Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Hazleton Man Sentenced to 78 Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Alex Pazmino, age 36, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 6, 2021, to 78 months’ imprisonment and a 4-year term of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on April 29, 2016, Pazmino was arrested upon receiving a significant shipment of methamphetamine from California. Pazmino subsequently pleaded guilty, acknowledging his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy. At sentencing, the Court found that Pazmino was responsible for conspiring to distribute over 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted 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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Luzerne County Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William Heck, age 40, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 6, 2021, by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on October 2, 2020, Heck possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, was a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and possessed more than 40 grams of methamphetamine and an additional amount of fentanyl for distribution in Luzerne County.
The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program 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 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.
Under federal law, Heck faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison for the drug trafficking charge, up to a maximum sentence of life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. For the firearms charges, Heck faces an additional mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, a maximum sentence of life, a term of supervised release 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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Lock Haven Man Sentenced to 30 Years’ Imprisonment for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Grenninger, age 38, of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 6, 2021, to 360 months' imprisonment to be followed by a 10-year term of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann, for producing child pornography.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Genninger sexually abused an eight-year-old child and photographed the abuse. Genninger also produced videos of minors ranging from age eight through their early teens engaged in secually explicit conduct. Additionally, Genninger attempted to arrange meetings with 11-year-old girls in Virginia and New York City for sex, and sent a pornographc image of himself over the internet.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office, and the Christiansburg (Virginia) Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur 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.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 144 Months’ Imprisonment on Firearms and Witness Tampering OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Richard Earl Davis, age 28, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 1, 2021, to 144 months' imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Wilson, for aiding and abetting straw purchase of firearms, witness tampering, and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Davis was involved in a conspiracy in which an individual would purchase firearms that were ultimately sold to persons prohibited from possessing them, to include felons and drug dealers. After his arrest, Davis contacted a witness and told her how to testify at his upcoming bail hearing.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys James Clancy and Scott Ford prosecuted 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. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.
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Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
A former executive director for a university’s donor relations and fundraising programs in New York was sentenced today to 35 years in prison for multiple child pornography crimes, including his participation in the sexual abuse of a 6-year-old.
According to court documents, on July 22, 2015, Scott Lane, 37, of New York, New York, and others were on a particular video-conferencing platform when a man in Pennsylvania, co-conspirator William Augusta, began sexually abusing a 6-year-old boy. Lane and others encouraged Augusta to sexually abuse the boy for everyone to watch live. Specifically, Lane, using the alias “NYC Perv,” instructed Augusta to “make out with him,” and further instructed Augusta to engage in specific sexual acts with the boy. An undercover Toronto Police detective constable observed the sexual abuse via the video-conferencing platform, and the following day, law enforcement rescued the child and arrested Augusta, who had been sexually abusing the child for approximately two years. A subsequent search of Lane’s electronic devices revealed that Lane possessed multiple videos of prepubescent child pornography.
“The successful prosecution of the 15 individuals in this case, many of whom were responsible for the reprehensible sexual abuse of a 6-year-old child on a live-streaming, video-conferencing platform, demonstrate the Department of Justice’s unwavering commitment to targeting dangerous sexual abusers of children, however they commit their crimes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We will continue to work closely with our domestic and foreign law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and hold accountable those who exploit children, no matter the technological means they use to commit their heinous crimes.”
“This defendant and his co-conspirators engaged in truly hideous behavior toward a child,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler of the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “The lengthy sentence imposed today, and the lengthy sentences imposed earlier, reflect our office’s commitment to protecting vulnerable victims and punishing individuals who engage in this type of abhorrent behavior. I want to thank all the prosecutors and law enforcement agents who worked tirelessly to make sure justice was served in this case.”
“Today’s sentence demonstrates the severity of the crimes committed in this case,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian A. Michael for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia. “The defendant perpetuated unspeakable crimes against the most vulnerable of victims, a child. Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners are devoted to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting offenders like the defendant ensuring they will never harm another child. We hope today’s sentencing can bring some solace to the victim in their recovery.”
In May 2016, 15 individuals were charged in an 18-count superseding indictment by a grand jury in the Middle District of Pennsylvania with multiple child exploitation offenses, many of which related to 14 co-conspirators’ involvement in using the video-conferencing website to produce, advertise, distribute, and/or receive child pornography. Twelve of the defendants pleaded guilty prior to trial, and two went to trial in January 2018. The defendants were sentenced to between six and a half years and 60 years. One defendant died after pleading guilty but before sentencing, and another defendant died before trial.
Lane pleaded guilty to six counts of child pornography crimes on Jan. 11, 2018, including conspiracy to produce and production of child pornography. In addition to the prison sentence, he was ordered to serve 15 years of supervised release and to pay $50,000 of restitution to the then-6-year-old victim as well as $476.95 to another victim.
HSI Philadelphia, the Toronto Police Service, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the North Middleton Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section’s (CEOS) High Technology Investigative Unit.
CEOS Trial Attorney Austin M. Berry and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford of the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Federal and Local Law Enforcement Agencies Announce Operation ScarecrowRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the York County District Attorney’s Office, and the York City Police Department announced a joint initiative (Operation Scarecrow) that targets individuals who illegally purchase and possess firearms in York County. Operation Scarecrow will focus on individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction who use third parties (“straw parties”) to purchase firearms on their behalf. Under federal and state law, such transactions are illegal and both the prohibited person and the straw party are subject to criminal prosecution for engaging in this type of behavior.
Operation Scarecrow began on January 20, 2021 and has thus far resulted in 19 firearms being recovered. As a result of the operation, the U.S. Attorney's Office has charged the following individuals:
- Jahzaire Jahzaire Gilliam, age 19, York, PA, charged with conspiring to make a false statement during the purchase of a firearm; two counts of receipt of firearm by person under indictment; possession of firearm by unlawful user of controlled substance; distribution of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking;
- Hannah Lapham, age 22, York, PA, charged with conspiring to make and making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm;
- Donte Christian, age 45, of Baltimore, MD, charged with four counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm; and
- Nijee Baskins, age 21, York, PA, charged with two counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
The investigations are continuing, and numerous other individuals are expected to be charged in both federal and state court in the near future.
“Taking illegal guns off the streets is a high priority of the Department of Justice,” stated Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler. “Illegal guns fuel the epidemic of violence we see too often in York, and around the nation. We will work with all our state and local partners to reduce gun violence and investigate any and all suspicious straw party transactions that result in felons or other prohibited persons illegally possessing firearms.”
“When a person chooses to purchase a firearm under false pretenses, these firearms more often than not end up on the streets and into the hands of criminals,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “Successful investigations like these, exemplifies ATF’s dedication to our local, state and federal partners in working together to keep our streets safe from gun violence. I would like to thank the York City Police Department, the York County Drug Task Force, the York County District Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office for their continued support in our important mission to protect the public.”
The indictments are the result of an investigation by ATF, York City Police Department, the York County Drug Task Force, and the York County District Attorney’s Office.
These cases are 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.
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.
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Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Markeese Askew, age 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 192 months' imprisonment followed by a six-year term of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann on drug trafficking charges.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Davidson pleaded guilty in october 2020 to conspiring to distribute heroin and a mixture of heroin and carfentanil. During a three-day period in June 2017, there was a reash of drug overdoses in Williamsport. At the time, UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport and Wellsboro reported treating 51 such cases within a 48-hour period.
Two of Davidson’s co-conspirators, Wayne Davidson and Nathan Crowder also pleaded guilty in October 2020 to the same charge. They were both sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment in March 2021. Raymond Howard was convicted after a five-day jury trial and awaits sentencing.
In total, Askew and the three co-conspirators were charged with delivering a mixture of heroin and carfentanil that resulted in serious bodily injury to eight individuals.
The case was investigated by the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Unit, Montoursville Police Department, Old Lycoming Township Police Department, South Williamsport Police Department, Williamsport Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Alisan V. Martin and Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted 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. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.
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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Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
A former executive director for a university’s donor relations and fundraising programs in New York was sentenced today to 35 years in prison for multiple child pornography crimes, including his participation in the sexual abuse of a 6-year-old.
According to court documents, on July 22, 2015, Scott Lane, 37, of New York, New York, and others were on a particular video-conferencing platform when a man in Pennsylvania, co-conspirator William Augusta, began sexually abusing a 6-year-old boy. Lane and others encouraged Augusta to sexually abuse the boy for everyone to watch live. Specifically, Lane, using the alias “NYC Perv,” instructed Augusta to “make out with him,” and further instructed Augusta to engage in specific sexual acts with the boy. An undercover Toronto Police detective constable observed the sexual abuse via the video-conferencing platform, and the following day, law enforcement rescued the child and arrested Augusta, who had been sexually abusing the child for approximately two years. A subsequent search of Lane’s electronic devices revealed that Lane possessed multiple videos of prepubescent child pornography.
“The successful prosecution of the 15 individuals in this case, many of whom were responsible for the reprehensible sexual abuse of a 6-year-old child on a live-streaming, video-conferencing platform, demonstrate the Department of Justice’s unwavering commitment to targeting dangerous sexual abusers of children, however they commit their crimes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We will continue to work closely with our domestic and foreign law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and hold accountable those who exploit children, no matter the technological means they use to commit their heinous crimes.”
“This defendant and his co-conspirators engaged in truly hideous behavior toward a child,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler of the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “The lengthy sentence imposed today, and the lengthy sentences imposed earlier, reflect our office’s commitment to protecting vulnerable victims and punishing individuals who engage in this type of abhorrent behavior. I want to thank all the prosecutors and law enforcement agents who worked tirelessly to make sure justice was served in this case.”
“Today’s sentence demonstrates the severity of the crimes committed in this case,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian A. Michael for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia. “The defendant perpetuated unspeakable crimes against the most vulnerable of victims, a child. Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners are devoted to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting offenders like the defendant ensuring they will never harm another child. We hope today’s sentencing can bring some solace to the victim in their recovery.”
In May 2016, 15 individuals were charged in an 18-count superseding indictment by a grand jury in the Middle District of Pennsylvania with multiple child exploitation offenses, many of which related to 14 co-conspirators’ involvement in using the video-conferencing website to produce, advertise, distribute, and/or receive child pornography. Twelve of the defendants pleaded guilty prior to trial, and two went to trial in January 2018. The defendants were sentenced to between six and a half years and 60 years. One defendant died after pleading guilty but before sentencing, and another defendant died before trial.
Lane pleaded guilty to six counts of child pornography crimes on Jan. 11, 2018, including conspiracy to produce and production of child pornography. In addition to the prison sentence, he was ordered to serve 15 years of supervised release and to pay $50,000 of restitution to the then-6-year-old victim as well as $476.95 to another victim.
HSI Philadelphia, the Toronto Police Service, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the North Middleton Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section’s (CEOS) High Technology Investigative Unit.
CEOS Trial Attorney Austin M. Berry and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford of the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Hazleton Man Sentenced to 80 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Francis Vasquez-Familia, age 33, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 80 months' imprisonment followed by a five-year term of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for possession with intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of methamphetamine.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Vasquez-Familia’s activities involving drug distribution in the Hazleton, Pennsylvania area were brought to the attention of the Pennsylvania State Police, who in cooperation with the DEA initiated an investigation. Investigators utilized a confidential informant to purchase narcotics from Vasquez-Familia, including heroin. A traffic stop of Vasquez-Familia’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of 1,554 grams of methamphetamine and 530 grams (which is approximately 29,000 individual doses) of heroin.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the DEA. Assistant United States Attorneys Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted 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. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.
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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Allentown Man Sentenced to 70 Months’ Imprisonment for Filing Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Julio Polanco Suarez, age 44, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, to 70 months’ imprisonment, for conspiring to defraud the government and for committing aggravated identity theft.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Suarez pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the government between March 2009 and September 2016. Suarez and his conspirators obtained fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks by stealing victims’ identities and using those stolen identities to file false tax returns that generated significant refunds. The conspirators then secured the fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks and cashed them at various check cashing businesses, including several in Pennsylvania. Suarez admitted that between $1.5 million and $3.5 million in losses to the U.S. Treasury occurred as a result of the criminal activity.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Mariani highlighted the losses caused to the United States government by the scheme, and how Suarez, who is a citizen of the Dominican Republic, abused the rights and freedoms he enjoyed while living in the United States. Suarez faces deportation at the conclusion of his sentence of imprisonment. Judge Mariani also ordered Suarez to pay $1,189,256.50 in restitution.
Three other defendants were convicted and sentenced in the course of the investigation:
- Marien Torres-Acevedo, age 38, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 75 months’ imprisonment and faces deportation;
- Francisco Rodriguez-Polanco, age 35, of New York, New York, was sentenced to 54 months’ imprisonment and faces deportation; and
- Alfred LiPuma, age 81, of Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to three years of probation and paid $2.1 million in restitution and fines.
The matter was investigated by agents from the Department of the Treasury’s Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspectors, and other federal and state law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
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Thai National Charged with Fraudulently Selling Unapproved Chloroquine Phosphate as A Treatment for Covid-19Read the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Chinnapatr Chunhasomboon, age 41, of Bangkok, Thailand, was indicted on March 30, 2021, by a federal grand jury for fraudulently selling chloroquine phosphate to United States citizens as a treatment for COVID-19.
According to Acting United States Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Chunhasomboon sold unapproved chloroquine phosphate to customers worldwide, including in the United States, as a treatment for both COVID-19 and for malaria. Chunhasomboon allegedly evaded and attempted to evade U.S. Customs inspectors by disguising his shipments of chloroquine phosphate as fish tank accessories and cell phone cases, among other things. Chunhasomboon also allegedly undervalued the shipments to be worth only $10 to $12, when in fact they often were worth several hundred dollars each. Chunhasomboon allegedly made tens of thousands of dollars from his scheme.
Chloroquine phosphate is not approved by the FDA as a COVID-19 treatment, and previously was approved on an emergency basis only in controlled hospital settings and from approved sources. The CDC previously reported that two individuals who ingested chloroquine phosphate they obtained for treating aquarium fish did so as a prophylactic measure against COVID-19. One of those individuals died, and one was left critically ill.
Chunhasomboon is charged with two counts of mail fraud and three counts of wire fraud for selling chloroquine phosphate to four customers located in Pennsylvania. He also is charged with two counts of smuggling chloroquine phosphate into the United States, two counts of introducing misbranded drugs into U.S. commerce, and two counts of introducing unapproved new drugs into U.S. commerce. Chunhasomboon further is charged with two counts of making false statements to federal agents, denying that he sold chloroquine phosphate as either a treatment for COVID-19 or for malaria.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Food and Drug Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
Criminal 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 most serious offenses is 20 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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Philadelphia Attorney Charged with Mail Fraud and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jonathan Olivetti, age 40, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal information on March 30, 2021, with mail fraud and tax evasion.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that Olivetti, a licensed attorney, stole approximately $91,991.28 from an estate that he represented. The information also alleges that between November 9, 2015 and July 15, 2020, Olivetti attempted to evade paying his taxes by hiding funds and providing false information to an Internal Revenue Officer.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts 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 25 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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Luzerne County Restaurant Owners Plead Guilty to Failing to Pay Required Federal Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andrea Tomasino, age 70, and Guiseppe Tomasino, age 44, co-owners of Tomasino’s Restaurante Italiano, located in Dallas, Pennsylvania, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to failing to collect and pay required federal payroll taxes.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Andrea and Guiseppe Tomasino, who were responsible, as co-owners of Tomasino’s Restaurant Italiano, for collecting and paying to the Internal Revenue Service federal payroll taxes, including Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) taxes, willfully failed to pay to the IRS these required taxes for a period from the first quarter of 2014 through the first quarter of 2019, in the total amount of $95,710.
These charges stem from an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John 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 5 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; 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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Hazelton Man Sentenced to 24 Months’ Imprisonment for Aggravated Identity Theft in Connection with A Scheme to Unlawfully Obtain Government BenefitsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andres Santos, age 39, of Hazelton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 30, 2021, by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 24 months’ imprisonment for aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to unlawfully obtain various government benefits.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on February 21, 2019, Santos used the name, social security number, and birth date of the victim, and misrepresented his citizenship status, in order to obtain social welfare benefits to which he was not entitled, specifically, Medicaid Medical Assistance benefits and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, in a total amount of approximately $11,000.00.
The case was investigated by Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of the State Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
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Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft of MailRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Lower Paxton Postal employee, Candy Ehler, age 51, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pled guilty on March 29, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to three counts of theft of mail by an employee.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on August 2, 2019, the United States Postal Service was notified that a medication package had not been received by its intended recipient. A pattern of missing/stolen medication packages containing opioid based controlled substances that required signature confirmation of receipt was confirmed. These packages were attempted to be delivered by the assigned mail carrier, but were returned to the Lower Paxton Post Office due to the intended recipients not being at their residence. Once returned to the Post Office, video surveillance revealed Postal Carrier Ehler, removing three controlled substance medication packages that were not on her primary route. Ehler did not have a request for second delivery attempt, and the intended recipients never received their medication.
The charges stem from an investigation by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General and Department of Veteran’s Affairs Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Ehler is facing a maximum of 15 years of incarceration and a $750,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the court 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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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 63 Months’ Imprisonment for Firearms and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Caleb Guerrier, age 39, of Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 29, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to 63 months’ imprisonment for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and being in possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the charges stem from an incident in March 2014, in which investigators served a search warrant at Guerrier’s residence in Hanover Township and seized a cache of weapons and ammunition, including five semi-automatic pistols, three of which had obliterated serial numbers, one sawed-off shotgun, multiple boxes of assorted ammunition, drug paraphernalia and $195 in United States currency. Guerrier is a convicted felon and is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. The charge of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine stems from a separate incident in June 2016, in which investigators searched a storage unit which Guerrier rented in Wilkes-Barre Township and seized crack cocaine, additional amounts of ammunition and $5000 in U.S. currency. Guerrier previously entered a guilty plea to both the firearms and drug trafficking offenses.
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Mannion ordered that upon release from prison Guerrier be supervised by a probation officer for three years.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Hanover Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 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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Stroudsburg Man Sentenced to 240 Months’ Imprisonment for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Daniel Palmitessa, age 35, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 25, 2021 to 240 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for production of child pornography and enticement of minors to engage in sexual activity.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, between January 13, 2013 through January 2016, Palmitessa produced images of child pornography. Also, between February 2018 through April 2018, Palmitessa used the internet and a cellular phone to attempt to persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Mannion ordered that Palmitessa be placed under supervision by a probation officer for a period of 10 years following release from prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 210 Months’ Imprisonment on Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nathan Crowder, age 32, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 210 months' imprisonment followed by a four-year term of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann for conspiring to distribute heroin and a mixture of heroin and carfentanil.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, during a three-day period in June 2017, there was a rash of drug overdoses in Williamsport. At the time, UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport and Wellsboro reported treating 51 such cases within a 48-hour period.
Two of Crowder’s co-conspirators, Markeese Askew and Wayne Davidson pleaded guilty in October 2020 to the same charge. Davidson was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment in March. Askew faces a minimum sentence of 11 years’ imprisonment. Raymond Howard, the fourth individual indicted in the case, was convicted after a five-day jury trial in October and awaits sentencing. He faces a minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.
In total, Crowder and the three co-conspirators were charged with delivering a mixture of heroin and carfentanil that resulted in serious bodily injury to eight individuals.
The case was investigated by the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Unit, Montoursville Police Department, Old Lycoming Township Police Department, South Williamsport Police Department, Williamsport Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Alisan V. Martin and Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted 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. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.
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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East Stroudsburg Financial Planner Sentenced to 17½ Years of Imprisonment for Scheme to Defraud His ClientsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Anthony Diaz, age 52, formerly of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for wire fraud and mail fraud offenses. He was taken into custody immediately after the sentencing to begin serving the term of imprisonment.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Diaz was convicted on January 30, 2020 following a 12-day jury trial, of seven counts of wire fraud and four counts of mail fraud, all stemming from the same scheme.
The evidence presented at trial showed that from approximately 2008 through April 2015, Diaz owned and operated Financial Planners Group of America, a financial planning business in East Stroudsburg and Scotrun, Pennsylvania. Diaz persuaded his clients to invest in high risk, illiquid “alternative investment products,” including real estate investment trusts, business development companies, oil and gas drilling companies, and equipment leasing companies.
A dozen of Diaz’s former clients testified at trial that Diaz convinced them to invest their life savings in the alternative investments through a series of false representations, including that the investments were low-risk, with guaranteed protection of principle and guaranteed rates of return, and that the investments were liquid, giving investors access to their funds in an emergency. Evidence introduced at trial showed that the investments were high-risk and speculative, with no guarantees, and that in some instances, investors lost all of their money. Evidence at trial also showed that the investments had lengthy holding periods, with no access to funds, and that could be extended indefinitely at the unilateral discretion of the investment company. Some witnesses testified to having invested money over a decade ago that they still could not liquidate.
At trial, jurors saw extensive client documentation bearing false information about the clients’ assets, risk tolerance, investment experience, and investment objectives. Clients testified that Diaz regularly had them sign blank documents, with the promise that missing information would be filled in by his office. Former employees of Diaz testified that he ordered them to add false information to the account forms, inflating clients’ assets, risk tolerance, and investment experience to qualify them as suitable investors for the alternative investments.
Jurors also learned that Diaz was terminated by five broker-dealers and permitted to resign by a sixth broker-dealer. Clients who asked about the frequent changes to new broker-dealers were told that it was for their benefit. Diaz’s former employees testified that they were ordered to conceal his firings and lie to the clients about his changes between broker-dealers.
Jurors also learned that Diaz was suspended by the Certified Financial Planners Board of Standards in 2013, and under investigation by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking, both of whom ultimately barred Diaz from the securities industry in 2015. Diaz’s clients testified that he failed to disclose his suspension from the Certified Financial Planners Board of Standards, and concealed the nature and severity of the regulatory investigations.
Various industry witnesses testified that Diaz earned commissions on the alternative investments that were often double, or even quadruple the commissions earned on more conventional investments, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Documents at trial showed that Diaz regularly earned in excess of $1.5 million in commissions annually. Witnesses described how Diaz spent his money on expensive automobiles, a dozen properties across the United States, and frequent vacations to exotic locales.
Labeling Diaz a “sophisticated criminal,” Judge Mannion highlighted how Diaz “lied through his teeth” when testifying at trial, and emphasized the gravity and volume of his offense. In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Mannion also noted that Diaz had made “no showing of remorse” and queried, “Are you such a con man that you don’t know you’re a con?” Diaz faced an enhanced sentence under the advisory Sentencing Guidelines for the sophisticated nature of his scheme, the substantial financial hardship caused to numerous victims, for supervising the criminal activity of others, for violating securities regulations as an investment advisor, and for obstructing justice by committing perjury at trial.
At sentencing, dozens of former clients of Diaz submitted victim impact statements, and several told Judge Mannion about how Diaz invested their family’s retirement savings in illiquid investments, which they were unable to use in times of need. Diaz stipulated in advance of sentencing that he had caused actual and intended losses of between $1.5 million and $3.5 million to the victims to testified at trial alone. Judge Mannion ordered Diaz to pay restitution of $1,020,840 to those victims.
“While it is true that violent crimes have a devastating impact on victims, it is also true that financial crimes sometimes have an equal, if not greater impact on victims’ lives,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Brandler. “Unlike physical injuries that can heal in time, losing one’s life savings as one nears retirement is not something many can recover from. Corrupt financial planners like Mr. Diaz who line their own pockets at the expense of their clients will be aggressively prosecuted and receive significant jail sentences, as today’s proceedings prove. Hopefully the significant sentence imposed today on Mr. Diaz will give his victims some sense of justice and deter others from engaging in similar crimes in the future. I want to commend the prosecutors and the numerous law enforcement agents who worked tirelessly to bring this case to a successful conclusion.”
“Anthony Diaz took advantage of inexperienced investors who trusted him with their life savings,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Spouting a legion of lies, he convinced his clients to invest their money not in their own best interests, but in risky ways that generated Diaz himself millions of dollars in commissions. The harm done here was significant — retirement delayed, tuition money lost, lives turned upside down — all in service of one man’s greed. Today’s lengthy sentence doesn’t right those wrongs. But it does ensure Diaz won’t be victimizing anyone else like this.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Phillip Caraballo and Robert O’Hara prosecuted the case.
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Lackawanna County Man Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jean Quinones, age 26, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 24, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Malacy E. Mannion to attempt to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of cocaine.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the charge stems from an investigation in which Customs and Border Patrol agents intercepted a package which had been mailed from the Virgin Islands to Scranton. The package was found to contain a kilogram of cocaine. Homeland Security agents and U.S. Postal Inspectors arrested Quinones shortly after he picked up the package at a post office in Scranton.
Judge Mannion ordered that a presentence investigation take place. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
The investigation was conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Customs and Border Patrol, and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under federal law, the drug trafficking offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, up to a maximum sentence of forty years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 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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Armed Career Criminal Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Larnerd, age 47, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was convicted yesterday by a federal jury for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm; and maintaining a drug involved premises, after a three-day trial held before United States District Court Judge Jennifer Wilson. Larnerd faces a potential 15 year mandatory minimum sentence as a result of three prior convictions for serious drug offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the jury returned the guilty verdict after approximately two hours of deliberation. The evidence at trial showed that during May of 2019, the North Cornwall Township Police received information that Larnerd was selling drugs and possessed firearms at his residence in Lebanon County. Based on that information, the North Cornwall Police applied for and obtained a search warrant for Larnerd’s residence in June 2019.
During execution of the warrant, the police found a Highpoint 9mm C9 Luger handgun in Larnerd’s second floor bedroom, and a Highpoint Model CF380 ACP handgun in a downstairs closet. There were also small amounts of marijuana and methamphetamine scattered about the house. Witnesses testified that Larnerd sold them methamphetamine from the residence and possessed the firearms.
The case was investigated by the North Cornwall Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johnny Baer and Christian Haugsby are 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 maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is a term of 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. Larnerd’s conviction for illegal firearm possession carries a 15-year mandatory sentence.
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Two Luzerne County Men Indicted for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lee Crawford, age 59, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and John Williams, age 41, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, were indicted on March 23, 2021, by a federal grand jury for conspiring to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl in Luzerne County.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Crawford and Williams conspired to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl in the Luzerne County area between July 2020 and February 2021. The indictment also charges Crawford with nine counts of distributing fentanyl and charges Williams with one count of distributing fentanyl.
The case was investigated by the Kingston Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara 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 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.
Under federal law, Crawford faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, up to a maximum sentence of life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Williams faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, up to a maximum sentence of forty years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 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 Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Benjamin Butler, age 33, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, pled guilty on March 17, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann to wire fraud.
According to Acting United States 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 is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Butler is facing a maximum of thirty years of incarceration and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the court 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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USP Lewisburg Inmate Charged with Possession of A WeaponRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Hugo Reynosa, age 25, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary Lewisburg (USP Lewisburg) was indicted on March 16, 2021, by a federal grand jury for being in possession of a weapon in prison.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that during a search conducted on May 12, 2020, Reynosa was found in possession of a homemade sharpened piece of metal, commonly referred to as a “shank,” that was designed and intended to be used as a weapon.
The charges stem from an investigation by USP Lewisburg and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
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.
Reynosa is facing a maximum of five years of incarceration and a $250,000 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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Hazleton Man Sentenced to 84 Months’ Imprisonment for Heroin and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Yilber Rosario, age 32, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment followed by a four-year term of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for heroin and fentanyl trafficking offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, from approximately February 2018 through approximately July 2019, Rosario conspired with others to distribute approximately 200 grams of heroin (which is equivalent to approximately 2,000 individual doses) and approximately 350 grams of fentanyl.
The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its state and local partners, including the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 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 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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Florida Man Sentenced to Probation for Federal Program TheftRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 12, 2021, Eliseo Sierra, age 43, of Stuart, Florida, was sentenced to five years of probation, by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, for federal program theft. Judge Wilson also ordered Sierra to pay $61,337.09 in restitution.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, in 2014, while employed as an operations manager at Lincoln Charter School, in York, Pennsylvania, Sierra embezzled over $78,000 from the school. He previously repaid the school approximately $16,000. At the time of Sierra’s crime, the school received grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
In imposing the probationary sentence, Judge Wilson highlighted Sierra’s medical conditions and the pandemic as a reason for the non-custodial sentence. She also pointed to the age of Sierra’s conduct.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.
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York Man Sentenced to 15 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 10, 2021, Justin Rashaad Brown, age 31, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment to be followed by six years of supervised release, by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, for distributing crack cocaine and possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Brown sold crack cocaine in York on multiple occasions in 2016. Law enforcement executed search warrants at Brown’s residence in July 2016 and November 2016, and found crack cocaine during each search and a stolen revolver during the second search.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the York County Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli and former Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy 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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Allentown Woman Sentenced to 75 Months’ Imprisonment and Must Pay over $857,000 for Defrauding the GovernmentRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 9, 2021, Marien Torres-Acevedo, age 38, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 75 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for conspiring to defraud the government and for committing aggravated identity theft.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Torres-Acevedo pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the government between January 2015 to July 2016. Torres-Acevedo and her conspirators obtained fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks by stealing victims’ identities and using those stolen identities to file false tax returns that generated significant refunds. Torres-Acevedo and her conspirators then secured the fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks and cashed them at various check cashing businesses, including several in Pennsylvania. Torres-Acevedo admitted that between $550, 000 and $1.5 million in losses occurred as a result of the criminal activity.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Mariani highlighted the losses caused to the United States government by the scheme, and the number of victims whose identities were stolen to file false tax returns. Acevedo also was held accountable for fabricating social media communications that threatened her and her family and providing them to investigators, who were able to trace the communications back to Acevedo.
Judge Mariani also ordered Torres-Acevedo to pay $857,729.65 in restitution. Torres-Acevedo is a citizen of the Dominican Republic and faces deportation at the conclusion of her sentence of imprisonment.
Torres-Acevedo codefendant, Francisco Rodriguez-Polanco, and another coconspirator, Julio Polanco Suarez, both pleaded guilty to similar offenses. Rodriguez-Polanco was sentenced to 54 months of imprisonment, while Suarez awaits sentencing. Another third coconspirator, Alfred LiPuma, age 81, was previously sentenced to three years of probation and paid $2.1 million in restitution and fines.
The matter was investigated by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspectors, and other federal and state law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
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Old Forge Man Sentenced for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 5, 2021, United States Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Christopher Jones, age 54, of Old Forge, Pennsylvania, to three years of probation for tax evasion.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Jones failed to report over $500,000 in taxable income between 2014 and 2019 to avoid paying federal income taxes. Jones failed to report income he gained from illegal bookmaking activities and made false statements to federal agents in February 2019 during the investigation. Judge Mannion sentenced Jones to serve six months of his three-year term of probation on home confinement, and to pay $117,370 in restitution for taxes due and owing.
Judge Mannion noted that but for COVID, Jones would have had to serve prison time, but his medical conditions placed him at high risk.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni.
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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 96 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 4, 2021, Vincent Carter, age 36, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment followed by a three-year term of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for drug trafficking offenses.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Carter distributed fentanyl on multiple occasions in March 2019, in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. After a search of his residence and vehicle, additional amounts of fentanyl and narcotics packaging were recovered.
The case was investigated by the Kingston Police Department, the Nanticoke Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted 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. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.
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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Erie Man Sentenced to 18 Years’ Imprisonment for Discharging A Firearm During A Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 5, 2021, Jimmy Carter, age 56, of Erie, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 216 months’ imprisonment followed by a three-year term of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Carter, along with two others, robbed a Unimart convenience store in Ferguson Township, Pennsylvania, in January 2017. During the course of this robbery, Carter fired a handgun at the proprietor of the store (who was not injured).
The case was investigated by the Ferguson Township Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted 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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FCI Schuylkill Inmate Sentenced to 18 Months’ Imprisonment for Possessing A Narcotic Drug While in PrisonRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Richol Griner, age 44, of Washington, DC, was sentenced on March 4, 2021, to 18 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for possessing Suboxone while serving a prior prison term as an inmate at a federal correctional institution.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on or about March 1, 2019, while incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill (FCI-Schuylkill), located in Minersville, Pennsylvania, Griner possessed 49 units of Suboxone, a narcotic drug that contains the opioid, buprenorphine. Judge Mariani ordered that the 18-month sentence was to run consecutively to the federal sentence that Griner was already serving.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
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Camp Hill Man Sentenced to 12 Months and One Day Imprisonment for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Matthew Forney, age 41, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day imprisonment followed by one year supervised release and a $40,000 fine by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson on four counts of tax evasion.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on September 23, 2018, police were called to the residence of Matthew and Kim Forney for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, police discovered that their daughter’s boyfriend had shot both Matthew and Kim Forney. While securing the residence, officers observed bloody footprints leading through the house to an outside pool house. Inside the pool house, the police located a garbage bag, which contained a large amount of bundled United States currency. Police obtained and executed a search warrant. Inside a large gun safe located in the residence, police found additional amounts of bundled cash attached to business receipts. The officers seized the cash and receipts.
The Forney’s daughter’s boyfriend was charged with two counts of aggravated assault in connection with the shooting, but charges were ultimately dismissed on June 19, 2019.
An investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation determined that this currency was income that Matthew and Kim Forney earned through their business, but omitted on their federal income tax returns for the years 2014 through 2017. The Forneys deposited checks from their business sales into the business bank account, which was reported as taxable income on their tax returns, along with credit card sales. However, the Forneys retained any cash from their business sales at their residence. The Forneys did not report this cash as taxable income on their tax returns or pay taxes on these monies. The unreported income for these years totaled $817,713, which resulted in $292,066 in unpaid taxes.
Kim Forney was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment by Judge Wilson on March 4, 2021.
“The license to run a business is not a license to evade taxes,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso. “Mr. and Mrs. Forney thought they could hoard all of their cash earnings and fly under the radar of the IRS, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Anyone contemplating similar criminal conduct should beware; IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agents are uniquely qualified to trace all sources of income.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Daryl Bloom is prosecuting the case.
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Windsor Woman Sentenced to 12 Months’ Imprisonment for Aiding and Abetting the Preparation and Filing of False Tax Returns with the IRSRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kim Forney, age 48, of Windsor, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 12 months’ imprisonment followed by one year supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson on four counts of aiding and abetting the preparation and filing of false tax returns.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on September 23, 2018, police were called to the residence of Matthew and Kim Forney for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, police discovered that their daughter’s boyfriend had shot both Matthew and Kim Forney. While securing the residence, officers observed bloody footprints leading through the house to an outside pool house. Inside the pool house, the police located a garbage bag, which contained a large amount of bundled United States currency. Police obtained and executed a search warrant. Inside a large gun safe located in the residence, police found additional amounts of bundled cash attached to business receipts. The officers seized the cash and receipts.
The Forney’s daughter’s boyfriend was charged with two counts of aggravated assault in connection with the shooting, but charges were ultimately dismissed on June 19, 2019.
An investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation determined that this currency was income that Matthew and Kim Forney earned through their business, but omitted on their federal income tax returns for the years 2014 through 2017. The Forneys deposited checks from their business sales into the business bank account, which was reported as taxable income on their tax returns, along with credit card sales. However, the Forneys retained any cash from their business sales at their residence. The Forneys did not report this cash as taxable income on their tax returns or pay taxes on these monies. The unreported income for these years totaled $817,713, which resulted in $292,066 in unpaid taxes.
Matthew Forney’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 5, 2021 before Judge Wilson.
“The license to run a business is not a license to evade taxes,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso. “Mr. and Mrs. Forney thought they could hoard all of their cash earnings and fly under the radar of the IRS, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Anyone contemplating similar criminal conduct should beware; IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agents are uniquely qualified to trace all sources of income.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Daryl Bloom is prosecuting the case.
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Williamsport Man Sentenced to 210 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Wayne Davidson, age 27, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment followed by a four-year term of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Davidson pled guilty in October 2020 to conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin (which is approximately 2,000 individual doses) and a mixture of heroin and carfentanil. During a three-day period in June 2017, there was a rash of drug overdoses in Williamsport. At the time, UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport and Wellsboro reported treating 51 such cases within a 48-hour period.
Two of Davidson’s co-conspirators, Markeese Askew and Nathan Crowder also pled guilty in October 2020 to the same charge. They both face minimum sentences of 11 years’ imprisonment. Raymond Howard was convicted after a five-day jury trial and awaits sentencing.
In total, Davidson and the three co-conspirators were charged with delivering a mixture of heroin and carfentanil that resulted in serious bodily injury to eight individuals.
The case was investigated by the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Unit, Montoursville Police Department, Old Lycoming Township Police Department, South Williamsport Police Department, Williamsport Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Alisan V. Martin and Geoffrey W. MacArthur are 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. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.
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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Romanian National Sentenced to 45 Months’ Imprisonment for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 2, 2021, Costel Aparaschivei, age 38, of Romania, was sentenced to 45 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for bank fraud and identity theft offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Aparaschivei was convicted of conspiring to commit bank fraud between October 6, 2018 and October 21, 2018, and of aggravated identity theft. Aparaschivei pled guilty to obtaining counterfeit debit cards bearing stolen account numbers and PINs in New York, and transporting them to South Abington Township, Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, Aparaschivei and his coconspirator, Daniel Gologan, used the counterfeit debit cards at Penn East Federal Credit Union and attempted to withdraw approximately $144,620. The conspirators successfully withdrew $66,510, which Judge Mariani ordered to be paid as restitution.
In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Mariani highlighted the fact that Aparaschivei began committing his offense within approximately one month of entering the United States illegally. Aparaschivei will be deported to Romania following the conclusion of his sentence.
Aparaschivei’s coconspirator, Gologan, also pled guilty to bank fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, and was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment. Gologan will be deported following the conclusion of his sentence.
The matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service and by the South Abington Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
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Scranton Man Sentenced to 210 Months’ Imprisonment for Distribution of Sexually Explicit Images of MinorsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eric Garman, age 32, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 1, 2021, to 210 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for distribution of sexually explicit images of minors.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Garman pled guilty in June 2020 to distributing images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct between June and August 2019. At sentencing, in addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Mannion ordered that Garman serve a ten-year term of supervised release and comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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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Hazleton Man Sentenced to 51 Months’ Imprisonment for Heroin and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 24, 2021, Miguel Dotel, age 43, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment followed by a four-year term of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for drug trafficking offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, from approximately March 2018 through July 2019, Dotel conspired with others to distribute approximately 200 grams of heroin (which is equivalent to approximately 2,000 individual doses) and 250 grams of fentanyl.
The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and its state and local partners, including the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 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 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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Virginia Man Charged with Passing Counterfeit CurrencyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dale Richard Estep II, age 34, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 24, 2021, for passing counterfeit currency.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Estep with eleven counts of passing counterfeit United States currency in businesses in Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, and York Counties between May 12, 2019 and May 14, 2019.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian T. Haugsby is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged by indictment 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 on each count of passing counterfeit currency is 20 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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Monroe County Man Sentenced to 17 ½ Years’ Imprisonment for Role in Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William Battle, age 29, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment today by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for participating in a conspiracy that forced or coerced women to engage in prostitution in northeastern Pennsylvania.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Battle, who used the street name “Buck,” previously pled guilty to conspiring with others to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion between 2011 and 2015.
Battle’s conviction and sentence resulted from an investigation into the activities of a street gang known as the “Black P-Stones.” The fourth superseding indictment alleged that females were “sexed-in” to the gang by being forced to engage in sex with male gang members; recruited and coerced to engage in prostitution; advertised as adult escorts on a website; provided with heroin and other drugs; and placed in various are hotels/motels to work as prostitutes. Gang members, including Battle, used threats, force, drugs, and intimidation to coerce females to engage in prostitution.
Judge Mannion also ordered the defendant to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Battle must also comply with sex offender registration and notification requirements.
The leader of the Black P-Stones, Sirvonn Taylor, was previously sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment. Other high-level gang members that have been sentenced in the case include: Jose Velasquez—17 ½ years’ imprisonment; Jamiell Sims—12 ½ years’ imprisonment; Arthur Taylor—7 years’ imprisonment; and Jordan Capone—7 years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, Maine State Police, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and local police in Monroe County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
This case 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 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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Berks County Woman Sentenced to 63 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Francheska Quinones, age 28, formerly of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 25, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to 63 months’ imprisonment for her role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy which operated in Luzerne, Lackawanna and Schuylkill Counties.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Quinones previously pled guilty and admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in Luzerne, Lackawanna and Schuylkill Counties between January 2017 and December 2018.
Adam Holcomb and William Terron were indicted in December 2018 for the same methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy along with Amanda Boyle who was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment and Adam Holcomb who is awaiting sentencing.
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.
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Utica Man Charged with Online Enticement and Interstate Travel with the Intent to Engage in A Sexual Act with A MinorRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joan Perez, age 20, of Utica, New York, was indicted on February 23, 2021, by a federal grand jury for online enticement of a minor and interstate travel with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Perez used his cellphone to entice and coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity. Additionally, the indictment alleges that Perez travelled to Pennsylvania in order to engage in a sexual act with said minor.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division, the Scranton Police Department, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan 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 penalties under federal law for these offenses 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.
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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Scranton Man Charged with Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Zachary Watkins, age 20, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 23, 2021, by a federal grand jury for the receipt and distribution of child pornography.
According to Acting United States Attorney, Bruce D. Bandler, the indictment alleges that between January 1, 2020, and January 27, 2021, in Lackawanna County, Watkins received and distributed visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan 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 20 years imprisonment imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The mandatory minimum for these offenses is 5 years 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.
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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Nesquehoning Man Indicted for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kenneth Persise, age 32, of Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 23, 2021, by a federal grand jury for distribution of child pornography.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on February 26, 2020, March 4, 2020 and June 14, 2020, in Carbon County, Persise distributed visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts 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 "resources."
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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 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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Luzerne County Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Caleb Guerrier, age 39, of Hanover Township, pled guilty on February 24, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and being in possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the charge of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition stems from an incident in March 2014, in which investigators served a search warrant at Guerrier’s residence and seized a cache of weapons and ammunition, including five semi-automatic pistols, three of which had obliterated serial numbers, one sawed-off shotgun, multiple boxes of assorted ammunition, drug paraphernalia and $195 in United States currency. Guerrier is a convicted felon and is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. The charge of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine stems from a separate incident in June 2016, in which investigators searched a storage unit which Guerrier rented in Wilkes-Barre Township and seized crack cocaine and additional amounts of ammunition.
Judge Mannion ordered that a presentence investigation take place. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Hanover Township Police Department. 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.
Guerrier faces a maximum possible penalty of up to thirty years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1,250,000 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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Stroud Township Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON: The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that James Williams III, also known as “Dilly,” age 40, of Stroud Township, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 23, 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 on March 29, 2018 and April 18, 2018, Williams distributed and possessed with intent to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of Stroudsburg High School, in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. The indictment further charges Williams with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of cocaine on May 3, 2018. The indictment also alleges that Williams, a convicted felon, illegally possessed two firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and one of the firearms was stolen.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Stroud Regional Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts 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 this offense is 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.
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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Scranton Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Bomboy, age 61, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 23, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to five years’ imprisonment for his role in a Lackawanna County-based methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Bomboy previously pled guilty and admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute between 350 and 500 grams of methamphetamine in the Scranton area between February and April 2019
The investigation was conducted by the Scranton Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 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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Harrisburg Man Sentenced to Two Years of Probation for Failing to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Darasomalee Thach, age 36, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 23, 2021, to two years of probation, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones III, for conspiring to defraud the United States by failing to pay employment taxes. Thach was ordered to pay $360,897.86 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Thach previously admitted that while he co-owned and operated a temporary staffing company in Harrisburg, he failed to withhold and pay over employment taxes in order to maximize his personal profit. The unlawful conduct occurred from 2011 through 2015.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli and former Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy prosecuted the case.
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Franklin County Man Sentenced to Five Years’ Imprisonment for Receiving and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Craig Killmeyer, age 56, of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to five years’ imprisonment to be followed by ten years of supervised release, by Chief U.S District Court Judge John E. Jones III, for receiving and distributing child pornography.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Killmeyer previously admitted to receiving and distributing images of child pornography between December 2017 and December 2018. Killmeyer used Kik Messenger to send and receive the images.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli and former Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy 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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Former Hershey Man Sentenced to 11 Years’ Imprisonment for Numerous Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Jay Jackson, age 61, formerly of Hershey, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to eleven years’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, on bankruptcy fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering charges. Jackson was also ordered to pay $1,567,275 in restitution. Jackson was previously sentenced in March 2019. In May 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit vacated that sentence and remanded for resentencing.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Jackson pled guilty in November 2017 to an indictment charging him with twelve counts of wire fraud, five counts of bankruptcy fraud, nine counts of false bankruptcy declarations, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Jackson defrauded his creditors, the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and his wife by filing seven Chapter 13 and Chapter 11 bankruptcy petitions, five of which were under Jackson’s name, and two of which were under his wife’s name without her knowledge or consent. The petitions contained false information regarding Jackson’s income, assets, and employment, and were filed in order to postpone multiple Sheriff’s sales of his Hershey residence. Jackson filed the last two petitions under his wife’s name after the Bankruptcy Court barred Jackson from filing any further petitions for two years in May 2015.
Jackson also pled guilty in March 2018, to a two-count criminal information charging him with wire fraud and money laundering. Jackson perpetrated a loan-fraud scheme involving a bogus business venture between 2007 and 2017 that defrauded 22 victims out of approximately $1.7 million. Jackson registered a corporation by the name of INTEX Building Materials Group, Inc. (INTEX BMG) with the Pennsylvania Department of State in 2007, listing himself as the sole shareholder and Chief Executive Officer of the company. Jackson defrauded his victims by convincing them he had the backing of Brookstone Partners, a New York City capital investment company, to lend him millions of dollars to acquire companies that manufactured building products. Jackson induced his victims into giving him loans to pay for his personal expenses, including his children’s college tuition, while the victims awaited consummation of the deal with Brookstone. Jackson promised his victims huge returns on what were supposed to be short-term loans. Jackson also provided copies of what he claimed to be e-mails from Brookstone principals that falsely represented the INTEX BMG deal was real.
In reality, INTEX BMG was a “paper” company that did not hold any significant assets, did not have any paid employees, and never generated any income. Jackson provided his victims a variety of explanations as to why INTEX BMG did not go “live” in order to lull them into not taking action against him. Jackson would repeatedly blame the protracted delays upon the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), various state regulators, and the Canadian government. Many of the victims of Jackson’s loan-fraud scheme were from central Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel prosecuted the case.
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