Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Procurement FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Raymond Lofthouse, age 59, of Florida, pled guilty to one count of filing false claims against the U.S. Government.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Lofthouse was awarded a contract for $60,000 to repair three electric motors for the U.S. Navy. Lofthouse billed the Navy for the contract, knowing the work was not complete and then never completed the work.
The matter was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty for this offense is up to five years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced to Eight Years’ Imprisonment for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Julio Feliciano, age 27, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to eight years’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Sylvia H. Rambo for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Feliciano previously admitted to possessing over ten grams of fentanyl at a residence in Harrisburg in September 2018. Law enforcement also recovered from the residence drug-packaging materials, an Iver Johnson Arms revolver, and ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.”
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Berwick Man Charged with Conspiring to Manufacture and Distribute Anabolic SteroidsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Casey Seesholtz, age 31, of Berwick, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information with conspiring to manufacture and distribute anabolic steroids. Seesholtz was charged on August 27, 2020 and pleaded guilty on September 3, 2020, but the information remained under seal until recently.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the Information alleges that between October 2017 and October 2019, Seesholtz conspired to distribute and manufacture the anabolic steroids methylstenbolone (known as M-Sten) and dimethazine (known as DMZ). Seesholtz pleaded guilty to manufacturing between 40,000 and 60,000 pills of the anabolic steroids at a warehouse in Berwick, Pennsylvania. He also admitted to selling some of the anabolic steroids through a storefront in Kingston, Pennsylvania, while others were sold online by his coconspirators. Federal agents seized pill presses and encapsulating machines during the course of the investigation.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Food and Drug Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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West Hazleton Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Crack Cocaine Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on August 19, 2021, Randell Bruton-Scott, age 34, of West Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and four years of supervised release, by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani, for crack cocaine trafficking and firearms offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Bruton-Scott previously pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute between 28 and 112 grams of crack cocaine in May and June 2019. Bruton-Scott also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition that were recovered during a search warrant executed at his West Hazleton residence on June 20, 2019. Due to his significant criminal history, Bruton-Scott was deemed a career offender subject to enhanced potential penalties.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the West Hazleton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.”
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FCI Schuylkill Inmates Sentenced for Possession of Contraband in PrisonRead the Press Release
WILKES-BARRE – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on August 18, 2021, Jose Martinez, age 54, and David Montserrate Torres, age 33, both inmates at the Federal Correctional Institute-Schuylkill, Minersville, Pennsylvania, were sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. to one month imprisonment following their separate convictions for possession of contraband in prison. Both sentences are to be served consecutive to the inmates’ current sentences.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, both Martinez and Montserrate Torres were inmates within the satellite camp at FCI-Schuylkill when they were found to be in possession of prohibited objects including a cellphone, charging cable, charging adapter, and a pair of earbuds on July 18, 2021.
The case was investigated by Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey St. John and James M. Buchanan prosecuted the cases.
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FCC Allenwood Inmates Charged with Possession of ContrabandRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Townsend, age 40, and Geraldo Rodriguez Diaz, age 27, inmates at the United States Federal Correctional Institution, Allenwood (FCC Allenwood), White Deer, Pennsylvania, were charged in a criminal information on August 10, 2021, for possessing contraband in prison.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the criminal information alleges that Townsend and Rodriguez Diaz were each found in possession of cellular telephones on May 10, 2021.
The charges stem from an investigation by officers at FCC Allenwood and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
Criminal informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The defendants face a maximum of one year of incarceration and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Stroudsburg Man Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment for Attempted Online Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Robert Duus, age 35, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 11, 2021, to 120 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for using the internet to attempt to entice a 12-year-old minor female to engage in prohibited sex acts.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on September 24, 2020, during an on-line communication with a law enforcement officer posing as the mother of a minor female, Duus agreed to pay money to the mother in exchange for sexual intercourse with the minor and then traveled to a location in Tannersville, PA for the purpose of meeting the mother and minor and paying for sex. Duus was arrested on scene.
At sentencing, Judge Mannion also ordered Duus to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division and its state and local law enforcement partners in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St. John 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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Social Security Employee Charged with Pandemic Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Takiyah Gordon Austin, age 46, of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, was charged in a 29-count Indictment on July 20, 2021, which conducting a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits related to COVID-19 emergency relief funds. The case was unsealed on August 12, 2021, following Austin's initial appearance.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law. The CARES Act created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits, including individuals, families, and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility to receive weekly PUA benefits was predicated on the applicant’s unemployment for reasons related to the pandemic; however, the applicant must also have been able to work each day and, if offered a job, the applicant must have been able to accept it. Once the applicant was approved to receive benefits, the applicant was required to submit weekly certifications that indicated that he or she: was ready, willing and able to work each day; was seeking full time employment; did not refuse any job offers or referrals; and, had reported any employment during the week and the gross pay or other payments received.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Austin with 21 counts of wire fraud, four counts of aggravated identify theft, and four counts of theft of government funds. The Indictment alleges that from in or about May 2020 to in or about May 2021, Austin, a claims specialist with the Social Security Administration, filed PUA claims for ineligible recipients. As part of the scheme, Austin filed PUA claims for ineligible individuals in exchange for payment from the individuals. Additionally, Austin filed claims after accessing SSA databases to obtain the personal identifying information from unsuspecting individuals and then diverted the unemployment funds to addresses she controlled in order to use the funds for her own personal expenses. Through the scheme, Austin is alleged to have defrauded the government of over $288,000.
“Fighting pandemic fraud is a high priority for our office and the Department of Justice,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler. “When public officials are engaged in the fraud it is particularly disappointing because public officials know all too well how much these diverted funds are needed by those truly affected by the pandemic. I want to thank all the law enforcement agents and prosecutors who investigated this matter for their diligence and hard work in bringing this fraud to light.”
“An important mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud related to Unemployment Insurance Programs,” stated Syreeta Scott, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of programs intended for unemployed American workers.”
“The public trusts Social Security employees to handle their sensitive information and records appropriately. Mrs. Gordon violated that trust to perpetrate a fraud scheme to take advantage of COVID-related assistance at a time when so many others have a legitimate need for those funds,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General of the Social Security Administration. “I am grateful for our partnerships with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service, and I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their continued efforts to prosecute those who violate public trust and commit fraud.”
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Special Assistant United States Attorney Megan Curran and Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin are prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for wire fraud is 20 years’ imprisonment. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year sentence consecutive to sentences imposed for other offenses. Theft of government funds has a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment. All three charges may also carry a fine and a term of supervised release following imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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York County Man Charged with Producing, Receiving and Possession of Child Pornography and Enticing A Minor to Engage in Sexual ConductRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on August 4, 2021, Jeremy Fallbeck, age 31, of York, Pennsylvania, was charged with producing, receiving, and coercing child pornography and enticing a child to engage in unlawful sexual activity.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Fallbeck with producing and attempting to produce child pornography, receiving child pornography, possessing child pornography, and coercing or enticing a child to engage in unlawful sexual activity from on or about January 9, 2019 until on or about August 25, 2019, in York County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Haugsby is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is up to life imprisonment, a term of up to lifetime supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Lehigh County Man Sentenced to 58 Months’ Imprisonment for Mail Fraud and Money Laundering OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on August 5, 2021, Anthony Redd, age 65, of Fullerton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to 58 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release for mail fraud and money laundering offenses. Judge Rambo also ordered Redd to pay restitution to the victims in the amount of $240,133.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Redd participated in a criminal conspiracy to obtain money from victims through fraudulent misrepresentations and then have the proceeds transferred to multiple co-conspirators located in Jamaica, Costa Rica, and throughout the United States. Redd recruited other individuals to participate in the scheme. The investigation in this case identified at least 29 victims of the conspiracy.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service – Harrisburg Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian T. Haugsby prosecuted the case.
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Rhode Island Man Sentenced to 18 Months of Imprisonment for Automobile Warranty Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jason Pannone, age 40, of North Providence, Rhode Island was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and two years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud, and for aggravated identity theft offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Pannone was convicted of processing false invoices for nonexistent automobile repairs through his Providence, Rhode Island automobile detailing shop, Platinum Auto Services, and through Ultra Auto Services, where he was employed. The invoices were sent to and paid by an automobile warranty company in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Pannone pleaded guilty on March 23, 2021, to causing between $150,000 and $250,000 of fraudulent loss to the Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company. Judge Mannion ordered Pannone to pay restitution of $128,667.16 to the victim of his crime.
Three of Pannone’s coconspirators were convicted in this investigation:
- Brian Larry, age 59, of Clark’s Summit, Pennsylvania, was convicted on May 10, 2021, following a jury trial, of mail fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and false statement offenses. Larry was convicted of defrauding his former employer, the Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company, from approximately January 2014 through October 2018. Larry also was convicted of stealing the personal information of warranty policy owners and providing it to his coconspirators, who created false invoices for nonexistent automobile repair work supposedly performed at various garages in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, including by forging the policy owners’ signatures on the paperwork. The false and forged documentation was then sent to the warranty company, where Larry approved payment of the invoices. During the course of the scheme, Larry and his coconspirators obtained approximately $400,000 paid out by the warranty company pursuant to the false invoices, including thousands of dollars in repair work for Larry’s personal vehicle that he charged to other policy owners. The evidence at trial showed that Larry then falsified internal warranty company documents in an attempt to conceal his crimes.
- Matthew Gershkoff, age 64, of North Providence, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud, and to aggravated identity theft, and is awaiting sentencing. Gershkoff was convicted of preparing false invoices for nonexistent automobile repairs at multiple automobile repair shops located in Rhode Island and in Massachusetts, and for forging policy owners’ signatures. Gershkoff pleaded guilty on May 18, 2020, to causing between $250,000 and $550,000 of fraudulent loss to the Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company, and has agreed to repay restitution.
- Herman Cabral, age 62, of Cranston, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud, and was sentenced to 10 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. Cabral was convicted of processing false invoices for nonexistent automobile repairs through his Providence, Rhode Island automobile detailing shop, A Plus Auto Services. Cabral pleaded guilty on July 23, 2019, to causing between $150,000 and $250,000 of fraudulent loss to the Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company, and was ordered to pay over $211,644.03 in restitution.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip J. Caraballo and Jeffrey St John prosecuted the case.
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Lycoming County Man Charged with Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on August 3, 2021, Joseph Rinker, age 51, of Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal information with one-count of filing false tax returns.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that Rinker, a co-owner of Harvest Moon restaurant, convenience store, and gas station in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. failed to report income in years 2014 through 2017 after embezzling over $300,000 in funds from the Harvest Moon. The total estimated tax loss is $64,250.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense charged is three years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Inmate Charged with Possessing A Prohibited ObjectRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Martinez, age 54, an inmate at Federal Correctional Institute-Schuylkill (FCI Schuylkill), Minersville, Pennsylvania, was charged on August 4, 2021, by criminal information for unlawfully possessing a prohibited object.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Bandler, the information alleges that on July 18, 2021, Martinez was found to be in possession of prohibited objects including a Samsung cellphone, charging cable, charging adapter, and a pair of Sony earbuds.
The matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan is prosecuting the case.
Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is one year imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Williamsport Man Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on August 2, 2021, Benjamin Butler, age 33, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann to one day of imprisonment followed by two- years of supervised release, including four-months of home confinement, for wire fraud. Butler was also ordered to pay $18,850 in restitution.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Butler engaged in a kiting scheme in September and October of 2015, whereby he used multiple credit accounts to fraudulently pay off $18,850 of credit card charges by using the temporary credit on one card to pay off another account even though he did not have the funds to ultimately cover such a payment.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.
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Centre County Woman Sentenced for Mail TheftRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jessica Stover, age 27, of Millheim, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 3, 2021, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann to one year of probation for theft of mail. Stover was also ordered to pay $350 in restitution and a $300 fine.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Stover entered a guilty plea in March 2021 to theft of mail matter by a Postal Employee where she admitted to opening greeting cards and other mail at a U.S. Post Office sorting facility for mail destined for students at Pennsylvania State University.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler Encourages Participation in National Night OutRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Assistant U.S. Attorneys will join law enforcement, community leaders and residents on Tuesday, August 3rd at various event locations to celebrate the 37th Annual National Night Out.
The events Assistant U.S. Attorneys plan to attend are:
- Harrisburg Bureau of Police at Camp Curtain Academy Football Field in Harrisburg from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.;
- Lebanon City Police Department at the Salvation Army building on Guilford Street in Lebanon from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.;
- Derry Township Police Department on West Caracas Avenue in Hershey from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and
- York City Police Department at numerous locations throughout the city from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
National Night Out is a community-building campaign that promotes collaborative law enforcement-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Communities nationwide will participate in neighborhood festivals, block parties, and cookouts, which provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
“National Night Out signifies the essential role the community plays in effective law enforcement” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce Brandler. “We are pleased to join with our local law enforcement partners and the communities we serve to promote this important program.”
“Keeping our communities safe is a top Justice Department priority, as it is for state, local and Tribal police departments across the country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Law enforcement is most effective when it has the trust and support of the communities it serves. That is why events like National Night Out are so important and effective; they help to bridge the gap between neighbors and their police departments in a positive and informal setting.”
National Night Out events will be held in several communities throughout the Middle District of Pennsylvania. For more information about National Night Out, visit their website www.natw.org
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Previously Deported Alien Sentenced to 12 Months’ Imprisonment for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 30, 2021, Pablo Ramirez-Hernandez, age 35, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment followed by one-year of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Ramirez-Hernandez previously pleaded guilty to having illegally reentered the United States sometime after his last removal in August 2009 after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Joanne M. Sanderson prosecuted the case.
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Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced to 180 Months’ Imprisonment for Running Methamphetamine LaboratoryRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Michael Laury, age 42, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for methamphetamine and false statement offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Laury was convicted at trial of one count of managing a drug premises, one count of conspiring to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, and one count of making a false statement to the FBI. The evidence presented at trial showed that in May and June 2017, Laury assisted two drug dealers in running a methamphetamine laboratory in the basement of Laury’s Wilkes-Barre residence. The FBI and Pennsylvania State Police shuttered the laboratory in June 2017, when executing a search warrant. Following the search, Laury made false statements to the FBI about his knowledge of and involvement with the laboratory.
At sentencing, Laury was held accountable for between 50 grams and 200 grams of methamphetamine. In pronouncing sentence, Judge Mannion highlighted Laury’s extensive criminal history, and his efforts to bribe two witnesses into giving false testimony at trial, and to threaten a third witness against testifying. Laury also was held accountable for creating a substantial risk of harm to children that lived in the same residence as the methamphetamine laboratory.
Laury has remained in custody since his October 2017 arrest. He was charged with three coconspirators, all of whom pleaded guilty and have been sentenced:
- Mark Heath, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to a methamphetamine conspiracy and was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment;
- Shawn Melleski, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to a methamphetamine conspiracy and was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment; and
- Amy Casey, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to maintaining a drug premises and received a time served sentence of approximately 9 months.
The matter was investigated by the FBI, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Phillip J. Caraballo and Jeffrey St John prosecuted the case.
This case was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.”
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New York Woman Sentenced to 10 Months’ Imprisonment for Counterfeit CurrencyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 29, 2021, Courtney Murray, age 23, of Slingerlands, New York, was sentenced to 10 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani, for conspiring to pass counterfeit currency.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Murray pleaded guilty to conspiring with her codefendant, Rashaun Ferguson, to passing and attempting to pass approximately $14,000 of counterfeit currency between September 2019 and April 2020. The conduct occurred at multiple retail locations throughout Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. The conspirators also were found with fake identification, fraudulent credit card equipment, and marijuana.
Ferguson also pleaded guilty to conspiring to pass counterfeit currency, and is awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and various state and local police departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
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Wilkes-Barre Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 27, 2021, Modest Moreno, age 31, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Moreno distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine, heroin and fentanyl between June 2021 and July 13, 2021, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The indictment also alleges that Modesto, a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, possessed a Ruger handgun.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced to 235 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Rinaldi, age 44, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 23, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 235 months’ imprisonment to be followed by six years of supervised release for drug trafficking offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Rinaldi was convicted in August 2020 after a jury trial of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics between November 2017 and August 2018, and with a specific delivery of cocaine to a government informant. In imposing the sentence, the Court found that Rinaldi was responsible for 6 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of cocaine base, or “crack,” 15 grams of heroin, and 48 pounds of marijuana. This was Rinaldi’s ninth adult criminal conviction, and he was most recently released in October 2017 from a 19-year term of imprisonment imposed after a 1998 arrest for drug trafficking and firearms violations.
Two additional co-defendants, Duwayne Brown and Andrew Henry, have pleaded guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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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West Virginia Man Charged with Making False Statements to FBIRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 21, 2021, Christopher B. Tolley, age 35, of Hinton, West Virginia, was charged in a criminal information with making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that on May 22, 2019, Tolley represented to a task force officer with the FBI that he was unaware of a bank account held in his name at Sun Trust Bank. That statement allegedly was false, because Tolley had personally opened the bank account and deposited a stolen check for $95,154.54 into the account.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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United States Reaches Resolution of ADA Complaint with RC Theatres Management LLLPRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced a letter of resolution with RC Theatres Management LLLP, the owner and operator of Queensgate RC Theatres located in York, Pennsylvania. The agreement was reached under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the United States Department of Justice received a complaint that the Queensgate RC Theatre was not accessible to individuals with visual impairments, namely the movie theater did not have descriptive audio headsets. After an investigation with the owner’s cooperation, the United States Attorney’s Office determined that the Queensgate RC Theatre failed to have the required descriptive audio headset for the visually impaired complainant.
Soon after RC Theatres received notice of the complaint, it took steps to come into compliance with the ADA by purchasing audio descriptive devices and by training employees on the use of the devices at this location. RC Theatres will continue to annually train theater employees. RC Theatres will also provide notice about the availability of these devices on their webpage.
“Owners of movie theaters must ensure that viewings of films comply with all requirements of the ADA, and that they provide equal access for all people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler. “RC Theatres quickly and cooperatively worked to address the ADA violations discovered during our investigation, which will enable visually impaired patrons to enjoy movies at the Queensgate location.”
Federal law requires public accommodations, including movie theaters, to provide individuals with disabilities equal access to facilities. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to undertake investigations and periodic reviews of covered establishments. For more information on the ADA, visit www.ADA.gov. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/. Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing [email protected].
This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler.
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Four Previously Deported Aliens Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG –The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that four previously deported aliens were indicted separately on July 21, 2021, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States. These matters arose in counties throughout the District including York, Franklin, and Huntingdon Counties.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Guadalupe Diaz-Hernandez, age 30, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in October 2013. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after October 2013 and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Junior Gonzalez-Nane, age 43, was previously deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic in February 2010. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after February 2010 and was found in the United States in Huntington County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Diaz-Hernandez and Gonzalez-Nane face a maximum penalty of 2 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Efrain Cabrera-Cabrera, age 34, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in July 2010. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after July 2010 and was found in the United States in Franklin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. When encountered, he, as an illegal alien, was in possession of a firearm.
Cabrera-Cabrera faces a maximum penalty of 12 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Anthony Rodriguez-Ortiz, age 33, was charged with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien, felon in possession of a firearm, and illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Rodriguez-Ortiz was previously deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic in December 2013. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after December 2013 and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. When encountered, he, as an illegal alien and convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm.
Rodriguez-Ortiz faces a maximum penalty of 40 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
The cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Joanne M. Sanderson is prosecuting the cases.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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.
Diaz-Hernandez faces a maximum penalty of 2 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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New York Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ethan Ashong, age 28, of Fishkill, New York, was indicted on July 20, 2021, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Ashong conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine between January 2021 and July 2021 and distributed over 50 grams of methamphetamine on multiple occasions between March 8, 2021 and July 15, 2021.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 40 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Huntingdon County Woman Pleads Guilty to Aiding Others in Stealing Pandemic Relief FundsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Linda Grubb, age 74, of Hesston, Pennsylvania, pled guilty on July 21, 2021, to wire fraud for her role in a pandemic relief funds fraud scheme.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Grubb and her coconspirators manipulated a variety of pandemic relief programs to fraudulently obtain over $400,000. Specifically, the coconspirators made applications for pandemic related small business loans and pandemic unemployment assistance, sometimes using stolen identifying information. The loans and unemployment payments were deposited into Grubb’s bank account in Huntingdon County. Grubb allowed her bank account to be used and then assisted her coconspirators by wiring the funds to bank accounts they identified.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is twenty years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Fulton County Man Charged with Producing, Receiving and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 21, 2021, Kenneth harr, age 51, of McConnelsburg, was indicted by a federal grand jury for production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Harr produced, received and possessed child pornography images using a computer or cell phone between March 2018 and June 2021, in Fulton County.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Miovas, Jr. is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the highest offense charged in the indictment is 30 years’ imprisonment, a lifetime term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment for the production of child pornography charge and a five year mandatory minimum sentence for the receipt of child pornography charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former Kentucky Attorney Sentenced to One Year of Probation for Conspiracy to Defraud the Food and Drug AdministrationRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jonathan Clark Baird, age 45, of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced on July 19, 2021, to one year of probation by Chief United States District Court Judge John E. Jones, III, for conspiracy to defraud the Food and Drug Administration.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Baird was an attorney licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky focusing on steroid and nutritional supplements law. Baird conspired with two Internet-based businesses, Total Trading LLC and L and P, LLC, from December 2011 to on or about December 2014, to defraud the United States. In particular, Baird agreed to use his knowledge of steroid laws, nutritional supplement laws and the FDA’s regulatory and enforcement practices to instruct these companies on the methods to use to interfere and obstruct the United States Food and Drug Administration enforcement and regulatory oversight, including instructing his co-conspirators on the steps to be taken to fraudulently conceal the true nature of their illegal sale of prescription drugs from the FDA.
Baird’s coconspirators, Paul Leix and co-defendant, Dominic Pileggi, were involved in a business, L&P Trading, which used the internet to market and distribute peptides (a type of amino acid), along with other bodybuilding chemicals, to individuals seeking to enhance their physiques. Leix and Pileggi marketed these products on their website while providing a disclaimer that the substances were not for human consumption and use (for research purposes only). Customers who visited the website seeking these products for bodybuilding purposes would falsely attest that they were buying the chemicals for research purposes. By marketing the products to the online bodybuilding community, Leix and Pileggi knew that purchasers would use the products for personal consumption rather than research. The “research only” disclaimer was a ruse to circumvent the regulatory authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). L&P Trading advertised on body-building billboards and sites and Leix and Pileggi were not properly licensed or had the required approvals to manufacture, sell or prescribe these products. Leix and Pileggi also sold these drugs and their chemical components to other illegal distributors and manufacturers, including Total Trading, LLC, a company owned and operated by co- conspirator Thomas Keightly, located in Lebanon County. Keightly, in turn, sold directly to end users in the same manner as Leix and Pileggi.
Paul Leix was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment and Thomas Keightly was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit money laundering and delivery of altered or misbranded drugs by fraud. Pileggi was sentenced to time-served for conspiracy to commit money laundering and introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce.
“Selling unapproved prescription drugs in the U.S. marketplace is illegal and puts consumers’ health at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark S. McCormack, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “We remain fully committed to disrupting and dismantling illegal drug distribution networks that take steps to avoid FDA regulatory scrutiny at the expense of public health and safety.”
The cases were investigated by the Food and Drug Administration and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Terz prosecuted the cases.
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Former Police Detective and FBI Task Force Officer Convicted of Bribery and Other OffensesRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a veteran detective for the Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Police Department, who was also a task force officer with the FBI and a member of the Cumberland County Drug Task Force, today of bribery, drug distribution and making false statements.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Christopher Collare, 53, of Blythewood, South Carolina, used his official position to obtain sex from two women in exchange for agreeing to take actions in prosecutions. Specifically, in 2015, Collare agreed to accept sex in exchange for not appearing at an evidentiary hearing so that a criminal charge would be dismissed. In 2018, Collare agreed to accept sexual favors in exchange for taking steps to help reduce a potential sentence. Collare distributed heroin in 2016. He also lied in November 2015 on a federal form he completed during the process of becoming an FBI task force officer, and he made multiple false statements in an interview with federal agents in May 2018.
Collare was convicted of federal program bribery, bribery by a federal official, distribution of heroin, and six counts of false statements. Collare was taken into custody following the verdict. His sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for federal program bribery, 15 years in prison for bribery by a federal official, 20 years in prison for distribution of heroin and five years in prison for false statements. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Russell W. Cunningham of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.
Trial Attorney James I. Pearce of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlo D. Marchioli and Phillip J. Caraballo are prosecuting the case.
Former Police Detective and FBI Task Force Officer Convicted of Bribery and Other OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Russell W. Cunningham of the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s Washington Field Office announce that a federal jury convicted a veteran detective for the Carlisle, Pennsylvania Police Department, who was also a task force officer with the FBI and a member of the Cumberland County Drug Task Force, today of bribery, drug distribution, and making false statements.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Christopher Collare, 53, of Blythewood, South Carolina, used his official position to obtain sex from two women in exchange for agreeing to take actions in prosecutions. Specifically, in 2015, Collare agreed to accept sex in exchange for not appearing at an evidentiary hearing so that a criminal charge would be dismissed. In 2018, Collare agreed to accept sexual favors in exchange for taking steps to help reduce a potential sentence. Collare distributed heroin in 2016. He also lied in November 2015 on a federal form he completed during the process of becoming an FBI task force officer, and he made multiple false statements in an interview with federal agents in May 2018.
Collare was convicted of federal program bribery, bribery by a federal official, distribution of heroin, and six counts of false statements. Collare was taken into custody following the verdict. His sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for federal program bribery, 15 years in prison for bribery by a federal official, 20 years in prison for distribution of heroin, and five years in prison for false statements. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“The defendant victimized numerous vulnerable women and in the course of doing so, betrayed the trust placed in him by the public and multiple law enforcement agencies, said Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler. “His actions not only violated federal law, but also had a negative impact on cases he investigated. Today’s verdict reflects our office’s commitment to ensuring that those who abuse their official positions for their own benefit are held accountable. I want to thank all the prosecutors and law enforcement agents who worked tirelessly to make sure justice was served in this case.”
"Christopher Collare's actions were antithetical to the oath he swore to serve and protect," said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. "He’s tarnished the badge he wore and failed his colleagues and the community he served. We in law enforcement must be held to the highest of ethical standards, and those falling short, like Collare, need to be booted from the ranks and held accountable. The public needs to know we mean it when we say that no one is above the law."
The FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General investigated the case. Trial Attorney James I. Pearce of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlo D. Marchioli and Phillip J. Caraballo are prosecuting the case.
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Wilkes-Barre Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Hughes, age 38, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted on July 13, 2021, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Hughes possessed with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine on May 12, 2021, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The indictment also alleges that Hughes possessed a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Lehighton Man Sentenced to 18 Months’ Imprisonment for Internet Threats Against the Jewish CommunityRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 13, 2021, Corbin Kauffman, age 32, of Lehighton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 18 months’ imprisonment for interstate transmission of threats to injure the person of another.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Kauffman pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal information and admitted that he posted a threatening image on a social media website on March 13, 2019. Kauffman posted a digitally-created image of his own arm and hand aiming an AR-15 rifle at a congregation of praying Jewish men, gathered in a synagogue. The threatening image came in the wake of the October 27, 2018 mass-shooting at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where 11 died and several more were wounded. On the same day he posted his own threatening image, Kauffman also shared a video of the Tree of Life shooting, as well as another post in support of the shooter. That same day, Kauffman also posted multiple references to “hate crimes” and a photograph of vandalism he committed by defacing a display case at the Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Center in Ocean City, Maryland, with white supremacist and anti-Semitic stickers.
Kauffman used various aliases online to post hundreds of anti-Semitic, anti-black, and anti-Muslim messages, images, and videos. Several of these posts, like the one charged in the information, included threats to various religious and racial groups. Other posts expressed a desire to commit genocide and “hate crimes,” and called for or depicted images of the killing of Jewish people, black people, and Muslim people. Kauffman also posted videos combining footage of a mass shooting at a Christchurch, New Zealand mosque with various audio tracks to celebrate the shooting, including video game sound effects and music.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Mariani found that Kauffman had made several threats, and that he intentionally selected the targets of his threats based on their race, religion, or ethnicity.
“While the disturbing and violent images and messages Kauffman posted online were abhorrent, that does not mean they were all criminal. Even abhorrent speech is protected by the First Amendment right to free speech,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brandler. “But when the speech crosses the line into threats, particularly threats directed at vulnerable communities, we will not tolerate that behavior. Vulnerable communities are entitled to feel safe in living their lives and exercising their own rights. Under federal law, when you target a person or a group because of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation, that is a hate crime. And we take hate crimes very seriously in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni.
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Wilkes-Barre Woman Sentenced for the Straw Purchase of A FirearmRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Crystal Hughes, age 37, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to one year of probation for making false statements in order to purchase a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Bandler, Hughes pleaded guilty to making false statements on April 30, 2020, to a Luzerne County federally licensed firearms dealer in order to purchase a pistol. The false statement related to the fact that she was not buying the pistol for herself, but on behalf of another person.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Kingston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Scranton Man Convicted for Production of Child Pornography and Attempted Witness IntimidationRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Lewis Kramer, age 36, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was convicted on July 7, 2021, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for production of child pornography and attempted witness tampering.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, during the two-day bench trial, the Government presented evidence that Kramer produced images and videos of child pornography between March 1, 2019 and March 27, 2020. Also, on January 22, 2021, Kramer sent a letter to the victim’s mother threatening to have her arrested and put in jail.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Gallagher are prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Kramer faces a mandatory minimum 15-year sentence. And the maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Kingston Man Charged with Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ahmyr Younger, age 19, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal complaint June 30, 2021, with illegal possession of a firearm.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the complaint alleges that on June 30, 2021 in Luzerne County, Younger illegally possessed a 9mm handgun after having been previously convicted of a felony.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Sean Camoni is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Indictments and Criminal Informations and Complaints are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Schuylkill County Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Collazo, age 34, formerly of Girardville, Schuylkill County, pleaded guilty on July 1, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Collazo admitted to possessing highly pure crystal methamphetamine for further distribution in the Schuylkill County area between December 2018 and February 2019.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
Judge Mariani ordered that a presentence report be completed for Collazo. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. The maximum sentence under federal law is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Lackawanna County Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine and Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rudolph Ford, age 32, formerly of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on July 1, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Ford admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute highly pure crystal methamphetamine, as well as heroin, in Luzerne, Lackawanna and Schuylkill Counties between January 2017 and December 2018. Ford was one of five individuals indicted by a grand jury in December 2018 for methamphetamine trafficking in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Judge Mariani ordered that a presentence report be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
Previously, Amanda Boyle, age 37, of Sweet Valley, Luzerne County, was sentenced by Judge Mariani to nine years in prison for her role in this same drug trafficking conspiracy.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Kingston Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to twenty years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Schuylkill County Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tyler Kegolis, age 34, formerly of Frackville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on June 30, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to distribution of crystal methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Kegolis admitted to distributing highly pure crystal methamphetamine in the Schuylkill County area between December 2018 and February 2019.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
Judge Mannion ordered that a presentence report be completed for Kegolis. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. The maximum sentence under federal law is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Monroe County Man Sentenced to 36 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ronald McKenna, age 41, of Monroe County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 30, 2021, to 36 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, McKenna pleaded guilty to distributing between 80 and 100 grams of heroin (which is the equivalent of 3,200 to 4,000 individual doses) and accepting a firearm in exchange for heroin.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Wilver Veras, a/k/a “Gavi,” age 31, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment to be followed by five years on supervised release on June 29, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for conspiring to possess and distribute methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Veras previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess and distribute 50 grams and more of actual methamphetamine throughout Hazleton and other parts of Luzerne County. Veras’s involvement in the charged conspiracy began in January 2018 and ended with his arrest in September 2018.
The case was investigated jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski prosecuted the case.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
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Mountaintop Woman Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sierra Benninger, age 26, of Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 29, 2021, to time served of 8 ½ months by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for providing false statements to purchase a firearm.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Benninger pleaded guilty and admitted that she provided false statements to purchase a Taurus 9mm handgun, which she was prohibited from possessing as a person who used and was addicted to a controlled substance.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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Monroe County Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing A Designer DrugRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Fausto Hernandez, age 43, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to distributing a “designer drug” which is a controlled substance analog.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Hernandez admitted to distributing a “designer drug” known as “4-choroethcathinone,” a controlled substance analog which mimics the effects of other drugs, in the Monroe County area in June and July 2019.
Under federal law, such “designer drugs” are controlled substance analogues, which are chemically similar to controlled substances in Schedule I or II, to the extent they are intended for human consumption, and are treated as controlled substances.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
Judge Mariani ordered that a presentence report be completed for Hernandez. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to twenty years in in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Harrisburg Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Reginald Hopkins, age 44, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 23, 2021, for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on January 15, 2021, in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Hopkins sold a detectable amount of cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.” Additionally, the indictment alleges that on February 11, 2021, Hopkins was in possession of three firearms (an Astra Constable 9mm handgun, a Hi-Point CF380 .380 handgun and a S&W M&P 9 Shield 9mm handgun) after previously having been convicted of a felony offense. Hopkins was also in possession of 9 mm and .380 caliber ammunition.
The matter was investigated by the Harrisburg Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit and the Community Policing Unit, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Miovas, Jr. is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty for the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for the distribution of a controlled substance offense is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of at least 6 years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $2,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Schuylkill County Woman Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Samantha Blume, age 30, formerly of Frackville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Blume admitted to aiding and abetting the distribution of highly-pure crystal methamphetamine in the Schuylkill County area in February 2019. Blume and her then boyfriend, Shaquane Scott, age 31, also of Frackville, were indicted by a grand jury in September 2019 for methamphetamine trafficking.
On June 23, 2021, Judge Mannion sentenced Shaquane Scott to six years’ imprisonment for methamphetamine trafficking.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
Judge Mannion ordered that a presentence report be completed for Blume. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum sentence under federal law is up to forty years in in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 140 Months’ Imprisonment for Attempted Online Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Shane Kelly Torpey, age 37, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 23, 2021, to 140 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for using the internet to attempt to entice a 12-year-old minor female to engage in prohibited sexual activity.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on January 27, 2020, after communicating online with the minor victim and, later, with a law enforcement officer posing as the victim, Torpey traveled from the Philadelphia area to a park in Kingston, PA in an attempt to coax the minor victim into engaging in prohibited sexual activity with him. Torpey was arrested on scene.
At sentencing, Judge Mannion also ordered Torpey to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division and the Kingston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John 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 for more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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New York Man Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment for Running Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on June 23, 2021, Charles Gibson, Jr., age 42, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for conspiring to distribute heroin, crack cocaine, and fentanyl.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Gibson pleaded guilty to being the head of a drug trafficking organization that distributed kilograms of crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl in the Luzerne County region from March 2015 through March 2017. Members of the drug trafficking organization possessed firearms and engaged in acts of violence.
Gibson was charged in June 2017 with 14 other individuals. All of his co-defendants pleaded guilty and were sentenced:
- Victoria Kraynak, of Luzerne, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment;
- Kassandra Martin of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- Joshua Lenchick of Luzerne, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- Kristyna Shotwell of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment;
- Tanay Jones of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to a time served sentence of 19 days’ imprisonment;
- William Waring of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- John Maybank of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 53 months’ imprisonment;
- Siobhan Daniels, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment;
- Luis Nevarez, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- Adonis Smith, of New London, Connecticut, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment;
- Cara Dubaskas, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to a time served sentence of 7 months;
- Chad Eckrote, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 3 years of probation;
- Adam Gottstein, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment; and
- Amanda Romano, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and by the Kingston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case also was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case was further part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
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Dunmore Man Sentenced to 96 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on June 23, 2021, Robert Andrewsh, Jr., age 26, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for methamphetamine trafficking.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Andrewsh pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute between 150 and 500 grams of high-purity methamphetamine in November and December 2019. Andrewsh also admitted that he possessed firearms in connection with his offense.
The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Scranton Police Department, and the City of Carbondale Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
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York County Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Luis Minier, a/k/a “Cito,” age 26, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 22, 2021, to 10 years’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for conspiring to distribute over a kilogram of heroin (one kilogram of heroin is the equivalent of approximately 40,000 individual doses) and five kilograms of cocaine.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the investigation began with an overdose death in the City of York on December 2, 2017. Investigators connected the death to heroin laced with fentanyl sold by codefendant Lamar Johnson. They further determined that Minier was bringing kilogram quantities of heroin and cocaine into York on a weekly basis from September 2017 until December 2017. Police arrested and seized over 700 grams of heroin and a kilogram of cocaine during police searches in December 2017.
Codefendants indicted in this case include:
- Brandon L. Orr, a/k/a “B Or,” age 27, of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking charges in June 2021, and is awaiting sentencing;
- Lamar Johnson, age 32 of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking charges in June 2021, and is awaiting sentencing; and
- Javiel Snellings, age 26, of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking charges and was sentenced March 31, 2021 to two years of probation.
The case was investigated by the Capitol Safe Streets Task Force, which included representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the York County Drug Task Force, and Springettsbury Township Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Schuylkill County Man Sentenced to Six Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shaquane Scott, age 31, of Frackville, Schuylkill County, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to six years’ imprisonment for distribution of crystal methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Scott previously pled guilty and admitted to distributing between 50 and 150 grams of highly-pure crystal methamphetamine in the Schuylkill County area over a several-week period in February and March 2019. Scott and his girlfriend, Samantha Blume, age 28, also of Frackville, were indicted by a grand jury in September 2019 for methamphetamine trafficking. The charges against Blume are still pending.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
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Pike County Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of A Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Walter Valdivia, Jr., age 38, of Matamoras, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 21, 2021, to 33 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for possession of a shotgun with a barrel length of less than 18 inches.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Valdivia was encountered by law enforcement officers when they served a search warrant in Matamoras, Pennsylvania on April 29, 2020, in an unrelated investigation. Valdivia was sitting on a couch in the living room of the residence and reached behind the couch. Agents located a sawed-off shotgun and a bag that contained shotgun shells behind the couch.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in cooperation with the Pike County (Pennsylvania) Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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