Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Inmate Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment for AssaultRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 19, 2021, Corey Treadwell, age 49, previously of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for assault with intent to commit murder.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, in November 2015, while Treadwell was an inmate at the United States Penitentiary Lewisburg, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Treadwell repeatedly stabbed his cellmate causing serious injury to that individual. The victim was treated and recovered from his wounds.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.
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United States Penitentiary Inmate Sentenced to 18 Months’ Imprisonment for AssaultRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Justin Petty, age 44, of Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced on February 18, 2021, to 18 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for assaulting another inmate in retaliation for that individual’s past cooperation with law enforcement as a witness or informant.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on or about February 28, 2019, while incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary, Canaan (USP Canaan), located in Waymart, Pennsylvania, Petty, along with a co-defendant, conspired to assault and did assault the victim, also an inmate at USP Canaan, by repeatedly striking the victim several times about the head and body with closed fists. The motivation for this assault was Petty’s belief that the victim had been a government witness or informant.
The 18-month sentence that Petty received was ordered to run consecutively to the federal sentence that Petty was serving at the time of the assault.
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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Three New York Residents Indicted on Conspiracy, Mail Fraud, and Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on January 25, 2021, Caron Pitter, age 44, Rohan Lyttle, age 45, and Rohan Lyttle, Jr., age 23, all residents of Queens, New York, were indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, with additional mail fraud charges against Pitter and Lyttle and a wire fraud charge against Lyttle. The indictment follows the filing of a criminal complaint against the three defendants on January 28, 2020, when Pitter and Lyttle were also arrested. Rohan Lyttle, Jr. remains at large.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that until December 2020, Pitter, Lyttle, and Lyttle, Jr., working with other coconspirators, defrauded victims using a common scheme known as a “sweepstakes scheme.” According to the indictment, a sweepstakes scheme typically starts with a fraudulent telemarketer telling a prospective victim that he or she has been selected as the winner of a large sweepstakes prize. The telemarketer informs the victim that he or she must first pay an “advance fee” to defray various expenses, such as taxes, before receiving the prize. Often these supposed advance fees continue until a victim has depleted his or her life savings, and no prize is ever furnished. Frequently, the advance-fee payments go to intermediaries or “money mules” before getting “flipped” to another member of the conspiracy, often located overseas.
Each of the known victims in this case either mailed cash or money orders or wired payments to someone in the United States, including the three defendants. One of the victims, known as “V1” in the indictment, is a 75-year-old man from Mechanicsburg, PA, in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. In May 2020, V1 was contacted by telephone by an individual who identified himself using the pseudonym “Andrew Goldberg” and was supposedly a representative of Publishers Clearing House (PCH). Goldberg told V1 that V1 was the recipient of a $2.5 million PCH cash prize. Goldberg told V1 that he had to prepay taxes to receive the cash prize. From May 2020 through November 2020, V1 continued to send additional payments for taxes, insurance, and transportation fees.
V1 ultimately sent more than $728,000 in cash to satisfy the advance-fee conditions. These mailings went to both Pitter and “Rocars Auto,” an automobile repair shop located in the borough of Queens, New York and affiliated with both Caron Pitter and Rohan Lyttle. Additionally, V1 was directed to purchase auto parts for a Land Rover from a car dealership in Cumberland County, PA and have them shipped to “Ro-Cars Auto,” resulting in over $15,000 in charges to two of V1’s credit card accounts. V1 never received any cash prize.
Similarly, four other victims identified in the indictment either mailed cash to addresses associated with “Rocars Auto” or made bank transfers to accounts and addresses associated with Caron Pitter, Rohan Lyttle, and Rohan Lyttle, Jr. At least one of these victims was likewise victimized by individuals posing as representatives of PCH.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma 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 conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud is 20 years’ imprisonment. The maximum penalty under federal law for mail fraud and for wire fraud is likewise 20 years’ imprisonment. These charges may also carry a fine and a term of supervised release following imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Philadelphia Man Indicted for Possession of A Firearm as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Razeek Carwheel, age 39, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 17, 2021, with possession of a firearm as a felon.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on November 22, 2020, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Carwheel was in possession of a Smith and Wesson, .45 caliber handgun, and 20 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition as a previously convicted felon.
The matter was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford 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 for this offense is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Montgomery County Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Omar Santiago-Muniz, age 30, of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 17, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 127 months’ imprisonment for production of child pornography.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Santiago-Muniz previously admitted that in June-July 2017, he enticed and persuaded two minors, ages 9 and 10, from Schuylkill County, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of such conduct, and that he used a cell phone and the internet to commit the crimes.
Judge Mariani also ordered Santiago-Muniz to serve 10 years on supervised release following his prison sentence, and pay a special assessment of $5,100. Santiago-Muniz will have to undergo sex offender treatment and must comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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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Harrisburg Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Weapons OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that George Jones, age 40, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 17, 2021, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Jones with distribution of cocaine base, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and marijuana, being in possession of a .44 magnum firearm as a convicted felon and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, between July 2020 and September 2020, in Harrisburg.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the Harrisburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio 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.
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 life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 18 Months’ Imprisonment for Stealing Thousands of Dollars’ Worth of Postage StampsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Arthur Gibson, age 48, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 16, 2021, to 18 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones III, for stealing government property.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Gibson previously pled guilty to purchasing thousands of dollars’ worth of postage stamps from post offices in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere in July 2019. Gibson admitted that to purchase the stamps, he used personal checks, knowing that the funds in his bank account were insufficient to cover the cost of the stamps. Gibson agreed to pay restitution to the U.S. Postal Service in the amount of $22,990, which represents the value of the postage stamps that Gibson unlawfully obtained.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Northeastern Regional Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 11 Years’ Imprisonment for Cumberland County Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 16, 2021, Aaron Johnson, age 30, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 132 months’ imprisonment followed by five years on supervised release by Chief U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones III, for armed bank robbery.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Johnson committed four armed bank robberies in Cumberland County between February and September 2019:
- AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union on February 15, 2019, stole $6,300;
- Centric Bank on July 12, 2019, stole $8,450;
- BB&T Bank on July 31, 2019, stole $10,079; and
- PNC Bank on August 19, 2019, stole $2,734.
Chief Judge Jones also ordered Johnson to pay restitution to the banks in the amount of $27,563.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lower Allen Police Department, East Pennsboro Township Police Department, Camp Hill Borough Police Department, and the Hampden Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer 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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Former Lackawanna County Prison Contract Employee Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Providing Drugs and Contraband to InmatesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brenda Cruise, age 50, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, a former contract employee with the Lackawanna County Prison, was sentenced today to one year in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for participating in a conspiracy to provide prohibited objects, including illegal drugs, to inmates at the Lackawanna County Prison.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Cruise previously pled guilty to conspiracy to provide contraband to inmates in prison. Cruise admitted that during 2018, while working at the prison, she provided suboxone, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, and tobacco to inmates on several occasions and received payments totaling $1,100 for helping to smuggle the drugs and tobacco into the prison.
Judge Mannion also ordered Cruise to serve two years on supervised release following her prison sentence.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
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Chicago Man Sentenced to Nine Months’ Imprisonment for Passing Counterfeit Currency at Harrisburg Area StoresRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Derrell Manuel, age 32, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced on February 16, 2021, to 9 months’ imprisonment followed by one year of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner, for passing $1,700 in counterfeit United States currency.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Manuel previously pled guilty to passing and attempting to pass counterfeit currency and aiding and abetting the commission of this offense with three co-defendants. The offenses occurred at retail stores in Dauphin and Cumberland Counties on September 4, 2019. As part of his sentence, Manuel was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,700.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Lower Paxton Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian T. Haugsby prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Honors 14 Individuals for Outstanding Contributions to Public Safety in 2020Read the Press Release
Harrisburg –Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler recently honored 14 members of law enforcement for their outstanding contributions to public safety in 2020. These awards are made each year to a select group of individuals who perform in an exceptional manner and who make significant contributions to our Office’s efforts to promote public safety.
The following individuals received the United States Attorney’s Award For Distinguished Service for their exceptional work in significant criminal prosecutions:
- ATF Special Agent Jamie Markovchick
- Weatherly Police Department Sgt. Michael Bogart
These two awards recognized the recipients work in U.S. v. Robert Torner, et. al., a significant drug and firearm case where the defendants received lengthy periods of incarceration after a 13-day trial that involved over 20 witnesses and approximately 200 exhibits.
- FBI Special Agent Alan Jones
- FBI Task Force Officer George Carado
- FBI Task Force Officer Chris Keppel
These three awards recognize the recipients work in two cases. U.S. v. Rhashean Strange, et. al., and U.S. v. Anibal Rodriguez, et. al. The Strange case was a multi-defendant heroin trafficking conspiracy that involved distributing multi-kilogram quantities of heroin. The Rodriguez case was a multi-defendant methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, whose members were particularly violent. All the defendants received lengthy terms of imprisonment.
- Deputy U.S. Marshal (Anonymous)
- Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Lenahan
- FBI Special Agent Alan Jones
- U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Michael Armstrong
These four awards recognized the recipients for their work in U.S. v. Shawn Christy, a case dealing with an armed and dangerous fugitive who was ultimately sentenced to 20 years in prison.
- FBI Special Agent Joseph F. Noone
This award recognized Special Agent Noone’s exceptional work spearheading public corruption investigations in Northeastern Pennsylvania for more than a decade. Agent Noone has achieved spectacular results in helping to obtain over thirty public corruption convictions during his tenure.
- Luzerne County Detective Charles J. Balogh
- Luzerne County Detective Lieutenant Daniel G. Yursha
These two awards recognized the recipients for their exemplary work in U.S. v. Mark Icker, a sexual assault case involving a police officer who assaulted females in custody. The defendant received a 15-year term of imprisonment.
Two individuals received the United States Attorney’s Award For Outstanding Contributions to Cooperative Law Enforcement:
- Bureau of Prisons Supervisory Attorney Jonathan Kerr
This award recognized Mr. Kerr’s exemplary work in the production of documentary evidence for prisoner litigation during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Attorney Kerr’s immediate response to requests for medical, disciplinary, and other records on an expedited basis was of invaluable assistance to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in responding to the hundreds of inmate requests for release.
- Pike County District Attorney Raymond J. Tonkin
This award recognized District Attorney Tonkin’s exceptional work in cooperative law enforcement activities over many years. District Attorney Tonkin vigorously works to maintain a strong working relationship with federal, state, county and local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute criminals who pose a danger to the citizens of Pike County, Pennsylvania.
“As we see in the newspapers every day, and most recently in the tragic events that occurred in Florida, law enforcement officers put their lives at risk every time they put on their uniforms,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brandler. “All too often their tremendous sacrifices go unnoticed and unrecognized. I am therefore very pleased to recognize a few of these heroes who contributed so much to promoting public safety in 2020. On behalf of the entire U.S. Attorney’s Office, I congratulate them and thank them for their service.”
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Milton Man Sentenced to 84 Months’ Imprisonment for Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Barry Ritter, Jr., age 55, of Milton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 9, 2021, by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 84 months of imprisonment and a 10-year term of supervised release, for distributing and possessing child pornography.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Ritter pled guilty to the receipt and distribution of child pornography between March 2018 to July 2018. Ritter used online forums to obtain and re-distribute child pornography on at least several dozen occasions, and admitted to viewing child pornography for approximately 10 years. A search warrant conducted at his residence yielded electronic devices containing dozens of photographs and videos of child pornography. Ritter also was held accountable for possessing material involving prepubescent minors and the abuse of infants.
Judge Mariani also ordered Ritter to pay $3,000 in restitution to victims of child pornography and $5,100 in assessments. Ritter has remained in custody since his February 5, 2019 arrest.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
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Lebanon, Pa. Man Indicted for Threatening to Murder Members of the United States SenateRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG, Pa., - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kenelm L. Shirk, age 71, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 3, 2021, by a federal grand jury for threatening to murder members of the United States Senate.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Shirk made threats to murder Democratic members of the United States Senate. On January 21, 2021, Shirk was stopped by the Pennsylvania State Police in his vehicle en route to Washington D.C. A search of Shirk’s vehicle recovered several firearms and large amount of ammunition. Shirk was then taken into custody by the Pennsylvania State Police and charged with making terroristic threats.
Shirk made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab on February 9, 2021, and pled not guilty to the federal charges. He was detained pending a trial that was scheduled for April 5, 2021.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office, the Cornwall Police Department, and the Washington D.C. Capitol Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime M. Keating is prosecuting the case.
Indictments, Criminal Informations and Criminal Complaints are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years, 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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Pottsville Man Charged with Cyberstalking and Making Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Aaron VanDaley, age 43, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 3, 2021, for cyberstalking and making interstate threats.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges VanDaley with cyberstalking and making interstate threats to kidnap and injure the minor child of his former intimate partner’s current boyfriend. The indictment further alleges that VanDaley, with the intent to harass his former intimate partner, made numerous false police reports against his former intimate partner’s friends and family.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Fort Stewart, Georgia, and the Pottsville 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 ten years imprisonment and a term of supervised release following imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Connecticut Man Charged with Transportation and Interstate Travel with the Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Capozza, age 39, of Newington, Connecticut, was indicted on February 3, 2021, by a federal grand jury for transportation with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, 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 between July and October of 2020, Capozza travelled to Pennsylvania in order to engage in a sexual act with a minor, and also transported the minor back to Connecticut and also Massachusetts in order to engage in criminal sexual activity.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Omaha, Nebraska Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Connecticut and Nebraska. Assistant United States Attorney James 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Carlisle Woman Indicted for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Virginia Hayden, age 69, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 3, 2021, by a federal grand jury on 14 counts of wire fraud related to the theft of social security funds.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Hayden failed to notify the Social Security Administration that her husband was missing and continued to receive his social security funds between 2011 and 2017. The total amount of the funds she improperly collected was $113,471. Hayden was charged with the murder of her husband in the York County Court of Common Pleas in April of 2019. Those charges are still awaiting trial.
The matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford 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 for this offense is up to 240 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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United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Issues Its 2020 Annual ReportRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler today issued the 2020 Annual Report for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
“I have reviewed the events of 2020 and am proud to report that our office, along with our law enforcement partners, had significant accomplishments last year despite the challenges presented by the Coronavirus Pandemic,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Brandler. “In 2020, we successfully prosecuted numerous individuals engaged in serious criminal activity, thereby improving the quality of life for the people of our District. We also successfully represented the interests of the federal government in civil litigation, including obtaining significant monetary recoveries on behalf of the taxpayer. Last, but not least, we participated in numerous community outreach programs designed to educate the public and reduce recidivism, violent crimes, and opioid dependence.”
This report shows a highly effective and efficient operation. The accomplishments summarized in it are due to the hard work of numerous dedicated professionals, including former United States Attorney David J. Freed, who led the District with honor and distinction between 2017 and 2020.
“I am proud to work alongside each member of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to pursue justice and make our communities safer,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brandler. “I hope you find this Report informative and enlightening.”
Middle District of Pennsylvania Celebrates Black History MonthRead the Press Release
Harrisburg –The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania joins with the Eastern District of Virginia and other United States Attorney’s Offices across the country to honor the contributions and history of the African American community during this year’s Black History Month.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, for over the last fifty years, the Department of Justice has established Special Emphasis Programs that try to develop a diverse and talented workforce in the Department and United States Attorney’s Offices nationwide. Today, these programs include support for racial/ethnic minorities, women, persons and veterans with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender applicants and employees in various categories and occupations and in all organizational components throughout the Department.
This month we celebrate African Americans contributions in history. The annual tradition of Black History Month in February is commemorated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, which establishes a national theme for each year. The theme for 2021 is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” The theme acknowledges the rich tapestry of the African American family.
We echo the sentiment of Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia who stated, “we are deeply committed in EDVA to ensuring that all participants in the legal process—including victims, parties, and members of the Bench and Bar—are treated with respect and dignity as we seek equal justice under the law. As part of that commitment, we are dedicated to furthering our collective efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in all forms through our hiring, advancement, and community outreach practices.” His sentiments ring true. “This February we renew our own commitment in Middle District of Pennsylvania of seeking to promote the goals of diversity and inclusion in both our criminal and civil practices,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brandler. “We will work with the Department of Justice and the all United States Attorneys Offices across the United States to fulfill this mission.”
More information about the Department of Justice’s Special Emphasis Programs and commitment to a diverse workforce can be found at https://www.justice.gov/jmd/affirmative-employment-special-emphasis-programs.
Luzerne County Woman Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking ConpiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Amanda Boyle, age 37, of Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 29, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to nine years’ imprisonment for her role in a Luzerne County-based methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Boyle previously pleaded guilty and admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute between 1.5 kilograms and 5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in the Luzerne County area between January 2017 and December 2018. Boyle was one of five individuals indicted by a grand jury in December 2018 for methamphetamine trafficking in Luzerne, Lackawanna and Schuylkill Counties
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Kingston Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
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 crime.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Brandler Announces Partnership with Special Inspector General for Pandemic RecoveryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG– Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler announced today that his office has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Special Inspector General Brian D. Miller of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery (SIGPR), regarding the investigation and prosecution of fraud relating to CARES Act funding.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler stated: “This partnership is part of our on-going efforts to investigate and prosecute the fraudsters who have stolen millions of dollars from government backed relief programs during the pandemic. This is a high-priority area for our office and we look forward to working with SIGPR to hold accountable anyone who illegally profited at the expense of the American taxpayer.”
Special Inspector General Brian D. Miller stated: “This partnership is an important step in protecting taxpayer money. We will work together to hold accountable and bring to justice those who steal, or misuse, money meant to support the Nation’s economic health and recovery.”
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 created SIGPR to investigate the spending of government funds meant to provide economic relief to people and businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The MOU will allow the U.S. Attorney’s Office and SIGPR to enhance their cooperative efforts in investigating and prosecuting matters involving loans, loan guarantees and other investments made by the Secretary of the Treasury under the CARES Act.
The MOU outlines four objectives: 1) to provide a coordinated response to CARES Act funding fraud, with an emphasis on organized criminal activity, as well as criminal and civil fraud affecting federal money, vulnerable victims, and fraud recidivists; 2) to speed up legal process, case intake, and prosecution of CARES Act-related fraud; 3) to link and associate isolated CARES Act-related complaints with larger schemes and related, unlawful activity; and 4) to deter future CARES Act funding fraud by increasing awareness of successful criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions against individuals and companies involved in CARES-related financial fraud.
As part of the MOU, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will designate two Assistant United States Attorneys – one from the Criminal Division and one from the Civil Division – to serve as liaisons for the partnership between SIGPR and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. These AUSAs will be direct points of contact for case-related inquiries from SIGPR.
The MOU also calls for the U.S. Attorney’s Office to create a streamlined, accelerated process for SIGPR investigations to obtain needed preliminary legal process, including grand jury subpoenas and court orders, subpoenas, and civil investigative demands.
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St. Clair Man Sentenced to 127 Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Angel Romeu, age 37, of St. Clair, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 15, 2021 to 127 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, between October 1, 2015 and April 9, 2016, Romeu conspired to distribute over 1.5 kilograms but less than 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in Schuylkill County.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)- Philadelphia Division, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts 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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Investigation Concluded in Luzerne County Ballot CaseRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler today announced that the investigation into nine ballots that were discarded by a former temporary employee of the Luzerne County Elections Bureau has been concluded.
“After a thorough investigation conducted by the FBI and prosecutors from my office, we have determined that there is insufficient evidence to prove criminal intent on the part of the person who discarded the ballots,” said Brandler. “Therefore, no criminal charges will be filed and the matter is closed.”
The federal investigation resulted from a request by the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office after it learned that nine completed general election ballots had been received and discarded by the former employee. The investigation revealed that the nine completed military ballots were discarded and subsequently retrieved from a dumpster.
Acting U.S. Attorney Brandler thanked the FBI for devoting the necessary resources to conduct a thorough and complete investigation. He also thanked the staff of the Elections Bureau and other Luzerne County officials for cooperating with investigators and prosecutors.
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Appeals Court Upholds 27 Month Prison Sentence of Former Penn National Horse TrainerRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on January 11, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed both the conviction and 27-month prison sentence of Murray Rojas, age, 54, of Grantville, Pennsylvania. That sentence was imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo on May 6, 2019, after Rojas was convicted by a jury on multiple counts of causing prescription animal drugs to become misbranded in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”), as well as conspiracy to commit misbranding.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, between 2002 and 2014, Rojas directed veterinarians to administer drugs to horses at Penn National Racetrack on race day in violation of track rules and state law. Rojas argued on appeal that the District Court failed to properly instruct the jury on the distinction between the terms “administer” and “dispense,” as used in the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as it pertained to Rojas directing vets to inject animal drugs into her horses on race day. The Court of Appeals disagreed and found that Congress intended the term “dispense” to include situations in which a veterinarian personally administers a drug, and that Rojas caused that unlawful dispensing when she ordered the veterinarians to inject the horses. The Court of Appeals also held that the Government presented sufficient evidence at trial that Penn National veterinarians dispensed prohibited drugs when they injected Rojas’s horses within twenty-fours of post time at Rojas’s direction, and that Rojas herself also injected the prohibited drugs into her horses within twenty-four hours of post time, all in violation of the FDCA.
The Court of Appeals also rejected Rojas’ claim that Judge Rambo erred in excluding evidence that the drugs given to the horses were for therapeutic purposes and were not performance enhancing drugs. The Court of Appeals held that Pennsylvania’s horse racing regulations prohibit administering almost all drugs to horses within twenty-four hours of post time and the regulations do not distinguish between therapeutic and performance-enhancing drugs.
Finally, the Court of Appeals upheld Judge Rambo’s sentencing Rojas for felony, rather than misdemeanor, misbranding violations. The Court of Appeals found that Rojas acted with the requisite intent to defraud or mislead, which is a requirement for a felony misbranding conviction.
The case was investigated by the by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Horse Racing Commission and the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. The government was represented by William Behe, Assistant United States Attorney, John Claud, Assistant Director, DOJ’s Consumer Protection Branch, and Laura Pawloski, Senior Counsel, FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel.
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U.S. Penitentiary-Canaan Inmate Sentenced to 33 Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Assault A Government WitnessRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Troy J. Blanchard, age 31, of Portland, Maine, to 33 months’ imprisonment for conspiring to assault another inmate in retaliation for that individual’s past cooperation with law enforcement as a witness or informant.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on or about February 28, 2019, while incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary, Canaan (USP Canaan), in Waymart, Pennsylvania, Blanchard, along with a co-defendant, conspired to assault and did assault the victim, also an inmate at USP Canaan, by repeatedly striking the victim several times about the head and body with closed fists. The motivation for this assault was the defendants’ belief that the victim had been a government witness or informant. The 33-month sentence that Blanchard received was ordered to run consecutively to the federal sentence that Blanchard was serving at the time of the assault.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John.
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Old Forge Couple Charged with Tax Evasion for Concealing over $550,000 from the IRSRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lynne Mineo, age 72, and Richard Mineo, age 67, both of Old Forge, Pennsylvania, were charged in a criminal information with tax evasion.
According to Acting United States Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that the Mineos, who are husband and wife, failed to report a total of $550,469.92 in income between tax years 2014 ($145,205), 2015 ($169,346), 2016 ($153,749), and 2017 ($82,168). The income was for the Mineos’ business, a beer retail store called Mineo’s Brewer’s Outlet, located in Dunmore, Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Stroudsburg Man Sentenced to 114 Months’ Imprisonment for Heroin and Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eddie Pace, age 46, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 114 months’ imprisonment followed by eight years on supervised release on January 8, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for drug trafficking. The sentence consists of 102 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy and 12 months’ imprisonment for violating supervised release.
According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Pace previously pled guilty to participating in the conspiracy during 2012 through March 2015. Pace was a leader of the drug conspiracy and possessed a firearm in connection with the offense. The conspiracy involved over 100 grams of heroin and more than 500 grams of cocaine (quantity of heroin involved in the conspiracy exceeded 4,000 retail bags).
Pace was one of seven defendants charged in the case. Others previously sentenced in the case were:
- Myron Owens—140 months;
- Daryl Trent—90 months;
- Anton Woodson—63 months;
- William Young—60 months;
- Shawnette Isaac—30 months; and
- Catherine Abbey—12 months.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Scranton Police Department, and local police in Monroe County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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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Statement of Acting United States Attorney Regarding Yesterday’s Activities at the U.S. Capitol BuildingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler provides the following statement:
“The violence and destruction that occurred yesterday at our Nation’s Capitol Building was reprehensible and repugnant. Our office will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law any individual who traveled from the Middle District of Pennsylvania to Washington D.C. with the intent to incite or commit those violent and destructive acts. We also stand ready to assist our law enforcement partners to identify any individual who committed any federal offense connected to those abhorrent activities.”
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Acting United States Attorney Appointed for the Middle District of PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Bruce D. Brandler has been appointed Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania effective January 2, 2021. Mr. Brandler was appointed upon the resignation of former United States Attorney David J. Freed, which became effective at midnight on January 1, 2021. Mr. Brandler’s appointment is for three hundred days or until a Presidential appointment is made, whichever occurs first.
Mr. Brandler previously served as United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania between October 2, 2016, and November 26, 2017. He was first appointed to the position by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch on October 2, 2016, and then reappointed by Order of the District Court Judges on January 30, 2017. Mr. Brandler served as First Assistant United States Attorney under former United States Attorney David J. Freed between November 27, 2017, and January 1, 2021.
Mr. Brandler began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, where he served from 1981 until 1985. Upon leaving the District Attorney’s Office, he became the Deputy Chief and then the Chief Investigative Counsel of the New York State Senate Committee on Investigations, Taxation and Government Operations from 1985 to 1986.
Mr. Brandler was appointed an Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in 1986 and was promoted to the position of Senior Litigation Counsel in 1992. In 2014, he became the Chief of the Criminal Division and served in that capacity until his appointment as United States Attorney in October 2016.
During his tenure as an Assistant United States Attorney, Mr. Brandler specialized in complex white-collar prosecutions, including high-profile public corruption cases. Some of the notable cases Mr. Brandler prosecuted included a tax evasion case against former Luzerne County Judge Arthur Dalessandro; a perjury case against former State Representative Frank Serafini; a bribery/extortion case against former Lackawanna County Commissioners Robert Cordaro and Anthony Munchak; an illegal campaign contribution and fraud case against Renato Mariani, the former President of Empire Sanitary Landfill, Inc.; a disadvantaged business enterprise fraud case against Joseph Nagle, the former President of Schuylkill Products, Inc.; an accounting fraud case against Paul Polishan, the former Chief Financial Officer for the Leslie Fay Companies, Inc.; and an environmental crimes case against Chemical Waste Management, Inc. for illegal dumping activities at a Superfund site in Lackawanna County.
Mr. Brandler graduated from Stony Brook University in 1978 and received a B.A. in Political Science with honors, and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He received his law degree in 1981 from the Boston University School of Law. He resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
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United States Attorney David J. Freed Announces ResignationRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – United States Attorney David J. Freed, of Camp Hill, PA, has announced his resignation effective midnight January 1, 2021. Mr. Freed is departing the office after serving for more than three years as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, which consists of 33 counties in Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania and has offices in Harrisburg, Scranton, and Williamsport. Mr. Freed was nominated as United States Attorney by Senators Pat Toomey and Bob Casey, appointed by President Donald Trump in September, 2017, confirmed by the United States Senate in November, 2017, and sworn in as United States Attorney on November 27th, 2017.
Mr. Freed was born in West Chester, PA, and raised first in Pottsville, PA, and later Camp Hill, PA, where he resides with his family. He is a graduate of Camp Hill High School, Washington and Lee University, and the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law. Prior to his appointment as United States Attorney, Mr. Freed served for twelve years as the District Attorney of Cumberland County.
“I have been enormously privileged to be able to serve my fellow citizens, first as a young prosecutor in York County, then later in several positions in Cumberland County including 12 years as District Attorney, and finally as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. I have done my best to be thoughtful and consistent, and to provide justice to my fellow citizens in a fair, effective and efficient manner. I am grateful to President Trump and Senators Toomey and Casey for the opportunity to serve; and to former Attorneys General Sessions and Barr for their leadership of the Department.”
“I have had the incredible opportunity to work with our brave men and women in law enforcement nearly every day for the past 20 years and continue to be amazed by their commitment to their fellow citizens. I have witnessed first-hand the fortitude and grace of victims of crime, and have taken to heart the awesome responsibility of speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
“For the past three years, I have had the great fortune to work with the highly skilled attorneys and staff in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. It is an office blessed with experienced and dedicated leaders, and colleagues who truly understand the importance of working together for the benefit of their fellow citizens. It was not difficult to recognize, frankly before I even started, that the office was efficient and productive, and was in need of very little change. More than anything over the past three years, I have endeavored above all to tell the story of the great accomplishments of the office. While the public words are mine, the accomplishments belong to them.”
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania consists of three distinct Divisions: Criminal, Civil, and Administrative. The accomplishments of each Division during Mr. Freed’s tenure are many and varied.
Criminal
Foremost among the office’s accomplishments during Mr. Freed’s tenure has been the continued commitment to working together with state and local partners in an effort to reduce violent crimes in targeted areas throughout the District. As part of the Department of Justice priority programs Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian, the office has worked hand in hand with District Attorneys, state and local law enforcement and community partners in target areas including the cities of Harrisburg, Wilkes Barre, Williamsport, and York to address gun violence at a micro level. I am happy to report that our efforts have been successful as reflected by recent statistics showing significant reductions in gun violence throughout the District. In addition, the office pursued and successfully prosecuted numerous priority cases in the areas of public corruption, drug trafficking, drug delivery resulting in death, drug distribution and illegal prescribing by medical professionals, fraud, sex trafficking and exploitation of minors, environmental crimes and illegal immigration.
Civil
The office’s Civil Division has wide areas of responsibility, from defending federal agencies and employees in civil matters to immigration, discrimination matters, and prisoner litigation. Following a reorganization of the office’s affirmative civil efforts, the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit was formed to allow a dedicated team of attorneys and investigators to attack fraud against the government. The ACE unit has enjoyed nearly immediate success, bringing cases and negotiating the return of millions of taxpayer dollars that individuals and businesses had obtained by fraudulent means. The Civil Division continues to focus upon important polling place access discrimination cases throughout the district with the goal of ensuring that every eligible citizen will be able to cast a vote regardless of any disability. With a federal prison population that is larger than all but two other districts in the nation, the dedicated prisoner litigation attorneys and paralegals handle a constant stream of cases from the district’s federal correctional institutions with extremely favorable outcomes.
Administrative
Notwithstanding the current pandemic and the longest government shutdown in United States history, the office’s Administrative Division has been exceedingly productive during the past three years. Chief among these accomplishments has been the institution of a yearly strategic planning process including individual employee self-assessments and clear yearly goals updated annually and monitored throughout the year. In addition, the support of the Administrative Division has allowed the Financial Litigation Unit to collect well in excess of the District’s budget each year, and allowed the District to maintain its position as the one of the most productive medium sized offices in the nation.
Upon Mr. Freed’s departure, First Assistant United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler will assume the position of United States Attorney pursuant to the Vacancies Reform Act. Mr. Brandler has been with the office for more than 30 years, and previously served as United States Attorney from 2016 to 2017.
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Mifflin County Man Charged with Wire Fraud and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on December 10, 2020, Daniel P. Sickels, age 46, of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on wire fraud and false statement charges.
According to David J. Freed, the indictment charges Sickels, a Network and Systems Manager at Pennsylvania State University (“PSU), with fraudulently acquiring equipment that he subsequently sold to third parties. The scheme lasted from 2005 to 2017. Sickels is also charged with falsely telling investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation that he never received payment for items that were purchased by PSU.
The matter was investigated by investigators at PSU and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Sickels faces maximum penalties of 25 years’ imprisonment, a fine of twice the gross gain or loss, and 8 years of supervised release when he is sentenced. 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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California Man Sentenced to 102 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Saul Carrasco, age 36, of Simi Valley, California, was sentenced to 102 months’ imprisonment on December 15, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Carrasco previously pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy during July through November 2018. Carrasco admitted that he agreed with others to transport the heroin from California to Carbon County, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement officers seized two kilograms of heroin, which is approximately equivalent to 80,000 individual retail bags of heroin, from a vehicle Carrasco was traveling in.
The leader of the California based drug trafficking operation, Crispin Fernandez, another California resident, was previously sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment. Judge Mannion also ordered Carrasco to serve five years on supervised release following his prison sentence.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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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New York Man Sentenced to 54 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 December 9, 2020, Francisco Rodriguez-Polanco, age 35, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 54 months’ imprisonment and a two-year term of supervised release by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani, for conspiring to defraud the government and for committing aggravated identity theft.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Rodriguez-Polanco pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the government between January 2015 to July 2016. Rodriguez-Polanco 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. Rodriguez-Polanco and his conspirators then secured the fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks and cashed them at various check cashing businesses, including several in Pennsylvania. Rodriguez-Polanco admitted that between $550, 000 and $1.5 million in losses occurred as a result of the criminal activity.
Judge Mariani also ordered Rodriguez-Polanco to pay $857,729.65 in restitution. Rodriguez-Polanco is a citizen of the Dominican Republic and faces deportation at the conclusion of his sentence of imprisonment.
Rodriguez-Polanco’s codefendant, Marien Torres-Acevedo, and another coconspirator, Julio Polanco Suarez, both pleaded guilty to similar offenses and await sentencing. A 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 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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New Jersey Man and New York Man Indicted on Fraud Charges Related to A Romance ScamRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on December 9, 2020, Kelvin Aggrey-Arthur, age 27, formerly of Newark, New Jersey, and Ibrahim Adam, age 32, formerly of New York City, were indicted by a federal grand jury for wire fraud and conspiring to commit wire fraud.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that from June 2018 through March 2020, Aggrey-Arthur, Adam, and others perpetrated a romance scam in which they developed online relationships with victims and then requested that those victims send them money for various reasons, including travel, medical treatment, housing, and schooling. The indictment further alleges that during the course of the scam, the co-conspirators attempted to obtain over $160,000 from victims.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Susquehanna Township Police Department, and the Dauphin County Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli 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 each of the charged crimes is 20 years’ imprisonment. The maximum penalty also includes 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 Woman Sentenced to 102 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jessica Hernandez-Boria, age 40, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on December 9, 2020, to 102 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for her involvement in a conspiracy that distributed approximately three kilograms of cocaine.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Hernandez-Boria previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute approximately three kilograms cocaine throughout Hazleton, Luzerne County, between September 2018 and February 2019. Hernandez-Boria also admitted to arming herself with a .40 caliber Glock firearm in furtherance of her drug trafficking activities.
Hernandez-Boria’s conviction and sentence resulted from a federal investigation which focused on the defendant’s residence in Hazleton where she frequently received large packages containing cocaine via the U.S. Mail from a source located in Puerto Rico. Hernandez-Boria delivered the packages to other drug dealers and was paid cash for her role in the conspiracy.
Judge Mariani also ordered Hernandez-Boria to serve four years of supervised release following her prison sentence. In addition to the firearm, federal agents also seized approximately $5,750 in cash from Hernandez-Boria at the time of her arrest, which was forfeited as a resulted of her prosecution.
The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Olshefski 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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Hazleton Man Sentenced to 24 Months’ Imprisonment for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on December 9, 2020, Rafael Lora, age 45, to Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment and a two-year term of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Lora, his co-defendant Luis Santos, and other individuals conspired to import nearly a kilogram of cocaine from the Dominican Republic to Lora’s residence in Hazleton. The conspirators were apprehended while opening the package of cocaine at Lora’s residence. Lora’s codefendant, Santos, previously was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment for his role in the offense.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspectors, Customs and Border Patrol, and other state and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Bellefonte Man Charged with Possession of Five Explosive DevicesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on December 10, 2020, Mitchell Ocker-Mullen, age 23, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of five explosive devices.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the three-count indictment alleges that Ocker-Mullen received and possessed five grenades from on or about October 12, 2020 through October 29, 2020. The indictment also alleges that Ocker-Milton was prohibited from possessing the explosives because he had been previously convicted of a felony offense in Centre County. In addition, the indictment alleges that Ocker-Mullen was not licensed to possess the grenades and had not registered the explosives in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
The case was investigated by the Bellefonte Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel 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 each of the three offenses is 10 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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Hazleton Man Sentenced to 65 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine and Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Juan Elvis Monsanto, age 60, of Hazleton, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced on December 8, 2020, to 65 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for trafficking in cocaine and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Monsanto previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine. Monsanto committed the crime in February 2016, in Hazleton.
Judge Mariani also ordered Monsanto to serve four years on supervised release following his prison sentence. Monsanto also faces possible deportation as a result of his conviction.
Monsanto was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2016, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Hazleton Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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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Virginia Man Indicted on Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on October 7, 2020, Rishi Budhadev, age 25, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury on wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud charges. The case was unsealed following Budhadev’s arrest on December 1, 2020.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that between October 2015 and December 2015, Budhadev, working with other unnamed co-conspirators, defrauded victims using common advance-fee mass marketing scams. Budhadev’s victims included a 72-year-old widow from the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The indictment also alleges that this victim sent a MoneyGram money transfer to Budhadev after an individual impersonating a U.S. Government agent told her that she needed to pay money to redeem benefits to which she was entitled because of her late husband’s military service.
The indictment also alleges that Budhadev received approximately 500 MoneyGram money orders worth over $500,000, including about 300 MoneyGram money orders worth over $407,000 from more than 250 senders that he picked up from seven different Walmart stores. On November 13, 2015, Budhadev picked up 13 MoneyGram money transfers totaling approximately $27,000 from five different Richmond, Virginia area Walmart stores. Similarly, on December 4, 2015, Budhadev picked up 38 MoneyGram money transfers totaling approximately $34,000 from five different Richmond, Virginia area Walmart stores.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma 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 wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud is 20 years’ imprisonment. These charges may also carry a fine and a term of supervised release following imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced to 198 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Hakim Wilburn, age 50, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 198 months’ imprisonment on December 3, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed more than a 1,000 grams of heroin and other drugs.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Wilburn previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute more than 1 kilogram of heroin (which is equivalent to more than 50,000 retail bags) between 2015 and 2018, throughout Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Wyoming Counties. Wilburn also admitted that he distributed more than 500 grams of cocaine during the conspiracy.
Wilburn’s conviction and sentence resulted from a federal investigation involving both Wilburn and his wife, Danielle Moorer. Moorer also pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 1 kilogram of heroin and is awaiting sentencing.
Judge Mariani also ordered Wilburn to serve ten years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Federal agents also seized approximately $100,000 in cash from Wilburn, which was forfeited as a resulted of Wilburn’s prosecution, along with multiple Rolex watches, vehicles, and four firearms.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Olshefski 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 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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Former Gang Member Sentenced to Seven Years’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Arthur Taylor, age 38, was sentenced on December 2, 2020, to seven years’ imprisonment followed by four years on supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Taylor previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin (which is equivalent to more than 4,000 retail bags) between 2010 and 2015, in Pennsylvania and Maine.
Taylor’s conviction and sentence resulted from an investigation into the activities of a street gang known as the Black P-Stones. The male gang members were “beaten-in” to the gang and female members were “sexed-in” to the gang. The members of the Black P-Stones obtained heroin and other drugs, including heroin and “molly,” in New York and distributed the drugs in Stroudsburg and locations in the state of Maine. Couriers were used to transport heroin from New York to Maine.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, members of the Pennsylvania State Police, state and local police in Maine, 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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Six Drug Traffickers Indicted for Smuggling Thousands of Pounds of Marijuana Through the U.S. MailRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on November 4, 2020, Christopher Texidor, age 33, William Kuduk, age 34, Justin Laboy, age 33, Jose Laboy, age 36, and Jonathan Cobaugh, age 23, all from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Jamie Valenzuela, age 29, of Santa Ana, California, were indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking, violence, and firearms charges. The case was unsealed following the arrests of Texido, Kuduk, Justin and Jose Laboy, and Cobaugh on November 5, 2020 and Valenzuela on November 25, 2020.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that between October 2018 until May 2020, the defendants operated a marijuana smuggling operation out of Fastlane Auto Sales located on Paxton Street in Harrisburg. It is alleged that defendants mailed hundreds of parcels full of marijuana from California to Harrisburg and mailed cash back to California. The indictment also alleges that defendants used a sophisticated system of GPS tracking devices, which they placed in their parcels, to keep track of their drugs and money. Through this the scheme, it’s alleged that defendants brought thousands of pounds of marijuana to the Harrisburg area worth millions of dollars.
The indictment further alleges that defendants used guns, robbery, and kidnapping as tools to keep their criminal operation running. The defendants raided a home in Harrisburg of a person suspected of interfering with their drug trafficking activities; shot into an occupied home in Susquehanna Township; attempted to restrain and then robbed a victim of a motor vehicle in Highspire; and placed a tracking device on a vehicle to surveil a person believed to be interfering with their drug trafficking activities.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio 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.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
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 these offenses are life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Romanian National Sentenced to 40 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 December 1, 2020, Daniel Gologan, age 31, of Romania, was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani, for bank fraud and identity theft offenses.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Gologan was convicted of conspiring to commit bank fraud between October 6, 2018 and October 21, 2018, and of aggravated identity theft. Gologan pleaded 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, Gologan and his coconspirator, Costel Aparaschivei 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.
Gologan will be deported to Romania following the conclusion of his sentence. Gologan’s coconspirator, Aparaschivei, also pleaded guilty to bank fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft and awaits sentencing.
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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Chambersburg Man Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brian A. Salvado, age 46, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 25, 2020, to 20 years’ imprisonment followed by 15 years of supervised release by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, for exploitation of minors.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, between 2016 and 2107, Salvado used a dating site and his cellular telephone to communicate online and via text message with 11 minor victims for the purpose of producing child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States 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 Credit Union Employee Sentenced for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on November 24, 2020, Kaylyn Wolfe, age 32, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to one day of imprisonment and three years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner, for embezzling from Members 1st Federal Credit Union. The term of supervised release includes six months of a curfew and electronic monitoring. Wolfe was also ordered to pay $85,679 in restitution.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Wolfe previously admitted that she committed the offense from September 2016 through September 2017, while employed in the Members 1st credit card services department. Wolfe acknowledged that she made numerous unauthorized changes to her and her husband’s Members 1st credit card accounts that allowed her to, among other things, obtain significant cash advances.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.
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Lackawanna County Man Charged with Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on November 17, 2020, Robert Jackson, age 42, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for drug distribution resulting in death.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Jackson knowingly and intentionally distributed a controlled substance, fentanyl, within the Middle District of Pennsylvania, resulting in the death of a person.
The charges stem from a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Scranton, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department. United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski 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.
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.
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.
In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute for drug distribution resulting in death is life imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 140 Months’ Imprisonment for Sex Trafficking by ForceRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on November 23, 2020, Terrance Hawkins, age 28, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 140 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo for sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Hawkins was a principal in a sex trafficking operation that exploited over 20 victims, including juveniles. Judge Rambo noted the seriousness of the criminal conduct when imposing his sentence. Four co-defendants in the conspiracy were previously convicted of engaging in the same conspiracy that began in Harrisburg in the fall of 2015 and continued until it was dismantled in August 2016:
- Miguel Arnold, age 33, of Harrisburg, was the leader of the group and was convicted of conspiracy to commit and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana; possession with intent to distribute heroin, and was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment. The judge noted Arnold’s leadership and the violence he used in the scheme as reasons for the sentence;
- Tevin Bynoe, age 27, of Harrisburg, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, and was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment;
- Joshua Guity-Nunez, age 31, of Harrisburg, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, and was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment; and
- Emonie Murphy, age 23, of Harrisburg, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, and was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.
As a part of their scheme, they rented hotel rooms and posted “escort” advertisements and photographs on backpage.com, a website that the FBI has since seized and is no longer operational. The traffickers would frequently solicit women to engage in prostitution by lying to them about the services that they would be expected to perform. They would also target victims who were vulnerable by virtue of their age, financial insecurity, or drug addiction. At least three victims of the conspiracy were minors, one as young as 14 years old. They would take the majority of the money made during the course of the prostitution business, and distribute drugs to the women, including heroin. They coerced the sex trafficking victims through fraud, physical abuse, deprivation of heroin to addicted victims, and threats of violence.
The FBI coordinated the investigation and was aided by law enforcement agencies in the Harrisburg area. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio and Christian T. Haugsby 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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Federal Prisoner Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment for AssaultRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Wesley Mark Smith, age 53, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary – Allenwood, White Deer, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 20, 2020, to 120 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann, for a prison assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Smith was convicted after a five-day trial in March 2020, for assaulting his cellmate by punching the victim about the face and head to the point of unconsciousness. After separating from the victim briefly at the direction of BOP staff, Smith reengaged by picking up a wheelchair located in the cell for the use of his cellmate and proceeding to bludgeon the face and chest of the prone and unconscious victim. The victim suffered severe injuries, including multiple facial fractures, intercranial subdural hemorrhage, brain herniation, complex nasal bone fractures, broken and missing teeth, and loss of a significant volume of blood.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Todd K. Hinkley and George Rocktashel prosecuted the case.
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Maryland Based Cattle Exporters Indicted for FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that two brothers, Daniel Gutman, age 38, and Benjamin Gutman, age 38, both of Maryland, were indicted on November 18, 2020, by a federal grand jury on multiple conspiracy, false statement and wire fraud charges.
According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, Daniel and Benjamin Gutman are the owners of Gutman Brothers, LTD, a Baltimore, Maryland based cattle export business with farms in New Holland, Pennsylvanian and Spring Grove, Pennsylvania. They are charged in the indictment with conspiring with a veterinarian, Dr. Donald Yorlets, of New Oxford, Pennsylvania, to defraud the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the buyers of their cattle in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada and Qatar by submitting more than a thousand false bovine blood samples to a Harrisburg laboratory for bovine disease testing between November 2016 and February 2020.
The indictment alleges that Daniel and Benjamin Gutman and Dr. Yorlets routinely substituted the blood from cattle they knew to be disease free for the blood of larger numbers of untested animals in order to obtain the required Certificates of Health Inspection for all the animals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires cattle who are transported in interstate and international commerce to be tested for various bovine diseases, including Bovine Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, Bovine Leucosis, and Bovine Viral Diarrhea. Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis are communicable diseases that can be transmitted to humans under certain circumstances.
The indictment also alleges that additional Unique Antibody Profile testing of some of the Gutman Brothers blood samples by a U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratory in Ames, Iowa, confirmed that only 122 of 1,069 samples were genuine.
While other bovine diseases are tested for by conducting a laboratory blood test, Bovine Tuberculosis is tested for by what is known as a Caudal Fold skin test. The indictment further alleges that Daniel and Benjamin Gutman did not conduct the skin test on a large number of animals but falsely represented to the government that they did.
Dr. Yorlets pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Department of Labor in August 2020. He is currently awaiting sentencing before U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Wilson. No date has yet been scheduled for the sentencing.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of the proceeds from many of Daniel and Benjamin Gutman’s sales to buyers in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico and Qatar, an amount that exceeds $7 million dollars.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Douglas Daniel and Ravi Sharma are prosecuting the case.
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 the charge of conspiracy is 5 years of imprisonment; the charge of wire fraud is 20 years of imprisonment for each count; and the charge of false statements is 5 years of imprisonment for each count, 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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Lewisburg Man Indicted on Visa Fraud and False Statement ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tengteng Wan, age 42, of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on November 18, 2020, by a federal grand jury on visa fraud and false statement charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Tengteng Wan allegedly applied for an H-4 nonimmigrant visa in April 2015. At that time, H-4 visa holders were not eligible for employment in the United States. Wan allegedly stated in his visa application that he was “not employed.” At the time, however, Wan allegedly owned and operated one or more businesses. Wan’s alleged statement that he was “not employed” constituted visa fraud and a false statement under penalty of perjury.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case.
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 these offenses is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offenses; 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 an offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Four Harrisburg Men Charged with Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Taashaun Mansfield, age 22, Johnny Quinones, age 27, Michael Windham, age 20, and Antonio Godbolt, age 34, all of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, were indicted on November 4, 2020, by a federal grand jury on firearms charges. The case was unsealed following the arrest of the defendants.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Mansfield, Quinones, Windham, and Godbolt engaged in a conspiracy between July 2020 and August 2020, where Mansfield purchased firearms by falsifying records that he was the true purchaser of such firearm. It is further alleged that after false statements were made to federally licensed firearms dealers, the guns were then transferred to convicted felons, Quinones and Godbolt, or those with charges pending, Windham.
“At this precise moment of increased gun violence in the city of Harrisburg, our strong partnerships between federal, state and local law enforcement have never been more important,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “Collectively, we will not waver from our mission of taking illegal guns off the streets and prosecuting those who involved in their purchase and trafficking.”
“ATF has a zero-tolerance policy for straw purchasers who acquire firearms from a federal firearms licensee for someone who is either ineligible to purchase a firearm or wishes to conceal his/her identity,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “ATF remains committed to removing those offenders who put these guns in the hands of criminals. We will continue to work with our partners at all levels to make our communities safer.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Harrisburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Consiglio 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.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
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 ten 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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