Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Connecticut Resident Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining $1.2 Million in Unclaimed PropertyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Henry J. White, Jr, age 75, of Connecticut, was sentenced by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick to 37 months in prison for submitting false and fraudulent claims for unclaimed property to state treasuries.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, White, along with his sister and codefendant, Patricia A. White, together received over $1.2 million in false and fraudulent claims for unclaimed property from state treasuries around the United States. Henry J. White, Jr., using the names of corporate entities with which he was not affiliated and which he had no lawful authority to use, applied for and received unclaimed property from state treasuries throughout the United States. This scheme took place over the course of approximately ten years, from around 2013 until around 2022. State treasuries, relying on the certifications provided by Henry J. White, Jr., under penalty of perjury, issued payment checks, which were generally sent by U.S. mail to the shared home address of both defendants.
From there, the Whites deposited and cashed these fraudulently obtained payment checks, and these funds were then used for personal expenses, including for mortgage payments for their shared home in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.
Patricia A. White’s sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled, will occur at a later date.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Mehalchick also ordered that White pay $1,208,271 in total restitution to approximately 30 state treasuries.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case.
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Two Pennsylvania Men Charged with Stealing Firearms from Licensed Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
Williamsport - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tahir Dixon, age 18, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and Shamier Gadson, age 19, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were indicted on December 11, 2025, by a federal grand jury on charges of stealing firearms from a licensed dealer and possessing stolen firearms.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on June 6, 2025, Dixon, Gadson and their coconspirators stole two firearms from a licensed firearm dealer located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, by throwing bricks and cinderblocks to break a window for entry into the business. It is further alleged that Dixon, Gadson and their coconspirators used a stolen Kia SUV to transport the stolen firearms – a Radical Firearms RF-15 5.56 caliber rifle and a Wilson Combat Protector .300 caliber rifle.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Arizona Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Shane Burns, age 26, of Scottsdale, Arizona, to 168 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years’ supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Burns was one of fifteen individuals indicted in February 2023 for conspiring to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl in Northeastern Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Burns was the leader and organizer of the conspiracy, having established connections with Mexican cartels to obtain fentanyl pills, and distributing those pills in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and other locations in Northeastern Pennsylvania, as well as other states.
The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Scranton, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard T. Donahue prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Former Harvard Morgue Manager and Wife Sentenced for Trafficking Stolen Human RemainsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Cedric Lodge, age 58, and Denise Lodge, age 65, both of Goffstown, New Hampshire, were sentenced on December 16, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to interstate transport of stolen human remains. Cedric Lodge was sentenced to 96 months in prison and Denise Lodge received a sentence of 12 months and a day in prison.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, from 2018 through at least March 2020, Cedric Lodge participated in the sale and interstate transport of human remains stolen from Harvard Medical School morgue, located in Boston, Massachusetts. Cedric Lodge, who was then employed as the manager of the Harvard Medical School Morgue, removed human remains, including organs, brains, skin, hands, faces, dissected heads, and other parts, from donated cadavers after they had been used for research and teaching purposes but before they could be disposed of according to the anatomical gift donation agreement between the donor and the school. Cedric Lodge took the remains without the knowledge or permission of his employer, the donor, or the donor’s family, and transported the remains to his home in New Hampshire. After he and his wife Denise Lodge sold the remains, they would ship the remains to the buyers in other states or the buyer would take possession directly and transport the remains themselves. Remains stolen and sold by the Lodges were transported from the morgue in Boston to locations in Salem, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania.
Lodge sold remains to Joshua Taylor and Andrew Ensanian, among others. Many of the remains purchased from Lodge were resold for a profit, including to Jeremy Pauley, who previously entered a guilty plea to conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen human remains and is scheduled for sentencing on December 22, 2025.
“The trafficking of stolen human remains through the US Mail is a disturbing act that victimizes already grieving families while also creating a potentially hazardous situation for Postal employees and customers,” said Christopher Nielsen, the Inspector in Charge of the Philadelphia Division of the Postal Inspection Service. “I hope our efforts, and these sentencings, bring some amount of closure to those affected by this terrible crime.”
“Today’s sentencing is another step forward in ensuring those who orchestrated and executed this heinous crime are brought to justice” said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office. “I want to thank our partners at the Postal Inspection Service and the United States Attorney's Office for their diligent efforts in this case.”
Several other defendants have previously entered guilty pleas in related cases, including Joshua Taylor, Andrew Ensanian, Matthew Lampi, Katrina Maclean and Angelo Pereyra. Lampi was sentenced to 15 months in prison and Pereyra was sentenced to 18 months. Joshua Taylor is awaiting sentencing. Additionally, Candace Chapman-Scott, who stole remains from an Arkansas crematorium where she was employed and sold them to Pauley in Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty in Arkansas federal court and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the East Pennsboro Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan Martin is prosecuting the case.
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State College Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William S. Welsh, age 30, of State College, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on December 11, 2025, to 360 months’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for production of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, throughout 2023, Welsh held himself out as a “babysitter” in order to gain access to several nonverbal and/or autistic toddlers. He later admitted to a friend that he possessed child pornography and that he had sexually exploited at least one of the toddlers he babysat.
Following an investigation by law enforcement, a series of search warrants executed on Welsh’s cell phones and computer revealed at least 40 videos of child pornography, including violent rape videos of children under the age of five. The search further revealed 11 sexually explicit photographs of a toddler, taken by Welsh when he was babysitting the toddler on January 15, 2023.
This case was investigated by the State College Police Department, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
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Harrisburg Man Convicted of Trafficking Fentanyl and Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shawkon Sharif Jamison, age 30, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was convicted following a four day jury trial of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, nine counts of distribution of fentanyl, including two counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm, before United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, law enforcement made controlled purchases of ecstasy pills from Jamison on multiple occasions between August and September 2023. During the course of the investigation, which continued into December 2023, law enforcement also made a total of seven purchases of fentanyl. During the final purchase Jamison also sold a firearm.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigation and the PA Office of Attorney General. Special Assistant United States Attorney Robert Smulktis and Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Williamsport Woman Charged with Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dominique Harris, age 24, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on two counts of assaulting a federal officer.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Harris assaulted two officers of the Department of Homeland Security by spitting on them while they engaged in their normal course of their duties. On November 30, 2025 in Williamsport, Deportation Officers were conducting a routine investigation in Williamsport that resulted in the arrest of an individual for immigration offenses. Harris allegedly interfered with deportation officers at the scene of the arrest and then followed them back to an ICE office where she attempted to enter the premises in her car through a secure gate. When officers confronted Harris, she is alleged to have become belligerent with the deportation officers and spit on two of them.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is eight years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc. (GD-OTS) Agrees to Pay $838,125 to Settle a Voluntary Disclosure Related to Phosphate Procedure Compliance IssuesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG, PA —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc. (GD-OTS) has agreed to pay $838,125 to resolve allegations of civil liability associated with phosphate procedure compliance issues identified in several Department of Army contracts. GD-OTS voluntarily disclosed the allegations.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, GD-OTS voluntarily disclosed that, between June 1, 2019 and April 8, 2021, GD-OTS (both as successor in interest to Medico Industries, and as the owner of GD-OTS-WB) submitted vouchers/invoices, and related documents and statements for payment for production of 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm shell bodies that did not receive phosphate tests with the frequency required by the contracts. After it discovered the problems, GD-OTS took prompt corrective action and disclosed the matter to United States government contracting personnel.
This matter was handled by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (Army CID), Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Haken and the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
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York Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud for Submission of Fraudulent PPP Loan ApplicationsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dommonick T. Chatman, age 50, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion to one count of bank fraud in connection with numerous fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications that were filed, with his knowledge and approval, through his business, The Chatman Group, LLC.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Chatman admitted that over the course of several months in 2021, he either participated in preparing, or approved of another employee’s preparation of, fraudulent PPP loan applications for almost twenty different individuals. The total amount of funds requested in connection with such loans exceeded $400,000, and the amount disbursed in response to such applications was approximately $341,438.82. Chatman agreed to pay restitution to the U.S. Government in the amount of $341,438.82 in connection with his guilty plea.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law that was enacted in March 2020 and designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID- 19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization, through the PPP, of hundreds of billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. As part of the program requirements, businesses had to use PPP loan proceeds for certain expenses, such as payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, utilities, and worker-protection expenditures related to COVID-19. The PPP allowed the interest and principal on the loan to be entirely forgiven if the business spent the loan proceeds on eligible expenses within a designated period of time and used a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses.
To obtain a PPP loan, a qualifying small business was required to apply for it and provide information on its operations, including the number of employees and expenses. In addition, businesses generally had to provide supporting documentation.
Chatman admitted that numerous applications filed through his business were fraudulent because the applicants either did not have businesses that were in existence as of February 15, 2020, as required by the PPP rules, or did not have the income required to get a PPP loan for the amounts that they were requesting in their respective applications. Chatman admitted that he had prepared tax returns for a number of these applicants, as they were existing clients of The Chatman Group whom he knew personally. Chatman therefore knew that these clients’ applications were fraudulent.
Chatman also admitted that he received approximately 5% of each individual loan, or about $1,000, for each loan application that his company filed. When an employee assisted in the processing of these applications, Chatman shared the proceeds with this employee.
Finally, Chatman admitted to obstructing the government’s investigation by disposing of a handwritten list of the names of clients who had received PPP loan applications through his company.
The U.S. Attorney General previously established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ravi Romel Sharma and K. Wesley Mishoe are prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for bank fraud is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Massachusetts Woman Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Stolen Human RemainsRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Katrina Maclean, age 46, of Bradford, Massachusetts, pled guilty today before Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to interstate transport of stolen human remains.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Maclean admitted that, from 2018 through 2022, she bought human remains that she knew to have been stolen from Harvard Medical School and transported them from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania. Maclean also sold stolen human remains to others, including Jeremy Pauley, who previously entered a guilty plea to a felony information.
From 2018 through 2022, Cedric Lodge, who managed the morgue for the Anatomical Gifts Program at Harvard Medical School, located in Boston, Massachusetts, stole organs and other parts of cadavers donated for medical research and education before their scheduled cremations. Lodge at times transported stolen remains from Boston to his residence in Goffstown, New Hampshire, where he and his wife, Denise Lodge, sold the remains to Katrina Maclean, and others, making arrangements via cellular telephone and social media websites. On some occasions, Maclean transported stolen remains to Pennsylvania.
Several other defendants have previously entered guilty pleas, including Jeremy Pauley, Cedric Lodge, Denise Lodge, Joshua Taylor, Andrew Ensanian, Matthew Lampi, and Angelo Pereyra. Lampi was sentenced to 15 months in prison and Pereyra was sentenced to 18 months. Cedric Lodge, Denise Lodge, Joshua Taylor and Andrew Ensanian are still awaiting sentencing. Additionally, Candace Chapman-Scott, who stole remains from an Arkansas crematorium where she was employed and sold them to Pauley in Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty in Arkansas federal court and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the East Pennsboro Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Harrisburg Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Troy Darnell McFall, age 54, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for failing to register as a sex offender.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, from December 2024 and continuing to July 2025, despite being required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), McFall traveled in interstate commerce without updating his sex-offender registration by leaving the state and later returning to Pennsylvania to reside at a new address.
This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service (USMS). Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Guatemalan National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eduardo Domingo-Aguilar, age 38, a citizen of Guatemala, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on the charge of illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Domingo-Aguilar illegally reentered the United States and was found in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on September 23, 2025. Domingo-Aguilar was removed from the United States through San Antonio, Texas on or about September 21, 2015, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Kelley K. McGraw is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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York Man Who Impersonated A Deputy U.S. Marshal Sentenced to over Three Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jaimie Lynn Cummings, age 52, of York County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on December 2, 2025, to 40 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Kelli N. Neary for impersonating an officer of the United States and a firearms offense.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Cummings was sentenced for falsely impersonating a Deputy U.S. Marshal and illegal possession of a short-barreled firearm. Cummings previously pleaded guilty those charges. The charges arose from a September 20, 2023, incident where Cummings appeared at the Northern York Regional Police Department wearing what purported to be a U.S. Marshal badge, tactical gear, tactical clothing, and a firearm. After representing himself to police as a deputy U.S. Marshal, local law enforcement recognized that he was not a law enforcement officer. Cummings left the police station but was later stopped by police. Police found in his car and in his home an assortment of firearms, ammunition, and rifles less than sixteen inches in length. Cummings possessed the short-barreled rifles illegally.
When imposing sentence, Judge Neary noted Cummings’s criminal history, his personal circumstances, and the seriousness of the conduct.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Northern York Regional Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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York Drug Trafficker with Connections to Mexico Sentenced to over 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jashan Moore, age 33, of York County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on December 2, 2025, to 186 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Moore was sentenced for his leadership role in a drug trafficking ring that involved shipping kilo quantities of methamphetamine to York, Pennsylvania and arranging for the payment to drug sources by international wire transfers to Mexico. Moore pled guilty to all charges brought against him arising from three incidents in April and May 2021 where police arranged for undercover purchases of heroin and fentanyl police made from him, as well as Moore’s participation in arranging the shipment of a parcel with five kilograms of crystal methamphetamine that was seized by police on June 5, 2021.
When imposing sentence, Judge Wilson highlighted Moore’s extensive criminal history dating back to his youth and his numerous violations of parole. Moore was on parole with state authorities when he committed these crimes. Judge Wilson ordered that Moore’s federal sentence of 186 months be served consecutively to his punishments for violating parole.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Seven Months in Prison for Illegal Reentry; Faces DeportationRead the Press Release
Harrisburg -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Juan Ramos-Abarca, age 49, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced on November 20, 2025 to seven months in prison by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for illegally reentering the country after having previously been removed.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Ramos-Abarca was indicted by a federal grand jury after being arrested for various driving offenses in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, in September 2021. Ramos-Abarca had previously been removed from the United States on several occasions and, in 2011, was convicted of illegal reentry. Last month, Ramos-Abarca pleaded guilty to illegal reentry prior to being sentenced.
An ICE detainer is lodged against Ramos-Abarca for deportation proceedings.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Township Supervisor Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – A Pennsylvania woman was sentenced today to 12 months plus a day in prison for evading her income taxes and committing bank fraud.
According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Linda Tarlecki, age 63, of Aristes, Pennsylvania, was formerly a township supervisor for Conyngham Township in Columbia County from 2006 through 2018. In July 2025, Tarlecki entered a guilty plea before Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to tax evasion and bank fraud. At her guilty plea hearing, Tarlecki admitted that from 2013 through 2017, she misappropriated funds from Conyngham Township by drafting duplicate payroll checks for herself and reimbursing herself for mileage and supplies that did not exist. In total, Tarlecki misappropriated over $147,000 from the township. Additionally, Tarlecki failed to pay income taxes on the fraudulent income resulting in a loss to the Internal Revenue Service of over $38,000.
“No matter what the source of income, all income is taxable,” stated Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Chief Judge Brann ordered Tarlecki to serve two years of supervised release and to pay $187,427 in restitution to the United States.
The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.
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New York Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment on Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on November 24, 2025, Senior United States District Judge Malachy E, Mannion sentenced Naquan Simmons, age 31, of Bronx, New York, to 120 months’ imprisonment for false statements in the acquisition of firearms.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on September 22, 2022, Naquan Simmons travelled to a gun store in Wilkes-Barre Township, Luzerne County, with a woman suffering from opioid use disorder. The woman purchased two guns in her name on behalf of Simmons, who was legally prohibited from purchasing firearms. Simmons provided the woman with heroin in exchange for the two firearms. One of the firearms was later located in Bronx, New York. Thereafter, on August 15, 2023, Simmons entered a gun store in Plains Township, Luzerne County, with a man who Simmons was supplying with crack cocaine. The man attempted to purchase the firearm in his name on behalf of Simmons but never received the firearm due to law enforcement intervention. At the time of these offenses, Simmons was on federal supervised release in the Southern District of New York for conspiracy to commit racketeering and use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
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New York Woman and Federal Inmate Charged with Contraband OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that an Indictment was returned by a grand jury charging Primativa Soto-Martinez, age 35, with providing contraband to an inmate and Forrest Gilmore, age 30, with possession of contraband by an inmate.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the Indictment alleges that on or about July 6, 2025, at the Federal Correctional Institution-Schuylkill in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Soto-Martinez, a New York resident, provided and attempted to provide Forrest Gilmore, a federal inmate, with two bundles containing buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Maryland Woman and Federal Inmate Charged with Contraband OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that an Indictment was returned by a grand jury charging Alita Stewart, age 51, with providing contraband to an inmate and Hugh Berry, age 41, with possession of contraband by an inmate.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the Indictment alleges that on or about August 17, 2025, at the Federal Correctional Institution-Schuylkill in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Stewart, a Maryland residence, provided and attempted to provide Hugh Berry, a federal inmate, with a purple bundle containing a mixture or substance containing marijuana.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Luzerne County Clothing Store Owner Sentenced to over 20 Years of Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on November 21, 2025, United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced James Rodriguez, Jr. a/k/a “Mack Mulla,” age 33, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to 242 months’ imprisonment for drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on June 24, 2025, a jury convicted Rodriguz on nine counts of a superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1.3 kilograms of fentanyl and 8.5 kilograms of marijuana between January 2021 and January 2022. During the conspiracy, Rodriguez operated Mulla Fashion, a clothing store, which included a recording studio, located on Scott Street in Wilkes-Barre. Rodriguez used the store as a front to sell fentanyl and marijuana to users and other street level drug dealers. In January 2021, Rodriguez travelled to Mexico to meet with MS-13 gang members, who supplied him with kilograms of fentanyl for distribution. Rodriguez also kept a stash house in Wilkes-Barre Township for storage of drugs. On January 20, 2022, a search warrant was executed at this stash house and law enforcement seized 159 grams of fentanyl, 400 grams of marijuana, two handguns and a shotgun. Law enforcement also seized 800 grams of marijuana, 37 grams of fentanyl, a ballistics vest, and a handgun from Mulla Fashion.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Kingston Police Department and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jenny P. Roberts and Kyle Moreno prosecuted the case.
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Federal Inmate at USP Canaan Convicted of Voluntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Bryant Wilson, a federal prisoner, was convicted on November 18, 2025, of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a prohibited weapon in prison following a two-day jury trial before Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Wilson was an inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Canaan in Waymart, Pennsylvania. On November 28, 2021, Wilson was walking in one of the housing units within the prison when another inmate started a fight with him. Wilson quickly grabbed a seven-inch shank out his pocket and began attacking the other inmate. Over the approximately one-minute fight, Wilson stabbed the other inmate at least 15 times about his upper body, causing severe damage to the inmate’s vital organs. The inmate died of sharp force injuries within minutes of the attack.
Wilson claimed he was acting in self-defense. The prison video of the fight, however, depicted Wilson chasing the other inmate with a shank and stabbing him several times as the other inmate repeatedly tried to get away from him.
The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Prisons, Special Investigative Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle A. Moreno and Gerard T. Donahue prosecuted the case.
Upon conviction, Wilson faces a maximum penalty of twenty years’ imprisonment. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Bahamian Man Charged with Passport FraudRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Victor Charles Gibson, age 79, of the Bahamas, was indicted on November 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury for passport fraud and making a false claim to United States citizenship.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on or about March 29, 2025, in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, the defendant Victor Charles Gibson, a citizen of the Bahamas, did knowingly make a false statement in an application for a United States Passport and represented himself to be a citizen of the United States.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of State. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiate that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is thirteen years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Shamokin Man Sentenced for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Abel Huertas, age 28, of Shamokin, Pennsylvania was sentenced by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann on a drug-trafficking charge to 57 months of imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release and 30 hours of community service.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Huertas distributed 50 grams and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Northumberland County during May of 2022.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Northumberland County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Bloomsburg Police Department, the Sunbury Police Department, the Shamokin Police Department, and the Coal Township Police Department. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Geroge J. Rocktashel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Schuylkill County Man Sentenced to 151 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Pedro Villot-Ortiz, age 26, a resident of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on July 25, 2025, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police executed a search warrant at Villot-Ortiz’s residence in Shanandoah, Pennsylvania. Investigators seized methamphetamine and cocaine that Villot-Ortiz intended to sell to his drug customers. He was on probation at the time of this conduct and followed two earlier drug trafficking convictions.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—Allentown Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Shenandoah Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson.
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Philadelphia Man Sentenced on Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Roberto Febus, age 35, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was sentenced by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann to 78 months of imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Febus conspired with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Northumberland County in May 2022.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin 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 gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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New York Siblings Charged with Conspiracy, Money Laundering, Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mayovanet Fermin, age 26, and Frnsheska Fermin, age 25, of Yonkers, New York, were indicted on August 19, 2025, by a federal grand jury on 68 counts of fraud, including conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft. The case was unsealed following defendants’ arraignment on October 3, 2025.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that from January of 2020 through July of 2021, the Fermins obtained and shared lists of victims’ personal identifying information (PII) to create and submit fraudulent federal income tax returns, economic impact payment applications, and pandemic unemployment assistance benefits. The indictment alleges over $400,000 in fraudulently obtained payments as a result of the scheme.
The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the most serious offense charged is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
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Monroe County Man Sentenced to 144 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Nester, age 55, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 20, 2025, to 144 months’ imprisonment and a term of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Nester previously pled guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute approximately 30 grams of fentanyl and possessing a Glock pistol in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. The pistol and fentanyl were found during the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s home in June of 2024. Nester also possessed additional fentanyl on his person and in his vehicle.
The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pocono Mountain Regional Police, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Lackawanna County Woman Sentenced to 36 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jazmyn Warshawsky, age 26, of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 19, 2025, to 36 months’ imprisonment and a term of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick, for attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Warshawsky had earlier pled guilty to attempting to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. As part of her guilty plea, Warshawsky admitted that on or about May 26, 2023, in Lackawanna County, Warshawsky received and possessed a United States Postal Service mail package that she believed contained a large quantity of controlled substances. Investigators observed the defendant take possession of the package, bring the package to her co-defendant’s home in Luzerne County, where investigators later seized the package, among other controlled substances. As part of that seizure, investigators recovered over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine and nearly 4 kilograms of marihuana.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Gerard Donahue prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Pike County Man Indicted for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jonny Contreras, age 36, of Pike County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of possession of an unregistered firearm.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on or about January 14, 2025, Contreras possessed an AR-15 style rifle with a barrel of less than 16 inches in length that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law.
The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) and the Pike County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Guatemalan National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Favio Efrain Rodas-Cardona, age 31, a citizen of Guatemala, was indicted on November 5, 2025, by a federal grand jury on the charge of illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Mendoza-Hernandez illegally reentered the United States and was found in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, on April 16, 2025. Rodas-Cardona was removed from the United States through Texas and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley K. McGraw is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
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Guatemalan National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Gertrudis Mendoza-Hernandez, age 34, a citizen of Guatemala, who unlawfully resided in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on the charge of illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Mendoza-Hernandez illegally reentered the United States and was found in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, on November 6, 2025. Mendoza-Hernandez was removed from the United States on September 14, 2023, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley K. McGraw is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Eleven Charged in Dauphin County Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nymele John Morgan, age 49, Anthony Reyes-Pabon, age 26, Laura Diane Snyder, age 42, Trumaine Assad Weaver, age 26, Tyshawn Lorne Jones, age 28, Moises Arroyo-Guerra, age 35, Justice Tireese Andrews, age 31, Robert Oren Bates, age 38, Jockzan Rodriguez, age 40, Alexia Ricohla Lambert, age 27, and Margarita Pabon-Torres, age 51, all residing in or around Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, were charged in a superseding indictment as part of a drug-trafficking conspiracy in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the superseding indictment alleges that from on or about September 1, 2023, and continuing until on or about May 30, 2025, the defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. The superseding indictment further charges Weaver, Bates, and Morgan with having possessed a firearm as a prohibited person and in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The superseding indictment also charges Reyes-Pabon and Pabon-Torres with using and maintaining a premises to further the drug trafficking activities.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Dauphin County Violent Crimes Unit, and East Pennsboro Township Police. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The maximum penalties for each defendant upon conviction is life imprisonment, as well as a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Superseding Indictments only contain allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Third Defendant Pleads Guilty for Fraudulently Obtaining Millions in Public Benefits and Laundering Proceeds to ChinaRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brian R. Cleland, age 72, pleaded guilty on November 17, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments in the amount of approximately $46.4 million. Cleland is the third defendant to plead guilty in connection with this case, following the guilty pleas of Bruce Jin in January 2025 and Carlos A. Grijalva in May 2025. In April 2025, Cleland and Grijalva were charged in a superseding indictment with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and other offenses, after charges were originally filed against all three defendants in August 2023.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Cleland admitted that, from 2021 to early 2022, he, Grijalva, and Jin, along with other unnamed coconspirators, agreed to launder state unemployment compensation funds that they knew had been obtained through fraud. Cleland also admitted that he and the others entered into a series of agreements that made it appear as if they were operating legitimate businesses selling masks and other COVID19 personal protective equipment while knowing that funds obtained and laundered through their companies were derived from fraudulently obtained state unemployment compensation (“UC”) benefits.
Cleland also admitted to knowing that bank accounts of identity theft victims were unlawfully created and accessed across the United States and that fraudulent UC claims were generated and paid to these accounts. Cleland also admitted to knowing that this fraudulent activity was being conducted by fraudsters located in China. Through this pattern of financial activity, tens of millions of dollars of fraudulent UC payments were issued to accounts by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and other state treasuries around the United States.
Cleland also admitted that he and Grijalva then provided the bank account information of these identity theft victims to payment processing companies to generate ACH payments to accounts controlled by him and Grijalva. This bank account information, including account numbers and routing numbers, was from an individual in China, known in the superseding indictment as “COCONSPIRATOR 2.”
Cleland admitted that he and Grijalva transferred over $46 million through this pattern of unlawful activity and that he and Grijalva discussed, on a number of occasions, that the supposed sale of COVID-19-related PPE would be their cover story for it. They also used code language to hide the true nature of their financial activity. For example, they used the term “call center” to refer to the people conducting the fraudulent activity from China and “product” to refer to the fraudulent commercial activity that they conducted with those overseas criminal actors.
After that, Cleland and Grijalva, using a number of different bank accounts, transferred over $30 million to companies controlled by Bruce Jin, as well as transferring additional funds to an individual known as “COCONSPIRATOR 1” in the superseding indictment. Cleland admitted that he and Grijalva made transfers to Jin knowing that Jin would, in turn, transfer at least a portion of these funds to parties located in China.
Cleland also admitted that he and Grijalva each made an estimated $2.2 million dollars in personal profit from the scheme. Together, their profit represents approximately 10% of the funds that they were responsible for transferring.
Cleland agreed to certain property forfeitures as part of his plea agreement, including approximately $46.4 million in US currency, as well as the contents of several bank accounts and real properties located in Hawaii and California that were purchased using funds traceable to the charged offenses. One of these properties, located in California, was purchased in the name of one of Grijalva’s family members.
All three named defendants are now scheduled to be sentenced in 2026.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ravi Romel Sharma and K. Wesley Mishoe and Trial Attorney Patrick B. Gushue of the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Section, Bank Integrity Unit, are prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney General previously established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
The maximum penalty for conspiracy to launder monetary instruments is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Wayne County Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Prison for Attempted Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Foster, age 31, a resident of Moscow, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 14, 2025, to over 17 years in prison by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for attempted production of child pornography.
According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, between December 23, 2022, and December 27, 2023, Foster communicated with a 12-year-old child and a 13-year-old child via X-Box, video calls, and various social media platforms. Over the course of a year, Foster directed the children to take and remit sexually explicit images of themselves in exchange for “V-Bucks,” an in-game currency utilized to purchase tokens in the video game Fortnite. On December 27, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Foster’s residence and electronic devices, including computers, cellular telephones, and a gaming device belonging to Foster were seized and analyzed. In total, thousands of images of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos of the 12-year-old child engaging in sexually explicit conduct were recovered from Foster’s devices.
Foster admitted to communicating with the child victims and requesting sexually explicit images from them. Upon receiving the requested images and videos, he admitted to distributing the material on the dark web.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Philadelphia Division, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson 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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Monroe County Man Sentenced to 262 Months in Prison on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ivan Nicholas Baez, age 46, of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 23, 2025, to over 21 years in prison by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley on child pornography charges.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in May 2024, the Pennsylvania State Police obtained a search warrant to seize and download the contents of Baez’s cell phone. The search of the phone revealed approximately 150 images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Some of the images were created on the cell phone and depicted Baez engaging in sexual acts with minors as young as approximately 10-years-old. Baez was a caretaker to one of the minors.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
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Inmate Sentenced to Five Years’ Imprisonment for Attempting to Distribute Drugs in A Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SCRANTON, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Julian Beavers, age 39, an inmate at United States Penitentiary- Canaan, was sentenced on November 14, 2025, to five years’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for attempting to provide fentanyl, marijuana and xylazine to other inmates.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on April 13, 2023, while sorting incoming mail, correctional officers at USP Canaan, Waymart, Pennsylvania, intercepted a large manilla envelope containing papers soaked in fentanyl, marijuana and xylazine ultimately destined for Beavers. Investigation revealed that Beavers conspired with other individuals outside of the facility to have the drugs packaged and shipped into the prison for his own personal use and for distribution. Beavers was at USP Canaan serving a 130 month sentence imposed by a District Court Judge in the United States District Court in Buffalo, New York for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. The 60 month sentence was imposed to run consecutive to his New York sentence.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
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York Man Sentenced to 105 Months in Prison on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dereese Williams, age 32, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 13, 2025, by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary to 105 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Williams previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. On September 30, 2021, Williams sped away from the Pennsylvania State Police who attempted a traffic stop. Williams eventually crashed his car and fled. Police arrested Williams and searched the car and found a Phoenix Arms .22 caliber pistol and a Masada 9mm pistol.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Consiglio prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Tioga Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Child EnticementRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Casher, age 40, of Tioga, Pennsylvania was sentenced on October 16, 2025, to 10 years in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for child enticement.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Casher entered a guilty plea in June 2025, to enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Casher had contact with a Minnesota woman in 2023 and attempted to arrange a meeting with the woman’s 12-year-old daughter to have sexual relations with her.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
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Russian National Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Running Extensive Prostitution EnterpriseRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on October 14, 2025, Anton Panin, age 43, a Russian citizen, who unlawfully resided in south Florida, was sentenced by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary to 46 months in prison for running an extensive and long-running prostitution enterprise.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Panin previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport and entice individuals to engage in prostitution. The evidence established that Panin operated a prostitution enterprise called XO Companions (or XOC) from at least 2016 until his arrest in 2023. Panin and others recruited women in Russia and other Eastern European countries to travel to the United States to work as prostitutes for XO Companions. Once in the United States, XO Companions workers traveled throughout the country to meet with clients in major cities. At Panin’s direction, XO Companions workers transferred a significant portion of the prostitution proceeds to him. Additionally, Panin operated a password-protected website through which clients could view schedules, view services offered, reserve time, and provide reviews.
Following his criminal sentence, he will be transferred to ICE custody for removal proceedings.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
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Mt. Carmel Borough Police Officers Sentenced to Prison for Violating Civil RightsRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that three former police officers of the Mt. Carmel Borough Police Department were sentenced to prison on October 30, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann. Former Lt. David Donkockik, age 53, of Catawissa, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to seven years in prison. Former Patrol Officer Jonathan McHugh, age 36, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to six years in prison. Former Patrol Officer Kyle Schauer, age 36, of Catawissa, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to four years in prison.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Donkockik, McHugh, and Schauer were sentenced for their participation in a conspiracy to violate the civil rights of those they arrested from 2018 to 2021. Each of the former police officers previously entered guilty pleas to the crime of conspiracy to use excessive force against those they arrested and to cover up the same.
During 22 different arrests, the defendants kicked, punched, choked, and otherwise used excessive force against those they were arresting. In those arrests, they caused bodily injuries to their victims.
McHugh, Donkochik, and Schauer also took steps to ensure that video of the arrests was not captured by police cameras, or if footage that incriminated them was captured, took steps to ensure that footage was not preserved. They falsely reported that arrestees acted in a manner requiring violence and then charged arrestees with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and related offenses to conceal their own use of violence.
When imposing the sentence, Chief Judge Brann highlighted the violence and brutality those officers employed on many arrestees. The Judge noted the efforts the officers took to cover up their violence by charging the victims with crimes they had not committed.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo Marchioli and Michael Consiglio are prosecuting the case.
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
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Milton Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Justo Melendez-Morales, age 45, from Milton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 15, 2025, to 41 months’ imprisonment and six years of supervised release by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann after pleading guilty to distribution of cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on or about February 26, 2025 through May 9, 2025, Melendez-Morales sold and possessed approximately 38 grams of cocaine in his Milton apartment, which he maintained as a premises for drug trafficking.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations
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Mexican National Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Diego Edgardo Aleman-Lozano, age 25, a Mexican national, was sentenced on October 2, 2025, to 24 months in prison to be followed by one year on supervised release by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for possession of a firearm by an alien.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Aleman-Lozano was pulled over by Pennsylvania State Police in 2021 for violations of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code. State Troopers saw a 5.56 caliber green-tipped rifle cartridge on the front passenger seat. Because Aleman-Lozano was an alien on a nonimmigrant visa and was therefore not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the car. Upon executing the warrant, Troopers recovered a 9mm polymer semiautomatic pistol with no serial number.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This matter was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
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Lycoming County Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Stout, age 49, a resident of Hughesville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 23, 2025, to 30 years’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann, for production of child pornography.
According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, between July 28, 2024 and July 29, 2024, Stout communicated with a 14-year-old child via Instagram. Over a twenty-four-hour period, Stout directed the child to take and remit sexually explicit images of herself. On August 23, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Stout’s residence and three cellular telephones belonging to Stout were seized and analyzed. In total, hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos of the 14-year-old child engaging in sexually explicit conduct were recovered from Stout’s devices.
Forensic review confirmed that in addition to communicating with the 14-year-old child, Stout communicated with multiple minors via Snapchat. The conversations were graphic, sexually explicit, and revolved around the production of child sexual abuse material. In addition to producing sexually explicit images and videos of children, Stout distributed child sexual abuse material to others via the encrypted Telegram application.
Stout admitted to communicating with minors online and requesting sexually explicit images from them. Further, to gain their trust, he acknowledged that he would often pose as a juvenile male.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Philadelphia Division, the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office, and the Hughesville Borough Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson 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.
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
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Lackawanna County Man Sentenced to 108 Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiracy and Theft of Major ArtworkRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Damien Boland, age 50, of Covington Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 13, 2025, to 108 months’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release, and to pay restitution in the amount of $2,049,420.15, by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for conspiracy, theft of major artwork and concealment/disposal of major artwork.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, a jury found Boland guilty of all eleven counts following a nearly month-long trial earlier this year. The jury found that, along with his co-defendants and other co-conspirators, Boland was responsible for stealing the following:
- “Le Grande Passion” by Andy Warhol and “Springs Winter” purportedly by Jackson Pollock stolen in 2005 from the Everhart Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania;
- Six championship belts, including four belonging to Carmen Basillio and two belonging to Tony Zale stolen in 2015 from the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York;
- The Hickok Belt and MVP Trophy belonging to Roger Maris, stolen in 2016 from the Roger Maris Museum in Fargo, North Dakota;
- The U.S. Amateur Trophy and a Hickok Belt awarded to Ben Hogan, stolen in 2012 from the USGA Golf Museum & Library;
- Fourteen trophies and other awards worth approximately $300,000 stolen in 2012 from the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York;
- Five trophies worth over $350,000, including the 1903 Belmont Stakes Trophy, stolen in 2013 from the National Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York;
- Three antique firearms stolen in 2006 from Space Farms: Zoo & Museum in Wantage, New Jersey;
- An 1903/1904 Tiffany Lamp stolen in 2010 from the Lackawanna Historical Society in Scranton, Pennsylvania;
- “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Crospey, worth approximately $120,000, stolen in 2011 from Ringwood Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey; and
- Antique firearms worth over $150,000, stolen in 2011 from Ringwood Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey.
Boland committed the above thefts as part of a larger, eight-person conspiracy. After a month-long trial held earlier this year co-conspirators Nicholas Dombek, age 55, of Thornhurst, Pennsylvania and Joseph Atsus, age 51, of Roaring Brook, Pennsylvania were convicted alongside Boland of conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property, as well as multiple related substantive offenses. They are presently pending sentencing.
Three additional co-conspirators pled guilty pursuant to felony informations and were sentenced by Judge Mannion earlier this year. They include:
- Thomas Trotta, age 50, of Dunmore Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment for theft of major artwork;
- Dawn Trotta, age 53, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania who was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property;
- Frank Tassiello, age 52, of Taylor, Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property; and
- Ralph Parry, age 47, of Springbrook Township, Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to three years of probation as well as a period of home-confinement for conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property.
After stealing the above-described items, the conspirators would transport the stolen goods back to Northeastern Pennsylvania, often to the residence of Dombek, and melt the memorabilia down into easily transportable metal discs or bars. The conspirators would then sell the raw metal to fences in the New York City area for hundreds or a few thousands of dollars, significantly less than the sports memorabilia would be worth at fair market value.
Dombek burnt the painting “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Crospey, valued at approximately $125,000, to avoid the painting being recovered by investigators and used as evidence against the members of the conspiracy. The whereabouts of many of the other paintings and stolen objects are currently unknown, however, several antique firearms stolen from the Space Farms: Zoo and Museum and the Ringwood Manor Museum, both in New Jersey, were recovered by investigators, including an antique gun which Boland had earlier hidden at a relative’s house in a different state.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, the New Jersey State Police, the New York State Police, the New Jersey State Park Police, the Newport Police Department (Rhode Island), the Fargo Police Department (North Dakota), the Chester Police Department (New York), the Exeter Borough Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Scranton Police Department, the Franklin Police Department (New Jersey), the Village of Goshen Police Department (New York), the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, D.C.), the West Milord Township Police Department (New Jersey), the Montclair Police Department (New Jersey), the Saratoga Springs Police Department (New York), the Canastota Police Department (New York), the South Abington Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Bernards Township Police Department (New Jersey), the Salisbury Township Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Montclair State University Police Department (New Jersey) the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office (Pennsylvania), the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office (New Jersey), the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (New Jersey), the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (New York), and multiple other local law enforcement agencies from across the country. Assistant United States Attorneys James M. Buchanan and Jenny Roberts prosecuted the case.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Prison for Role in Straw Purchasing Firearms and Attempted MurderRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Johnny Quinones, age 32, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 29, 2025, by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 17.5 years in prison for his role in straw purchasing firearms and attempted murder.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Quinones conspired with three other individuals to purchase firearms for felons and persons under indictment. Quinones was prohibited by law from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions. Quinones was convicted on October 18, 2023, of straw purchasing a gun, possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon and conspiracy.
On August 11, 2020, Harrisburg Police responded to a shooting victim in the City of Harrisburg where a victim was shot in the head. They eventually focused on Johnny Quinones, a felon. The investigation ultimately revealed that Taashaun Mansfield was buying guns for felons. Mansfield bought seven guns in a two-month period, and each time he lied on the forms about who was going to get the guns. All the guns ended up in the possession of people prohibited by law from possessing the guns.
The following coconspirators pleaded guilty to weapons offenses and were sentenced:
- Taashaun Mansfield was sentenced to 37 months in prison;
- Michael Windham was sentenced to 46 months in prison; and
- Antonio Godbolt was sentenced to 33 months in prison.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio and Richard Euliss prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations
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Citizen of Mexico Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Edelicio Castillo-Ramos, age 34, a citizen of Mexico, received a time-served sentence of nearly four months in prison after pleading guilty to illegal reentry on October 15, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann. Castillo-Ramos was transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) custody for immediate deportation.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Castillo-Ramos faced one count of Illegal Reentry following his arrest in Clinton County on June 20, 2025, after previously being removed from the United States. Castillo-Ramos had been removed from the United States on July 12, 2012, through Calexico, California, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
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Citizen of Guatemala Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Victor Manuel Mazariegos-Palacios, age 46, citizen of Guatemala, pled guilty to illegal reentry into the United States and was sentenced on October 15, 2025, to time-served, approximately four months in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on or about February 8, 2023, Mazariegos-Palacios was found in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, after previously having been removed from the United States. Mazariegos-Palacios was removed from the United States in 2006 and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so. Mazariegos-Palacios will be deported to his native country.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan Martin prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
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Bloomsburg Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison in Fentanyl Overdose CaseRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tysheem Dunlap, age 28, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania was sentenced on October 28, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to 22 years in prison for a drug delivery resulting in death.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Dunlap was convicted by a jury in May 2025 of three counts of drug delivery (fentanyl) resulting in death or serious bodily injury, and two counts of distribution of cocaine. The charges resulted from Dunlap distributing drugs on August 20, 2022, that were used by four individuals in Bloomsburg, PA, who believed they were using cocaine. The drugs distributed by Dunlap contained fentanyl, however, and resulted in the death of one individual and the non-fatal overdose of two others who were revived by paramedics.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bloomsburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur and Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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.
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
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Inmate Pleads Guilty to Assault on Corrections OfficersRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the National Security Division of the Department of Justice announced today that Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, 27, of Ontario, Canada, pleaded guilty to offenses related to a 2020 attack on correctional officers at the United State Penitentiary Allenwood.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, Bahnasawy was an inmate at USP Allenwood who, on December 7, 2020, attacked two corrections officers using a weapon made from part of a steel desk in his cell. Bahnasawy stabbed one officer in the head and face, and, when a second responded to assist, Bahnasawy stabbed her in the hand.
The first officer eventually lost his right eye as a result of the attack. When Bahnasawy was restrained, a note was found in his sock that read, “This is a terrorist attack for the Islamic State.” A pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) was also found taped to the inside of a locker door in Bahnasawy’s prison cell. Today, Bahnasawy pleaded guilty to multiple counts of assault, assault with intent to commit murder and possession of contraband inside a prison, as well as providing material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
At the time of the attacks at USP Allenwood, Bahnasawy was serving a sentence for his role in plotting a mass-casualty terrorist attack in New York City on behalf of ISIS. Bahnasawy, a then-20-year-old Canadian citizen and resident, plotted with Talha Haroon and Russell Salic to conduct bombings and shootings in heavily populated areas of New York City during the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan in 2016, all in the name of ISIS.
An undercover FBI agent (UC) infiltrated the co-conspirators’ terrorist plot, posing as an ISIS supporter prepared to join in the attacks. The FBI arrested Bahnasawy in May 2016 after he traveled from Canada to the New York City area in preparation for the attacks, and he has been in custody since that time.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur and Counterterrorism Section Trial Attorney Jessica L. Joyce prosecuted this case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 130 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
New United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania AppointedRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brian D. Miller, former Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, has been appointed United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania effective October 27, 2025. Mr. Miller was appointed by order of United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi. Mr. Miller’s interim appointment is for 120 days or until a Presidential appointment is made, whichever occurs first. In September 2025, President Trump nominated Mr. Miller to be the Middle District of Pennsylvania’s United States Attorney, and his nomination is pending the Senate confirmation process.
Previously, Mr. Miller was also confirmed by the United States Senate to be the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery on June 2, 2020. Mr. Miller’s other prior positions include Senior Associate White House Counsel; Inspector General of the United States General Services Administration (Senate confirmed on July 22, 2005); Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General; Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia; Special Counsel on Health Care Fraud for the Deputy Attorney General; and Counsel to the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. He has also served as Acting General Counsel of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2025.
As a federal prosecutor, Mr. Miller litigated civil and criminal cases in multiple federal district and appellate courts, involving terrorism and terrorist financing, drug-related conspiracies and murder, and the False Claims Act. As an inspector general, Mr. Miller is known for his investigation of a lavish GSA conference in Las Vegas.
Mr. Miller was honored to receive the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award, the EOUSA Director’s Award for Superior Performance as an AUSA, and the David M. Walker Excellence in Government Performance and Accountability Award, which recognizes and honors government audit professionals who have made sustained contributions to improve government performance and accountability through their leadership in transforming government organizations.
He replaces former Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, who is now occupying the First Assistant U.S. Attorney position within the office.
Mr. Miller received bachelor’s degree from Temple University and his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. He resides in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
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