Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
York County Man Indicted for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG, PA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Robert Lee Johnson a/k/a Stone, age 52, of York, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on sex trafficking charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Johnson knowingly recruited and enticed multiple victims in and affecting interstate commerce to engage in commercial sex acts knowing force, threats of force, fraud and coercion would be used to cause multiple of those victims to engage in commercial sex acts from around November 2015 through mid-August 2016, in York County.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced to 46 Months’ Imprisonment for Running Methamphetamine LaboratoryRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Shawn Melleski, age 27, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release on November 28, 2018, by United States District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo for conspiring to manufacture and distribute crystal methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Melleski pleaded guilty to conspiring to manufacture and distribute 50 grams or more of crystal methamphetamine in Pennsylvania between approximately June 21, 2016 through June 29, 2017. Melleski admitted to helping run a methamphetamine laboratory in the basement of a Wilkes-Barre residence inhabited by other individuals, including four children.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Two Previously Deported Aliens Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that two previously deported aliens were indicted separately on November 28, 2018, by a federal grand jury for illegal re-entry into the United States.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Savino Solano, age 28, of Honduras, was previously deported from the United States to Honduras in July 2014. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after July 2014, and was found in the United States in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Solano faces a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Ottoniel Chavarria-Vicente, age 37, of Guatemala, was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala in April 2009. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after April 2009, and was found in the United States in Adams County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Under federal law, Chavarria-Vicente face a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
These cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Special Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the cases.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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New Jersey Man Sentenced to 46 Months’ Imprisonment for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Patrick Sutherland, age 29, of Roselle, New Jersey, was sentenced on November 27, 2018, by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 46 months’ imprisonment for bank fraud.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, from December 2014 through August 2016, Sutherland was involved in a scheme during which $1 postal money orders were purchased from post offices in the Scranton, Pennsylvania area, and altered to reflect $1,000. The postal money orders were then deposited into bank accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy, and the cash withdrawn before the banks could identify the fraud. Judge Mannion also ordered Sutherland to pay $282,779 in restitution, a $100 special assessment, and to be placed on 3 years of supervised release upon his release from prison.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley
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New Jersey Man Sentenced to 30 Months’ Imprisonment for Straw Purchasing of FirearmsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Laquan Hassan Croswell, age 25, of Paterson, New Jersey, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to 30 months’ imprisonment on charges related to straw purchase of firearms.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the investigation began when a firearm purchased by Croswell was recovered in Paterson, New Jersey, in connection with an armed robbery. Agents determined that Croswell had purchased in excess of thirty firearms from firearms dealers both in Pennsylvania and Florida. Croswell then sold many of the firearms without filing the required transfer paperwork for each firearm transaction. In essence, Croswell lied when he purchased these firearms, stating on the ATF Form 4473 purchase documents that he was the true purchaser of the firearms when he knew that he was purchasing them to be resold to unidentified persons. Several of the firearms have yet to be recovered.
Judge Munley also ordered Croswell to pay a $100 special assessment, and be placed on two years of supervised release once released from federal prison. All the firearms purchased by Croswell have been forfeited to the government.
The case was investigated by the ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Luzerne County Man Charged with Maintaining Drug-Involved PremisesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that Brandon Vitack, age 26, of Monroe Township, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information on November 21, 2018, with maintaining a drug-involved premises.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Vitack is charged in a criminal information with knowingly and intentionally opening and maintaining his residence from approximately October 1, 2017 to December 13, 2017, for the purpose of manufacturing, packaging, distributing, and using controlled substances, specifically, fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Scranton, and the Kingston Police Department. United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case also was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under the federal statute for maintaining drug-involved premises is 20 years’ imprisonment and a $500,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Shippensburg Man Sentenced to 84 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Eddie Viera, age 44, of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 27, 2018, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to 84 months’ imprisonment for drug trafficking.
According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, Viera distributed and possessed with intent to distribute heroin. He was arrested by the Pennsylvania State Police on February 15, 2016 near mile marker 77 of Interstate 81 after a high speed pursuit for nearly 20 miles. Along the route of the pursuit, Troopers found over 950 individual packets of heroin which Viera had thrown out the window of his car. Viera was already the subject of an arrest warrant after members of the Franklin County Drug Task Force observed him allegedly distributing heroin and found over 70 individual packets of heroin in his apartment in December 2014.
Chief Judge Conner sentenced above the recommended guidelines in this case stating, among others, that Viera was “spectacularly incorrigible.”
The matter was investigated by the Franklin County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Additional Charges Filed Against Schuylkill County Man Previously Charged with Threatening the PresidentRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal grand jury today returned a superseding indictment yesterday adding seven additional charges against Shawn Christy, age 27, of McAdoo, who was previously indicted for threatening to harm President Trump and others.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the superseding indictment charges Christy with interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, two counts of interstate transportation of a stolen firearm, two counts of interstate transportation of a firearm while under a felony information, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm as a fugitive.
The superseding indictment also contains the four threat offenses that were charged in the original indictment, including the threat against President Trump.
The superseding indictment alleges that Christy committed the new offenses between July 25, 2018 and August 20, 2018.
The threat to President Trump is being investigated by United States Secret Service, and the other charges are being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Butler Township Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each of the unlawful possession of firearms offenses and the interstate transportation of stolen firearms offenses is 10 years’ imprisonment. The maximum penalty for the interstate transportation of stolen vehicle offense is 10 years’ imprisonment. The maximum penalty for the interstate transportation of firearms while under a felony information is five years’ imprisonment. The maximum penalty for each threat offense is five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Moosic Man Sentenced to 15 Months’ Imprisonment for StalkingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Anthony Frank Angeli, Jr, age 55, of Moosic, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release on November 26, 2018, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for stalking.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, between July 7, 2017 and August 14, 2017, Angeli used the internet to engage in a course of conduct to harass and intimidate another individual. Angeli purchased a GPS tracking device and placed it on the victim’s car. Angeli would receive location notifications on his electronic devices and proceeded to show up at places where the victim was or had been, including restaurants and retail stores. After a Protection From Abuse Order (PFA) was granted, Angeli continued his harassment and intimidation of the victim.
Judge Mannion also ordered Angeli to surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service this morning at 10:00 a.m.
This case was investigated by the Moosic Police Department, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
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Stroudsburg Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Daniel Palmitessa, age 33, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on November 20, 2018, by a federal grand jury on child pornography charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Palmitessa produced and possessed images of child pornography and attempted to entice two minors to engage in sexual activity.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Mountaintop Woman Charged with Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Sierra Benninger, age 24, of Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, was indicted on November 13, 2018, by a federal grand jury for making false statements when purchasing a firearm.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that on January 30, 2018, Benninger provided false statements to purchase a Taurus 9mm handgun, which she was prohibited from possessing as a person who used and was addicted to a controlled substance.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Luzerne County Man Indicted for Unlawfully Importing Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Joseph Waschko, age 37, of Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 20, 2018, for unlawfully importing controlled substances.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Waschko is charged with three counts of unlawfully importing Tramadol, which is a Schedule IV controlled substance, from India, Germany, Singapore, and Switzerland to Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The indictment alleges that the offenses occurred on or about June 15, 2015, June 14, 2016, and June 30, 2016.
The charges against Waschko resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each charge is five years’ imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Dominican National Sentenced to over 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Luis Beato-Hererra, age 29, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 130 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release on November 20, 2018, by Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine hydrochloride, and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Beato-Hererra pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin (which is the equivalent to approximately 40,000 to 50,000 individuals doses of heroin) and five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride, and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The charges stem from an investigation in which the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents intercepted packages sent from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to the United States between June and October 2014. The packages contained kilogram quantities of heroin and cocaine hydrochloride concealed inside xbox consoles, air filters, and projectors. The conspiracy spanned from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
Beato-Hererra was charged in July 2015 with ten other individuals. All of his co-defendants have been sentenced:
- Christian Rivera-Rios was sentenced to 181 months’ imprisonment;
- Glauco Kelvin Celedonio-Smith was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment;
- Yefries Guillen-Herrera was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment;
- Felix Rodriguez-Pabon was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment;
- Nelson Martinez was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment;
- Wilson Herrera was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment;
- Wilfreddy Perez was sentenced to 35 months’ imprisonment;
- Jose Pena-Herrera was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day imprisonment;
- Lional Martinez-Osoria was sentenced to 68 months’ imprisonment; and
- Joshua De La Cruz was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by HSI, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Berks County District Attorney’s Office Detective Unit and the U.S. Customs & Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daryl F. Bloom prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case also was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Connecticut Man Sentenced to 60 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Adonis Smith, age 39, of New London, Connecticut, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release on November 20, 2018, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for conspiring to distribute heroin, crack cocaine, and fentanyl.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Smith pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances in Pennsylvania between approximately February 2016 through June 2016. Smith admitted to working as a drug dealer and in the conspiracy, and to trafficking in excess of 15 grams of crack cocaine and in excess of 40 grams of heroin (which is the equivalent of 1,600 potentially fatal doses of heroin).
Smith was charged in June 2017 with 14 other individuals. All of his co-defendants have pleaded guilty, with eight others having already been sentenced:
- Kassandra Martin of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- Joshua Lenchick of Luzerne, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- Kristyna Shotwell of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment;
- Tanay Jones of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to a time served sentence of 19 days’ imprisonment;
- William Waring of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
- John Maybank of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 53 months’ imprisonment;
- Siobhan Daniels, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment; and
- Luis Nevarez, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and by the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case also was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Thompsontown Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Disabled Veteran of $316,360Read the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Ehrhart, age 48, of Thompsontown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for defrauding a disabled Veteran, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA), and the Social Security Administration (SSA) out of $316,360.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Jason Ehrhart was charged by way of a criminal information on October 29, 2018, with one count of health care fraud. Jason’s former wife, Laurie Ehrhart, age 48, of Newport, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 24, 2018, with one count of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The charges against the couple relate to their misappropriation of a veteran’s disability benefits.
In 1985 while serving in the U.S. Army, a veteran who was a former resident of Perry County, Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In 1998 the veteran began receiving disability benefits from the (VA and in 2006 began receiving disability benefits from the SSA. The veteran was eventually hospitalized on a permanent basis at the VA hospital in Lebanon, Pennsylvania in November of 2004.
In August of 2006, the veteran was deemed by the VA to be incompetent to handle his own financial affairs. As a result, on October 2, 2006, Jason Ehrhart applied to serve as the veteran’s VA Fiduciary and Legal Custodian. Under the terms of a Fiduciary Agreement, Jason Ehrhart agreed to use all of the veteran’s VA disability benefits exclusively for the veteran’s benefit. The agreement warned him that the funds were not for his personal use. The Fiduciary Agreement also required Jason Ehrhart to submit an annual accounting to the VA with respect to the amount of money spent on the veteran’s behalf.
While Jason Ehrhart served as the veteran’s VA Fiduciary and Legal Custodian, all of the veteran’s VA benefits, plus most of his Social Security disability checks, were deposited into a checking account Jason opened at The Orrstown Bank. Altogether, $476,260 in federal benefits ($422,828 in VA disability, $48,187 in Social Security disability, and $5,244 in VA clothing allowance) were deposited into the account between January 2009 and August 2016.
According to Jason Ehrhart’s criminal information and Laurie Ehrhart’s indictment, at least $316,360 of the $476,260 was misappropriated by Jason and Laurie Ehrhart and converted to their own use between October 2006 and August 2016. Checks totaling $218,832 ($96,202 payable to Jason Ehrhart and $122,630 payable to Laurie Ehrhart), were drawn against the account. Of the $218,832, $157,742 was deposited into Jason and Laurie Ehrhart’s joint checking account at the Juniata Valley Bank (JVB) and at least $23,496 was converted to cash. Thereafter, the funds in the joint JVB account were employed by Jason and Laurie Ehrhart to pay their personal expenses.
Another $7,174 in checks were made payable to Jason and Laurie Ehrhart’s two minor children. According to the charges Jason Ehrhart instructed the children to take the checks to the bank, cash them, and to surrender the cash to him.
Another $19,890 in checks were made payable to another couple who were Jason and Laurie Ehrhart’s best friends. According to the charges Jason Ehrhart regularly treated the couple and their children to dinners out and at least two, all-expense paid vacations to Disney World in Florida, purchased two automobiles for the family, and paid for the wife’s dental work.
To conceal his embezzlements, Jason Ehrhart submitted eight false annual accountings to the VA in which he falsely claimed he spent $402,408 on the veteran’s behalf between October 2006 and October 2015. The itemized expenditures in the accountings were grossly inflated. For example, Jason Ehrhart claimed he paid the mortgage on the veteran’s residence ($1,631 per month) plus the veteran’s share of the mortgage on his mother’s residence ($881) after she died in May 2011. However, the lenders against both properties obtained judgments and they were eventually foreclosed and sold.
Jason Ehrhart also falsely claimed in the annual accountings that he spent thousands on miscellaneous expenditures for the veteran, including storage unit rentals, vehicle maintenance bills, state and local taxes, life and auto insurance, and credit card bills. However, in 2016 the veteran’s specially equipped wheelchair van, for which Jason Ehrhart claimed he spent approximately $32,395 for vehicle maintenance, was found broken down and abandoned along a Perry County roadside.
The veteran died at the Lebanon VA Medical Center on July 30, 2018.
Jason Ehrhart agreed to make full restitution of the monies owed to the veteran’s estate. No date was set by Chief Judge Conner for Jason Ehrhart’s sentencing pending preparation of a presentence report. Laurie Ehrhart is currently scheduled for trial on January 8, 2019.
The Department of Veteran Affairs, the Office of Inspector General, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Atlanta Business Owner Pleads Guilty in $5.7 Million Rite Aid Vendor Kick-Back SchemeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG –The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Larry D. Nuckols, age 69, of Valdosta, Georgia, co-owner of Nuvision, Inc., an Atlanta, Georgia based company, pleaded guilty today before United States District Court Judge John E. Jones, III, to vendor kick-back charges that defrauded Rite Aid, Inc. out of $5.7 million.
According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, Nuckols was charged in a criminal information filed on September 20, 2018, with one count of wire fraud. The Information alleged that Nuckols engaged in a kick-back scheme with James W. Pilsner, age 60, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a former Vice President for Advertising for Rite Aid, and Vance Taylor, age 71, of Acworth, Georgia, co-owner of Nuvision, Inc., between 1995 and August 2017.
Nuckols and Taylor entered into an agreement with Pilsner whereby Pilsner would approve Nuvision’s invoices, some of which were false and inflated, for payment. In exchange, Nuckols and Taylor would “kick-back” a significant portion of Rite Aid’s payments to Pilsner.
Between 2001 and August of 2017, Rite Aid paid Nuvision approximately $45.3 million dollars. Pilsner received no less than $5,124,862 in kick-backs over that time period, with another $634,300 paid to other Rite Aid employees designated by Pilsner, bringing the total loss to Rite Aid to $5,759,162.
Nuckols tendered restitution to Rite Aid in the amount of $1,919,720 at the time he entered his guilty plea. Nuckols also agreed to forfeit a $1.3 million yacht seized by the government and his interests in nine parcels of real estate located in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Costa Rico to the government.
James Pilsner pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax evasion charges on October 1, 2018, before Judge Jones. Pilsner was charged with Income Tax Evasion for tax year 2013. The Information alleged that in March 2014, Pilsner filed an income tax return that did not report his receipt of $411,500 in kick-back money during 2013, thereby avoiding approximately $157,648, in federal income taxes. The Information sought the forfeiture of Pilsner’s interests in $5,743,162 and his Harrisburg residence. Pilsner paid $300,000 towards his tax restitution obligation of approximately $592,000 for the period 2013-2017 at the time he entered his guilty plea. Pilsner also agreed to pay the balance owed to the IRS by the time of his sentencing.
Vance Taylor was indicted on 40 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering on September 19, 2018. His indictment seeks the forfeiture of $1,239,058 in U.S. Currency, eight cash/investment accounts, 73 tracts of real estate in Georgia, Florida and Alabama, and Taylor’s half interest in the $1.3 million yacht. Taylor is currently awaiting trial scheduled for February 5, 2019.
The case is being investigated by the Harrisburg Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for mail fraud and wire fraud is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for unlawful monetary transactions is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Wilkes-Barre Man Indicted for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jarrett Edmonds, also known as “Lollipop” and “Dollar,” age 36, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted on November 13, 2018, by a federal grand jury for possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. The case was unsealed following Edmonds’ arrest.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Edmonds possessed with the intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine on July 7, 2017, in Luzerne County.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Wilkes-Barre Police. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Scranton Man Charged with Producing and Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Lawrence Stone, age 63, of Scranton, was indicted on November 13, 2018, by a federal grand jury on charges of production and transportation of child pornography. The case was unsealed following Stone’s arrest.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the grand jury alleges that Stone committed the production of child pornography offense between 2010 and 2014, and committed the transportation of child pornography offense on September 3, 2018, in Lackawanna County. The indictment alleges that Stone persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, and later transported child pornography by using a means and facility of interstate commerce.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Scranton Police. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The maximum penalty under federal law for the production of child pornography charge is 30 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for the transportation of child pornography charge is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment for the production of child pornography charge, and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment for the transportation of child pornography charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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40 Year Sentence Imposed by Federal Judge in Child Exploitation CaseRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that today the Honorable Christopher C. Conner sentenced Mason David Powell, age 30, a resident of Biglerville, Pennsylvania to 40 years in federal prison following a three hour sentencing hearing.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, officers from the Cumberland Township Police Department initially arrested Powell in Biglerville, PA on October 17, 2015. This arrest followed a concerned parent’s report to the local police that Powell was inappropriately chatting with her minor son. With consent from this parent to assume the minor’s online identity, law enforcement set up a meeting with Powell, who continued to believe he chatted with a minor. Powell arrived at the arranged location to meet the 13 year-old he had been chatting with online and brought two other minors with him. Officers greeted Powell and took him into custody at that time. The Adams County District Attorney’s Office charged Powell with child exploitation offenses relating to a number of minors.
During the investigation, the FBI and the local authorities located online messages Powell exchanged with several minors soliciting naked images of their genitals or attempting to coerce the minors to meet with Powell to engage in sex acts. Powell confessed to soliciting at least 20 minors in this manner. Law enforcement also discovered over 1,000 images of commercially downloaded child pornography of minors as young as infants on Powell’s phone.
On October 28, 2016, Powell pleaded guilty to all counts of the federal indictment and admitted to both producing and possessing images of child pornography that were found on Powell’s phone and in the online chats. In addition, Powell also pleaded guilty to attempting to coerce a minor victim to engage in sexual activity with him.
Before the Court imposed the 40 year sentence, the defense offered testimony from defense expert Dr. Frank Dattilio, a psychologist. Dr. Dattilio opined Powell is predatory, manipulative and on the high end of moderate risk to reoffend without treatment based on Powell’s abuse of numerous minors in the local Adams County community and his collection of pornographic images of prepubescent children from the internet.
Chief Judge Conner rejected the defense’s request to impose only the mandatory minimum of 15 years, stating Powell is “clearly a sexual predator” and a “serious danger to the community” and imposed a 40 year sentence, to be followed by lifetime supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Adams County District Attorney’s Office and the Cumberland Township Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Seven Previously Deported Aliens Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that seven previously deported aliens were indicted separately on November 14, 2018, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States. These matters arose in counties throughout the District including Cumberland, Dauphin, Lackawanna, and York.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Esterlindo Torres-Varela, age 34, of Honduras, was previously deported from the United States to Honduras in January 2016. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after January 2016, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Under federal law, Torres-Varela faces a maximum penalty of twenty years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Manuel Rodriguez-Martinez, age 30, of Honduras, was previously deported from the United States to Honduras in August 2011. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after August 2011, and was found in the United States in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Miguel Morales-Ayala, age 28, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in June 2016. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after June 2016, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Rigoberto Balbuena-Guzman, age 46, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2012. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2012, and was found in the United States in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Maximiliano Santiz-Jimenez, age 32, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in March 2010. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after March 2010, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Constantino Pascual-Velasco, age 37, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in November 2014. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after November 2014, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Victor Vazquez-Beristain, age 46, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in June 2011. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after June 2011, and was found in the United States in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Under federal law, Rodriguez-Martinez, Morales-Ayala, Balbuena-Guzman, Santiz-Jimenez, Pascual-Velasco, and Vazquez-Beristain face a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
These cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the cases.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Monroe County Man Guilty of Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that Emmanuel Delcastillo, age 26, of Tobyhanna, pleaded guilty on November 14, 2018, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick to distributing heroin in July 2014.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Delcastillo admitted to distributing 100 bags of heroin to a confidential informant on July 1, 2014, in Tobyhanna.
Judge Mehalchick ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
Delcastillo was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2014, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Pocono Mountain Regional Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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VWR International, LLC Agrees to Settlement of Federal Civil MatterRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that VWR International, LLC, a global laboratory supplier and distributor of chemicals, has agreed to pay the United States $430,194.25 to settle allegations from a self-disclosure by VWR to the Department of Navy.
According to the voluntary disclosure and the investigation that followed, from October 1, 2011, through March 16, 2015, VWR, which acquired VWR Chemicals, LLC, formerly Anachemia chemicals, LLC, allegedly failed to disclose that Anachemia was no longer a small business in contracts awarded and paid by the Naval Supply Weapons Systems Support (NSWSS), Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. VWR has since taken corrective action. This settlement resolves the matter without the filing of litigation.
This case was investigated by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service of the NSWSS. This matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Swauger for the United States Attorney’s Office.
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Swiftwater Man Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that James Famularo, age 61, of Swiftwater, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information with tax evasion.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the information alleges that Famularo failed to report a total of $646,663.40 in income between tax years 2012 ($197,611.60), 2013 ($153,745.10), 2014 ($145,510.20), and 2015 ($149,796.50). Famularo, who was then a resident of Pocono Summit, Pennsylvania, allegedly filed false Form 1040 Individual Income Tax Returns for each of those tax years.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.
Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Monroe County Man Charged with Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Two DeathsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that a Grand Jury in Scranton returned a two-count Indictment yesterday charging a Monroe County man with drug distribution resulting in the death of two individuals.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the Indictment alleges that on or about August 10, 2018, to on or about August 12, 2018, Vincent John Ingino, age 27, of East Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, knowingly and intentionally distributed and possessed with intent to distribute controlled substances that included a mixture of acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl and heroin, causing the deaths of two individuals.
The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Scranton, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Detectives from the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Mexican National Sentenced to 6 Months Imprisonment for Passport FraudRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Leticia Corona-Salazar, age 40, of Tlaxcala, Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge James M. Munley to a time-served sentence of approximately 6 months imprisonment for committing passport fraud.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Corona-Salazar submitted a fraudulent application for a United States passport in May 2008. In the ultimately unsuccessful application, Corona-Salazar used a United States citizen’s identity as her own. Corona-Salazar was deported before charges were filed in 2015, but identified and re-arrested in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, in May 2018, having re-entered the United States at an unknown time and place.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief William S. Houser and by Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.
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Lackawanna County Woman Found Guilty of Drug Distribution Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that Holly Kaszuba, age 45, of Dickson City, was found guilty of unlawfully distributing a controlled substance resulting in the death of another person after a five-day trial before Senior U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, jurors deliberated for approximately two hours before rendering the guilty verdict against Kaszuba for the December 13, 2015 death of Christopher Graff, age 30, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania.
Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented the testimony of Dr. Gary Ross, Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Coyer, Forensic Toxicologist, and Dr. Stacey Hail, an expert in Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology. All three opined that fentanyl laced heroin caused the death of Christopher Graff. Additional testimony was provided by Dunmore Police Detectives and other individuals related to the investigation who testified that Kaszuba arranged and facilitated the distribution of the fentanyl laced heroin to Christopher Graff that ultimately caused his death.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration – Scranton Office, the Dunmore and Scranton Police Departments, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, the Lackawanna County Office of Probation/Parole, and the Coroner’s Office of Lackawanna County. Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Daryl Bloom prosecuted the case.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and other opioids. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin and opioid traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The maximum penalty under federal law is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The drug distribution resulting in death charge also carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Statement of U.S. Attorney David J. Freed on Attorney General SessionsRead the Press Release
From the day that Jeff Sessions took office as Attorney General of the United States, he motivated law enforcement professionals at all levels to recommit to the highest ideals of community protection, public service and respect for the rule of law. AG Sessions made crystal clear to anyone who had the honor of working with him that he was leading a department that he loves.
The United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania had the great fortune to host Attorney General Sessions on two visits during his tenure. During those visits Attorney General Sessions made sure to include time in his schedule to meet with members of state and local law enforcement, as well as our employees and federal partners. Attorney General Sessions truly recognized that we accomplish so much more working together. And under his leadership the Department of Justice has reduced violent crime, attacked the heroin and opioid crisis, protected our borders, dismantled transnational criminal organizations and steadfastly upheld the rule of law.
Jeff Sessions is a prosecutor at heart, a respected public servant and a true gentleman. We are proud to have served under his leadership.
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Spring Grove Man Sentenced to over 16 Years’ Imprisonment on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Patrick Bruce Reachard, age 53, a resident of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane to 200 months’ imprisonment in a child pornography case. On June 19, 2018, Reachard pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of children involving the production of child pornography, receipt and distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Reachard took sexually explicit photographs of at least one minor under five years of age and distributed those images online. After completing a forensic examination of Reachard’s electronic devices, investigators discovered Reachard also received numerous images of child pornography from various users. During the investigation, agents and troopers worked cooperatively to identify other individuals involved in this child pornography trading ring in other federal districts. Law enforcement arrested one perpetrator in Kentucky; he pleaded guilty and has been sentenced in federal court on similar charges.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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MoneyGram International Inc. Agrees to Extend Deferred Prosecution Agreement, Forfeits $125 Million in Settlement with Justice Department and Federal Trade CommissionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – MoneyGram International Inc. (MoneyGram), a global money services business headquartered in Dallas, Texas, has agreed to extend its deferred prosecution agreement and forfeit $125 million due to significant weaknesses in MoneyGram’s anti-fraud and anti-money laundering (AML) program resulting in MoneyGram’s breach of its 2012 deferred prosecution agreement (DPA). In addition to the monetary payment and extension of the deferred prosecution agreement, the company must enhance its anti-fraud and AML compliance programs.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney David J. Freed of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Joseph Simons and Postal Inspector-in-Charge Daniel B. Brubaker of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Philadelphia Division made the announcement.
A two-count felony criminal information was filed on Nov. 9, 2012, in the Middle District of Pennsylvania charging MoneyGram with willfully failing to maintain an effective AML program and aiding and abetting wire fraud. The government agreed to defer prosecution on the information for five years provided MoneyGram complied with the DPA. Today’s amendment to the agreement will extend the term of the DPA for 30 months.
According to court documents filed in 2012, MoneyGram was involved in consumer fraud schemes perpetrated by corrupt MoneyGram agents and others. In the fraud scams, which generally targeted the elderly and other vulnerable groups, perpetrators contacted victims in the United States and falsely posed as victim’s relatives in urgent need of money, falsely promised large cash prizes, or promised items for sale over the internet at deeply discounted prices. The perpetrators required the victims to send funds through MoneyGram’s money transfer system.
According to the joint motion filed today to extend and amend the DPA, MoneyGram breached its 2012 DPA. During the course of the DPA, MoneyGram experienced significant weaknesses in its AML and anti-fraud program, inadequately disclosed these weaknesses to the government, and failed to complete all of the DPA’s required enhanced compliance undertakings. As a result of its failures, MoneyGram processed at least $125 million in additional consumer fraud transactions between April 2015 and October 2016.
Today, as a result of MoneyGram’s breach of the DPA, the government filed a motion to extend all the terms of MoneyGram’s DPA and amend and enhance MoneyGram’s compliance requirements pursuant to the DPA. In addition, MoneyGram agreed to forfeit $125 million, which the department intends to return to victims of fraud through the Justice Department’s Victim Compensation Program. Under the terms of the extension, the government has agreed to continue to defer prosecution for a period of 30 months, after which time the government would seek to dismiss charges if MoneyGram has complied with the agreement.
As part of the amendment to and extension of the DPA, MoneyGram has agreed to additional enhanced compliance obligations, including creating policies or procedures:
- to block certain reported fraud receivers and senders from using MoneyGram’s money transfer system within two days of receiving a complaint identifying those individuals;
- to require individuals worldwide to provide government-issued identification to send or receive money transfers;
- to monitor all money transfers originating in the United States in its anti-fraud program; and
- to terminate, discipline, or restrict agents processing a high volume of transactions related to reported fraud receivers and senders.
In a related case, MoneyGram agreed to settle contempt allegations by the FTC filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging that MoneyGram violated its 2009 order with the FTC. The FTC alleges that MoneyGram failed to implement the comprehensive fraud prevention program mandated by the 2009 order, which requires the company to promptly investigate, restrict, suspend, and terminate high-fraud agents. According to the FTC, MoneyGram was aware for years of the high levels of fraud and suspicious activities involving certain agents, including large chain agents, but failed to promptly conduct required reviews or suspend or terminate agents, as required by the 2009 order.
In resolving the FTC allegations, MoneyGram agreed to a monetary judgment of $125 million and to an expanded and modified order that will supersede the Commission’s 2009 order and apply to money transfers worldwide. The modified order requires, among other things, that the company block the money transfers of known fraudsters and provide refunds to fraud victims in circumstances where its agents fail to comply with applicable policies and procedures. In addition, the modified order includes enhanced due diligence, investigative, and disciplinary requirements.
The USPIS and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania have been investigating and prosecuting consumer fraud schemes using MoneyGram’s money transfer system since 2007. To date, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Pennsylvania has charged 37 MoneyGram agent owners for conspiracy, money laundering and fraud-related violations. Twenty-eight of those charged have been convicted.
USPIS’s Philadelphia Division’s Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Office investigated the case. Senior Trial Attorney Margaret A. Moeser of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section’s Bank Integrity Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel of the Middle District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case. The department appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by the FTC in this matter.
Persons who believe they were victims of the fraud scheme should visit the Department of Justice’s victim website at MoneyGramRemission.com or call 844-269-2630 for updates on how to request compensation as a result of this action.
The Victim Compensation Program, operated by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, is composed of a team of experienced professionals, including attorneys, accountants, auditors and claims analysts. In hundreds of cases, the Victim Compensation Program has successfully used its specialized expertise to efficiently convert forfeited assets to victim recoveries.
The Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes complex, multi-district, and international criminal cases involving financial institutions. The Unit’s prosecutions focus on banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
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MoneyGram International Inc. Agrees to Extend Deferred Prosecution Agreement, Forfeits $125 Million in Settlement with Justice Department and Federal Trade CommissionRead the Press Release
MoneyGram International Inc. (MoneyGram), a global money services business headquartered in Dallas, Texas, has agreed to extend its deferred prosecution agreement and forfeit $125 million due to significant weaknesses in MoneyGram’s anti-fraud and anti-money laundering (AML) program resulting in MoneyGram’s breach of its 2012 deferred prosecution agreement (DPA). In addition to the monetary payment and extension of the deferred prosecution agreement, the company must enhance its anti-fraud and AML compliance programs.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney David J. Freed of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Joseph Simons and Postal Inspector-in-Charge Daniel B. Brubaker of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Philadelphia Division made the announcement.
A two-count felony criminal information was filed on Nov. 9, 2012, in the Middle District of Pennsylvania charging MoneyGram with willfully failing to maintain an effective AML program and aiding and abetting wire fraud. The government agreed to defer prosecution on the information for five years provided MoneyGram complied with the DPA. Today’s amendment to the agreement will extend the term of the DPA for 30 months.
According to court documents filed in 2012, MoneyGram was involved in consumer fraud schemes perpetrated by corrupt MoneyGram agents and others. In the fraud scams, which generally targeted the elderly and other vulnerable groups, perpetrators contacted victims in the United States and falsely posed as victim’s relatives in urgent need of money, falsely promised large cash prizes, or promised items for sale over the internet at deeply discounted prices. The perpetrators required the victims to send funds through MoneyGram’s money transfer system.
According to the joint motion filed today to extend and amend the DPA, MoneyGram breached its 2012 DPA. During the course of the DPA, MoneyGram experienced significant weaknesses in its AML and anti-fraud program, inadequately disclosed these weaknesses to the government, and failed to complete all of the DPA’s required enhanced compliance undertakings. As a result of its failures, MoneyGram processed at least $125 million in additional consumer fraud transactions between April 2015 and October 2016.
Today, as a result of MoneyGram’s breach of the DPA, the government filed a motion to extend all the terms of MoneyGram’s DPA and amend and enhance MoneyGram’s compliance requirements pursuant to the DPA. In addition, MoneyGram agreed to forfeit $125 million, which the department intends to return to victims of fraud through the Justice Department’s Victim Compensation Program. Under the terms of the extension, the government has agreed to continue to defer prosecution for a period of 30 months, after which time the government would seek to dismiss charges if MoneyGram has complied with the agreement.
As part of the amendment to and extension of the DPA, MoneyGram has agreed to additional enhanced compliance obligations, including creating policies or procedures:
- to block certain reported fraud receivers and senders from using MoneyGram’s money transfer system within two days of receiving a complaint identifying those individuals;
- to require individuals worldwide to provide government-issued identification to send or receive money transfers;
- to monitor all money transfers originating in the United States in its anti-fraud program; and
- to terminate, discipline, or restrict agents processing a high volume of transactions related to reported fraud receivers and senders.
In a related case, MoneyGram agreed to settle contempt allegations by the FTC filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging that MoneyGram violated its 2009 order with the FTC. The FTC alleges that MoneyGram failed to implement the comprehensive fraud prevention program mandated by the 2009 order, which requires the company to promptly investigate, restrict, suspend, and terminate high-fraud agents. According to the FTC, MoneyGram was aware for years of the high levels of fraud and suspicious activities involving certain agents, including large chain agents, but failed to promptly conduct required reviews or suspend or terminate agents, as required by the 2009 order.
In resolving the FTC allegations, MoneyGram agreed to a monetary judgment of $125 million and to an expanded and modified order that will supersede the Commission’s 2009 order and apply to money transfers worldwide. The modified order requires, among other things, that the company block the money transfers of known perpetrators of fraud schemes and provide refunds to fraud victims in circumstances where its agents fail to comply with applicable policies and procedures. In addition, the modified order includes enhanced due diligence, investigative, and disciplinary requirements.
The USPIS and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania have been investigating and prosecuting consumer fraud schemes using MoneyGram’s money transfer system since 2007. To date, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Pennsylvania has charged 37 MoneyGram agent owners for conspiracy, money laundering and fraud-related violations. Twenty-eight of those charged have been convicted.
USPIS’s Philadelphia Division’s Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Office investigated the case. Senior Trial Attorney Margaret A. Moeser of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section’s Bank Integrity Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel of the Middle District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case. The department appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by the FTC in this matter.
Persons who believe they were victims of the fraud scheme should visit the Department of Justice’s victim website at MoneyGramRemission.com or call 844-269-2630 for updates on how to request compensation as a result of this action.
The Victim Compensation Program, operated by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, is composed of a team of experienced professionals, including attorneys, accountants, auditors and claims analysts. In hundreds of cases, the Victim Compensation Program has successfully used its specialized expertise to efficiently convert forfeited assets to victim recoveries.
The Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes complex, multi-district, and international criminal cases involving financial institutions. The Unit’s prosecutions focus on banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
Scranton Man Sentenced to Five Years’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dickson Gutierrez, age 43, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 6, 2018, by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to serve 50 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release for cocaine trafficking. Gutierrez was also sentenced to serve an additional 10 months in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release by committing the offense.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Gutierrez previously admitted to possessing between 300 and 400 grams of cocaine for further distribution. The charge stems from an investigation, conducted in August 2017, in which police made two purchases of cocaine from Gutierrez and then obtained a search warrant for Gutierrez’s residence and vehicle, both located on Hampton Street in Scranton, and seized additional amounts of cocaine as well as $10,275 in cash. Gutierrez was on court-ordered supervised release at the time of these incidents.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Harrisburg Man Convicted of Firearms Offenses and Three Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Maurice L. Ross, age 35, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was convicted on November 6, 2018, for unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and three armed robberies after a two-day jury trial before United States District Court Judge Yvette Kane.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the jury returned the verdict after approximately two hours of deliberations and convicted Ross of three counts of a felon in possession of a firearm (a Charter Arms .38 caliber revolver), three counts of interference with commerce by threats or violence, and three counts of carrying and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Ross robbed the Brookwood Mart, located in Harrisburg, by gunpoint on three separate occasions on December 8, 17, and 22, 2016. Each time, he stole hundreds of dollars of cash from the store registers. Two of the three times, he also stole dozens of instant lottery tickets.
There was surveillance footage from the robberies, but Ross was heavily hooded and masked, so identification was a significant issue, but Ross cashed some of the stolen lottery tickets the morning after one of the robberies at another convenience store, before the tickets could even be reported stolen. The PA Lottery provided the location, date and time of the cashings, and Harrisburg detectives were able to review in-store surveillance videos at the store where the tickets were cashed. That surveillance footage revealed a license plate that led detectives to Ross’ residence where a search warrant was executed. Detectives found the very distinctive gun Ross used in all three robberies, a shirt tied like a mask, a pair of black boots, a black knit hat and a flat-brimmed hat seen in surveillance footage.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys James T. Clancy and Carl Marchioli prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each of the unlawful possession of firearm charges is 10 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for each of the armed robbery charges is 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for each charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence is life in prison; each of those charges carries a mandatory consecutive 25-year sentence. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Benton Man Charged with Illegal Machinegun PossessionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that John Jacob Hasay, age 21, of Benton, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information with the illegal possession of a machinegun.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the information alleges that Hasay possessed a Glock 19 9mm bearing an auto sear from October 22, 2017 through August 23, 2018. Law enforcement identified Hasay after he posted content in online forums espousing racist, white supremacist, and Nazi ideologies, and threatened to commit a hate crime.
The information also seeks forfeiture of several firearms, ammunition, and firearms components, including:
- Glock 19 9mm bearing an auto sear;
- CAA Model G3, Micro Roni pistol carbine conversion bearing a scope;
- IWI Model MP Uzi bearing a shortened barrel (a semiautomatic firearm that is capable of accepting a large capacity magazine);
- GSG Model 522 bearing a shortened barrel and a Black and Brown optic (a semiautomatic firearm that is capable of accepting a large capacity magazine);
- Charter Arms Model AR-7 Explorer bearing a shortened barrel (a semiautomatic firearm that is capable of accepting a large capacity magazine);
- Mossberg Model 500A bearing a shortened barrel;
- I.O. Inc. Sporter bearing a suppressor (a semiautomatic firearm that is capable of accepting a large capacity magazine); and
- two suppressors.
Hasay has remained in detention since his arrest on August 23, 2018.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Wyoming County Man Charged with Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death and Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that James Eugene Rought, age 30, of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 16, 2018, by a federal grand jury for drug distribution resulting in death and serious bodily injury. The case was unsealed following Rought’s initial appearance.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that on or about August 16, 2018, Rought knowingly and intentionally distributed and possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, causing the death of one person and serious bodily injury to another.
The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Scranton, the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office, and the Wyoming County Detectives. United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute for drug distribution resulting in death is life imprisonment. The maximum penalty for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance is 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Manchester Man Indicted for Impersonating A Deputy U.S. Marshal in Order to Commit Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that John B. Snow, age 26, of Manchester, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 31, 2018, by a federal grand jury on child exploitation charges and the offense of personation of a federal official, specifically a Deputy U.S. Marshal. The indictment was unsealed following Snow’s initial appearance. Snow was temporarily detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for November 16, 2018.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that between January 2017 and April 2017, Snow impersonated a Deputy U.S. Marshal and claimed he was running a training program for the U.S. Marshals Service in the York, Pennsylvania area. The indictment also alleges between February 18 and 24, 2017, Snow used a minor to produce sexually explicit images and between January 2017 and April 2017, coerced a sixteen-year-old minor online to engage in other sex acts.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Northern York County Regional Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith A. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Wisconsin Woman Sentenced to Prison for Role in Monroe County Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that Catherine Abbey, age 34, formerly of Saw Creek, Pennsylvania, who now resides in Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to serve one year in prison for her role in a heroin and cocaine trafficking conspiracy based in Monroe County.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Abbey previously admitted to participating in the drug conspiracy headed by Eddie Pace, which operated in Monroe County between 2012 and 2015. Abbey admitted to obtaining between 80 and 100 grams of heroin (which is equivalent to between 3,000 and 4,000 retail bags of heroin) in Paterson, New Jersey, on several occasions and transporting it to Pace in Monroe County. Pace and others distributed the drugs to customers in the Monroe County area.
Abbey was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2015. All seven members charged in the indictment have entered guilty pleas. Daryl Trent was sentenced to 90 months in prison. Anton Woodson received a 63-month prison sentence. Shawnette Isaac was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Eddie Pace, the leader of the drug ring, and two other co-conspirators are awaiting sentencing.
Judge Munley ordered Abbey to serve three years on supervised release following her prison sentence.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police from Monroe County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Chambersburg Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Sex Trafficking A MinorRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Keanu Davone Martinez, age 22, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 1, 2018, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to 10 years’ imprisonment for transporting a minor for the purposes of committing commercial sex acts.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Martinez and his co-conspirators recruited and transported victims of sex trafficking, girls between the ages of 14 and 24 years old, to engage in commercial sex acts in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Florida, Rhode Island, New York and the District of Columbia. In furtherance of these crimes, Martinez and the others rented hotel rooms and posted advertisements and photographs on backpage.com from July 2012 through January 2015. Martinez, Albert Martinez, Anthony D’Ambrosio and the others would keep the majority of the money made during the course of the prostitution business, and distributed various drugs to the victims, including oxycodone, cocaine hydrochloride and heroin.
On December 5, 2017, Martinez pleaded guilty to transporting a minor for the purposes of committing commercial sex acts. Albert E. “Pipo” Martinez, age 36, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania previously pleaded guilty to all sex trafficking and drug trafficking offenses in the superseding indictment. On March 12, 2018, Chief Judge Conner sentenced Albert Martinez to 180 months’ imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release. Brandon Hill, age 30, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania received a sentence of 37 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to the drug trafficking offense.
A jury in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania convicted Anthony “Tony” D’Ambrosio, age 36, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and Armando Delgado, age 22, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, of various sex trafficking and drug trafficking offenses on December 18, 2017. A sentencing date has not yet been set for these defendants, but they have been detained since the jury returned guilty verdicts.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
If the case involves the sexual exploitation of children, include this: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Schuylkill County Woman Guilty of Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Laverne Schaeffer, age 46, of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on October 30, 2018 before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Schaeffer admitted to conspiring with her husband, Ernest Schaeffer and others to distribute methamphetamine to customers in the Schuylkill County area. Schaeffer committed the offense between July 2016 and May 24, 2017, in Schuylkill County and elsewhere.
Schaeffer was indicted by a grand jury along with three other persons in August 2017. Schaeffer’s husband Ernest previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
As part of a plea agreement, Schaeffer agreed to forfeit dozens of acres of real estate in Schuylkill County—property that Schaeffer and her husband used to store and distribute methamphetamine.
Judge Mariani ordered a presentence report to be completed and sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police from Schuylkill County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 40 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The charge also carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Luzerne County Individuals Convicted of Heroin Trafficking, Firearms, and C-4 Plastic Explosives OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Roberto Torner, age 45, Liza Robles, age 34, both of Freeland, Pennsylvania, and David Alzugaray-Lugones, age 49, of Weatherly, Pennsylvania, were convicted on October 31, 2018, of heroin trafficking, firearms, and stolen military C-4 explosives offenses. The 12-day trial was held before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the jury returned the guilty verdict on all counts charged in the superseding indictment after approximately three hours of deliberation. Torner was convicted of one count each of conspiring to distribute heroin, distributing heroin, conspiring to be a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, possessing stolen explosives, and being a felon in possession of explosives.
Robles was convicted of one count each of conspiring to distribute heroin, distributing heroin, conspiring to have a felon possess firearms and ammunition, and one count of providing firearms and ammunition to a felon. Alzugaray-Lugones was convicted of one count of conspiring to distribute heroin, and one count of distributing heroin.
The evidence presented at trial showed that in June 2015, Torner, Robles, and Alzugaray-Lugones worked together to sell approximately five grams of heroin (which is approximately 200 individual doses of heroin) to a confidential informant. The United States also presented evidence that over the course of nearly a decade, Robles purchased numerous handguns, assault rifles, a shotgun, a rifle, and ammunition that she made available to her fiancé, Torner, who was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition as a three-time convicted felon.
After the defendants were charged in an initial indictment for the heroin trafficking and firearms offenses, Torner was released on pretrial supervision. The evidence at trial showed that while on pretrial supervision, he planted a brick of stolen U.S. military C-4 plastic explosives on one of his rental properties, last inhabited by Alzugaray-Lugones. Law enforcement officials recovered 1.5 lbs. of stolen C-4, which resulted in additional explosives charges being filed against Torner.
The United States forfeited approximately 1,500 rounds of ammunition, and several firearms seized during the investigation. The firearms are:
- Magnum Research 1911U .45acp;
- Hi-Point JHP .45acp;
- Stag Arms STAG-15, .223 cal. (a semiautomatic firearm that is capable of accepting a large capacity magazine);
- Mossberg 500 12-gauge shotgun; and
- Norinco MAC90 (a semiautomatic firearm that is capable of accepting a large capacity magazine); and a
- Tikka T3, 30.06 rifle.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Weatherly Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorneys Phillip Caraballo and Todd Hinkley prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case also was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The combined maximum penalty under federal law for Torner is up to life imprisonment, for Robles up to 20 years of imprisonment, and for Alzugaray up to 20 years of imprisonment. There is also a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Inmate Sentenced to 13 Months’ Imprisonment for Assaulting Correctional OfficerRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Daryl Johnson, age 33, formerly of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on October 30, 2018, by United States District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo to 13 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release for assaulting a federal employee.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Johnson, then serving a sentence for armed robbery, kicked a correctional officer in the face during an altercation at the United States Penitentiary at Canaan in September 2016. The correctional officer suffered minor injuries.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers at USP Canaan. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.
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Huntingdon County Man Sentenced to 70 Year’s Imprisonment for Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jay Eugene Reed, age 58, of Three Springs, Pennsylvania was sentenced on October 30, 2018, by United States District Court Judge Yvette Kane to 70 years’ imprisonment followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for exploitation of minors.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the Pennsylvania State Police initially charged Reed in July 2015 with rape and sexual assault charges relating to a number of minors. During the investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police seized a cell phone, a computer, and other electronic devices belonging to Reed from his residence. On February 2, 2017, Reed pleaded guilty to all counts of the September 2015 federal indictment and admitted to both producing and possessing images of child pornography that were found on several of the seized devices. Reed also pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for the letters he wrote to a minor victim and a family member asking that they not talk about what he had done.
Before the Court imposed the 70-year sentence, the defense offered testimony from defense expert Dr. Joseph Silverman, a psychiatrist. Dr. Silverman opined dementia, sleep apnea or brain dysfunction may have caused Reed to rape and molest the four minor victims when they were between the ages of 9 and 13, photograph their naked genitals approximately 200 times, collect 300 pornographic images of prepubescent children from the internet and then write letters trying to convince the witnesses not to talk about what he did. Judge Kane rejected the defense’s request to impose only the mandatory minimum of 15 years, describing Dr. Silverman’s testimony as “fanciful” and “not based in science.”
Reed also pleaded guilty to three counts of rape in the Court of Common Pleas of Huntingdon County on May 4, 2018. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Huntingdon County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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District Election Officer on Duty for November 2018 ElectionsRead the Press Release
Harrisburg - United States Attorney David J. Freed announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Eric Pfisterer will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election. AUSA Pfisterer has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Freed said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Freed stated that AUSA/DEO Pfisterer will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 717-221-4482.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 215-418-4000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Freed said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
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Harrisburg Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Stolen GunRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Tommy Lee Phillips, age 30, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pled guilty on October 29, 2018, before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson for being a felon in possession of a stolen handgun.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, on October 10, 2017, Harrisburg Police responded to a call of a man with a gun at a Harrisburg bar. When officers responded, they observed Phillips on the street near the bar. After running from police, officers arrested Phillips and found near where he was arrested a stolen .380 caliber handgun. Phillips was previously convicted in federal court for robbery, therefore he was prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
No sentencing date has been scheduled as of yet.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Harrisburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Midstate Man and Woman Charged with Defrauding Disabled Veteran of $316,360Read the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jason Ehrhart, age 48, of Thompsontown, Pennsylvania, and Jason’s former wife, Laurie Ehrhart, age 48, of Newport, Pennsylvania, were charged with defrauding a disabled Veteran, the Veteran’s Administration, and the Social Security Administration out of $316,360.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Jason Ehrhart is charged by way of a criminal information with one count of health care fraud. Jason’s former wife, Laurie Ehrhart, is charged in an indictment with one count of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
According to the charges, a veteran who was a former resident of Perry County, Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis while serving in the U.S. Army in 1985. The veteran later began receiving disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) and was eventually hospitalized on a permanent basis at the VA hospital in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, on November 8, 2004.
On August 8, 2006, the veteran was deemed by the VA to be incompetent to handle his own financial affairs. As a result, on October 2, 2006, Jason Ehrhart successfully applied to serve as the veteran’s VA Fiduciary and Legal Custodian. Under the terms of a Fiduciary Agreement, Jason Ehrhart agreed to use all of the veteran’s VA disability benefits exclusively for the veteran’s benefit. The agreement warned him that the funds were not for his personal use. The Fiduciary Agreement also required Jason Ehrhart to submit an annual accounting to the VA with respect to the amount of money spent on the veteran’s behalf.
The charges allege, however, that between October 2006 and August 2016, Jason Ehrhart and Laurie Ehrhart, who was then Jason’s wife, misspent $316,360 of the veteran’s VA and Social Security disability benefits on themselves.
While Jason Ehrhart served as the veteran’s VA Fiduciary and Legal Custodian, all of the veteran’s VA benefits, plus most of his Social Security disability checks, were deposited into a checking account Jason opened as a legal custodian account in the veteran’s name. Altogether, $476,260 in federal benefits ($422,828 in VA disability, $48,187 in Social Security disability, and $5,244 in VA clothing allowance) were deposited into the account between January 2009 and August 2016.
The charging documents alleged that, at least $316,360 of the $476,260 was misappropriated by Jason and Laurie Ehrhart and converted to their own use. Checks totaling $218,832 ($96,202 payable to Jason Ehrhart and $122,630 payable to Laurie Ehrhart), some of which exceeded $5,000, $6,000 and $7,000, were drawn against the account. Of the $218,832, $157,742 was allegedly deposited into Jason and Laurie Ehrhart’s joint checking account at the Juniata Valley Bank (JVB) and at least $23,496 was converted to cash. Thereafter, it is alleged that the funds in the joint JVB account were employed by Jason and Laurie Ehrhart to pay personal expenses.
The charging documents further allege that another $7,174 in checks were made payable to Jason and Laurie Ehrhart’s two minor children. Jason Ehrhart allegedly instructed the children to take the checks to the bank, cash them, and surrender the cash to him.
Another $19,890 in checks were allegedly made payable to another couple who were Jason and Laurie Ehrhart’s best friends. According to the charges, Jason Ehrhart regularly treated the couple and their children to dinners out and at least two, all-expense paid vacations to Disney World in Florida, purchased two automobiles for the family, and paid for the wife’s dental work.
To conceal his embezzlements, it is alleged that Jason Ehrhart submitted eight false annual accountings to the VA in which he falsely claimed he spent $402,408 on the veteran’s behalf between October 2006 and October 2015. According to the charges, the itemized expenditures in the accountings were grossly inflated. For example, Jason Ehrhart claimed he paid the mortgage on the veteran’s residence ($1,631 per month) plus the veteran’s share of the mortgage on his mother’s residence ($881) after she died in May 2011. However, the lenders against both properties obtained judgments and they were eventually foreclosed and sold.
According to the charges, Jason Ehrhart also falsely claimed in the annual accountings that he spent thousands on miscellaneous expenditures for the veteran, including storage unit rentals, vehicle maintenance bills, state and local taxes, life and auto insurance, and credit card bills. However, in 2016 the veteran’s specially equipped wheelchair van, for which Jason Ehrhart claimed he spent approximately $32,395 for vehicle maintenance, was found broken down and abandoned along a Perry County roadside.
The veteran died at the Lebanon VA Hospital on July 30, 2018.
Laurie Ehrhart was arraigned on the charges before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab this afternoon and released on her own recognizance. No date has yet been set for Jason Ehrhart’s initial appearance on the charges.
The Department of Veteran Affairs, the Office of Inspector General, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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York Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jose David Santiago-Curet, age 22, of York, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearm offenses.
According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Santiago-Curet possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine base, possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possessed a firearm (9mm Ruger) as a previously convicted felon on June 30, 2018, in York County.
The matter was investigated by the York City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former Canadian Moneygram and Western Union Agent Sentenced to 12 Years’ Imprisonment for $4.4 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG –The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lucas Obi, age 53, of Toronto, Canada, a former Western Union and MoneyGram agent, was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment on October 23, 2018, by United States District Court Judge Yvette Kane for defrauding thousands of victims out of approximately $4.4 million via international mass marketing, consumer fraud schemes.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Lucas Obi, A/K/A “Suleman Ajukwusualim, was the owner/operator of a Western Union and a MoneyGram agency, both of which were known as Canada Cash Express, Inc., and located at the same Toronto address. Obi conspired with others between 1999 and 2010 to commit the wire fraud offense and was the leader of a group of fraud complicit MoneyGram and Western Union agents in the greater Toronto area. Obi was the group’s mentor and leader who taught others how to engage in mass marketing fraud and complicit money transfer agent activity. Obi trained the agents on how to process fraud induced money transfers and allowed them to keep a cut, 5% to 10%, for their role in the schemes. Obi also recruited persons to act as money transfer outlet owners on his behalf, gathered fraudulently induced money transfer checks from other fraud complicit agents, and deposited the checks with fictitious name endorsements into his bank accounts. Obi then distributed the fraud proceeds, less his cut, to numerous greater Toronto area fraudsters and money launderers.
The known total dollar loss associated with all fraud reported money transfers paid out at Canada Cash Express and Obi’s other fraud complicit check-pooling agents is $4,482,927. Pursuant to a deferred prosecution agreement with MoneyGram, a $100 million victim restitution fund was established for victims of Obi’s fraud. A $586 million restitution fund is also being established for victims who sent their money via Western Union pursuant to the filed, January 19, 2017, Western Union deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Justice Department.
Judge Kane ordered Obi to pay $2,393,906.34 in restitution to 2,641 Western Union and MoneyGram victims. The restitution was reduced from the total loss amount of $4,482,927 due to monies that were previously paid out by MoneyGram.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Trade Commission, the Toronto Police Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, the Canada Competition Bureau, and the Ministry of Government Services. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs provided assistance with the extradition of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel prosecuted the case.
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Career Offender Sentenced to 25 Years’ in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Hakim Handy, age 35, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 16, 2018, by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann to 25 years’ imprisonment and eight years’ of supervised release for his role in conspiring to distribute heroin and crack cocaine.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Handy conspired to distribute more than 28 grams of crack cocaine and 4.2 grams of heroin (approximately 168 individual doses of heroin) between December 2014 and January 2015, in Lycoming County. Handy was designated a career offender due to three prior felony convictions for drug offenses.
The case was investigated by the Williamsport Police Department, Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office, the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant United States 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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West Hazleton Man Guilty of Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Michael Portanova, age 27, of West Hazleton, pleaded guilty on October 17, 2018, to receiving child pornography before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Portanova admitted that he used his cell phone to receive images and videos of child pornography using a file-sharing network on the internet. Portanova committed the offense between August 2017 and October 30, 2017, in Luzerne County.
Portanova also admitted that he committed the offense after having been convicted of dissemination and possession of child pornography in Luzerne County in 2014.
Judge Munley ordered a presentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for January 17, 2019.
Portanova was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2018, as a result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 40 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Williamsport Man Indicted for Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jason Webb, age 45, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 16, 2018, by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Webb conspired with others to distribute marijuana from December 2017 to October 5, 2018, in Lycoming County.
The case was investigated by the Williamsport Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The penalty under federal law for the offenses is a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a $2,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Inmate Charged with Possession of A WeaponRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Peter Mastin, age 26, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institute at Schuylkill, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that on June 24, 2018, Mastin possessed a seven-inch metal weapon sharpened to a point, commonly known as a “shank.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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