Middle District of Pennsylvania

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shaitq Crum, age 27, Nasir Shelton, age 24, Alphonse Bartiromo, age 18, and Brendan Shadle, age 23, of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury on machinegun trafficking and firearms charges. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Crum, Shelton, Bartiromo, and Shadle conspired to possess and transfer machineguns and machinegun conversion devices. A machinegun conversion device is gun part designed and intended to convert a firearm into a machinegun, allowing it to function as a fully automatic weapon. The indictment alleges the co-conspirators dealt in two types of machinegun conversion devices, that is, what are known as “Glock switches” and “auto-sears.”

The indictment further alleges that the co-conspirators obtained machineguns from multiple sources before selling them for profit, as well as manufacturing machinegun conversion devices themselves using a 3D printer. The indictment also charges several firearms trafficking offenses involving various firearms including an AR-15 pistol with an obliterated serial number and multiple privately made firearms, commonly referred to as “ghost guns.”

 “According to the charges, these defendants were responsible for manufacturing and distributing weapons and conversion devices capable of fueling significant violence in our communities,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Those who manufacture and traffic in these weapons and devices are contributing directly to the cycle of violent crime, and they will be pursued aggressively. I want to thank the women and men of the Steamtown Safe Streets Task Force and all of our law enforcement partners whose dedication and professionalism made today’s announcement possible. Your efforts are making our communities safer.”

“Firearms trafficking puts guns into the hands of the criminals who strike our communities,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “In this case those firearms included weapons designed to prevent their tracing, an illegal machinegun, and dangerous machinegun conversion devices that switch handguns into automatic fire weapons. Working with our law enforcement partners and using ATF’s unique capabilities, we helped expose this dangerous enterprise and will continue to work together to keep our Commonwealth’s communities safe from the dangers of firearms trafficking.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The indictment charges 21 counts of firearms offenses. The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses ranges from 5 to 15 years of imprisonment per count, 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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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jeffrey Stormer, age 64, of State College, PA, was sentenced yesterday to 97 months of imprisonment to be followed by ten years of supervised release on charges of distribution and possession of child pornography. Stormer was also ordered to pay $9,000 of total restitution to child victims depicted in the images. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Stormer pleaded guilty on December 22, 2025, to charges of distributing child pornography on January 5, 2023, and possessing child pornography from April 2022 to February 2023.  Following an investigation, a search warrant was executed at Stormer’s residence, and several electronic devices were seized. A forensic analysis of the devices revealed that Stormer had “shareable folders” on one of his computers depicting child pornography that was transmitted on an online platform over 900 times.  These files included approximately 8,000 images and 250 videos of minor children posed in sexually explicit positions or engaged in sexual acts.

The Department of Homeland Security investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Shippensburg Police Department Detective, Matthew S. Pleisse, age 36, of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on May 6, 2026, by a federal grand jury on child pornography charges. The case was unsealed following Pleisse’s detention hearing.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges Pleisse received, attempted to receive, and possessed child pornography on several dates between July 2024 and April 2025. It is alleged that Pleisse utilized cryptocurrency to purchase child pornography from the darknet and possessed child pornography depicting prepubescent minors. 

“Homeland Security Investigations remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting vulnerable children and holding offenders accountable,” said HSI Philadelphia Acting Special Agent in Charge Nathan Abel. “The indictment alleges that Pleisse utilized cryptocurrency to purchase and possess child sexual abuse material, actions that are reprehensible and illegal. HSI will continue to pursue those who exploit children online and work tirelessly to bring them to justice.”

During Pleisse’s detention hearing on May 19, 2026, Chief Magistrate Judge Daryl F. Bloom ordered Pleisse to be detained pending trial. 

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen W. Dukes is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney's Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. 

The maximum penalty under federal law for each charge is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. This offense also carries a mandatory minimum term of five years imprisonment. A sentence following the 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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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Keith Fox, Jr., age 48, was found guilty of possessing methamphetamine for the purposes of distribution and illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on May 20, 2026, following a three-day trial, a jury found Fox guilty of possessing over 500 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine for distribution and of possessing three firearms and ammunition illegally due to a prior felony conviction.

The government presented evidence that on August 22, 2024, after several months of investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Fox’s Scranton residence.  They discovered an automated pill press and multiple other items used to manufacture illicit pills. They also seized over 1000 pills containing methamphetamine and other controlled substances, methamphetamine powder, a large amount of ammunition and three handguns, including one with an obliterated serial number. 

Sentencing is scheduled for August 14, 2026, before District Court Judge Joseph Saporito, Jr.  Fox is facing a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General- Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts and Senior Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michelle Hardik prosecuted the case. 

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SCRANTON, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rasheeda Kelly, age 47, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 21, 2026, to 122 months’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Julia K. Munley for attempted possession of methamphetamine for distribution. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in February 2025, Kelly conspired with another individual to have a package containing 4.4 kilograms of methamphetamine delivered to her house for purposes of distribution. The package was intercepted by law enforcement, and a search warrant was executed at Kelly’s residence in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County. Law enforcement seized a dozen firearms, one of which had been reported stolen, from her residence.  At the time, Kelly had been previously convicted of offenses which prohibited her from possessing firearms.    

Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Narcotics Investigations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Eliezer Pagan, age 39, of Vallejo, California; Ramon Antonio Pagan-Acosta, age 30, of York, Pennsylvania; and, Florivette Santiago-Rivera, age 29, of York, Pennsylvania, were charged by indictment with firearm offenses.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that between on or about October 26, 2023, and April 9, 2025, the defendants conspired to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, transfer firearms to an out-of-state resident, and make false statements during the purchase of firearms.  The Indictment further alleges that Pagan made at least 29 Cash App transfers to Pagan-Acosta and Santiago-Rivera’s Cash App accounts. The Cash App transfers allegedly ranged in amounts from $120 to $2,000 and totaled approximately $19,024. In turn, Pagan-Acosta allegedly purchased approximately 33 firearms from licensed firearms dealers in Pennsylvania counties, including Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, and York.  And Santago-Rivera allegedly purchased six firearms. When purchasing the firearms, the indictment alleges that Pagan-Acosta and Santiago-Rivera falsely identified themselves on ATF Forms 4473 as the true buyers or transferees.  Moreover, Pagan-Acosta allegedly shipped at least five packages of varying weights from Pennsylvania to Pagan, in California, under the name of a person who did not reside at the same address.

Pagan and Pagan-Acosta are additionally charged in the indictment with conspiracy to straw purchase firearms, conspiracy to traffic firearms, and engaging in business of dealing in firearms without a license.  Finally, all defendants are charged in the indictment with making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.                 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalties for Pagan and Pagan-Acosta are 50 years imprisonment, as well as a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. The maximum penalties for Santiago-Rivera are 15 years’ imprisonment, as well as a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment.  A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments only contain allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jhaquil Moore, a/k/a “Twizz,” age 30, of Hughestown, Pennsylvania, and Keith Hayes, age 34, of Jenkins Township, Pennsylvania, were indicted on May 19, 2026, by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking offenses.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that between on or about February 1, 2026, and May 12, 2026, Moore and Hayes conspired to distribute quantities of cocaine in Luzerne County, and elsewhere. The indictment further alleges that on six occasions between February 2025 and April 2026, Moore and Hayes distributed quantities of cocaine within Luzerne County.  The indictment further alleges that on May 12, 2026, Hayes possessed a stolen Glock 43x pistol, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in prison.

The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Kingston Police Department, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is imprisonment for twenty years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Colon, age 52, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, was sentenced on May 19, 2026, to 300 months in prison by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for three counts of production of child pornography and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Colon communicated with multiple minor victims who he then enticed into creating images of themselves engaged in sexually explicit activity and then directed the children to send those images to him via cellphone. At the time that the Department of Homeland Security executed a search warrant for Colon’s cellular devices in 2024, Colon, who was a convicted felon and prohibited possessor, was additionally in possession of multiple illegal firearms, including a stolen handgun.

“Homeland Security Investigations remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting children from those who seek to exploit their vulnerability for personal gain,” said HSI Philadelphia Acting Special Agent in Charge Nathan Abel.  “This sentence is a result of HSI’s relentless pursuit to prosecute predators who manipulate and coerce minors into illegal acts, and we will use every resource at our disposal to bring them to justice. Most importantly, our efforts in this case provided an opportunity to rescue five young victims and ensure they are no longer subject to this abuse. The safety and well-being of our nation’s children will always be our top priority.”

The Department of Homeland Security and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit  www.usdoj.gov/psc.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Levi Stoner, age 20, of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on child pornography and online enticement charges. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that between September 26, 2025, and December 5, 2025, Stoner enticed a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing videos of that conduct.  It is also alleged that Stoner received images over the internet depicting child pornography of the minor child. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Christian Haugsby is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. 

The total maximum penalties for the charged offenses include imprisonment for up to life, a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life following imprisonment, and fines of $750,000. A sentence following the 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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On May 18, 2026, Mr. Brian D. Miller was confirmed as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. This marks his third confirmation in a leadership position. Mr. Miller stated, "I appreciate the confidence the Senate and the district judges have placed in me. Most of all, I am grateful to President Trump, Acting Attorney General Blanche, and Senator McCormick for selecting me to serve as United States Attorney. It is an incredible honor, and I am privileged to work alongside so many dedicated and talented professionals. I will do my utmost to keep the citizens of the Middle District safe and to assist President Trump in making America safe again.”

Mr. Miller was originally appointed by United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi on October 27, 2025, for 120 days. On February 24, 2026, the District Court appointed Mr. Miller as United States Attorney until the vacancy was filled by the President.

Previously, Mr. Miller was confirmed by the United States Senate to be the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery on June 2, 2020. Mr. Miller’s prior positions include Senior Associate White House Counsel; Inspector General of the United States General Services Administration (Senate confirmed on July 22, 2005); Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General; Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia; Special Counsel on Health Care Fraud for the Deputy Attorney General; and Counsel to the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. He has also served as Acting General Counsel of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2025.

As a federal prosecutor, Mr. Miller litigated civil and criminal cases involving terrorism and terrorist financing, drug-related conspiracies and murder, and the False Claims Act. As an inspector general, Mr. Miller is known for his investigation of a lavish GSA conference in Las Vegas.

Mr. Miller was honored to receive the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award, the EOUSA Director’s Award for Superior Performance as an AUSA, and the David M. Walker Excellence in Government Performance and Accountability Award, which recognizes and honors government audit professionals who have made sustained contributions to improve government performance and accountability through their leadership in transforming government organizations.

Mr. Miller received his bachelor’s degree from Temple University and his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. He resides in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

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WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kanyhi Roberson, age 32, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to four months of imprisonment for providing contraband to a federal prison inmate.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in August 2022, Roberson was visiting an acquaintance at the Federal Correctional Complex – Allenwood.  During the visit, Roberson prepared a food item for the inmate and passed it to him with several napkins, which the inmate then placed against his face. Corrections officers found this behavior suspicious and searched the inmate, finding 75 strips of Suboxone (a Schedule III narcotic) in his cheek.   Roberson previously entered a guilty plea in this case in December 2025.

The Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.   

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WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kristina Johnson, age 69, formerly of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to 15 months of imprisonment for falsification of records during a bankruptcy proceeding.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Johnson and her husband, John J, Johnson II, were owners of the Springfield Bed & Breakfast in Boalsburg, PA.  The Springfield Bed & Breakfast filed for bankruptcy in 2022.  As part of the bankruptcy proceedings the bed and breakfast continued to operate as the Johnsons attempted to reorganize their debts. The Johnsons were required to submit monthly operating reports to the bankruptcy court.  However, the reports submitted to the bankruptcy court by the Johnsons included false information about bank activity and also concealed the existence of a bank account that was not disclosed to the court. Along with her husband, Kristina Johnson previously entered a guilty plea in this case in November 2025.

John J. Johnson was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment in March 2026.

The United States Bankruptcy Trustee and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting the case. 

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WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Davon Nelson, age 41, of Baltimore, MD, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to 18 months in prison for possessing a weapon in prison.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on October 8, 2024, Nelson was an inmate at Allenwood Federal Correctional Institution and possessed an inmate-made, sharpened steel weapon, measuring 4 ½ inches in length.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.

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WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that James Hampton-Smith, age 38, of Aberdeen, MD, was sentenced by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann to 15 months in prison for attempting to provide contraband to an inmate.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on August 14, 2024, security officers at United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg, observed the defendant climb the prison perimeter fence around 12:25 a.m.  Utilizing a thermal imaging device, security officers watched the defendant jump down onto prison grounds and place a backpack in a trash can near the facility’s basketball court.  The bag’s contents included vape pens, cell phones, cutting tools, and synthetic marijuana.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tatum Wilson and Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Troy Lamont Rishell, age 48, a resident of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 14, 2026, to 12 months and one day in prison for threatening a United States Congressman.

According to U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller, Rishell left eight voicemails with the District Office of a United States Congressman. In those profanity-laced messages, Rishell threatened to assault and murder the United States Congressman, with intent to intimidate him while the Congressman was engaged in the performance of his official duties.

The United States Capitol Police and the United States Secret Service investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jimmy Bell, age 33, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 13, 2026, to 240 months’ imprisonment and a term of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marihuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute marihuana, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Bell had plead guilty on an earlier date.  As part of his guilty plea, Bell admitted that on or about May 26, 2023, in Lackawanna County, he conspired with his co-defendants to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 2KG of methamphetamine and nearly 4KG of marihuana. Bell, a previously convicted felon, also admitted that he possessed a rifle with an obliterated serial number and additional ammunition and a Smith & Wesson .38 special handgun with an obliterated serial number and additional ammunition in furtherance of his drug trafficking offense. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Gerard Donahue prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brian R. Cleland, age 72, a resident of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced on May 14, 2026, to 120 months in prison by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for conspiracy to launder monetary instruments in the amount of approximately $46.4 million.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Cleland previously pleaded guilty on November 17, 2025, and admitted that he and his coconspirators Bruce Jin, Age 61, and Carlos A. Grijalva, age 60, both of Los Angeles, California, along with other unnamed coconspirators, conspired to obtain state unemployment compensation funds, and other public funds, through fraudulent means. Cleland, Jin, Grijalva, and others entered into a series of agreements to make it appear as if they were operating legitimate businesses selling masks and other COVID19 personal protective equipment. The funds that the defendants obtained and laundered through their companies were derived from fraudulently obtained state unemployment compensation (“UC”) benefits. Economic Impact Payments, or “stimulus payments,” were also obtained through fraudulent means.

Unnamed members of the conspiracy, including some believed to be located in China, established thousands of accounts at banks across the United States using the personal identifying information (“PII”) of identity theft victims. From there, fraudulent UC claims were generated and paid to these accounts, including accounts in the names of people residing in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. These fraudulent UC claims were also generated by fraudsters based in China. As a result of this fraudulent activity, millions of dollars in fraudulent UC payments were made by Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, and other states.

After UC funds were paid out, they were then transferred from identity theft victims’ accounts to companies controlled by Cleland, Jin, and Grijalva. For instance, Jin, through companies that he controlled known as Ample International and Jin Commerce, received over $12 million in UC funds from the accounts of identity theft victims. In addition, the defendants used ACH processing—a type of electronic bank-to-bank transfer—to obtain over $45 million in fraudulent funds from the accounts of identity theft victims. This money mostly went from the accounts of identity theft victims to companies controlled by Cleland and Grijalva, including MexUS Service, Group Mex USA, CCB Group, GC Accounting, and CLECO. After that, Cleland and Grijalva transferred over $30 million to Jin’s companies and over $6 million to a company controlled by an associate of Jin.

After Jin received the fraudulent funds, either from identity theft victims’ accounts or from Cleland and Grijalva through ACH processing, he then made international wire transfers totaling over $35 million to a bank account associated with a company in China, which is known in the Indictment as “COMPANY 2.” Jin also transferred over $2 million directly to the individual in China who controlled that company, who is referred to as “COCONSPIRATOR 2” in the Indictment.

Cleland was also ordered to pay approximately $46.4 million in forfeiture.

“Brian Cleland and his co-conspirators stole millions from struggling Americans during a national emergency — hiding behind fake businesses while robbing the American people of crucial unemployment benefits and other public funds. Deplorable schemes like this end now,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor. “Let this sentence serve as a warning to those who attempt to exploit tax-payer funded programs; The Office of Inspector General, our law enforcement partners, and Vice President Vance’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud — will find you, investigate you, and hold you accountable to the highest extent of the law.”

"Fraud schemes targeting the funds which aid the American people undermines the programs built to support those in need," said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Working alongside our law enforcement partners, the FBI remains committed to protecting the integrity of these programs and pursuing those who exploit them through fraud and deception.” 

Jin was sentenced on April 30, 2026, to 144 months in prison and was ordered to forfeit over $59 million in US currency, along with other properties.  Grijalva has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19, 2026.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ravi Romel Sharma and K. Wesley Mishoe and U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Patrick B. Gushue prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Adrian Moye, age 34, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 210 months’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon and possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute.             

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on August 20, 2019, Moye left a five-year-old boy unattended in a vehicle parked on East Philadelphia Street in York.  Moye’s loaded handgun was also in the vehicle.  The gun was accidentally discharged, killing the five-year-old boy. Moye was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including drug-trafficking offenses.  A subsequent investigation revealed that Moye also possessed cocaine for distribution.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the York City Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Henry Herb, III, age 52, of Elmira, New York, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for failing to register as a sex offender upon relocating from Pennsylvania to New York.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that from December 2025 and continuing to April 1, 2026, despite being required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), upon relocating to New York from central Pennsylvania, Herb failed to register his address as required by SORNA.   

This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service (USMS). Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Lee Wilson, age 24, of McClure, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann, relative to his plea of guilty to production of child pornography and coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Wilson communicated online with minor victims who he enticed into creating images and videos of themselves engaged in sexually explicit activity and then directed them to send those images and videos to him over the internet. Likewise, he sent the minor victims videos and images of himself engaged in sexual activity. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney's Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate and apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Vieira, age 37, of Nicholson, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on charges of production of child pornography, online enticement of a minor, and receipt of child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Vieira used the internet and an electronic device to persuade and entice a minor to engage in sexual conduct and to produce child pornography.  The indictment also alleges that on January 1, 2026 and January 10, 2026, Vieira received child pornography.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the crimes charged in the Indictment is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  A sentence following the 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.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brayan Giron-Ferman, age 22, a federal inmate incarcerated at FCI Schuylkill, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on the charge of possession of a weapon. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on February 27, 2026, Giron-Ferman possessed a prison-made weapon, approximately a seven-and-a-half-inch sharpened piece of metal with a cloth handle, commonly referred to as a “shank.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Special Investigative Services of the Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tiago Bettencourt, age 22, a federal inmate incarcerated at FCI Schuylkill, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on the charge of possession of a weapon. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on February 27, 2026, Bettencourt possessed a prison-made weapon, approximately a nine-inch sharpened piece of plexi-glass with a cloth handle, commonly referred to as a “shank.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Special Investigative Services of the Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Antonio Chavarria-Marquez, age 43, a citizen of El Salvador, was indicted by a federal grand jury on the charge of illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Chavarria-Marquez illegally reentered the United States and was found in York, Pennsylvania, on April 14, 2026, after he had been removed from the United States through Laredo, Texas on April 4, 2019, and reentered without having permission to do so. 

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evelyn M. Stoner is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Victorino Javier Cruz-Lopez of Mexico, age 40, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of illegal reentry into the United States.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Cruz-Lopez was encountered in the United States in York County on or around April 16, 2026, after having previously been removed in 2013, and that he did not receive permission to reenter the United States, as required by law.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  

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 the 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Luigi Esposito, age 60, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of illegal reentry into the United States.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Esposito was encountered in the United States in Franklin County on or about April 21, 2026, after having previously been removed in 2019, and that he did not receive permission to reenter the United States, as required by law.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.   

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG — The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a one-month, nationwide enforcement effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators. More than 200 child victims were located and over 350 child sexual abuse offenders were arrested. All 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys' offices around the country participated in the coordinated takedown effort.

The operation commenced April 1 and ended April 30. The Administration for Children and Families recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.”

“Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work — with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.”

Victims recovered include a 10-year-old from Utah who was flown from Cuba to home and the child’s biological mother. The child was supposed to be on a camping trip with a transgender parent, partner, and another child. The group instead flew from Canada to Mexico and then to Cuba; concerns existed that the 10-year-old child was taken to Cuba for gender reassignment surgery. FBI Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted with the recovery of the children, providing crisis support and stabilization.

Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse, kidnapping, and possessing, distributing, or receiving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Some of the alleged offenders include:

• A Columbus, Ohio, man who pleaded guilty to creating AI-generated obscene material of adults and children and to cyberstalking exes;
• A District of Columbia man charged with producing child pornography;
• A New York man charged with sexually exploiting a child; and
• A Pennsylvania man and former felon charged with sexually exploiting a child and illegally possessing a gun.

The Middle District of Pennsylvania charged two individuals relating to Operation Iron Pursuit:

Christopher Vuiller, age 38, of York, PA, was charged for child pornography offenses. The indictment alleged that Vuiller knowing received dozens of images and videos containing the sexual exploitation of children.  It was further alleged that Vuiller possessed several devices that contained child pornography depicting the exploitation of prepubescent children and children younger than 12 years of age.

John Rivera Pesante, age 25, of York, PA, was charged with sexual exploitation of children offenses.  The indictment alleged that Rivera Pesante coerced and enticed a minor to engage in prostitution and other sex offenses. Rivera Pesante is also charged with several counts of receiving child pornography.

This effort follows three other successful operations last year. Operation Relentless Justice, concluded in December 2025, resulted in the rescue of 205 children and arrests of 293 offenders. Operation Enduring Justice, concluded in August 2025, resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. And Operation Restore Justice, concluded in May 2025, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders.

The FBI’s VSD assisted victims during Operation Iron Pursuit and provided services such as forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Frederico Brown, age 49, of Memphis, Tennessee, was indicted on April 28, 2026, by a federal grand jury on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on January 9, 2026, Brown, while an inmate at the U.S. Penitentiary Canaan, assaulted another person resulting in serious bodily injury.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kajuan Woods, age 37, and Patrick Alexander, age 36, both federal inmates, were indicted separately by a federal grand jury on April 28, 2026, with possessing contraband in prison.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on or about March 15, 2026, while an inmate at the Federal Correction Institution Schuylkill (FCI Schuylkill), in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Woods possessed an inmate manufactured weapon, specifically a four-inch piece of metal sharpened to a point with a cloth handle, commonly referred to as “shank.”

Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case.

Patrick Alexander, age 36, was indicted by a federal grand jury while an inmate at FCI Schuylkill, with possessing a weapon. The indictment alleges that Alexander possessed a weapon, specifically, a six-inch piece of metal sharpened to a point with a white cord handle on April 3, 2026, in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.

Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan is prosecuting the case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service investigated both cases.

The maximum penalty under federal law for both cases is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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.

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andrew John Murphy, age 42, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 28, 2026, by a federal grand jury on child exploitation charges.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Murphy produced child pornography from around December 2023 through April 2026. The indictment also alleges that Murphy distributed child pornography on or about April 21, 2026.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. 

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 50 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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.

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Antwan Edward Johnson, Jr., age 27, of North Carolina, was indicted on April 28, 2026, by a federal grand jury on charges of possession of a prohibited object in prison.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Johnson, while an inmate at the Federal Correction Institution Schuylkill (FCI Schuylkill), in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, possessed a cell phone and a six-inch sharpened plastic weapon with a cloth handle on January 10, 2026. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is six years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Bruce Jin, age 61, a resident of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced on April 30, 2026, to 144 months in prison by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments in the amount of approximately $59 million.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Jin previously pleaded guilty on January 29, 2025, and admitted that he and his coconspirators Brian R. Cleland, age 72, and Carlos A. Grijalva, age 60, both of Los Angeles, California, along with other unnamed coconspirators, conspired to obtain state unemployment compensation funds, and other public funds, through fraudulent means. Jin, Cleland, Grijalva, and others entered into a series of agreements to make it appear as if they were operating legitimate businesses selling masks and other COVID19 personal protective equipment. The funds that the defendants obtained and laundered through their companies were derived from fraudulently obtained state unemployment compensation (“UC”) benefits. The indictment alleges that Economic Impact Payments, or “stimulus payments,” were also obtained through fraudulent means.

Unnamed members of the conspiracy, including some believed to be located in China, established thousands of accounts at banks across the United States using the personal identifying information (“PII”) of identity theft victims. From there, fraudulent UC claims were generated and paid to these accounts, including accounts in the names of people residing in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. These fraudulent UC claims were also generated by fraudsters based in China. As a result of this fraudulent activity, millions of dollars in fraudulent UC payments were made by Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, and other states.

After UC funds were paid out, they were then transferred from identity theft victims’ accounts to companies controlled by Cleland, Jin, and Grijalva. For instance, Jin, through companies that he controlled known as Ample International and Jin Commerce, received over $12 million in UC funds from the accounts of identity theft victims. In addition, the defendants used ACH processing—a type of electronic bank-to-bank transfer—to obtain over $45 million in fraudulent funds from the accounts of identity theft victims. This money mostly went from the accounts of identity theft victims to companies controlled by Cleland and Grijalva, including MexUS Service, Group Mex USA, CCB Group, GC Accounting, and CLECO. After that, Cleland and Grijalva transferred over $30 million to Jin’s companies and over $6 million to a company controlled by an associate of Jin.

After Jin received the fraudulent funds, either from identity theft victims’ accounts or from Cleland and Grijalva through ACH processing, he then made international wire transfers totaling over $35 million to a bank account associated with a company in China, which is known in the Indictment as “COMPANY 2.” Jin also transferred over $2 million directly to the individual in China who controlled that company, who is referred to as “COCONSPIRATOR 2” in the Indictment.

Jin was ordered to forfeit over $59 million in US currency, along with other properties.

Cleland and Grijalva have both pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in May 2026.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ravi Romel Sharma and K. Wesley Mishoe and U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Patrick B. Gushue prosecuted the case.

# # #

HARRISBURG, PA —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that PA Lifesharing, LLC (PAL) has agreed to pay $1,211,095.53 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for payment to Medicaid by allowing unqualified Direct Support Professionals to render 1:1 services in violation of the applicable Medicaid rules and regulations.

According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2024, PAL submitted claims to Medicaid for services rendered by Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who PAL knew were not properly cleared and/or trained and thus unqualified to render 1:1 services.

“Ensuring patients are being treated by properly trained individuals is of the upmost importance, said Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG)." “We will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to investigate allegations of improper billings and uphold the integrity of the Medicaid program.”

Once PAL was aware of the investigation, they cooperated with the United States including self-identifying some of the improper claims and correcting the issues that led to the false claims.

This settlement resolved a sealed lawsuit originally filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which permits a private party to file a complaint on behalf of the United States and share in a portion of the Government’s recovery.  This qui tam is captioned United States ex rel. Jane Doe v. PA Lifesharing, LLC, Carolyn Bennett Carson, and Rajkumar Wale, No. 1:24-CV-1053 (M.D.P.A.).  The whistleblower will receive $242,219 of the settlement amount.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Haken and the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania with assistance from the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. 

# # #

HARRISBURG-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jorge Humberto Olais Solano, age 40, a citizen of Mexico, was indicted April 29, 2026, by a federal grand jury on the charge of illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed three times. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Olais Solano illegally reentered the United States and was found in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on March 23, 2026. Olais Solano was last removed from the United States through Del Rio, Texas, on April 26, 2017. 

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evelyn M. Stoner is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF York comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.       

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is twenty years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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.

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Aaron Williams, age 54, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 15 years’ imprisonment to be followed by a 10-year-term of supervised release for possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in May 2023, Williams sold over 80 grams of crack cocaine to an individual in Harrisburg.  A search warrant was later executed at Williams’s Harrisburg residence, and law enforcement found over 400 grams of powder cocaine and over 300 grams of crack cocaine.  Law enforcement also found over $7,000 in cash.   

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Harrisburg Police Bureau investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Angel Vidal Reyes Guzman, age 33, a citizen of El Salvador, was sentenced to time served (approximately two months) by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for illegally reentering the country after having previously been removed. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Reyes Guzman was indicted by a federal grand jury after having been previously convicted of a charge of moral turpitude in Virginia in 2013.  Reyes Guzman had previously been removed from the United States pursuant to a court order in 2013 and illegally reentered the United States sometime thereafter. Reyes Guzman pleaded guilty to illegal reentry prior to his sentencing.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley K. McGraw prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Patricia A. White, age 70, resident of Old Greenwich, Connecticut, was sentenced on April 27, 2026, to nine months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for submitting false and fraudulent claims for unclaimed property to state treasuries.  White was also ordered to pay $1,208,271.40 in restitution to approximately 30 state treasuries.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, White, along with her brother and codefendant, Henry A. White, Jr., together received over $1.2 million in false and fraudulent claims for unclaimed property from state treasuries around the United States.  Henry White using the names of corporate entities with which he was not affiliated and which he had no lawful authority to use, applied for and received unclaimed property from state treasuries throughout the United States.  The scheme took place over the course of approximately ten years, from 2013 until around 2022.  State treasuries, relying on the certifications provided by Henry White under penalty of perjury, issued payment checks, which were generally sent by U.S. mail to the shared home address of both defendants.

From there, the Whites deposited and cashed these fraudulently obtained payment checks into a joint bank account, and they used these funds for personal expenses, including for mortgage payments for their shared home in Connecticut. At the time of her guilty plea, Patricia White admitted to personally depositing some of these fraudulently obtained checks.

Henry White was sentenced on December 17, 2025 to 37 months in prison and was ordered to pay the same restitution amount as Patricia White.

Patricia White will surrender herself to the Bureau of Prisons on May 8, 2026. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case.

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Lonesome, age 40, an inmate at USP Allenwood, White Deer, PA, was indicted on April 23, 2026, by a federal grand jury for possessing a weapon in prison and assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Lonesome possessed a razor blade, which he allegedly used to assault another inmate.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 10 years in prison and a fine.  A sentence would also include a period of supervised release following imprisonment.  A sentence following the 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 by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

                                                                        ###

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tyler Fuller, age 31, of Somerset County, PA, was indicted yesterday on a superseding indictment charging production, receipt and possession of child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Fuller produced, received and possessed child pornography from August 2023 to January 2024. 

Homeland Security Investigations, State College Police Department, Ferguson Township Police Department, and the Centre County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 30 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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.

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Valerie Rose Tallent, age 40, was sentenced to 168 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on March 26, 2026, by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann, related to her conviction for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, during the month of January 2023, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of narcotics from Tallent who had professed that she had taken over her incarcerated boyfriend’s drug trafficking business. Law enforcement then obtained a search warrant for the property in which she was living where they recovered approximately 25 grams of fentanyl, 11 grams of crack cocaine and 1.5 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.

Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tyrone Jammal Wade, age 49, of Lycoming County, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a drug-trafficking charge.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment charges Wade with possession with intent to distribute cocaine on March 26, 2026, in Montour County.

The FBI, Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit, and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the most significant offense is twenty years of imprisonment and a fine.  A sentence for each of these offenses also includes a period of supervised release following imprisonment.  A sentence following the 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 by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marco Antonio Herrera, a citizen of Guatemala, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on charges of assaulting a federal officer and illegal entry into the United States.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on April 1, 2026, Herrera was found by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers in Williamsport, PA.  It is also alleged that Herrera is a citizen of Guatemala with no legal basis to be present in the United States.  Herrera allegedly refused to comply with the officers’ investigation and impeded them by resisting arrest and striking one of them with his elbow.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 8 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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 - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Waylon Wilcox, age 46, of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 12 months' probation and a fine of $150,000 by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for filing false individual income tax returns. Previously, in 2025, Wilcox paid the IRS $3,305,238 in tax due and owing to the United States plus $981,583.30 in interest.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Wilcox filed a false individual income tax return for tax year 2021 that underreported his income for tax year 2021 by approximately $8,511,238 and reduced Wilcox’s tax then due and owing by approximately $2,180,452. On October 10, 2023, in Cumberland County, Wilcox filed a false individual income tax return for tax year 2022 that underreported Wilcox’s income for tax year 2022 by approximately $4,599,532 and reduced Wilcox’s tax then due and owing by approximately $1,098,623.

Wilcox obtained most of this unreported income after acquiring and selling 97 pieces of digital artwork from the “CryptoPunks” collection of 10,000 unique art characters. Individual pieces from the digital artwork collection were referred to as “Punks.”

Each Punk was unique and contained digital proof of ownership that could be tracked on a blockchain, a digitally distributed, decentralized, public ledger. Two Punks from the same blockchain could look identical but were not interchangeable, meaning they were non-fungible. These so-called “non-fungible tokens” (or NFTs) could be traded and sold for money or cryptocurrency.  

In 2021, Wilcox sold approximately 62 Punks for a total of approximately $7,402,935. In 2022, Wilcox sold approximately 35 Punks for a total of approximately $4,899,180.  When a taxpayer sells an NFT, including a Punk, then the taxpayer must report sales proceeds and any gains or losses from the sale of the NFT on their tax return.

“When a U.S. taxpayer deliberately falsifies a tax return, it undermines the integrity of our tax system and contributes to the tax gap that impacts every American,” stated Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office. “In this case, Wilcox made millions from the sale of NFTs but willfully evaded paying the taxes he owed. Working alongside our partners at the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement, we are able to uncover complex schemes involving digital assets and hold offenders accountable. Let this case serve as a warning – whether income is earned through traditional employment or the sale of digital assets, all taxpayers are required to report their earnings and pay their fair share.”

The J5 is an international coalition that includes the Australian Taxation Office, the Canada Revenue Agency, the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs from the United Kingdom, and IRS-CI from the United States. The investigation stemmed from a lead generated during the J5’s 2022 Cyber Challenge, which focused on NFTs. The J5 Cyber Challenge is an annual exercise where member agencies collaborate with partners to identify and develop investigative leads, analyze complex financial and cryptocurrency-related threats, and enhance joint operational capabilities to combat transnational financial crimes.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph J. Terz prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Aqudre Quailes, age 28, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 10 years’ imprisonment for possessing multiple firearms as a previously convicted felon.  The Court also ordered a 3-year term of supervised release to follow the term of imprisonment. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in December 2020, an arrest warrant was issued for Quailes after he absconded from state parole.  In March 2021, Quailes was found in a Harrisburg residence with two loaded handguns, including one with an extended magazine.  Law enforcement also found inside the residence loose ammunition and crack cocaine. Quailes had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including drug trafficking.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Harrisburg City Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jonathan Martinez, age 28, and Christopher Martinez, age 25, both from Adelanto, California, were charged in a criminal information with drug-trafficking offenses, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the Information alleges that on or about October 6, 2025, Jonathan and Christopher Martinez possessed with intent to distribute five kilograms and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, also a Schedule II controlled substance.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalties upon conviction are life imprisonment, as well as a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Information only contain allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Vuiller, age 38, of York, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on child exploitation charges. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that between 2022 and 2025, Vuiller knowingly received dozens of images and videos containing the sexual exploitation of children. The indictment further alleges that Vuiller possessed several devices that contained child pornography depicting the exploitation of prepubescent children and children younger than 12 years of age.  

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen W. Dukes is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. 

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 years of imprisonment, a mandatory minimum term of 5 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jayson Diaz, age 35, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 17, 2026, to 96 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, between October 23, 2024, and November 19, 2024, a confidential source purchased cocaine and fentanyl on four occasions from Diaz.  On November 21, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Diaz’s residence in East Stroudsburg. They seized 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, in excess of 250 grams of fentanyl, drug packaging and processing materials, three firearms and in excess of $220,000. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Randy Welch, age 46, of Michigan, and Earnest Morant, age 58, of Harrisburg, were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to commit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits fraud.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Welch and Morant engaged in a conspiracy to submit fraudulent SNAP benefits applications and then exchange the resulting electronic benefits transfer cards for cash. To further the conspiracy, Welch allegedly obtained the names, social security numbers, and personally identifiable information for numerous persons, which he placed on applications for SNAP benefits. Those applications were then submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS). As a result, PA DHS issued numerous SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards in the names of those persons to addresses Welch specified.

One of those addresses belonged to Welch’s codefendant, Earnest Morant. Morant allegedly received many of the fraudulently obtained EBT cards at his home in Harrisburg and mailed them to other coconspirators, who would sell the cards for cash.

The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Conspiracy to commit SNAP benefits fraud carries a maximum penalty under federal law of up to five years in prison, plus a fine and a term of supervised release. The charge of SNAP benefits fraud has a maximum penalty under federal law up to 20 years in prison. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Elijah Javier Rodriguez, age 27, and Javier Justin Rodriguez, age 31, of New York, were sentenced on April 9, 2026 and April 16, 2026, respectively, by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito. Elijah Javier Rodriguez was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment, and Javier Justin Rodriguez to 24 months’ imprisonment, for possession of firearms by a convicted felon.   

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the Rodriguez brothers traveled from Bronx, New York to Dingman’s Shooting Range in Dingman’s Ferry, Pennsylvania on June 29, 2024. At the shooting range, the brothers both completed a declaration falsely representing that they had never been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. They then went on to possess and shoot six different firearms, including an AK-47.  Javier Justin Rodriguez had previously been convicted of criminal possession of a weapon, and Elijah Javier Rodriguez had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses – including criminal possession of stolen property, identity theft, and grand larceny.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the New York City Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Rivera Pesante, age 25, of York, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on child exploitation charges. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Rivera Pesante coerced and enticed a minor to engage in prostitution and other sex offenses in December of 2024. The indictment further alleges several counts of receiving child pornography on dates ranging from August of 2024 to earlier this year.  

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen W. Dukes is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit  www.usdoj.gov/psc. 

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is a lifetime term of imprisonment, a mandatory minimum term of 10 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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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