Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Monroe County Man Sentenced to 17 ½ Years in Prison for Heroin and Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jose Velazquez, age 27, was sentenced to 17 ½ years in prison yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy that stretched from Stroudsburg to New York to the state of Maine, and forcing or coercing women into engage in prostitution in northeastern Pennsylvania.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Velazquez, who used the street name “Sev,” previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin (which is approximately equivalent to 4000 retail bags of heroin) and to sex trafficking an adult female between 2012 and 2014, using force and coercion.
Velazquez was originally indicted along with six other people by a federal grand jury in September 2015. In October 2016, Velazquez was charged in a superseding indictment with drug trafficking and sex trafficking crimes.
Velazquez’s conviction and sentence resulted from an investigation into the activities of a street gang known as the Black P-Stones. The superseding indictment alleged that male gang members were “beaten-in” to the gang and female members were “sexed-in” to the gang. The superseding indictment further alleged that members of the Black P-Stones obtained heroin in New York and distributed the heroin in Stroudsburg and locations in the state of Maine. According to the superseding indictment, couriers were used to transport heroin from New York to Maine.
The superseding indictment further alleged that females were “sexed-in” to the gang by being forced to engage in sex with male gang members; recruited and coerced to engage in prostitution; advertised as adult escorts on a website; provided with heroin and other drugs; and placed in various are hotels/motels to work as prostitutes. Male gang members used threats, force, drugs, and intimidation to coerce females to engage in prostitution.
Judge Mannion also ordered the defendant to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Velazquez must also comply with sex offender registration and notification requirements.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Maine State Police, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and local police in Monroe County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Harrisburg Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Claims Against the United StatesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Geraldo Ramos, age 44, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on November 13, 2017, before United States Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson to a two count information charging him with conspiracy to submit false claims and submitting false claims against the United States regarding income tax refunds.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, between 2010 and 2014, Ramos acted as a tax return preparer and filed numerous false and fraudulent tax returns for family and friends claiming $58,659 in refunds they were not entitled to receive. As a result, the IRS paid the conspirators $52,711, which was shared with Ramos. The fraudulent tax returns included
misrepresenting Schedule C income, listing fictitious dependents and manipulating filing status.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Schinnour prosecuted 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 both charges 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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Justice Department Announces Compensation Process for Western Union Fraud Victims with Funds Recovered Through Asset ForfeitureRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division announced today that the United States has begun the remission compensation process to provide recovery for Western Union Company (Western Union) fraud victims from the $586 million civil forfeiture.
As part of agreements with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed earlier this year in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western Union, a global money services business headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, agreed to forfeit $586 million. According to admissions contained in the deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) and the accompanying statement of facts, between 2004 and 2012, Western Union processed hundreds of thousands of transactions for Western Union agents and others involved in an international consumer fraud scheme. As part of the scheme, the perpetrators of fraud schemes contacted victims in the United States and falsely posed as family members in need or promised prizes or job opportunities. Victims were then directed to send money through Western Union to purportedly help their relative or claim their prize. Various Western Union agents were complicit in these fraud schemes, often processing the fraud payments in return for a cut of the fraud proceeds.
Through the remission process, victims of fraud who sent a money transfer through Western Union between Jan. 1, 2004, and Jan. 19, may be eligible for compensation for their losses. The Department of Justice will send petitions for remission to over 500,000 potential victims. These petitions will provide information and instructions regarding making a claim for compensation online or through the mail. Individuals who believe they may be victims but who do not receive a petition may obtain a petition form online at www.WesternUnionRemission.com. The deadline for filing a petition is Feb. 12, 2018.
“Knowing that its agents were involved in fraudulent schemes – and knowing that it had a legal obligation to detect and report this criminal conduct to the authorities – Western Union failed to act, leading to massive victim losses,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Blanco. “Returning forfeited funds to these victims and other victims of crime is one of the Department’s highest priorities. I want to commend our prosecutors, the FTC, and our law enforcement agent partners for their hard work that led to vindicating the rights of these victims.”
“American consumers lost money while Western Union looked the other way,” said Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen of the FTC. “We’re pleased to start the process that will get that money back into consumers’ rightful hands.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has been at the forefront of protecting consumers from fraud schemes for many years,” said Inspector in Charge Daniel B. Brubaker of the United States Postal Inspection Service’s Philadelphia Division. “While enforcing the laws that protect the innocent victims of these crimes, we are honored and take pleasure in returning the proceeds of international mass marketing fraud activity to their rightful owners, the victims, whenever possible. We would like to thank the victims who reported the fraudulent activity and worked with us during the investigation. We would also like to thank our law enforcement and regulatory investigative partners, particularly the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and the FTC for their contributions to this collaborative effort.”
More information regarding the remission process, including eligibility criteria, updates, and frequently asked questions is available at www.WesternUnionRemission.com or by calling (844) 319-2124. Gilardi & Co. LLC is serving as the remission administrator in this matter. Neither Gilardi & Co., LLC nor DOJ will ask for any payment in order to participate in this remission process. For more information on how to protect yourself from fraud, please visit www.consumer.ftc.gov or www.postalinspectors.uspis.gov.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the criminal fraud investigation. The FTC conducted the civil fraud investigation. Since fiscal year 2000, the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, which will oversee the remission process, has successfully used its specialized expertise to return $5.1 billion in forfeited assets to victims of crime.
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Three Luzerne County Residents Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Roberto Torner, age 44 and Liza Robles, age 33, both of Freeland, Pennsylvania, and David Alzugaray-Lugones, age 48, of Weatherly, Pennsylvania, were charged on November 7, 2017, by a federal grand jury with various drug trafficking and firearms offenses in Luzerne County.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Torner, Robles and Lugones-Alzugaray conspired to distribute heroin from June 2, 2015 to June 8, 2015, in Luzerne County. All three individuals also were charged with distributing heroin on June 8, 2015.
Torner and Robles were charged with conspiring, from May 12, 2012 to August 28, 2017, to provide firearms and ammunition to a convicted felon and to possess firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that Robles purchased six firearms from various federal firearms licensees and other unnamed individuals, including two assault rifles, and provided them to Torner, a convicted felon prohibited from purchasing firearms. The indictment also alleges that Torner purchased a shotgun from an unnamed individual.
Robles also was charged with providing firearms and ammunition to Torner, despite knowing of his status as a felon. Torner also was charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Alzugaray-Lugones also was charged with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The indictment seeks forfeiture of $4,000, over 1,500 rounds of ammunition, and various 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 matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
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.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalties under federal law for the most serious narcotics charges are 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalties under federal law for the most serious firearms charges are 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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Simpson Man Charged with Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that John C. Ryall, age 38, of Simpson, Pennsylvania, was indicted on November 7, 2017, by a federal grand jury and charged with armed bank robbery.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Ryall robbed the Honesdale National Bank in Scott Township, Pennsylvania, on October 20, 2017. Ryall obtained $5,255, but was restrained by a bank customer, and taken into custody by the Scott Township Police Department shortly thereafter. Ryall brandished a CO2 BB-gun during the robbery.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and by the Scott Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalties under federal law for the charge is 25 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Harrisburg Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jimmy Jivens, age 42, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on November 8, 2017, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Jivens possessed with the intent to distribute crack cocaine on March 23, 2017, in Harrisburg. The indictment also alleges that Jivens unlawfully possessed two firearms (.357 Ruger revolver and AKS 7.62 rifle) and ammunition as a previously convicted felon and possessed the firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Harrisburg Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
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 a lifetime term of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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California Man Sentenced to Almost 22 Years’ Imprisonment for Coercion of A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stephen Chang, age 29, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Yvette Kane to 262 months’ imprisonment for travel with intent to engage in criminal sexual conduct (3 counts) and coercion of sexual activity from a minor (2 counts).
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Chang began communicating with a minor female when she was only 13 years old. The communications began in August 2014, and continued until the day of his arrest at the Harrisburg International Airport on March 5, 2016. During these conversations, Chang enticed the juvenile to produce and send sexual exploitative images. Chang also traveled from Los Angeles, California to Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania on December 12, 2014, October 1, 2015, and March 4, 2016, to engage in sexual conduct with the minor. On January 29, 2016, police were notified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in a CyberTipline report about Facebook communications between the minor residing in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania and an adult male in California, later identified as Stephen Chang. Law enforcement also learned that Chang engaged in sexual conduct with a second victim in Bakersfield, California.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, the Elizabethtown Police Department, the Northwest Regional Police Department, the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office and the Harrisburg International Airport Police and demonstrates an excellent collaborative investigative effort to remove dangerous sexual predators from the street and protect the communities’ children. Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom 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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Luzerne County Man Guilty of Unlawfully Possessing A Firearm as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Robert Romasiewicz, age 25, of Exeter, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Romasiewicz admitted to possessing a handgun in late July-early August 2017. At the time Romasiewicz possessed the handgun, he had a previous conviction for a federal drug trafficking offense.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
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 10 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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Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced to Seven Years’ Imprisonment on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Shakur Brownstein, age 20, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to a term of 84 months’ imprisonment for brandishing firearms in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on June 27, 2017, Brownstein brandished a Smith & Wesson revolver and a stolen Smithfield semi-automatic handgun during an argument at his apartment in Wilkes-Barre, and while in possession of 1,234 baggies of heroin meant for distribution. Police heard Brownstein state that “I will shoot you,” and upon entering the apartment saw Brownstein with a firearm in each hand pointing the guns at a juvenile male who was attempting to leave the apartment.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Wilkes-Barre Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
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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Hershey Man Pleads Guilty to Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Jay Jackson, age 57, of Hershey, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson to bankruptcy fraud related charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Jackson was charged in an indictment in February 2017 with 12 counts of wire fraud, five counts of bankruptcy fraud, nine counts of false bankruptcy declarations, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Jackson pleaded guilty to all 28 counts of the indictment.
Jackson admitted he defrauded his creditors, the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of PA, and his wife, by filing seven Chapter 13 and 11 bankruptcy petitions, five of which were filed under Jackson’s name and two of which were filed under his wife’s name without her knowledge. The petitions contained false information regarding Jackson’s income, assets, and employment, and were filed in order to postpone multiple Sheriff’s sales of his Hershey residence.
Jackson filed the last two petitions on June 3, 2015, and January 19, 2017, under his wife’s name without her knowledge after the Bankruptcy Court barred Jackson from filing any further petitions for two years on May 28, 2015.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Offices of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of 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.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Bankruptcy fraud and false statements in Bankruptcy matters both carry a five-year statutory maximum. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year consecutive 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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Scranton Man Sentenced to 70 Months’ Imprisonment for $3.5 Million Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy sentenced Brian Reyes, age 30, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to 70 months’ imprisonment for participating in a stolen identity tax refund fraud conspiracy. Reyes pleaded guilty on October 18, 2016, pursuant to a one-count information that charged him with conspiring to defraud the United States with respect to fraudulent tax claims.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Reyes owned and operated Reyes Services LLC, a Scranton, Pennsylvania-based check cashing business. From January 2011 to June 2015, Reyes and his co-conspirators used stolen identities to prepare and file false federal income tax returns, unbeknownst to their victims. Reyes’s co-conspirators obtained the refund checks from those fraudulent returns and provided them to Reyes, who cashed the checks at his business. Reyes kept a portion of each check cashed. The scheme netted $3,655,368 in false claims paid by the U.S. Treasury.
The government seized $48,933 during the course of the investigation. As part of the sentence, Judge Conaboy imposed a restitution obligation on Reyes for the remaining balance of $3,606,435.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorneys William Houser and Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
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Hazleton Man Sentenced to 27 Months’ Imprisonment for Selling Heroin Near SchoolRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Israel Calcano-Garcia, age 46, a citizen of the Dominican Republic who resided in Hazleton at the time of his arrest, was sentenced on November 1, 2017, to 27 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for distributing heroin within a thousand feet of a school.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Calcano-Garcia previously admitted to selling heroin numerous times between January and August 2015, near a school in Hazleton. Calcano-Garcia distributed between 80 and 100 grams of heroin, which is approximately equal to between 3,000 and 4,000 retail bags of heroin.
Judge Mariani also ordered Calcano-Garcia to serve six years on supervised release following his prison sentence. Calcano-Garcia also faces deportation for committing a drug trafficking felony.
Calcano-Garcia was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2015, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hazleton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Superseding Indictment Filed Against Scranton Man in Sex and Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment on October 31, 2017, against Mark Cook, age 39, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, charging him with an additional count of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the second superseding indictment alleges that Cook, who used the street name of “Lucky,” used force or coercion in connection with an additional victim of sex trafficking during December 2015 through January 2016.
The second superseding indictment also contains the original charges of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force and coercion, four other counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, a count of attempted sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, possession with intent to distribute heroin, “molly,” and cocaine, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, attempted witness tampering, and wire fraud.
According to the second superseding indictment, Cook used a website to post advertisements for prostitution, rented hotel rooms in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and elsewhere for prostitution purposes, and used intimidation, threats, physical assaults, and illegal drugs to further the prostitution business.
The charges against Cook resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Scranton Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis P. Sempa and Jenny S. Roberts are prosecuting the case.
The sex trafficking offenses each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of life in prison. The drug charges and attempted witness tampering charge each carry a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The wire fraud charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, and the attempted witness tampering count carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
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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Inmate at Lewisburg Federal Prison Sentenced to an Additional Nine Years in Prison for Assaults on Other InmatesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Kyle Stevens, age 27, formerly of Baltimore, Maryland, and currently a federal inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Lewisburg, was sentenced on October 31, 2017, by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann, to serve an additional 110 months in prison for two separate assaults on other inmates with a homemade weapon.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Stevens previously admitted to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from separate incidents in February 2015 and February 2016 in which Stevens assaulted other inmates with a sharpened piece of metal, commonly known as a “shank.”
Stevens was previously indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2016, on the assault charges. He is presently serving a sentence of 32 years in prison on the charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy resulting in death. That offense occurred in 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland. The sentence which Stevens received yesterday will be served in addition to that sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
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Former State Treasurer Barbara H. Hafer Sentenced to Three Years’ Probation for Making False Statements to Federal Law Enforcement AgentsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Barbara H. Hafer, age 73, former Treasurer of Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 31, 2017, to three years’ probation and a $50,000 fine by U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones, III, for making false statements to federal law enforcement agents in connection with a long-term FBI-IRS investigation of alleged pay-to-play activities involving Pennsylvania State government. Hafer was indicted on July 20, 2016, and pleaded guilty before Judge Jones on June 9, 2017.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Hafer was interviewed by federal law enforcement agents in May 2016, regarding her relationship with Richard W. Ireland, an individual that had financial relationships with businesses that provided asset management services to the Pennsylvania Treasury Department while Hafer served as Treasurer. After leaving office, Hafer operated a consulting firm known as Hafer and Associates, LLC, that entered into a contract with a business associated with Ireland. During Hafer’s interview, she denied receiving any money from Ireland or any businesses he was associated with and denied receiving any help from Ireland or any businesses he was associated with in connection with her operation of Hafer and Associates. During Hafer’s guilty plea hearing, she admitted that she lied to the federal agents during that interview because Ireland helped Hafer’s consulting business by causing $675,000 to be paid to Hafer and Associates between 2005 and 2007, an amount that was a substantial portion of Hafer and Associates’ revenue during that time period.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service. Senior Litigation Counsel Michael A. Consiglio and Assistant United States Attorneys William S. Houser, Phillip J. Caraballo and Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.
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Montgomery County Man Charged with Producing Child Pornography, Online Enticement of A Minor, and Transferring Obscene Material to A MinorRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Omar Santiago-Muniz, age 27, of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 24, 2017, by a federal grand jury on charges of production of child pornography, online enticement of a minor, and providing obscene material to a minor. The case was unsealed today following the arrest of Santiago-Muniz.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Santiago-Muniz committed the offenses between June 2017 and July 21, 2017, in Schuylkill County and elsewhere. The indictment also alleges that Santiago-Muniz used a cell phone and the internet to commit the crimes.
The charges stem from an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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 life 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 10 years’ imprisonment for the online enticement 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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Wilkes-Barre Couple Charged with Bank Fraud and Mail TheftRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Michael Mejia, age 20, and Niskauri DeJesus-Toribio, age 19, both of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiring to commit bank fraud and mail theft. The indictment was returned on August 29, 2017, but remained under seal until the defendants were apprehended on October 18, 2017.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Mejia, and DeJesus-Toribio with conspiring to commit bank fraud between May 11, 2017 and August 23, 2017. The indictment also charges both defendants with mail theft on June 29, 2017. Mejia and DeJesus-Toribio allegedly stole mail from public receptacles in the Luzerne County and Carbon County, Pennsylvania regions, and deposited checks found in the stolen mail into bank accounts under their control. The defendants subsequently withdrew the stolen funds in cash.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalties under federal law for the most serious charges are up to 30 years of 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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Texas Man Charged with Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Justin Wade Lynch, age 44, of Texas, was indicted on October 24, 2017, by a federal grand jury for armed bank robbery. The case was unsealed on October 27, 2017.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Lynch is charged with the October 30, 2012, robbery of Penn Security Bank & Trust in Peckville, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. The indictment alleges Lynch brandished a firearm during the robbery, and stole $12,470.
The case is being investigated by the Blakely Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
Criminal Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 25 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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DEA Prepares for Prescription Drug Takeback DayRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania will join DEA on October 28, 2017, for its 14th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The biannual event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at thousands of collection sites around the country, including here in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
“The death toll from prescription painkillers has tripled in the past decade and the problem is getting worse, said U.S. Attorney Brandler.” “Over 16,000 people die every year from prescription painkiller overdoses – that’s more than the number of overdoses from heroin, cocaine, or any other illegal drug.”
“Disposing of leftover painkillers or other addictive medicines in the house is one of the best ways to prevent a member of your family from becoming a victim of the opioid epidemic,” said Gary Tuggle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Philadelphia Field Division. “More people start down the path of addiction and overdose death with opioid prescription drugs than any other substance. The abuse of these drugs is our nation’s biggest drug problem.”
Last April Americans turned in 450 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 13 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 8.1 million pounds—more than 4,050 tons—of pills. The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.)
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.
Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.
For more information or to locate a collection site near you, go the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day web site at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#collection-locator where you can search by zip code, city, or state.
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Scranton Woman Sentenced for Role in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on October 24, 2017, United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Magdalena Alvarez, age 55, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to six months home confinement for her role in a drug conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brander, Alvarez pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute approximately 30 grams of heroin and 30 grams of cocaine throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania between February and April 2016. This amount of drugs equates to approximately 1,200 personal doses of heroin.
Alvarez was indicted by a grand jury on October 25, 2016, and pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on January 24, 2017.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre Police Departments conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Evan Gotlob and Sean Camoni prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Scranton Man Sentenced to over 12 Years’ Imprisonment for Role in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on October 25, 2017, United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Louis Bracey, age 41, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to 151 months’ imprisonment for his role in a drug conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brander, Bracey pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin and crack cocaine throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania between February and April of 2016.
Bracey was indicted by a grand jury on October 25, 2016, and pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on January 10, 2017.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre Police Departments conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Evan Gotlob and Sean Camoni prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Scranton Man Charged with Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dickson Gutierrez, age 41, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 24, 2017, by a federal grand jury for cocaine trafficking offenses.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Gutierrez with two counts of distributing cocaine on August 18 and 25, 2017, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine on August 31, 2017.
The government is also seeking forfeiture of approximately $10,275 in cash.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is up to 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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Lackawanna County Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Receiving and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Michael J. Costello, age 42, of Archbald, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 25, 2017, by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 12 years in prison for receiving and distributing child pornography in 2014.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Costello previously admitted to using a computer to obtain and trade images of child pornography during January through August 2014. Costello’s computer contained more than 1,100 images and more than 300 videos of child pornography.
Judge Mannion also ordered Costello to serve 10 years on supervised release following his prison sentence, and to pay restitution of $1,100. Costello must also undergo sex offender treatment and comply with sex offender notification and registration requirements.
The charge against Costello resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis P. Sempa and Evan J. Gotlob 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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Bartonsville Man and Hotel Charged with Sex and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Faizal Bhimani, age 41, of Bartonsville, Pennsylvania, and Om Sri Sai, Inc., doing business as a hotel operator in Bartonsville, Pennsylvania, were indicted on October 24, 2017, by a federal grand jury on sex and drug trafficking charges. The case was unsealed yesterday following the arrest of Bhimani.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that from June 2014 to present, Bhimani, the manager of a hotel in Bartonsville, along with Om Sri Sai, Inc., facilitated and profited from drug trafficking and commercial sex induced by force, fraud, and coercion.
The government is also seeking forfeiture of all assets including real property, and the liquor license of the hotel.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Stroud Regional Police Department, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni 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.
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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York Man Sentenced to 50 Years’ Imprisonment for Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Senior Judge Sylvia H. Rambo sentenced Michael Charles Clarke, 44, of York, Pennsylvania, to 600 months’ imprisonment for production, possession and transportation of child pornography, followed by 25 years of supervised release.
According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, this sentencing followed Clarke’s November 15, 2016, guilty plea to each of those charges, which stemmed from his sexual assault of a minor child from 2010 to 2015 on multiple occasions and included recording the abuse. Clarke was arrested by the Southwestern Regional Police Department on September 26, 2015, and charged with rape of a child and associated offenses. When Clarke’s home was searched, multiple computers, hard drives, thumb drives and cds were seized. The FBI forensically examined this evidence and discovered that Clarke had downloaded and saved child pornography images on a number of the devices. Further investigation revealed that in 2010, Clarke made recordings of another minor girl by using hidden cameras and then transported images of that child pornography across state lines, from Iowa to Pennsylvania.
At today’s sentencing proceeding, one of the victims, her mother and her brother presented heartfelt and moving statements to the Court conveying the extensive damage Clarke has caused in their lives. Members from the South Central Pennsylvania chapter of the Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) organization also attended the hearing to support the victim.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Southwestern Regional Police Department. 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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Three 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 three previously deported aliens were indicted separately by a federal grand jury for illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Jesus Prado-Gomez, age 41, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States in June 2014. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after June 2014, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In May 2009, he was convicted in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania of forgery, an offense which subjects him to enhanced penalties in the current case.
Because of Prado-Gomez’s previous conviction, under federal law he faces a maximum penalty of ten years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Rogelio Chavez-Jimenez, age 40, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in June 2011. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after June 2011, and was found in the United States in Perry County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Jose Contreras-Chavez, age 25, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in July 2012. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after July 2012, and was found in the United States in Perry County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Under federal law, Chavez-Jimenez and Contreras-Chavez both 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 Brian G. McDonnell 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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Second York Gang Leader Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that the leader of a gang that has operated for a decade or more in the City of York was sentenced to life in prison for racketeering and drug distribution conspiracies.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane imposed a sentence of life in prison on Marc Hernandez, a/k/a “Marky D,” age 32, who was identified as a leader of the “Southside” street gang as well as a member of the Bloods. When imposing sentence, Judge Kane noted Hernandez’s leadership in the gang that ravaged the community in York for over a decade, causing numerous deaths and many other victims. Judge Kane indicated that Hernandez “was the leader of an organization that destroyed a community,” a group that committed countless drive-by shootings and killings of many individuals including innocent bystanders. Judge Kane also noted that “even from jail, he continued as a leader” in the same group doing the same activities.
At the sentencing, the government presented evidence that Hernandez’s gang related activities continued from his jail cell while he awaited sentencing. Including smuggling drugs and phones into prison and attempting to order the murder of individuals outside of prison. There was also evidence introduced at sentencing that Hernandez had risen to national leadership within his set of the Bloods gang. The government asked for a life sentence and pointed to the evidence that Hernandez continued to sell drugs and participate in violent retaliation while in prison. The government argued to court that it should have no confidence that Hernandez will ever stop his violent, drug trafficking ways, as demonstrated by his ongoing criminal conduct. Judge Kane noted that Hernandez was comparable to his co-defendant, Rolando Cruz, Jr. who was sentenced to life in prison on October 3, 2017.
In November 2015, a jury convicted Hernandez of racketeering and drug trafficking conspiracies after a seven-week trial. It included over 100 witnesses called by the government, including York City Police officers and detectives, federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI and gang members who had previously pleaded guilty and featured the presentation of over 500 exhibits. Among the exhibits were videos of violent incidents involving the Southside Gang, drugs, cash and property seized by police and ATF agents as part of the investigation.
The jury convicted the other 11 men who went to trial with Hernandez.
The gang, labeled by the government as a criminal enterprise, is known as Southside. It operated in southern York, centered in the area of Maple and Duke Streets. There was no formal structure but the participants included senior leaders, drug traffickers engaged in distribution and sales of narcotics, particularly crack cocaine, and “shooters,” individuals who committed acts of violence, including use of firearms on behalf of the gang and to protect its members from other gangs in York. Order was maintained through intimidation and threats and, in some cases, murder. The Southside Gang includes a group of violent drug traffickers, originally affiliated with the “Bloods,” primarily a New York-based national violent street gang.
Violence against a rival York gang, called “Parkway,” allegedly resulted in death or shootings of members of both gangs and innocent bystanders.
ATF, together with the York City Police Department and the York County District Attorney’s Office, began an intensive two-year investigation of Southside in 2012. It culminated in a September 2014 grand jury indictment of 21 individuals.
Eight of the indicted persons, including James Abney, a senior Southside leader, pleaded guilty to the racketeering conspiracy charge prior to the trial, as did seven other individuals included in the September 2014 indictment.
Many individual Southside gang members were investigated and previously prosecuted by York County law enforcement agencies on state charges. The federal prosecution aimed at dismantling the organization by exposing and attacking its continuity and leadership. The federal investigation of gang violence and drug dealing in York is continuing in full cooperation with local police and the York County District Attorney’s Office.
Overall, the jury found seven of the 12 men on trial guilty of racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute drugs, mainly cocaine base (crack) and cocaine, but including heroin in some instances. Two others were found not guilty of the racketeering charge but were found guilty of the drug distribution conspiracy count of the indictment. Three of the defendants were found not guilty of either of the conspiracy counts. The jury found all 12 defendants guilty of possession of illegal drugs with the intent to distribute. Two defendants were also charged and found guilty of, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The principal defendants, specifically the most violent and those in leading roles, were found guilty of the racketeering conspiracy charges.
The individual defendants and the charges on which they were awaiting sentencing or were sentenced:
Rolando Cruz, Jr., “Mico,” age 32; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, drug possession with intent to deliver and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking (2 counts) was sentenced on October 3, 2017, to life in prison.
Douglas Kelly, a/k/a “Killer,” age 39; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver is awaiting sentencing,
Roscoe Villega, a/k/a “P Shawn,” age 43; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver is awaiting sentencing,
Tyree Eatmon, a/k/a “Ree,” age 29; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver is awaiting sentencing,
Maurice Atkinson, a/k/a “Mo,” age 30; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver is awaiting sentencing,
Anthony Sistrunk, a/k/a “Kanye,” age 29; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver is awaiting sentencing,
Eugene Rice, a/k/a “B Mor,” age 29; drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver is awaiting sentencing,
Angel Schueg, a/k/a “Pocko,” age 28; drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver is awaiting sentencing,
Jalik Frederick, a/k/a “Murder Cat,” age 22; drug possession with intent to deliver was sentenced to 33 months in prison on June 5, 2017,
Brandon Orr, a/k/a “B Or,” age 23; drug possession with intent to deliver was sentenced to 34 months in prison on November 10, 2016,
Jabree Williams, a/k/a “Minute,” age 24; drug possession with intent to deliver was sentenced to 60 months in prison on May 15, 2017.
Southside gang members who pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy prior to the trial are and who are awaiting sentencing are:
James Abney, a/k/a “Doocs,” age 31.
Malik Sturdivant, a/k/a “Base,” age 25.
Jahkeem Abney, a/k/a “Foo,” age 27.
Ronald Payton, a/k/a “Ron Ron,” age 25.
Cordaress Rogers, a/k/a “Tank,” age 31.
Marquis Williams, a/k/a “Quis,” age 29.
Jerrod Brown, a/k/a “Boogie,” age 28.
Quintez Hall, a/k/a “Q,” age 25.
Richard Nolden, a/k/a “Rich,” age 27.
The case included the participation and assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police, West York Borough Police Department, Spring Garden Township Police Department, the York County Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio, William Houser, and Joseph Terz prosecuted the case.
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Pittston Man Sentenced to Eight Years’ Imprisonment for Role in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on October 23, 2017, United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Richard Chalmers, age 41, of Pittston, Pennsylvania to 96 months’ imprisonment for his role in a drug conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brander, Chalmers conspired to distribute approximately 60 grams of heroin throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania between February and April of 2016. This amount of drugs equates to approximately 2,400 personal doses of heroin.
Chalmers was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 25, 2016, and pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on January 24, 2017.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Edwardsville Man Convicted of Felon Not to Possess A FirearmRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Victor Santiago-Rivera, age 42, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, was convicted on October 19, 2017, of being a felon in possession of a firearm after a three-day jury trial held before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy Mannion.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, beginning in December 2016, Santiago-Rivera, who has multiple felony convictions in his criminal history, repeatedly requested that an individual obtain a gun for him to use in a robbery of a local jewelry store. That individual was a confidential informant and contacted law enforcement. On January 6, 2017, law enforcement agents monitored the controlled exchange of the firearm to Santiago-Rivera. The jury was unable to come to a unanimous verdict on one count of attempted robbery.
The investigation was conducted by the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kingston Borough Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Jenny P. Roberts and Phillip Caraballo prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
A sentence following a finding or guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable Federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Santiago-Rivera is facing a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum possible penalty of life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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East Stroudsburg Man Indicted on Robbery, Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Nicolaus Harman, age 21, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 24, 2017, by a federal grand jury on robbery, drug trafficking, and firearm charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on April 16, 2017, in Monroe County, Harman, along with others, conspired to rob a heroin dealer for his cash and heroin. During the course of that robbery, Harman allegedly committed and threatened physical violence towards the victim. At the time of the robbery, Harman had previously been convicted of a felony and was not legally permitted to possess a firearm (a Ruger P-85 9mm handgun).
The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stroud Regional Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
This case was further 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.
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 Couple Charged with Renting Room in Their Home for Methamphetamine ProductionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Michael Laurey and Amy Casey, both age 38, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, were indicted on October 17, 2017, by a federal grand jury for renting space at their residence in Wilkes-Barre for the purpose of producing methamphetamine. The indictment was unsealed yesterday following the arrest of the defendants.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, between June 21, 2016 and June 29, 2017, Laurey and Casey rented rooms within their residence to two individuals who were operating a methamphetamine lab. The defendants allegedly allowed the drug manufacturers to live rent free in exchange for methamphetamine being produced within the home.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Kingston Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob 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 defendants are facing a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 maximum fine, and term of supervised release. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former California Deputy Sheriff Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on October 19, 2017, U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane sentenced Christopher Mark Heath, age 38, a former deputy sheriff of the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, California, to 120 months’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 100 kilograms of marijuana, conspiracy to launder drug proceeds and an additional drug trafficking count. After a two-day trial, the jury convicted Heath of these offenses in Harrisburg before Judge Kane on May 11, 2017.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Heath engaged in a conspiracy that trafficked hundreds of pounds of marijuana between Northern California, Florida and York County, Pennsylvania. Heath and his co-defendants, who previously pleaded guilty, participated in a conspiracy that began in approximately September 2014 and continued to January 7, 2016. During this time, Heath was a deputy sheriff in Yuba County, California, assigned as a narcotics investigator but has since resigned. Heath and his co-defendants grew marijuana on property in Oroville, CA, and shipped it through the United States Postal Service to several locations, including post office boxes in York and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as well as to the Hanover area.
In December 2015, Heath and his co-conspirators traveled from California to York County in two vehicles, transporting 89.5 kilograms of marijuana worth just under half a million dollars. Heath’s truck contained the entire quantity of marijuana as well as a loaded Glock firearm and his deputy sheriff’s badge. When Heath and his co-conspirators arrived to deliver the marijuana in York County, they were arrested by the York County Drug Task Force and Penn Township Police Department.
Heath has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals since the entry of the jury verdict. Heath recently pleaded guilty to additional firearms charges in Butte County, California.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the York County Drug Task Force, Penn Township Police Department, the Butte County Sheriff’s Department (California), the United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith A. Taylor and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J. Terz prosecuted the case.
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Virginia Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Hollis Lee Ball, age 44, of Virginia, was indicted on October 18, 2017, by a federal grand jury for sexual exploitation of children and enticement of children.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that between March 5 and 11, 2017, Ball contacted two children in Pennsylvania through an Ipad application known as “Musical.ly.”
This matter was investigated by the Lower Paxton Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Schinnour 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 is 30 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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Six 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 six previously deported aliens were indicted separately on October 18, 2017, by a federal grand jury for illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Gustavo Reyes-Bejarano, age 33, of Honduras, is alleged to have illegally re-entered 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.
Lorenzo Sanchez-Ramos, age 28, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States in September 2013. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after September 2013, and was found in the United States in Franklin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Carlos Pena-Pena, age 39, of Honduras, was previously deported from the United States to Honduras in August 2007. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after August 2007, and was found in the United States in Franklin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Jorge Vazquez-Guzman, age 28, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in July 2013. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after July 2013, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Rodolfo Rueda-Varedo, age 46, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2014. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after April 2014, and was found in the United States in Columbia County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Heriberto Moreno-Vasquez, age 31, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2016. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after April 2016, and was found in the United States in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
These cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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New York Man Convicted of Being A Felon in Possession of A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
WILKES-BARRE - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Tyrone Greene, age 43, formerly of New York City, was convicted on October 17, 2017, of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition after a two-day jury trial held before U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on November 20, 2014, police officers in Hanover Township initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Greene was a passenger. The vehicle was traveling at night without lights. The officers detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and located a bag of marijuana in Greene’s pocket. A subsequent search of Greene, a convicted felon, revealed that he was carrying a fully loaded Beretta pistol.
The investigation was conducted by the Hanover Township Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert J. O’Hara and Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
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.
Tyrone Greene is facing a maximum possible penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment under federal law, 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.
A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
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Hanover Man Sentenced for Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on October 17, 2017, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner sentenced David K. Shaqfeh, age 49, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, to two years’ probation, five months’ home confinement, and a $55,000 fine for witness tampering.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Shaqfeh solicited and encouraged an unidentified witness to give a false statement about supplemental rent payments Shaqfeh received during 2014 and 2015, for a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidized rental property in Levittown, Pennsylvania, to investigators from the HUD Office of Inspector General.
Shaqfeh also agreed to pay $171,831 to settle a False Claims Act violation. In the agreement, the United States alleged that Shaqfeh participated as a landlord in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) and solicited and received unauthorized side payments from a HCVP participant over and above the authorized rent. HCVP is a program whereby the HUD provides rental subsidies for eligible low-income tenants who locate acceptable rental units on the private market.
The settlement agreement resolved allegations that Shaqfeh submitted a request for tenancy approval to HUD for a HCVP tenant, which was not approved because the rent exceeded the maximum initial rent burden under HUD guidelines. Thereafter, Shaqfeh submitted another request for tenancy approval to HUD for the same HCVP participant with a lower rent amount, which was approved by HUD. However, Shaqfeh continued to collect additional side payments from the HCVP participant to make up for the lower lease amount. HUD’s payments to Shaqfeh were contingent upon his certification that he would only charge the amount of rent approved by HUD and not receive additional rent payments from the HCVP participant. Additionally, HUD would not have paid Shaqfeh on two other HUD contracts had it known he was charging an HCVP participant additional rent on another HUD contract. Shaqfeh has paid $171,831 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Kim Douglas Daniel and Melissa Swauger prosecuted the case.
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Cumberland County Man Sentenced to over 17 Years’ Imprisonment for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that United States District Court Judge William W. Caldwell sentenced John Alexander Driscoll, age 61, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, to 210 months’ imprisonment, followed by a 15-year term of supervised release for receiving and distributing images depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Driscoll received and distributed thousands of images depicting the sexual exploitation of children as young as eight-years-old. These images included the sadistic and masochistic abuse of children.
In 1988, Driscoll was convicted of receiving child pornography through the mail. As such, Driscoll was subject to enhanced penalties.
Judge Caldwell also ordered Driscoll to pay $25,314 in restitution, and to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Bloom 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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Centre Hall Man Charged with Scheme to Defraud His Former Employer of $218,000Read the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Patrick Henry Stewart, age 53, of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, was charged on October 16, 2017, in a criminal information with making interstate wire transfers to defraud his former employer, Nittany Valley Paper Mills in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, of approximately $218,098.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information charges that, between June 2014 and March 2016, while employed as the vice president for operations, Stewart fraudulently charged personal goods and services on Nittany Paper Mills credit card accounts and transferred company funds to pay his personal credit card bills. The information alleges that Stewart also fraudulently transferred funds from the Nittany Paper Mills checking account to 529 education accounts for his children, and he arranged off-the books sales of inventory resulting in the direct deposit of funds into his personal accounts. The information also alleges that Stewart made fraudulent adjusting entries in the Nittany Paper Mills internal accounting system to conceal the wire fraud scheme.
Under the terms of a plea agreement filed with the information, Stewart has agreed to plead guilty to the wire fraud offense and pay restitution in an amount to be determined by the sentencing judge.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Prosecution of this matter has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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New Kensington Man Sentenced to 18 Years’ Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brian Keith Robinson, 31, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner on October 12, 2017, to serve 18 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 224.11 grams of heroin, which is the equivalent of 8,964 individual doses of heroin, with a retail value of $89,644 at $10 per bag.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on September 10, 2015, a federal grand jury in Williamsport previously returned a two-count indictment charging Robinson and two other residents of Westmoreland County, Cesare Biagio Palumbi, and Natawsha Durand with conspiracy to distribute 224.11 grams of heroin. During the traffic stop of a rental vehicle on State Route 487 near Interstate 80, Scott Township Police department officers recovered the heroin, along with a digital scale and empty bags used to package heroin for sale.
Palumbi, Durand, and another co-conspirator, Erica O’Neal, who was charged separately pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy charge. Palumbi received a 60-month prison term imposed by Chief Judge Conner on November 2, 2016, and O’Neal is serving a 30-month prison term imposed by U.S. District Judge Malachy E. Mannion on March 20, 2017. Natawsha Durand’s sentencing proceedings are pending.
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.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation together with the Scott Township Police Department, South Centre Township Police, the Columbia County Drug Task Force, and the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel has been assigned to the prosecution of this matter.
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Luzerne County Man Guilty of Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that Cleveland Linder, Jr, 33, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on October 13, 2017 before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, to conspiring to distribute heroin in Luzerne County during February through November 2014.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Linder admitted to conspiring with Shaliek Stroman and others to distribute between 60 and 80 grams of heroin (which is approximately between 2400 and 3200 retail bags of heroin). Linder is one of 11 people charged in the investigation.
Desmond Mercer, the leader of the drug conspiracy, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Shaliek Stroman and Shaquan Murphy, two key associates of Mercer, were each sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for their roles in the conspiracy. Another member of the drug ring, Antuan Jamison, was sentenced to five years in prison.
Judge Munley ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled Linder’s sentencing for January 23, 2018.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and Kingston Police. Assistant U.S. 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.
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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Williamsport Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Unlawful Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Hakim Handy, age 34, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania was indicted on October 12, 2017, by a federal grand jury for conspiring to distribute heroin and crack cocaine, the distribution of heroin, and the unlawful possession of ammunition.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Handy sold heroin on January 9 and 15, 2015, and possessed with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin on January 16, 2017, in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. The indictment also alleges that Handy unlawfully possessed 24 rounds of .44 caliber Remington ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Williamsport Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan VanFleet 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.
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 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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New Jersey Woman Guilty of Participating in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Briani Gomez, age 21, of New Jersey, pleaded guilty on October 12, 2017, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy that stretched from Stroudsburg to New York to the state of Maine.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Gomez admitted to transporting more than 100 grams of heroin (which is equivalent to more than 4,000 retail bags of heroin) to co-conspirators in Maine during 2012 through June 2014.
Judge Mannion ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing for Gomez will be scheduled at a later date.
Gomez was indicted along with three other people by a federal grand jury in October 2016, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Maine State Police, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and local police in Monroe County. Assistant U.S. 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.
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 40 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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Federal Inmate Charged with Possession of A WeaponRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Joshua Mike, Sr., age 25, an inmate at United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg (USP Lewisburg) was indicted on October 12, 2017, by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon in prison.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Mike possessed a homemade sharpened piece of plastic, commonly referred to as a “shank,” on June 16, 2017.
The case was investigated by correctional staff at USP Lewisburg and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan VanFleet 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 defendant is facing a maximum of five years of incarceration and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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The First “Operation Gun Grabber” Defendant Pleads Guilty to Firearms Trafficking in York CountyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kenge Lewis, III, age 24, of York, Pennsylvania, the first of the nine individuals indicted as a result of a joint ATF-York County Drug Task Force operation in York, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on October 11, 2017, before United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Lewis was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 29, 2017, and charged with possessing a .22 caliber I.J.A. & C.WKS revolver loaded with eight Winchester .22 caliber Super X cartridges. United States Magistrate Court Judge Susan E. Schwab arraigned Lewis on April 18, 2017, and determined he should be detained pending trial.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Lewis sold a .22 caliber I.J.A. & C.WKS revolver that was loaded with eight Winchester .22 caliber Super X cartridges on January 23, 2017, in York. Lewis has previously been convicted of a felony offense and is prohibited from possessing firearms.
A sentencing date is not yet scheduled.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the York County Drug Task Force, the York City Police Department, York County Adult Probation Department, and the York County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
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 10 years of imprisonment, and includes a term of supervised release following imprisonment and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Previous Deported Alien Sentenced for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on October 11, 2017, United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Gregorio Marmolejo, age 44, of Mexico, to 13 months’ imprisonment for illegal re-entry into the United States.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Marmolejo pleaded guilty to unlawfully returning to the United States after having been deported to Mexico in 2008. Marmolejo was removed from the country after a 1992 conviction in New York for an attempted sale of cocaine.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.
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Scranton Man Charged with Participating in A $3.5 Million Stolen Identity Refund Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brian Reyes, age 29, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information with one count of conspiring to defraud the government with respect to tax claims.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Reyes owned and operated Reyes Services LLC, a Scranton, Pennsylvania-based check cashing business. From January 2011 to June 2015, Reyes and his co-conspirators used stolen identities to prepare and file false federal income tax returns, unbeknownst to their victims. Reyes’s co-conspirators obtained the income tax refund checks from those fraudulent returns and provided them to Reyes, who cashed the fraudulently obtained checks at his business. Reyes kept a portion of each check cashed as compensation. The scheme netted at least $3,547,642 in false claims paid by the U.S. Treasury.
The government seized $48,933 during the course of the investigation. The government also filed a plea agreement with Reyes to the charges. Reyes was charged on August 9, 2016, and pleaded guilty on October 18, 2016, but the matter remained under seal until today. Reyes is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2017.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys William Houser and Phillip J. Caraballo are 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 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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New York Man Sentenced to over Six Years’ Imprisonment for Role in Attempted Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
Pennsylvania announced that Adrian Smith, age 22, of New York City, was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy, for his role in the attempted sex trafficking of a minor.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Smith previously pleaded guilty to assisting others in maintaining and providing security for two minor females who were attempting to engage in commercial sex activities during August 2016, at a hotel in Scranton.
Smith was charged in a criminal information filed in October 2016.
Judge Conaboy also ordered Smith to serve five years on supervised release following his prison sentence. Smith must also register as a sex offender and comply with sex offender notification and registration requirements.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Scranton Police. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Schuylkill County Man Guilty of Participating in A Heroin and Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Derek Mountz, age 33, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo, to participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and methamphetamine in Schuylkill and Berks Counties.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Mountz admitted to conspiring with others to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin (which is equivalent to more than 4,000 retail bags of heroin) and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine during April through October of 2016.
Mountz was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2017, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Schuylkill County. Assistant U.S. 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.
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 40 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment for the offense. 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 Charged with Unlawfully Possessing A Firearm as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Robert Romasiewicz, age 25, of Exeter, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information on October 6, 2017, with unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that Romasiewicz was in possession of a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun in July-August 2017, in Luzerne County, having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
The charge stems from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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 is 10 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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Seven 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 seven previously deported aliens were indicted separately on October 4, 2017, by a federal grand jury with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Jose Alvarez-Lemus, age 37, of Honduras, was previously deported from the United States to Honduras in June 2008. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after June 2008, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Placido Hernandez-Hernandez, age 47, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in September 1997. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after September 1997, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Sulpicio Bello-Guerrero, age 64, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in December 2008. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after December 2008, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Calixto Roblero-Ortiz, age 34, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2009 and May 2010. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after May 2010, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Sigifredo Sandoval-Arteaga, age 43, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in August 2013. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after August 2013, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Wilmar Renoj-Chan, age 40, of Guatemala, was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala in April 2011. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after April 2011, and was found in the United States in Franklin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Under federal law, Alvarez-Lemus, Hernandez-Hernandez, Bello-Guerrero, Roblero-Ortiz, Sandoval-Arteaga, and Renoj-Chan face a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Luis Saldana-Figueroa, age 33, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico on three occasions, March 2011, September 2013, and January 2014. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after January 2014, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In January 2013, he was convicted in the Middle District of Pennsylvania of illegal reentry by a previously deported alien, an offense which subjects him to enhanced penalties in the current case.
Because of Saldana-Figueroa’s previous conviction, under federal law he faces a maximum penalty of ten 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 Brian G. McDonnell 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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