Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
U.S. Attorney David J. Freed Encourages Victims of Sexual Harassment in Housing to Report WrongdoingRead the Press Release
Harrisburg – U.S. Attorney David J. Freed announces that in coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr directed U.S. Attorneys across the nation to deploy all available enforcement tools against anyone who tries to capitalize on the current COVID-19 crisis by sexually harassing people in need of housing.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, as a result of the measures taken to slow the spread of COVID-19, many Pennsylvanians have lost jobs or wages. Some tenants may be unable to make rent payments. While many landlords have responded with understanding, there are reports of landlords across the country who have attempted to exploit the crisis by responding to cash-strapped tenants with demands for sex acts or inappropriate sexual favors. Such conduct is not only despicable and wrong, it is illegal.
The Department of Justice brings cases each year involving unlawful landlord conduct, including allegations that defendants requested sexual favors in exchange for reduced rents or making necessary repairs, made unrelenting and unwanted sexual advances to tenants, and evicted tenants who resisted their sexual overtures.
"Sexual harassment in housing egregiously violates a person’s right to fair housing," said U.S. Attorney Freed. "We will not tolerate opportunistic landlords or property managers using the coronavirus crisis as an opportunity to extort sexual acts, or even commit assaults, against vulnerable tenants struggling to pay rent. Our office is dedicated to uncovering such violations where they exist and vigorously enforcing the law."
Anyone who has experienced sexual harassment in housing, or knows someone who has, should contact the Civil Rights Division by calling 1-(844) 380-6178 or emailing [email protected]. Individuals may also present a complaint to the Civil Rights coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing [email protected].
More information about the Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is available on its webpage at https://www.justice.gov/crt/sexual-harassment-housing-initiative.
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Wyoming County Dentist Sentenced for Unlawful Distribution of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Wyoming County dentist, Christopher Bereznak, age 50, of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 20, 2020, by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to a term of imprisonment of time served, approximately eight and a half months, on unlawful drug distribution charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, In August 2019, after a 7-day trial, a federal jury found Bereznak guilty on eight counts of unlawfully distributing controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. It was alleged at trial that Bereznak initiated a sexual relationship with a young woman after answering her ad posted on Craig’s list wherein the young woman advertised that she was looking for a “sugar daddy.” Bereznak answered the young woman’s ad and thereafter initiated an intimate and sexual relationship with her. The relationship involved Bereznak providing prescriptions for controlled substances for the young woman in exchange for intimacy and sex. Bereznak’s sexual and unlawful relationship with the young woman was evidenced to the jury, in part, through the introduction of approximately 1,000 text messages between the two.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Mariani ordered that Bereznak be supervised by a probation officer for three years following his release from prison, and also imposed a $5,000 fine.
Bereznak’s license to practice dentistry in Pennsylvania has been suspended and his DEA registration has been revoked.
The charges stem from an investigation initiated by Drug Diversion Agents located in Scranton, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Scranton, the Olyphant Police Department, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
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Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania joins with the Justice Department to raise public awareness of victims’ rights in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“There is no greater honor for a prosecutor than to speak on behalf of a victim of crime,” said U.S. Attorney David J. Freed. “There can be no justice if the rights of victims of crime are not upheld. We are proud to join with our federal, state and local partners to commemorate Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2020.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
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Three Canadian Men Sentenced for Sweepstakes FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that three Canadian men were sentenced on April 15, 2020, for their roles in a bogus sweepstakes scam that defrauded 45 victims across the United States out of $302,045.
Konstantine Filippas, age 74, Michael Dissos, age 68, and Michael Pare, age 55, all from the greater Montreal, Canada area, were sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner after pleading guilty last year to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud charges. Dissos and Pare received a sentence of time served of approximately nine months each, and Filippas was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, all three defendants were indicted in 2014, along with four other alleged co-conspirators. The seven defendants allegedly defrauded approximately 65 victims, most of whom were elderly, for losses exceeding $1.2 million. Filippas, Dissos and Pare were eventually extradited from Canada to the Middle District of Pennsylvania last summer. The defendants admitted during their guilty plea proceedings to allowing their Canadian bank accounts to be used to receive monies sent by victims who were lead to believe they had won substantial winnings in a fictitious sweepstakes contest. The defendants also admitted to cashing out Western Union and MoneyGram money transfers sent by some victims.
Chief Judge Conner also ordered Dissos to pay $34,080, Pare to pay $90,745, and Filippas to pay $177,220 in restitution to the 45 victims. Chief Judge Conner further ordered Dissos and Pare to self-deport back to Canada within seven days of their release from custody.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel is prosecuting the case.
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Appeals Court Upholds Conviction of Former Carlisle Man Convicted of Witness Tampering Through MurderRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that today the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ordered the reinstatement of a jury’s convictions of Willie Tyler, age 68, formerly of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, of witness tampering by murder and witness tampering by intimidation.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the case involved the brutal murder of a law enforcement confidential informant from the Carlisle area. The victim was scheduled to testify in Cumberland County Court against David Tyler, the brother of the defendant, on the day of her murder. Willie Tyler planned to murder the victim, along with four other individuals, who were convicted for their role in the murder in previous federal and state court proceedings.
Tyler was first tried in state court in 1994, and acquitted of the murder. The case was then adopted for federal prosecution, and Tyler was convicted after a federal jury trial in 1996. The Third Circuit overturned Tyler’s conviction, and he was convicted again following a re-trial in 2000. In 2013, the Third Circuit overturned the 2000 conviction in light of a change in the law and remanded the case to the district court for a new trial. Tyler was then tried and convicted for the third time in July 2017. The jury returned its verdict after two hours of deliberation following a four-day trial.
In February 2018, the district court vacated the jury’s verdict, concluding that there was not sufficient evidence to support the convictions. Today, the Third Circuit reversed the district court’s decision and remanded with instructions to reinstate the jury’s verdict and proceed to sentencing. Tyler’s conviction for witness tampering by murder carries a mandatory life sentence.
“Today we are one week shy of 28 years from the exact date that Doreen Proctor was beaten and murdered by the drug dealers that preyed upon her community,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “Through one trial at the state level and three trials followed by years of appeals at the federal level, the dedicated law enforcement officers and prosecutors working on this case have never faltered in their efforts to achieve justice for Doreen. While it is certainly likely that more appeals are on the immediate horizon, we are pleased that this conviction has been reinstated and will continue to pursue this case until the end.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police with cooperation from the Carlisle Police Department. The case was prosecuted at the trial level by Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Schinnour and Joseph J. Terz and Special Assistant United States Attorney Gordon A. Zubrod. Assistant United States Attorneys Carlo D. Marchioli and Stephen R. Cerutti handled the appeal.
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Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
$743,821 Available to Middle District of Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG– The Department of Justice announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, over $740,000 is available to the Middle District of Pennsylvania with monies destined for Dauphin, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, and York Counties and the cities of Harrisburg, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport and York for preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus by helping with overtime, supplies and prisoner medical needs.
“When this grant was announced, I immediately shared the details with our trusted District Attorney partners in each of the named counties” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “Our philosophy, whether with law enforcement or community engagement resources, is to target areas in the district with the greatest needs. These vital dollars will go directly to supporting the important work of public health and safety of entire communities, including people in prison or detention.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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U.S. Attorney David J. Freed Releases the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania’s 2019 Annual ReportRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney David J. Freed today released the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania’s 2019 Annual Report.
U.S. Attorney Freed stated, “we seek to provide transparency and accountability by publicly reporting on our work each year. In 2019, we worked on cases and initiatives to further our goal of improving the quality of life for the people of our district. The lawyers and support professionals in our Harrisburg, Scranton and Williamsport Offices, along with our partner agencies, achieved significant accomplishments this year. This report is representative of the Office’s yearly casework and initiatives.” Among them are:- 325 criminal cases filed against 413 defendants;
- 799 cases handled by the Civil Division;
- Collected over $15 million in criminal and civil actions, far exceeding our operating budget;
- $150 million in grants for various projects in the Middle District of PA;
- Continued to participate in reentry programs such as CARE Court, and the York Group Violence Initiative; and
- Organized and participated in community events, including York City community walk, and National Night Out.
“I am extremely proud to issue our 2019 Annual Report,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “The report shows an innovative, effective and efficient operation, highlighted by our many successes in Court, our community outreach efforts, our recovery of tax dollars and our continuing and valuable partnerships with state and local entities. I encourage everyone to spend some time with this document to get a full picture of our challenging work.”
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Lehighton Man Charged with Internet ThreatsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Corbin Kauffman, age 31, of Lehighton, Pennsylvania, was charged on March 27, 2020, by a criminal information with interstate transmission of threats to injure the person of another. Kauffman was originally charged by a criminal complaint on April 1, 2019.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, The criminal information alleges that Kauffman posted a threatening image on a social media website on March 13, 2019. The image was a digitally-created image of Kauffman’s arm and hand aiming an AR-15 rifle at a congregation of praying Jewish men, gathered in what appears to be a synagogue. Kauffman used various aliases online to post hundreds of anti-Semitic, anti-black, and anti-Muslim messages, images, and videos. Several of these posts, like the one charged in the information, included threats to various religious and racial groups. Other posts expressed a desire to commit genocide and “hate crimes,” and called for or depicted images of the killing of Jewish people, black people, and Muslim people. Kauffman also created and posted videos combining footage of a mass shooting at a Christchurch, New Zealand mosque with various audio tracks to celebrate the shooting, including video game sound effects and music.
Kauffman also posted pictures of acts of vandalism he committed, including the defacement of a display case at the Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Center in Ocean City, Maryland with white supremacist and anti-Semitic stickers. Kauffman faces additional state charges in Pennsylvania and potentially in Maryland for those acts.
“Pennsylvanians know all too well how dangerous these kinds of white supremacist threats can be,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “The last thing we want is to see another tragedy like we saw at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, or at Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch, or at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. We don’t know what might have happened, but we take these threats seriously, and I commend the FBI for their vigilance and quick action in this case.”
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni 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 this offense is 5 years of imprisonment for each violation, 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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U.S. Attorney David J. Freed Urges the Public to Report Suspected Covid-19 FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney David J. Freed of the Middle District of Pennsylvania today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes. The NCDF Hotline can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes.
“As with any crisis, there are criminals who will try to use the situation to their advantage,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “All of law enforcement is united to help our fellow citizens during this difficult time. The NCDF Hotline will allow us to get the jump on fraudsters and shut them down as quickly as possible.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud;
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received;
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations; and
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The Middle District of Pennsylvania’s Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is AUSA Phillip Caraballo.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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U.S. Attorney David J. Freed Announces Nearly $60 Million in Grants Available to Support Prisoners’ Successful Reentry into Their CommunitiesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney David J. Freed for the Middle District of Pennsylvania today announced that more than $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.
“While we will never abdicate our duty to keep law abiding citizens safe, we also have a duty to those who have paid their debt to society,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “We encourage eligible entities to take advantage of these grants to help ease the process of Reentry.”
“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available $3 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available $13.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available $4 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiativeshttps://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available $6 million Deadline 5/5/2020
Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection Deadline 4/10/2020
Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available $13.5 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available $4 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/28/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
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U.S. Attorney David J. Freed Announces More Than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney David J. Freed for the Middle District of Pennsylvania today announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.
“We know that school districts across the Middle District of Pennsylvania are committed to ensuring the safety of their students,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “These grants have the potential to allow districts to take their preparations to the next level in guarding against threats both large and small.”
“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.
A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future:
Research and Evaluation on School Safety
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $5 million Deadline 4/13/2020
STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $71.4 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/27/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
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U.S. Attorney David J. Freed Announces More Than $65 Million Available to Fight Human Trafficking and Help Trafficking VictimsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney David J. Freed of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, today announced that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.
“While we have come a long way in our ability to recognize and prosecute cases of human trafficking, there is more work to be done especially in the area of both prevention of human trafficking and services to victims of human trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “These grant opportunities will have a direct positive impact on those who have suffered at the hands of traffickers.”
“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total Available $1.8 million Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)
Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total Available $22 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total Available $1.7 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total Available $2.5 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $16.5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking Total Available $2 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total Available $5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $6 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total Available $8 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
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U.S. Attorney David J. Freed Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney David J. Freed for the Middle District of Pennsylvania today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“This round of funding creates exciting opportunities for local courts, governments and non-profit entities,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “In particular, the funding for specialty courts, prescription drug monitoring and mentoring programs goes directly to programs that have been shown to produce successful outcomes. We urge our local partners to take advantage of these opportunities.”
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020
Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)
Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020
Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)
Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
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Edwardsville Man Charged with Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Corey Foster, age 36, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, was indicted in October 2019, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges. The case was recently unsealed.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Foster conspired to traffic in excess of 40 grams of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl between February 2018 and February 2019, in Luzerne County. Foster also was charged with distributing fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl on January 30, February 3, and February 25, 2019, and with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl on February 26, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Luzerne Country Drug Task Force, and the Kingston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
This case 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.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the most serious offense is 40 years of imprisonment, including a five-year mandatory term 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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Six York Men Are Indicted for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Rankins, age 38, William Barton, age 38, Michael Adams, age 42, Denzel Swan, age 36, Dorral Basknight, age 40, and Furman Dennis, age 38, all of York County, Pennsylvania, were indicted on March 4, 2020, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the 14-count indictment alleges that the six men distributed and conspired to distribute more than 280 grams of cocaine base between March 27, 2019, and December 19, 2019, in York County.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the York City 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.
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 a term of life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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East Stroudsburg Man Sentenced to 24 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 12, 2020, United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Kerry Sprouse, age 23, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, to 24 months’ imprisonment for drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Sprouse distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine in February 2016, in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Sprouse previously admitted during his guilty plea, to having distributed between 100 and 200 grams of cocaine as part of his trafficking activities.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni 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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Department of Justice Begins First Distribution of Funds Recovered Through Asset Forfeiture to Compensate Victims of Western Union Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that the Western Union Remission Fund began its first distribution of approximately $153 million in funds forfeited to the U.S. government from the Western Union Company (Western Union) to over 109,000 victims located in the United States and abroad. These victims, many of whom were elderly victims of consumer fraud and abuse, will be recovering the full amount of their losses.
“The $153 million distribution announced today brings some measure of justice for the elderly and other victims who were financially harmed by the fraudulent schemes in this case,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The department remains resolute in its efforts to not only prevent fraud from occurring in the first place, but also to find and return ill-gotten gains.”
“Money Transfer Businesses such as Western Union are particularly susceptible to misuse by scammers,” said U.S. Attorney David J. Freed for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “In nearly every case of this nature that we have encountered in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, money transfer businesses are used to facilitate the crimes. Working together with MLARS and the skilled and dedicated investigators of the Postal Inspection Service, we have achieved outstanding results – bringing fraudsters to justice and holding businesses such as Western Union accountable. In addition to increased fraud detection and protections, an integral part of that accountability involves Western Union making victims whole. $153 Million is a good start.”
“The losses and the number of victims in this case are staggering. This initial disbursement will provide relief to more than 100,000 individuals, who lost $153 million,” said Assistant Postal Inspector in Charge John Walker of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Philadelphia Division. “Some lost their life’s savings as a result of these scammers. Postal Inspectors continue to be out front when it comes to investigating these con men and in protecting American citizens from them. Today, we are happy to play a third role — returning money to those who were scammed. Delivering justice, and in this case, delivering restitution.”
“Western Union turned a blind eye to the fraudulent payments made through its money transfer system,” said Andrew Smith, Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “We’re glad to be returning money to those consumers who were ripped off by fraudsters exploiting the Western Union system, and we will not tolerate Western Union or other payments companies facilitating fraud.”
In 2017, Western Union entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the United States. Pursuant to the DPA, Western Union acknowledged responsibility for its criminal conduct, which included violations of the Bank Secrecy Act and aiding and abetting wire fraud, and agreed to forfeit $586 million, which has been made available to compensate victims of the international consumer fraud scheme through the remission process. Western Union simultaneously resolved a parallel civil investigation with the Federal Trade Commission.
In this case, fraudsters specifically targeted seniors through primarily three distinct scams. First, in grandparent scams, the fraudster would pose as the victim’s relative, usually a grandchild, in need of immediate money to avoid personal harm such as a payment for medical expenses or ambulatory transportation. Second, in lottery or sweepstakes scams, victims received phone calls telling them that they had won large cash prizes but had to pay fees such as taxes to claim the prize. Many of these victims were re-victimized several times, as they were told to transfer large sums of money in multiple transactions on the promise that they would receive their prizes. Third, romance scams preyed on seniors searching for love or companionship on the internet. These victims were lulled into believing that their online love interest needed funds for a visit to the United States or some other purpose.
Certain owners, operators or employees of Western Union agent locations were complicit in the schemes. Western Union aided and abetted the fraud scheme by failing to suspend or terminate complicit agents and by allowing them to continue to process fraud-induced monetary transactions. Western Union had fulfilled its obligations under the DPA and the government has filed a motion to dismiss the information, which the court granted today.
This first round of payments is one of several expected to occur in the Western Union remission. The Department of Justice sent petitions for remission to over 500,000 potential victims of the Western Union fraud and anticipates authorizing compensation for many more victims in the coming months.
The Justice Department, through the Asset Forfeiture Program, works diligently to restore lost funds to victims of crime and acknowledges the significant assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Philadelphia Division’s Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Office in the Western Union remission. The victim compensation payments in the Western Union case would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Central District of California, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the Southern District of Florida; and the USPIS Philadelphia Division’s Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Office, the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Reserve Board and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Inspector General, and Department of the Treasury Office of Inspector General.
More information about the Western Union remission and its compensation to victims is available on the Western Union remission website at www.westernunionremission.com. Further questions may be directed to the Western Union Remission Administrator by phone at 844-319-2124 or by email at [email protected].
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Department of Justice Begins First Distribution of Funds Recovered Through Asset Forfeiture to Compensate Victims of Western Union Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney David J. Freed joined Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, in announcing that the Western Union Remission Fund began its first distribution of approximately $153 million in funds forfeited to the U.S. government from the Western Union Company (Western Union) to over 109,000 victims located in the United States and abroad. These victims, many of whom included elderly victims of consumer fraud and abuse, will be recovering the full amount of their losses.
“Money Transfer Businesses such as Western Union are particularly susceptible to misuse by scammers,” said U.S. Attorney David J. Freed for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “In nearly every case of this nature that we have encountered in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, money transfer businesses are used to facilitate the crimes. Working together with MLARS and the skilled and dedicated investigators of the Postal Inspection Service, we have achieved outstanding results – bringing fraudsters to justice and holding businesses such as Western Union accountable. In addition to increased fraud detection and protections, an integral part of that accountability involves Western Union making victims whole. $153 Million is a good start.”
“The $153 million distribution announced today brings some measure of justice for the elderly and other victims who were financially harmed by the fraudulent schemes in this case,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department remains resolute in its efforts to not only prevent fraud from occurring in the first place, but also to find and return ill-gotten gains.”
“The losses and the number of victims in this case are staggering. This initial disbursement will provide relief to more than 100,000 individuals, who lost $153 million,” said Assistant Postal Inspector in Charge John Walker of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Philadelphia Division. “Some lost their life’s savings as a result of these scammers. Postal Inspectors continue to be out front when it comes to investigating these con men and in protecting American citizens from them. Today, we are happy to play a third role—returning money to those who were scammed. Delivering justice, and in this case, delivering restitution.”
“Western Union turned a blind eye to the fraudulent payments made through its money transfer system,” said Andrew Smith, Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “We’re glad to be returning money to those consumers who were ripped off by fraudsters exploiting the Western Union system, and we will not tolerate Western Union or other payments companies facilitating fraud.”
In 2017, Western Union entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the United States. Pursuant to the DPA, Western Union acknowledged responsibility for its criminal conduct, which included violations of the Bank Secrecy Act and aiding and abetting wire fraud, and agreed to forfeit $586 million, which has been made available to compensate victims of the international consumer fraud scheme through the remission process. Western Union simultaneously resolved a parallel civil investigation with the Federal Trade Commission.
In this case, fraudsters specifically targeted seniors through primarily three distinct scams. First, in grandparent scams, the fraudster would pose as the victim’s relative, usually a grandchild, in need of immediate money to avoid personal harm such as a payment for medical expenses or ambulatory transportation. Second, in lottery or sweepstakes scams, victims received phone calls telling them that they had won large cash prizes but had to pay fees such as taxes to claim the prize. Many of these victims were re-victimized several times, as they were told to transfer large sums of money in multiple transactions on the promise that they would receive their prizes. Third, romance scams preyed on seniors searching for love or companionship on the internet. These victims were lulled into believing that their online love interest needed funds for a visit to the United States or some other purpose.
Certain owners, operators or employees of Western Union agent locations were complicit in the schemes. Western Union aided and abetted the fraud scheme by failing to suspend or terminate complicit agents and by allowing them to continue to process fraud-induced monetary transactions. Western Union had fulfilled its obligations under the DPA and the government has filed a motion to dismiss the information, which the court granted today.
This first round of payments is one of several expected to occur in the Western Union remission. The Department of Justice sent petitions for remission to over 500,000 potential victims of the Western Union fraud and anticipates authorizing compensation for many more victims in the coming months.
The Justice Department, through the Asset Forfeiture Program, works diligently to restore lost funds to victims of crime and acknowledges the significant assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Philadelphia Division’s Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Office in the Western Union remission. The victim compensation payments in the Western Union case would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Central District of California, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the Southern District of Florida; and the USPIS Philadelphia Division’s Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Office, the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Reserve Board and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Inspector General, and Department of the Treasury Office of Inspector General.
More information about the Western Union remission and its compensation to victims is available on the Western Union remission website at www.westernunionremission.com. Further questions may be directed to the Western Union Remission Administrator by phone at 844-319-2124 or by email at [email protected].
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Ten Previously Deported Aliens Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that ten previously deported aliens were indicted separately on March 4, 2020, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States. These matters arose in counties throughout the District including Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Northumberland, and York Counties.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Heriberto Garcia-Juarez, age 26, of Guatemala, was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala in April 2018. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2018, and was found in the United States in Franklin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Carlos Garcia-Enriquez, age 40, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2016. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2016, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Gerardo Say-Lopez, age 40, of Guatemala, was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala in December 2018. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after December 2018, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Manuel Ibarra-Sustaita, age 38, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2016. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2016, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Noe Andres Escarcia-Ortega, age 30, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in September 2018. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after September 2018, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Laureano Melgoza-Zambrano, age 28, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in October 2006. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after October 2006, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Adrian Avina-Quinones, age 35, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in July 2008. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after July 2008, and was found in the United States in Adams County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Augusto Garay-Junco, age 38, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in July 2018. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after July 2018, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Garcia-Juarez, Garcia-Enriquez, Gerardo Say-Lopez, Ibarra-Sustaita, Escarcia-Ortega, Melgoza-Zambrano, Avina-Quinones and Garay-Junco face a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Anacleto Ruiz-Ruiz, age 34, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in September 2012. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after September 2012, and was found in the United States in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Oscar Campos-Lara, age 39, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in March 2019. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after March 2019, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Ruiz-Ruiz and Campos-Lara face a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
These cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Joanne Sanderson is prosecuting the cases.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Harrisburg Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mikal Jones, age 22, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on March 4, 2020, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Jones possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute on April 11, 2019, in Harrisburg City. The indictment further states that he possessed a firearm during and in relation to his drug trafficking activities.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Police Bureau and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
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 a term of life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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USP Lewisburg Inmate Charged with MurderRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lorenzo Scott, age 47, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Lewisburg (USP Lewisburg), was indicted by a federal grand jury for murder, assault with intent to commit murder and assault with intent to commit serious bodily injury
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Scott was an inmate at USP Lewisburg on March 25, 2015, when he assaulted his cellmate and repeatedly struck, stomped and inflicted blunt force trauma to the cellmate’s head, neck and face resulting in life threatening injuries. The cellmate later died as a result of the injuries.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara 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 charges carry a maximum sentence under federal law of 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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Hazleton Man Indicted for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Ricardo Jimenez-Rodriguez, age 34, of Hazelton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on March 3, 2020, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Rodriguez possessed with the intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine on February 23, 2020, in Conyngham, Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Takes Part in Largest Coordinated Nationwide Elder Fraud SweepRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney David J. Freed joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
Law Enforcement Actions in the Middle District:
- Omoefe Okoro, age 48, a citizen of Canada, and others are alleged to have engaged in an attorney “collection scam” in Ontario, Canada, and elsewhere. In particular, Okoro and his co-conspirators are alleged to have conducted a scheme in which they contacted businesses and individuals, including elderly victims, and requested, among other things, to collect an outstanding debt. The suspects, posing as the third party, then sent a counterfeit check to the victim for deposit and requested that the victim wire funds to an account overseas, typically in Japan, South Korea, or China. Okoro is currently scheduled for trial on April 6, 2020.
- Anthony W. Redd, age 63, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was allegedly a “Money Mule” and participated in a scheme to defraud individuals out of money by making them believe they were eligible for cash and other prizes. As part of the scheme, Redd is alleged to have caused the mailing of legitimate postal money orders from Mechanicsburg to his address in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and to have converted the known proceeds of the scheme to cash or to have sent the proceeds through Western Union or MoneyGram to Costa Rica. Redd is currently scheduled to appear in court on March 31, 2020.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
“Every day across the Middle District of Pennsylvania - and across the country - fraudsters are out to prey on our most vulnerable citizens, our seniors,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “Whether it is a collection scam, a lottery scam, posing as a representative of the IRS or Social Security Administration or falsely calling on behalf of a grandchild, these scammers are using technology to steal massive amounts of money from citizens who have spent a lifetime building their nest egg. We are constantly on alert for these scams, and are fighting back along with our federal partners like the FBI and United States Postal Inspection Service. We urge everyone who has been victimized to make a report so that we can continue this battle.”
“Postal Inspectors have long prioritized the sinister schemes that often victimize elder Americans,” said Assistant Inspector in Charge John Walker of the Philadelphia Division. “These arrests should put an exclamation point on the fact that if you use the mail or Postal products to defraud any American, Postal Inspectors will work diligently to bring you to justice. Along with our partners in the Post Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation the Department of Justice, and quite frankly all law enforcement, stopping the outward flow of money and victimization due to these schemes has been, and will continue to be, a priority for the Postal Inspection Service.”
“Elder fraud and abuse are deplorable acts,” said Tara A. McMahon, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. “Specifically going after older folks because you consider them easy targets isn’t just cowardly, it’s cruel. If you're being victimized or know of someone who is, please reach out to the FBI. We’ll never stop working to protect the elderly from criminals who would take advantage of them.”
This https://www.justice.gov/civil/elder-fraud-sweeps-2020 interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Department of Justice Launches A National Nursing Home InitiativeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney David J Freed joined Attorney General William P. Barr in announcing the Department of Justice’s National Nursing Home Initiative, which will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.
This initiative is focusing on some of the worst nursing homes around the country and the Department has already initiated investigations into approximately thirty individual nursing facilities in nine states as part of this effort.
“Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care, and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Yet, all too often, we have found nursing home owners or operators who put profits over patients, leading to instances of gross abuse and neglect. This national initiative will bring to justice those owners and operators who have profited at the expense of their residents, and help to ensure residents receive the care to which they are entitled.”
“We count on nursing homes throughout the Middle District of Pennsylvania to provide a safe and caring environment for our seniors,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “When they fail in that duty, or when nursing home operators commit fraud to enrich themselves at the expense of their patients and often government programs, we will be their along with our federal partners to ensure that justice is done and our seniors are protected.”
The department considers a number of factors in identifying the most problematic nursing homes. For example, the department looks for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff to care for their residents, fail to adhere to basic protocols of hygiene and infection control, fail to provide their residents with enough food to eat so that they become emaciated and weak, withhold pain medication, or use physical or chemical restraints to restrain or otherwise sedate their residents. These care failures cause residents to suffer in pain and to be exposed to the great indignities. Care failures cause residents to develop pressure sores down to the bone, to lie in their own waste for hours, to starve because they cannot reach the food on their trays and to remain unwashed for weeks at a time. Nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care also force vulnerable elderly residents who cannot leave the facilities to live in filthy and dangerous conditions where there are leaks in the roofs, mold is found growing and rodents found living in residents’ rooms. These are some of the actions and the inactions that the department intends to pursue.
The National Nursing Home Initiative reflects the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, coordinated by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The Elder Justice Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are essential to the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices also support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources, and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.
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Philadelphia Man Charged with Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rashaun Flemming, age 31, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 27, 2020, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment charges Flemming with four counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base between October 7, 2019 and November 21, 2019, in Lycoming County.
This case was investigated by the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin 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 are only allegations. All persons charged by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base is 30 years’ imprisonment and a fine. A sentence for each of these offenses also includes a period 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
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Northumberland County Man Charged with Violating Toxic Substance Control ActRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dennis Morgan, age 73, of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 27, 2020 by a federal grand jury on three violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Morgan, of Northumberland County, failed to provide a lead hazard pamphlet or warning and failed to retain records as required by the Code of Federal Regulations in violation of the Toxic Substances Control Act.
The investigation was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty for each violation under federal law is 1 years of imprisonment, 1 years of supervised release, and a fine of $100,000. 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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Bloomsburg Man Charged with Impeding A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Scott Hemingway, age 63, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 27, 2020, by a federal grand jury on one charge of impeding a federal officer.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that on March 29, 2018, in Columbia County, Hemingway did strike and cause physical contact with a mail carrier.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each offense is 8 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a 3 year term of supervised release. 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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Gettysburg Man Charged with Receipt and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Craig M. Killmeyer, age 54, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was charged on February 24, 2020, in a criminal information with exploitation of minors.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Killmeyer is alleged to have received and distributed child pornography between December 2017 and December 9, 2018. The one-count information also includes a notice of the Government’s intent to forfeit all images of child pornography and the electronic devices associated with those images.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former Harrisburg Businessman Sentenced to 37 Months’ Imprisonment for Defrauding College Faculty UnionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that the former owner/operator of a Harrisburg based dental and vision claims processing business, Michael Timothy Buchanan, age 69, currently a resident of Fishers, Indiana, was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on February 26, 2020, by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, for defrauding a trust fund established by the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) out of $1,493,629.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Buchanan pleaded guilty in May 2019 to a criminal information charging him with one count of health care fraud. Buchanan executed a scheme to defraud the Pennsylvania Faculty Health and Welfare Fund (The Fund) between 2007 and 2017 by his submission of false, inflated invoices for the services his company, Actuaries, Consultants and Administrators, Inc. (ACA), provided The Fund in connection with the processing of dental and vision claims submitted by members of the APSCUF Union.
The Fund paid ACA $5.20 for each vision claim it processed and $8.10 for each dental claim it processed. Buchanan routinely and artificially inflated the number of claims it allegedly processed for The Fund between 2007 and 2017 that resulted in a $1,493,629 overpayment to ACA.
“Citizens have a right to expect that the hard-earned dollars they contribute towards ever increasing health care costs will be protected by the stewards of those funds,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “When such funds are misappropriated via fraud, we in federal law enforcement will step in to hold the fraudsters accountable. We are pleased that Judge Rambo’s sentence recognized the serious nature of the defendant’s conduct, and that he has been ordered to pay back what he stole.”
“For a decade, Buchanan orchestrated the overbilling of the faculty union,” said Tara A. McMahon, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division.” “His company deliberately and repeatedly submitted one false claim after the next, resulting in the theft of nearly $1.5 million. With this sentence, he’ll begin to answer for such brazen fraud.”
“In an effort to personally enrich himself, Michael Buchanan stole more than $500,000 from union members’ health benefits through his scheme of submitting inflated invoices to the union trust fund,” said Derek Pickle, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the financial integrity of labor organizations,”
Judge Rambo ordered Buchanan to pay $1,493,629 in restitution to the Fund, to forfeit his interest in $1,493,629 in U.S. currency, and six Fidelity Brokerage Services retirement accounts. Judge Rambo also ordered Buchanan to commence service of his sentence on April 20, 2020.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the FBI and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel prosecuted the case.
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Chambersburg Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Sex and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony “Tony” D’Ambrosio, age 37, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 26, 2020 by Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to 10 years’ imprisonment followed by five years’ supervised release for sex and drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, D’Ambrosio was convicted on December 18, 2017 following a two-week jury trial, of, conspiracy to transport an individual to engage in prostitution, transportation of an individual to engage in prostitution, conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone, cocaine and marijuana, and distribution and possession with the intent to distribute oxycodone.
D’Ambrosio and his co-conspirators recruited and transported girls and young women between the ages of 17 and 21 years old to engage in commercial sex acts in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Florida, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia and frequently paid them in drugs.
D’Ambrosio and his co-defendants, participated in a conspiracy that began in approximately July 2012, and continued to January 2015. D’Ambrosio and the others rented motel rooms and posted “escort” advertisements and photographs on backpage.com from July 2012 through January 2015. D’Ambrosio and the others would take the majority of the money made during the course of the prostitution business, and distributed various drugs to the women, including oxycodone, cocaine and marijuana.
D’Ambrosio’s co-defendants received the following sentences:
- Albert E. “Pipo” Martinez was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment;
- Keanu Martinez was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment;
- Brandon Hill was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment; and
- Armando Delgado was sentenced to time served or approximately 52 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Scott Ford 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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York Man Sentenced to 230 Months’ Imprisonment for Robbery and Firearms ConvictionsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Johnson, age 52, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 20, 2020, by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to 230 months’ imprisonment for his convictions on Hobbs Act robbery and firearms convictions.
According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, Johnson and his co-conspirator robbed and shot the victim in the head on Girard Avenue, York, on January 9, 2016. During the investigation, law enforcement officers recovered the gun used to shoot the victim, a stolen Smith and Wesson 9mm caliber semiautomatic pistol, from Johnson’s co-conspirator during her arrest on January 13, 2016. Johnson was convicted on all charges after a two-day jury trial in May 2019.
Testimony established that the victim remained in a comatose state for at least four months following the shooting. The victim required three brain surgeries and other life-saving medical interventions to repair the damage caused by Johnson and his co-conspirator.
Based on Johnson’s conviction for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, Johnson was sentenced to an enhanced penalty requiring a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, which was ordered to be served consecutively to the 110 month sentence imposed for the Hobbs Act robbery conviction. Judge Rambo ordered that the federal sentence will be served after any other sentence imposed by the York County Court of Common Pleas on several charges against Johnson that are still pending there.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the York City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe 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.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Delaware Man Sentenced to 210 Months’ Imprisonment for Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
SCRANTON -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William Hayes, age 72, of Wilmington, Delaware, was sentenced on February 19, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 210 months’ imprisonment for transportation of minors to engage in criminal sexual activity.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Hayes repeatedly transported two minors from Pennsylvania to Florida, Tennessee and Delaware, to engage in sexual activity for an approximate 10-year period.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
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Two New York Individuals Indicted for Passing Counterfeit CurrencyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Daumoniqe Jackson, age 22, and Christopher De Codio, age 24, both of Brooklyn, New York, were indicted on February 19, 2020, by a federal grand jury for passing counterfeit U.S. currency.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Jackson and De Codio passed $2,700 of counterfeit United States currency in businesses in Mifflin and Juniata Counties on December 11, 2019.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian T. Haugsby.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for passing counterfeit currency is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Plymouth Man Sentenced to 102 Months’ Imprisonment for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 18, 2020, United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Floyd Powell III, age 36, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, to 102 months’ imprisonment for heroin trafficking.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Powell distributed between 100 and 400 grams of heroin between February and November 2017. That equates to between approximately 4,000 and 16,000 individual doses of heroin. Over 1,600 dosage bags were seized during the execution of a search warrant on Powell’s residence, along with $11,000 cash and an illegally-possessed handgun.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Hanover Township Police Department, and the Kingston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni 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.
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Harrisburg Man Charged with Mail Thefts and FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Princeton Flagg-Garrett, age 28, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 19, 2020, by a federal grand jury on bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and obstruction of correspondence charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Flagg-Garrett opened mail intended to be delivered through the U.S. Postal Service, took checks out of that mail, altered the payee and amounts on checks, and deposited those checks, resulting in unauthorized withdrawals from victims’ bank accounts. The total loss amount is over $8,700.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (OIG). Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for bank fraud is 30 years in prison; for aggravated identity theft, 2 years in prison consecutive to the prison term imposed for the underlying fraud; and for obstructing correspondence, 5 years in prison. Each offense also carries 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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Gettysburg Man Charged with Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Daniel Lee Boose, age 37, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 19, 2020, by a federal grand jury with receipt and possession of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that between January 2016 and August 2019, Boose received and possessed images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors under the age of 12.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gettysburg Borough Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Haugsby is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
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 the offenses charged is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of up to lifetime supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offenses charged is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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York Man Sentenced to Five Years' Imprisonment for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 12, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo sentenced Jose David Santiago-Curet, age 23, of York, Pennsylvania, to five years’ imprisonment followed by five years on supervised release for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, Santiago-Curet pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on July 8, 2019. Following a traffic stop in York, a 9mm SR-9C handgun, a bag of heroin (2.51 grams), and a scale were found in a vehicle occupied by Santiago-Curet on June 30, 2018.
The matter was investigated by the York Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Nanticoke Man Sentenced to Seven Months’ Imprisonment for Export OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Mark Komoroski, age 57, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 14, 2020, to seven months’ imprisonment to be followed by two years’ supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for violating federal export laws.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Komoroski previously pleaded guilty to violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and related regulations. Komoroski admitted that in early 2016, he attempted to export two riflescopes to an individual in Russia even though he knew that the export licenses required by federal law had not been obtained.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Commerce. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli is prosecuting the case.
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Lackawanna County Bank Robber Sentenced to Nine Years’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Ryall, Jr., age 40, of Simpson, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 13, 2020, by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 108 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, for an armed bank robbery.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Ryall robbed the Honesdale National Bank in Scott Township, Pennsylvania, on October 20, 2017, threatening employees with a mock firearm. Ryall obtained $5,255, but was restrained by a bank customer, and taken into custody by the Scott Township Police Department shortly thereafter.
Ryall received sentencing enhancements for causing physical injury to a bank customer, and for threatening a material witness from prison, after he was arrested and charged. Judge Mariani also ordered him to pay $600 to Honesdale National Bank, for damages to the bank during Ryall’s struggle with a customer.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and by the Scott Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo 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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Two Allenwood Federal Prison Inmates Charged with Assault on Another InmateRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that two United States Penitentiary Allenwood (USP Allenwood) inmates Alexander Palmisano, age 35, and William Oloane, age 30, were indicted on February 13, 2020, by a federal grand jury for an assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that on April 5, 2019 Palmisano and Oloane assaulted another inmate at USP Allenwood. The assault resulted in serious bodily injury, including 10 broken ribs, two collapsed lungs, and injuries to the head and face requiring hospitalization.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. 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 this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Centre County Man Sentenced to 18 Months’ Imprisonment for Income Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jeremy Snyder, age 43, of State College, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 10, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann to 18 months’ imprisonment followed by two years on supervised release, for income tax evasion.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, as an employee of Number One Cycle Centre, in Centre County, Snyder embezzled over $800,000 from the business between 2009 and 2016. Snyder failed to pay income tax on the funds he embezzled, resulting in a tax loss of approximately $211,000 and a total of $222,000 in additional penalties and interest due the IRS.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford prosecuted the case.
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Freeland Man Sentenced to 270 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking, Firearms, and Explosives OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 11, 2020, Roberto Torner, age 47, of Freeland, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 270 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for drug trafficking, firearms, and explosives offenses.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Torner was convicted following a 13-day jury trial of conspiring to distribute 15 grams of heroin from June 2, 2015 and June 8, 2015, and for distributing five grams of heroin on June 8, 2015. Torner also was convicted of possessing and conspiring to possess firearms as a multi-convicted felon. From May 12, 2012 to August 28, 2017, Torner obtained and had access to numerous firearms, including several that were maintained by his co-defendant, Liza Robles.
After Torner was charged initially with heroin trafficking and firearms offenses, he was released on bail in advance of trial. While on pretrial release, Torner planted stolen, U.S. military C4 plastic explosives at the residence of his co-defendant, David Alzugaray-Lugones. Judge Mannion also found that Torner obstructed justice by lying on the stand at trial about his criminal activities, and by destroying evidence—his own shirt—in the middle of trial by flushing it down a holding cell toilet bowl.
Torner’s codefendants, Liza Robles and David Alzugaray-Lugones, also were convicted at trial of heroin trafficking offenses, and Robles was convicted of firearms offenses. Alzugaray-Lugones previously was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment. Robles previously was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment.
Judge Mannion ordered Torner to pay a $20,000 fine. Judge Mannion also ordered the forfeiture of the ammunition and firearms seized during the investigation, which included a:
- Magnum Research 1911U .45acp, Serial Number U100343;
- Hi-Point JHP .45acp, Serial Number 4266999;
- Stag Arms STAG-15, .223 cal., Serial Number 185412, which is capable of accepting a high capacity magazine;
- Mossberg 500 12-gauge shotgun, Serial Number U080316;
- Norinco MAC90, 7.62x39, Serial Number 934134, which is capable of accepting a high capacity magazine; and a
- Tikka T3, 30.06, Serial Number C77995.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Weatherly Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorneys Phillip Caraballo and Todd Hinkley prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
The case also was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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United States Attorney’s Office Reaches Settlement with Lackawanna County over Polling Place Access for VotersRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced a settlement with Lackawanna County under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act to improve physical accessibility at the county’s polling places for individuals who use wheel chairs and other mobility aids, and for individuals who are blind or have vision impairments.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, during the May 16, 2017 primary election, the United States Attorney’s Office, along with an architect from the Department of Justice, surveyed a portion of the county’s polling place locations. The survey resulted in a finding that many of the county’s polling places contain barriers to access for persons with disabilities. Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by a state or local government in any of its programs or services, including its voting program.
Lackawanna County is working collaboratively with the United States Attorney’s Office to make all polling places accessible. Under the terms of the agreement, the county will use an evaluation form for each current and prospective polling place based on ADA architectural standards. The settlement requires the county to either relocate inaccessible polling places to new, accessible facilities, or to use temporary measures such as portable ramps, signs, traffic cones and doorbells, where appropriate to ensure accessibility on Election Day.
“I commend Lackawanna County for agreeing to achieve our shared goal of making polling places accessible to all eligible voters with a disability,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “Individuals with disabilities have a fundamental right to participate in our democracy and barriers to access polling places must not diminish or restrict that right.”
This investigation was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler, the civil rights coordinator for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, with the assistance of the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division (Disability Rights Section). Those interested in finding out more about the ADA can access the ADA website at www.ada.gov.
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Monroe County Man Found Guilty of Drug Distribution Resulting in Two DeathsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Vincent Ingino, age 28, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was found guilty of two counts of unlawfully distributing a controlled substance resulting in death after a five-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, jurors deliberated for approximately three hours before rendering the guilty verdicts against Ingino for the August 11, 2018 death of Victim 1, age 24, and the August 12, 2018 death of Victim 2, age 28, both from Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented the testimony of Dr. Rameen Starling-Roney, a Forensic Pathologist, and Dr. Michael Coyer, Forensic Toxicologist, who opined that fentanyl laced heroin caused the deaths of Victim 1 and Victim 2. Additional testimony was provided by Pennsylvania State Police Officers and other individuals related to the investigation who testified that Ingino first sold fentanyl laced heroin to Victim 1 on Friday night, August 10, 2018 and made another sale of fentanyl laced heroin to Victim 2 on Saturday night, August 11, 2018. FBI Special Agents and other individuals related to the distribution also testified.
“Drug dealers such as this defendant, who profit from their illegal enterprise, bear responsibility for the destruction, damage and death that they cause,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “We are proud to work with our partners in the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI to bring a measure of justice to two families who have lost loved ones. While we will continue to do all that we can to promote treatment for those with substance use disorders, my office will always hold the dealers who push poison in our streets to account.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI – Scranton Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Detectives of the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Jenny Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and other opioids. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin and opioid 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The drug distribution resulting in death charge also carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former Sullivan County Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with TheftRead the Press Release
SCRANTON -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mary Handzus, age 63, of Laporte, Pennsylvania, was charged on February 10, 2020, in a criminal information with theft.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the criminal information alleges that between 2012 and 2019, while employed as a Sheriff’s Deputy, Handzus stole $198,566 from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts 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 this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Three Harrisburg Men Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jorge Maldonado, age 59, Joel Maldonado, age 23, and Jose Flores, age 58, all of Harrisburg, were indicted on February 5, 2020, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl; possession of a firearm by a felon; and maintaining a drug premises in Harrisburg between August 1, 2019 and January 23, 2020. The conspiracy involved over 100 grams of heroin and over 40 grams of fentanyl.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Dauphin County Drug Task Force, and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances is 40 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty under federal law for maintaining a drug premises is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty under federal law for possession of a firearm by a felon 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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Schuylkill County Woman Sentenced to 28 Months’ Imprisonment and Ordered to Forfeit Her Residence and Property for Role in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Laverne Schaeffer, age 48, of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 5, 2020 to 28 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Schaeffer previously pleaded guilty to participating in the drug trafficking conspiracy between July 2016 and May 2017 that operated in Schuylkill and Berks Counties.
Judge Mariani also ordered Schaeffer to forfeit to the United States more than 105 acres of property in Schuylkill County that was used by her, her husband Ernest Schaeffer, and other members of the drug conspiracy to store methamphetamine and firearms.
Ernest Schaeffer was previously sentenced to 15 years in prison, while Anibal Rodriguez, the leader of the drug conspiracy, was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Schuylkill 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.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Previously Deported Alien Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marvin Reymundo-Lopez, age 28, a citizen of Guatemala, was charged on February 5, 2020, by a federal grand jury with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Reymundo-Lopez was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala in March 2010. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after March 2010, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Joanne M. Sanderson 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.
Reymundo-Lopez faces a maximum penalty of two 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.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Gettysburg Man Charged with Malicious Attempt to Destroy Building by Fire and ExplosiveRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Samson Paul Yohe, age 28, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 5, 2020, by a federal grand jury with malicious attempt to destroy building by fire and explosive and possession of an unregistered firearm (destructive device).
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, on December 22, 2019, it is alleged that Yohe threw an incendiary device, commonly referred to as a Molotov cocktail, through the window of the Adams County Courthouse. The device consisted of an antique yellow bottle filled with liquid and a cotton sock used as a wick, which was lit prior to throwing.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Gettysburg Borough Police, the Adams County Detective Bureau, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, and the Adams County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daryl F. Bloom and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Sinnett are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
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 total maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 50 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 80 Months’ Imprisonment for Distribution of “Bath Salts”Read the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Popish, age 41, of Pittston, was sentenced on February 4, 2020, by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, to 80 months’ imprisonment followed by three years on supervised release for his role in a Luzerne County-based drug conspiracy that obtained and distributed large quantities of alpha-pvp, commonly known as “bath salts,” during 2014 and 2015.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Popish previously pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy by selling alpha-pvp to customers in Luzerne County. Popish was responsible for distributing approximately 300 grams of the drug.
Popish was one of seven people charged by a grand jury in August 2016. That indictment was the fourth wave of arrests connected to alpha-pvp distribution in Luzerne County. In all, 18 people have been charged in the case since July 2013, including two Texas-based suppliers of the bath salts.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police from Luzerne 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.
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