a duffel bag containing what laboratory analysis later revealed to be approximately seven kilograms of cocaine and three kilograms of fentanyl.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.
This case was 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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Inmate Charged with Possessing A CellphoneRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tyevhon King, age 35, an inmate at Federal Correctional Institute-Schuylkill, Minersville, Pennsylvania, was charged by a criminal information on April 22, 2022, for unlawfully possessing a cell phone.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the information alleges that on July 16, 2021, King possessed a cellphone. Federal law makes the possession of cell phones by an inmate in prison illegal out of security concerns that arise from unmonitored calls.
The matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Federal Bureau of Investigations. United States Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is one year of imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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State College Man Sentenced to 15 Months’ Imprisonment for Failure to Pay over $1 Million in Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Scott Lykens, age 44, of State College, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 15 months’ imprisonment by Chief District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann for a criminal tax violation. Chief Judge Brann also ordered Lykens to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $1,044,796.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Lykens previously entered a guilty plea in December 2021, to failure to pay over employment taxes. Lykens was the owner of a medical billing company, Keystone Medical Management Systems, doing business in Centre County, Pennsylvania. From 2010 through 2019, Lykens collected tax withholdings, including federal income taxes, Medicare, and Social Security taxes, from his employees but did not remit them to the Internal Revenue Service for a total tax loss of $1,044,796.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting the case.
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Cumberland County Man Sentenced to 161 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sheldon Tee Brooks, age 58, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 19, 2022, to 161 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, for distribution of crack cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Brooks previously pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute more than 12 grams of crack cocaine, and to possessing a short-barreled shotgun with an obliterated serial number in furtherance of drug trafficking between October and November 2019, in Cumberland County.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian T. Haugsby prosecuted the case.
This case was 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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Two Previously Deported Men Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG –The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on April 20, 2022, two previously deported aliens were indicted separately by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Tomi Moscat-Lara, a/k/a Randi Torres-Irizarry, age 44, was charged with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien. He had been deported in December 2013, and is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after that date. He was found in the United States in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, due to an arrest which eventually led to a conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute Drugs.
Jorge Efren Rivera-Nungaray, a/k/a Gabriel Franko, a/k/a Jorge Efrain Rivera, age 40, was charged with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien. He had been deported in November 2013 and is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after that date. He was found in the United States in Adams County, Pennsylvania, after an April 6, 2021 arrest for terroristic threats and harassment.
Moscat-Lara and Rivera-Nungaray both face a maximum penalty of 2 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
These matters were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joanne M. Sanderson.
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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Non-Citizen Charged with Hindering Removal to JamaicaRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Cleon Ainsworth Samuels, age 32, was indicted on April 20, 2022, by a federal grand jury for hindering removal.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Samuels is a removable alien, with a valid order of removal. The indictment alleges that Samuels knowingly took steps to prevent his own removal by failing to allow collection of a COVID-19 test which is necessary for air travel to effectuate his removal from the United States.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joanne M. Sanderson.
Samuels faces a maximum penalty of four years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Luzerne County Couple Charged with Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jerome Edward Sturdivant, age 39, and Alison Sawchak, age 39, both of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, were indicted on March 29, 2022, by a federal grand jury for participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Sturdivant and Sawchak conspired to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine from August to October 2020. The indictment further alleges that Sturdivant, who is a convicted felon, unlawfully possessed firearms and ammunition.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Drug Control, and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John is prosecuting the case.
This case is being 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 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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Las Vegas Man Charged with Wire Fraud Related to Telemedicine SchemeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Sergey Duman, age 45, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was charged in a criminal information with wire fraud.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the information alleges that between January 2020 and June 2020, Duman participated in a scheme to defraud private health insurance companies, the United States, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. After Duman purchased Cedar Care Pharmacy in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in January 2020, a telemedicine company regularly submitted prescriptions to the pharmacy that had been written without the knowledge of the listed patient. Cedar Care Pharmacy then fraudulently submitted private insurance and Medicaid claims for the prescriptions even though the pharmacy never provided the prescribed medications to patients. The total amount of the fraudulent claims exceeds $4.8 million.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlo D. Marchioli and Ravi Romel Sharma are prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments 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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Cumberland County Man Charged with Threatening President Biden and Former President TrumpRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Mohamed Farah, age 32, of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for threatening the President and a former President.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that in January 2022, Farah, who is a citizen of Somalia, threatened to assassinate President Biden. The indictment further alleges that Farah threatened to assassinate former President Trump if he runs for reelection.
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 is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each of the charged offenses is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments 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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Cogan Station Man Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Devon Buck, age 33, of Cogan Station, Pennsylvania, has been charged in a one-count criminal Information with attempting to evade income taxes.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the Information alleges that Buck operated a landscaping business called DCL Landscaping and for the calendar years 2015 through 2019, Buck attempted to evade $203,324 in federal income taxes. The Information alleges that Buck prepared and delivered business invoices to DCL customers requesting that they make checks for landscaping services payable to Buck personally, instead of DCL, Buck asked customers to not place the DCL name on their checks, and he provided DCL invoices to customers which included an instruction to make their payments payable to Buck individually. The Information also alleges that from 2015 through 2019, Buck diverted approximately $677,877 of DCL receipts by cashing customer checks rather than depositing them into a business bank account, and he deposited only $240,749 of customer payments into the DCL business bank account during that period. He allegedly provided fraudulent business summaries to his tax return preparer for use in preparing IRS Form 1040 income tax returns and Schedule C statements of business receipts and expenses, which falsely underreported DCL gross receipts and evaded the payment of federal income taxes.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is five (5) years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Pittston Man Sentenced to 64 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Pablo Valentin, age 44, of Pittston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 64 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for possession with intent to distribute heroin and felon in possession of firearms offenses.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on February 7, 2019, Valentin possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, along with a digital scale, packaging materials and other items associated with narcotics distribution. Additionally, Valentin, a previously convicted felon, unlawfully possessed two firearms, which were seized pursuant to a search warrant.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Hanover Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John 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 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.
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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Mexican Man Sentenced to 30 Days’ Imprisonment for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Melesio Medina-Torres, age 45, was sentenced to time served of 30 days’ imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, for illegal reentry of a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Medina-Torres pleaded guilty to having illegally reentered the United States sometime after his last removal in October 2008. He was located in the United States on February 3, 2022, in York County, Pennsylvania, after an arrest for criminal charges which are still pending. It is expected he will be removed to Mexico at the completion of his sentence.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joanne M. Sanderson.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 42 Months’ Imprisonment for Identity Theft and Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Luis Miguel Mejia-Lugo, age 30, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 42 months’ imprisonment to be followed by one year of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for aggravated identity theft and illegal reentry of a removed alien offenses.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on April 29, 2020, Mejia-Lugo, a previously deported alien with prior felony convictions for armed robbery and assault, was arrested in Hazleton and found in possession of a loaded firearm. Further investigation revealed that Mejia-Lugo fraudulently used the identity of a United States citizen, including a counterfeit social security card, to obtain a Pennsylvania Driver’s License and, then, to unlawfully purchase the firearm in question.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
This case is being 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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U.S. Attorney and IRS Warn Potential Tax Cheats to Timely File Accurate and Complete Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - With the deadline for filing federal individual income tax returns rapidly approaching, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and the Philadelphia Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, jointly announced a warning to those who are thinking about breaking the law by committing tax crimes. Willfully filing false tax returns or deliberately evading paying taxes are serious criminal offenses and can result in prison and substantial fines and penalties.
“Those who fail to pay their taxes put an added burden on honest taxpayers and cheat the government out of much needed revenue that finances our government’s operations,” said U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus. “Our office will aggressively investigate and prosecute those individuals who knowingly and willfully evade their tax obligation and violate our tax laws.”
“With the tax filing deadline right around the corner, those who may think about committing tax fraud should consider the negative consequences of their actions, which could include jail time,” said Tim Connelly, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation. “People who file accurate and honest returns can be assured that IRS-CI and the U.S. Attorney’s office will continue to seek out and prosecute those who willfully attempt to defraud the tax system.”
Throughout the past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecuted a broad array of tax offenses including tax evasion, employment tax fraud, and refund fraud. Enforcement efforts are continually ongoing. Here are a few recent examples:
- On March 24, 2022, Erin Hossler, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for tax evasion and ordered to pay $153,539.70 in restitution to the IRS. Hossler stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from Cressona Borough, where she previously worked as Secretary/Treasurer and failed to file income tax returns during the years 2015, 2016, and 2017.
- Joseph Rinker, of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 25, 2022, to two years of probation for using his position as the manager of the Harvest Moon Restaurant in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to embezzle over $300,000, that he subsequently failed to report as income to the IRS from 2014 to 2017. Rinker was ordered to pay $64,250 in restitution to the IRS.
- On February 18, 2022, Charles R. Ehrenberg, owner of Ehrenberg Roofing and Construction, Inc., located in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to failing to pay over to the IRS federal employment taxes, including Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) taxes for the period from 2017 through 2020, in the total amount of $185,681.90.
- On March 3, 2022, Ricky Long, of Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 12 months plus one day in prison for failure to account for and pay over employment taxes for a home healthcare business known as Warm Hearts Home Care Agency, Inc. operating in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. Long failed to file tax returns or pay over $296,484.89 in employment and trust fund taxes collected from employees over several years. Rather than turning the money over to the IRS, Long used the money to open a wine bar in Shamokin, Pennsylvania and to pay personal expenses such as vacations and tickets to sporting events. Long was also ordered to make full restitution.
- Giuseppe Tomasino, age 45, and Andrea Tomasino, age 71, co-owners of Tomasino’s Restaurante Italiano, located in Dallas, Pennsylvania, were sentenced on March 8, 2022, for failure to pay income and employment taxes between 2014 and 2019 related to the operation of their restaurant. Giuseppe Tomasino was sentenced to serve a 6-month period of home detention with electronic monitoring and Andrea Tomasino was sentenced to two years of probation and to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $214,347.
- On April 12, 2022, Ronald Halko, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for attempting to evade payment of Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) taxes in the approximate amount of $144,864.43 by concealing sources of income and other assets from the IRS.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tax Scam Warning
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the IRS remind taxpayers to exercise caution during tax season to protect themselves against tax schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud. Illegal scams can lead to significant penalties and interest and possible criminal prosecution. IRS Criminal Investigation works closely with the Department of Justice to shutdown scams and to prosecute the criminals behind them.
Each year, taxpayers’ personal information is compromised through phishing scams or by unscrupulous tax preparers. IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) wants taxpayers to be aware of tax-related fraud. Tips to avoid tax season fraud include:
- Choose a tax preparer wisely. Look for a preparer who is available year-round.
- Ask your tax preparer for their IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). All paid preparers are required to have one.
- Don’t use a ghost preparer. They won’t sign a tax return they prepare for you.
- Don’t fall victim to tax preparers’ promises of large refunds. Taxpayers must pay their fair share of taxes.
- Don’t sign a blank tax return. Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for what appears on tax returns filed with the IRS.
- Make sure you receive your refund. Your refund should be deposited into your bank account, not your tax preparer’s.
- The IRS will not call you threatening legal action. If you receive a call like this, hang up.
- Don’t respond to text messages, emails or social media posts claiming to be the IRS. They may contain malware that could compromise your personal information.
- Don’t click links or open attachments in unsolicited emails or text messages about your tax return. These messages are fraudulent.
- Protect your personal and financial information. Never provide this information in response to unsolicited text messages, emails or social media posts claiming to be the IRS.
For more tips on choosing a tax professional or how to file a complaint against one, visit IRS.gov. Taxpayers who suspect tax violations by a person or business, may report it to the IRS using Form 3949A, Information Referral. Taxpayers can report phishing emails to [email protected] or IRS impersonation scams to TIGTA.gov.
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Scranton Man Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ronald Halko, age 79, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 12, 2022, by a federal grand jury for tax evasion.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Halko attempted to evade payment of Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) taxes (the collecting of employment taxes by the IRS from the owners or corporate officers of a business that has failed to pay the employment taxes) in the approximate amount of $144,864.43 by concealing sources of income and other assets from the IRS.
The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments 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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Postal Contractor Charged with Mail TheftRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Anthony Collier, Jr., age 39, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on mail theft charges.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on November 2, 2021, Collier took mail packages intended to be delivered through the U.S. Postal Service to victims located in Charlotte, North Carolina and Maryland. Collier was acting as a contractor responsible for transporting mail. The value of the items taken were in excess of $10,000.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Penbrook Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime M. Keating is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court
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Monroe County Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Terrance Tyson, age 45, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on April 12, 2022, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to bank robbery. Judge Mariani ordered that a presentence investigation take place. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Tyson admitted robbing the NBT Bank located in East Stroudsburg, on September 24, 2019. Tyson stole approximately $5,226.
The charges against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Stroud Area Regional Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case is being 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.
Under federal law, Tyson faces a maximum sentence of up to twenty years in prison, 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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Federal Inmate Charged with Possession of A WeaponRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Cornell Williams, age 25, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill (FCI Schuylkill), was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for possessing a weapon in prison.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Williams possessed a sharpened piece of metal, commonly referred to as a “shank,” on October 9, 2021.
The charges stem from an investigation by FCI Schuylkill and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Williams faces a maximum penalty of five years of incarceration and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Criminal indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Three California Women Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 23, 2022, Davida Algie Fortenberry, Laje Elise Ford, and Chartanae Ajanee Lovely, all from Oakland, California, were indicted by a federal grand jury on wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud charges.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that between May 2020 and June 2021, Fortenberry, Ford and Lovely, working with other unnamed co-conspirators, defrauded numerous victims using fraudulently obtained bank account information from US banks and foreign banks. The victims included Giant Food Stores in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The indictment also alleges that the women possessed more than 15 fraudulently obtained financial access devices. The indicted conspiracy took place in 13 states and Washington DC, and it resulted in losses exceeding $400,000.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Harrisburg Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Miovas, Jr. is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud is 20 years’ imprisonment. These charges may also carry a fine and a term of supervised release following imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Lackawanna County Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Role in Methamphetamine and Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rudolph Ford, age 33, formerly of Olyphant, Lackawanna County, was sentenced on April 7, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to seven years’ imprisonment for his role in a methamphetamine and heroin trafficking conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Ford previously pleaded guilty and admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute between 350 and 500 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 20 to 40 grams of heroin in the Lackawanna County area in 2018. Ford was one of five individuals indicted by a grand jury in December 2018 for methamphetamine trafficking in Luzerne, Lackawanna and Schuylkill Counties
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Kingston Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
Previously, Amanda Boyle, age 37, of Sweet Valley, Luzerne County, was sentenced by Judge Mariani to nine years in prison for her role in this same drug trafficking conspiracy.
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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York Man Sentenced to 25 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jesean DeShields, age 31, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 6, 2022, to 25 years’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, law enforcement first began investigating DeShields in September 2018. On September 27, 2018, they executed a search warrant at his East College Avenue apartment in York. They did not find him, but they found cocaine trafficking evidence and two firearms.
Less than six weeks later, police executed a second search warrant at a home on East Boundary Avenue in York. During the November 1, 2018 search, police recovered quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and oxycodone and another firearm. Deshields was arrested at the scene of this second search warrant. At the time of these events, Deshields had multiple prior convictions which prohibited him from possessing a firearm and qualified him as an Armed Career Criminal.
In October 2021, a jury convicted DeShields of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and oxycodone, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm as a felon. Judge Conner sentenced DeShields to the mandatory sentence of 25 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the York City Police, and the York County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Consiglio prosecuted the case.
This case is being 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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United States Files Complaint Against Lehighton Doctor for Violating the False Claims ActRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG, PA —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that the United States has filed a civil lawsuit against Dr. Peter J. Baddick, III, a family medicine practitioner, alleging that he issued medically unnecessary prescriptions for Subsys, a fentanyl-based spray manufactured by Insys Therapeutics, Inc., and used to treat breakthrough cancer pain. Dr. Baddick saw patients at his practice, Penn Medical Group, P.C., which operated in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Penn Medical Group ceased operations in September of 2019.
According to U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, the Complaint alleges that Dr. Baddick violated the False Claims Act by prescribing Subsys to patients for whom the fentanyl-based drug was either not medically necessary or otherwise inappropriate. These prescriptions were submitted to and paid through the Medicare and TRICARE federal healthcare programs. The United States specifically alleges that from April of 2015 through December of 2015, Dr. Baddick prescribed Subsys to two patients, neither of whom had cancer and continued to write Subsys prescriptions for both patients after they raised concerns about the drug’s effects. The federal healthcare programs paid $308,701.94 for eighteen Subsys prescriptions to these two patients.
The United States previously prosecuted Insys under a criminal information filed in the District of Massachusetts, and Insys agreed to a global resolution of the government’s separate civil and criminal investigations. As part of the civil resolution, Insys agreed to pay $195 million to settle allegations it violated the False Claims Act, and as part of the criminal resolution, it entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the government, its operating subsidiary pleaded guilty to five counts of mail fraud, and the company was subject to a $2 million fine and $28 million in forfeiture.
“The Department of Justice has a duty to protect the health and welfare of our citizens and to ensure that the taxpayer dollars that fund the federal healthcare programs are only expended for necessary medical services,” said U.S. Attorney John Gurganus. “Subsys is a potent and addictive opioid that was approved to treat cancer patients suffering from breakthrough pain. It is also a very expensive drug. Doctors who write medically unnecessary prescriptions for Subsys irresponsibly risk their patients’ wellbeing at taxpayer expense. It is imperative that we hold these healthcare providers accountable for their actions.”
“Protecting TRICARE, the health care program for active-duty military personnel, retirees, and dependents, is a top priority for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General's Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” stated Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “When providers write medically unnecessary prescriptions for controlled substances and cause the submission of fraudulent claims to TRICARE, they put TRICARE beneficiaries at risk and undermine the integrity of the program. The civil fraud action announced today demonstrates the DCIS' ongoing commitment to work with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Pennsylvania, to investigate health care providers who cause false claims to be submitted to TRICARE.”
The claims asserted against Dr. Baddick are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. The case is docketed as United States v. Dr. Peter J. Baddick, III, Civ. No. 3: 22-512 (M.D. Pa.)
This case was investigated by the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General—Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the U.S. Attorney’s ACE Unit. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Counsel to the Inspector General assisted with the investigation. It is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brian Simpson.
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Liberian Man Charged with Hindering RemovalRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on April 6, 2022, Emmanuel Tenneh, age 29, was indicted by a federal grand jury for hindering removal.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Tenneh is a removable alien, with a valid order of removal outstanding who knowingly took steps to prevent his own removal by failing to participate in an interview with his home country of Liberia and failing to execute documents as is necessary to effectuate his removal from the United States.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joanne M. Sanderson.
Tenneh faces a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 15 Years’ Imprisonment for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Alfred Stewart, age 38, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 6, 2022, to 15 years’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for possession of a firearm as an Armed Career Criminal.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Stewart was previously convicted by a jury in October 2021, of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The United States Marshal Service arrested Stewart on March 27, 2019, for violating his federal supervised release. When they tried to arrest Stewart, he climbed out onto the roof of the Harrisburg home with a gun in his hand. Stewart tried to hide the gun from police by putting it down the chimney of the home. Police arrested Stewart and searched the chimney flue in the basement and found the gun.
Stewart had previously served approximately 8 years in federal prison for drug trafficking. He had two prior convictions for drug trafficking in 2002 in state court. Judge Wilson also sentenced Stewart to two years in prison for violating the conditions of his supervised release. Stewart must serve the two year sentence consecutively to his 15-year sentence.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshal Service, and the Harrisburg City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio prosecuted the case.
This case is being 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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Florida Man Sentenced to Probation for Filing False Claims on U.S. Navy ContractsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Raymond Lofthouse, age 59, of Florida, was sentenced on April 6, 2022, to one month of probation to be followed by 6 months of home confinement by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo for filing false claims on Navy Contracts. Judge Rambo also ordered Lofthouse to pay $60,000 in restitution to the U.S. Navy.
According to U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, Lofthouse was awarded a contract for $60,000 to repair three electric motors for the U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command, in Mechanicsburg, PA. Lofthouse billed the Navy for the contract, knowing the work was not complete and then never completed the work.
"The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of the Inspector General's Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) prioritizes investigations involving contractors that submit false claims to the DoD for work that was not performed," stated Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates our commitment to working with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania to hold individuals accountable for defrauding the DoD."
“Mr. Lofthouse jeopardized the safety of our Sailors and wasted valuable taxpayer money by falsely claiming that Soldiers Supply repaired three motors critical to supporting the Auxiliary Machine Cooling Water system used in the steam and electric propulsion plant on aircraft carriers,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Wiest of the Northeast Field Office. “NCIS and our law enforcement partners remain committed to fully investigating allegations of procurement fraud that threaten the integrity of the Department of the Navy’s procurement process and degrade the Navy’s ability to project sea power necessary to promote regional stability, deter conflict, respond to crisis, and influence outcomes.”
The matter was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford prosecuted the case.
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Five Previously Deported Men Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG –The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on April 6, 2022, five previously deported aliens were indicted separately by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States. These matters arose in counties throughout the district including Franklin, Luzerne, Lackawanna, and York Counties.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Luis Zavala-Cruz a/k/a Jose Luis Zavala-Palacios, age 49, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in March 2010. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after March 2010. He was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania, after an October 6, 2021, arrest which eventually led to an accident – damage to vehicle/property conviction.
Maynor Garcia-Gomez, age 27, was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala in May 2019. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after May 2019. He was found in the United States in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, after being involved in a vehicle accident and charged with Driving Under the Influence.
Jose Melendez, age 34, was previously deported from the United States to Honduras in March 2019. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after March 2019. He was found in the United States in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, after a March 18, 2022, arrest by the Carbondale City Police on charges of endangering the welfare of a child.
Darwin Alexis Pasos-Santos, age 32, was removed from the United States to Honduras in August 2014. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States at some point after August 2014 after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. He was found in the United States in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania on March 26, 2022, after having been arrested for driving under the influence.
Lazar Sava a/k/a Adrian Sandu, age 35, of Romania, departed the United States while an order of deportation was outstanding against him. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States. He was found in the United States in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania on April 26, 2019, after having been arrested in Maryland and extradited to Pennsylvania due to numerous active warrants for theft related offenses.
Zavala-Cruz, Garcia-Gomez, Melendez, Pasos-Santos and Sava all face a maximum penalty of 2 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
These matters were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joanne M. Sanderson.
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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Bellefonte Man Sentenced to 96 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ryan Joel King, age 40, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 96 months' imprisonment by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann for drug trafficking. According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on November 9, 2021, King entered a guilty plea to possessing methamphetamine and LSD with the intent to distribute them to others. King was the subject of an investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police and was found with 286 grams of methamphetamine, nearly 2 grams of liquid LSD, and drug paraphernalia. King also possessed a .22 caliber handgun in connection with the drug offense which led to a sentencing enhancement.
This case is being 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.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.
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York Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Conspiracy Related to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance BenefitsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Tami Mateljan, age 46, of York, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty before United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo for conspiring to commit wire fraud.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between October 2020 and December 2020, conspirators submitted fraudulent applications for pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA) to Colorado and Ohio, using the names and personal information of other individuals without authorization. The states transferred the fraudulently obtained PUA benefits to accounts owned by Mateljan. She then used some of the money for her own benefit and transferred the remaining money to conspirators in other countries, including Nigeria.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli is prosecuting 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 (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
If convicted, the maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Scranton Man Charged with Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Victorious Minter, age 36, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on January 5, 2022, Minter possessed a loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, after having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Scranton Police Department, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Gallagher and Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan are prosecuting the case.
This case is being 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Owner of Trucking Business Sentenced to 18 Months’ Imprisonment for Covid-Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Keith McConnell, age 43, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 18 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for perpetrating a wire fraud and money laundering scheme which sought $467,200 in COVID-19 relief funds guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
The PPP was designed to help small businesses facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded by the March 27, 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, PPP funds were offered in forgivable loans to small businesses for employee job retention and certain other expenses. PPP loan amounts were determined by the number of employees and average monthly payroll costs.
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, McConnell submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications and forged documents on behalf of his Carlisle-area trucking company, KB Transportation LLC. In both 2019 and 2020, KB Transportation LLC was not in business, had no employees, and had no payroll expenses. On June 5, 2020, however, McConnell falsely certified that KB Transportation LLC employed twenty-six employees and had monthly payroll expenses totaling $124,800. As a result of the fraud, McConnell received $312,000 in PPP loan proceeds. Within weeks, McConnell spent the PPP funds on unauthorized expenditures including the purchase of a residential property, two personal vehicles, cash withdrawals, and stock market investments. On January 20, 2021, McConnell used KB Transportation LLC to apply for a second PPP loan in the amount of $155,200, and again submitted false and fraudulent loan applications and documents. The second PPP loan was never disbursed.
In addition to the 18-month prison sentence, the Court ordered Keith McConnell to serve three years of supervised release following incarceration, and to pay $312,200 in restitution for disbursement to the victims of his crimes. To date, McConnell has paid back $237,515.50 in restitution.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel S. Dalke 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 (NCDF) 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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