Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Six Charged in Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Juan Roman-Polanco, age 31, of Avoca, Pennsylvania, Myrna Echevarria-Jiminez, age 44, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Luis Enrique Martinez Ortiz, age 25, Nathaniel Murphy, age 41, both of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and two others were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 28, 2017, on drug trafficking charges. Roman-Polanco was also charged with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. On April 10, 2017, the indictment was unsealed following the arrests of the defendants.
Two of the individuals charged remain at large and are considered fugitives. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Drug Enforcement Administration at 570-496-1020.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, powder cocaine, and cocaine base, or “crack.” Specifically, the indictment alleges that Roman-Polanco is responsible for over one kilogram of heroin, 500 grams of cocaine, and 28 grams of crack; Davalos is responsible for more than 500 grams of cocaine; Echecarria-Jiminez is responsible for over 500 grams of cocaine; Martinez-Ortiz is responsible for more than 100 grams of heroin, 500 grams of cocaine, and 28 grams of crack; and Murphy is responsible for more than one kilogram of heroin. One hundred grams of heroin is the equivalent of approximately 4,000 individual doses of heroin.
The Indictment further charges Roman-Polanco with possession of an AR-15 rifle after a prior felony conviction.
This indictment was the result of a year-long investigation, in part driven by multiple wiretaps, conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Wilkes-Barre Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses, depending on the weight of the drugs charged, is 40 years or 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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Seven Charged in Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jose Ramon De Leon-Pineda, age 33, of West Hazelton, Pennsylvania, Joel Contreras, age 25, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, Alhagie Samba, age 49, Adrian Rivera, age 40, Jerrod Curtis, age 33, Nelson Soto, age 42, all of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and one other person were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 28, 2017, on drug trafficking charges. The indictment was unsealed following the arrests of the defendants.
One of the individuals charged remains at large and is considered a fugitive. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Drug Enforcement Administration at 570-496-1020.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, powder cocaine, and cocaine base, or “crack.” The indictment also alleges that De Leon-Pineda is responsible for over 100 grams of heroin and 28 grams of crack. One hundred grams of heroin is the equivalent of approximately 4,000 individual doses of heroin.
This indictment was the result of a year-long investigation, in part driven by multiple wiretaps, conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. 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 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 40 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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Previously 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 Marcos Osorio Villalba, age 38, of Mexico, was sentenced on April 12, 2017, by United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann, to time served of nine months for illegal re-entry into the United States. Osorio Villalba now faces deportation.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Osorio Villalba was charged with unlawfully returning to the United States after having been deported to Mexico in 2014. Osorio Villalba was removed from the country after a conviction in federal court in Ohio for his involvement in a heroin conspiracy.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.
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Franklin County Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child Pornography Involving an Infant and ToddlerRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Evan Matthew Lawbaugh, age 33, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to production of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Lawbaugh admitted that he sexually assaulted an infant boy and a four-year-old girl and recorded and distributed the videos depicting such assaults. Lawbaugh also possessed thousands of images and hundreds of videos of suspected or previously identified child pornography. Lawbaugh was previously convicted of possession of child pornography on April 8, 2015, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
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.”
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Bloom is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each offense is 50 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Each count carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of 25 years’ imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Additional Charges Filed Against Wilkes-Barre Men in Drug Trafficking Case; New Defendant ChargedRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Edirso De Leon Frias, age 25, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, and Nathaniel Murphy, age 41, Roy Seabrook, age 43, and Ruth Reyes-Maldonado, age 32, all of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury in a superseding indictment on March 28, 2017, on drug trafficking and firearms offenses. On April 10, 2017, the superseding indictment was unsealed following the arrests of the defendants.
The original indictment alleged that De Leon Frias, Murphy, and Seabrook conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the superseding indictment alleges that De Leon Frias, Murphy, Seabrook, and Reyes-Maldonado conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. De Leon Frias was responsible for over one kilogram of heroin and over 500 grams of cocaine. Murphy was responsible for over 100 grams of heroin. One kilogram of heroin is the equivalent of approximately 40,000 individual doses. De Leon Frias is further charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
This indictment was the result of a year-long investigation, in part driven by multiple wiretaps, conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. 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.
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 and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the drug trafficking offenses charged, depending on the drug weights charged, is 40 years or life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for the firearms offense charged 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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Two Previously Deported Aliens Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that two previously deported aliens were indicted separately by a federal grand jury on illegal re-entry charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Juan Carlos Quintanilla-Pineda, age 31, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in March 2007 and November 2012. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after November 2012, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In October 2012, he was convicted in the Middle District of Pennsylvania of illegal re-entry, an offense which subjects him to enhanced penalties in the current case.
Because of Quintanilla-Pineda’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.
Rolando Mendez-Velasquez, age 26, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico on June 2008 and February 2009. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after February 2009, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Under federal law, Mendez-Velasquez faces a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
The 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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Two Federal Inmates Indicted on Assault and Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Omar Loya, age 29, and Guillermo Macedo-Cruz, age 37, inmates at the United States Penitentiary at Canaan (USP Canaan), were indicted on April 11, 2017, by a federal grand jury on assault and weapons charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on February 8, 2017, the defendants conspired to assault another inmate at USP Canaan with a dangerous weapon.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalties under federal law for these offenses are 10 years of imprisonment for assault with a dangerous weapon, five years of imprisonment for conspiracy to assault and five years of imprisonment for possession of a weapon by an inmate. Each sentence can include a term of supervised release and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Inmate Indicted for Aggravated Assault of Corrections OfficerRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Ellis Hawkins, age 46, an inmate at United States Penitentiary Canaan, was indicted on April 11, 2017, by a federal grand jury on a charge of aggravated assault of a federal employee.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Hawkins struck a corrections officer in the face with his head during an altercation at the prison in December. The officer suffered substantial injuries.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers at USP Canaan. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Hanover Township Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Caleb Guerrier, age 35, of Hanover Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 11, 2017, by a federal grand jury in a six-count superseding indictment charging multiple counts of crack cocaine trafficking and firearms offenses.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Guerrier was originally indicted by a grand jury in February 2016, for selling crack cocaine to a police informant on two separate occasions. A subsequent search of Guerrier’s residence revealed a cache of weapons and ammunition that included five semi-automatic pistols, three of which had obliterated serial numbers; one sawed-off shotgun, multiple boxes of assorted ammunition; drug paraphernalia and $195 in United States currency.
Guerrier was charged with counts of distributing crack cocaine, being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and possessing firearms with obliterated serial numbers.
The superseding indictment charges Guerrier with additional offenses, including additional counts of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition. The additional charges stem from a search of a storage unit which Guerrier rented in Wilkes-Barre Township in which investigators found more crack cocaine and additional amounts of ammunition.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara 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 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 80 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $3,750,000 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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Franklin County Woman Charged with Embezzlement from Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Women’s ConsortiumRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Colleen A. McQueeney, age 56, of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, was charged on April 11, 2017, in a criminal information with embezzlement from the Women’s Consortium of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that McQueeney, while serving as the statewide Treasurer of the Women’s Consortium, stole approximately $40,000 of the Consortium’s funds through ATM withdrawals and checks between October 2015 and January 2016. McQueeney took steps to conceal her theft by making false reports to the Consortium’s Board.
The United States also filed a plea agreement which is subject to the approval of the Court, wherein it is indicated that McQueeney intends to plead guilty to the charges and make full restitution.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Charitable Organizations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the embezzlement charge is 10 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Dickson City Couple Agree to Pay $34,495.50 to Settle Federal False Claims Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that the United States reached a civil settlement on April 10, 2017, with Peter Novajosky, age 68, and Kathy Novajosky, age 67, doing business as P&K Realty, of Dickson City, PA. The agreement resolves civil claims under the False Claims Act that the Novajoskys made false statements to obtain federal funds through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing assistance program. To resolve the government’s civil claims against them, the Novajoskys have agreed to pay the United States $34,495.50 pursuant to the settlement agreement.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, this settlement agreement resolves allegations that the Novajoskys submitted a form to the Lackawanna County Housing Authority for an approval of tenancy. The housing authority administered federal funds for HUD’s Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) program. Based on the representations made by the Novajoskys, the housing authority approved monthly HAP payments from October 1, 2008 through June 30, 2014. HUD requirements contained in the HAP contract entered into by the Novajoskys expressly precluded renting to a child of a landlord/owner. The Novajoskys did not disclose to the Lackawanna County Housing Authority or to HUD that the tenant was their daughter.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Judge handled the case.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Appeals Court Upholds 70-Month Prison Sentence for Bath Salts DistributorRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that the Third Circuit Court of Appeals today affirmed the 70-month prison sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion on Treiu Thuy Duong, age 38, who supplied approximately 10 kilograms of alpha-pvp—commonly known as “bath salts”—to customers in northeastern Pennsylvania and elsewhere during 2013-2014.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Duong, who resided in Texas at the time of the offense and later moved to Florida, claimed on appeal that her 70-month prison sentence was unreasonable.
Duong previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others from Luzerne County and elsewhere, to distribute alpha-pvp. Duong in her plea acknowledged distributing approximately 10 kilograms of bath salts. Some of Duong’s customers and sub-distributors resided in Luzerne County.
In upholding the sentence, the appeals court reasoned that Judge Mannion appropriately considered the defendant’s personal circumstances and engaged in a “thorough analysis” of all other relevant factors in imposing the sentence.
As part of her sentence, the defendant forfeited to the government her interest in a residence in Texas valued at approximately $300,000, coins valued at more than $260,000, four bank accounts containing over $200,000, two vehicles, over $7,000 in cash, more than $17,000 in uncashed money orders, and two firearms.
More than 12 persons connected to the bath salts distribution operation have pleaded guilty and been sentenced to federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the West Pittston Police. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case and handled the appeal.
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Three Members of Large Lebanon County Drug Trafficking Operation Convicted After Six-Day TrialRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Julio Aviles, Sr., age 48, Michael Millan-Miranda, age 30, both from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and Israel Nazario, age 61 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, all members of a Lebanon County Drug Trafficking Organization, were convicted today of various drug trafficking and firearms offenses. All three defendants were convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram and more of heroin. Julio Aviles Sr. was also convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine and cocaine powder, possession with intent to distribute 100 grams and more of heroin, 28 grams and more of crack cocaine and a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride, three counts of distribution of heroin, distribution of crack and cocaine powder, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and maintaining a premise for the purpose of drug trafficking. Michael Millan-Miranda was also convicted of possession with the intent to distribute heroin and the distribution of heroin. Israel Nazario was also convicted of simple possession of heroin. The six-day trial was held in federal court in Harrisburg before United States District Judge John E. Jones, III. Prior to today, nine other individuals associated with this drug operation were charged and are awaiting sentencing for their roles in the drug trafficking operation.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the two-year investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lebanon County Drug Task Force culminated with the execution of search warrants at 513 Arnold Street and 443 North 6th Street, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, on May 14, 2015. During the search at 513 Arnold Street, law enforcement agents discovered a “heroin mill” where kilogram amounts of heroin were being processed on a weekly basis. The evidence at trial revealed that Julio Aviles, Sr., a previously convicted drug dealer, owned and operated the heroin mill and employed a network of sellers, packagers, brokers and testers to conduct this illegal enterprise. Packagers were paid approximately $500 a week like factory workers to process and package the heroin for later distribution. The testers operated as quality assurance inspectors to ensure the heroin was of sufficient quality. At the time of the searches, law enforcement agents found over 400 grams of heroin, over 85 grams of cocaine powder, and over 71 grams of crack cocaine. A kilogram of heroin, which weighs approximately 2.2 pounds is equivalent to approximately 40,000 to 50,000 individual doses of heroin, any one of which can be fatal depending on its purity and the nature of its other ingredients. In this case the evidence established that the drug trafficking organization was mixing the heroin with Fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone and Lidocaine. Law enforcement agents estimated that this drug operation was distributing heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine for a two-year period and during the last few months was distributing kilogram quantities of heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine powder. The value of the drugs distributed has a conservative street value of between $3 million and $5 million.
Located in the processing room were over 52,000 small Ziploc style bags, 37,000 small glassine bags and over 28,000 rubber bands that are used to package controlled substances. Each rubber band was used to package ten individual bags of heroin, called a bundle.
Law enforcement also located three handguns, ten rifles, six shotguns and paraphernalia consistent with a large-scale drug trafficking operation. During the search at 443 North 6th Street, law enforcement officers located additional quantities of heroin, cocaine powder, and crack cocaine along with drug packaging materials.
Thirteen individuals, all together were charged and are pending sentencing as part of this operation:
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Julio Aviles, Sr., age 48;
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Michael Millan-Miranda, age 30;
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Isrrael Nazario, age 61;
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Julio Aviles, Jr., age 23;
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Leandro Nazario, age 29;
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Carlos Nazario, age 70;
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Suheidy Soto-Concepcion, age 34;
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Eliezer Soto-Concepcion, age 35;
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Brenda Soto, age 34;
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Geidy Arroyo, age 36;
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Kengie Millan-Miranda, age 26;
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Brittany Rivera, age 23;
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Brent Moyer, age 21.
Julio Aviles, Jr., age 23, Brittany Rivera, age 23, Brent Moyer, age 21, Carlos Nazario, Brenda Soto and Geidy Arroyo all pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1,000 grams and more of heroin. On the day of trial, Leandro Nazario, Eliezer Soto-Concepcion and Suheidy Soto-Concepcion all pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1,000 grams and more of heroin, 280 grams and more of cocaine base, or crack cocaine and an unspecified quantity of cocaine hydrochloride or powder cocaine. One charged individual, Kengie Millan-Miranda, remains a fugitive. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Kengie Millan-Miranda, please contact Crime Stoppers at 717-270-9800.
District Attorney David Arnold stated, “I’d like to congratulate the United States Attorney’s Office, First Assistant District Attorney Nichole Eisenhart, DEA, Lebanon County Drug Task Force and all law enforcement for their outstanding work in prosecuting all of these defendants who distributed heroin in Lebanon County. Their efforts to stop the spread of this poison that continues to kill our citizens have been outstanding and I look forward to the continued interagency cooperation to combat drug dealers.”
“No one ever wants a massive, well-structured drug distribution organization in your City. Heroin is killing too many people in Pennsylvania and across this nation. However, I know having a dedicated team from so many law enforcement bodies working together with one common goal, is huge in the effort to combat this crisis. I want to congratulate all those involved in this investigation. This is a good day for law enforcement and a win in the battle against Heroin,” said Chief Todd H. Breiner, Lebanon City Police Department.
“The joint investigation, prosecution, and subsequent conviction of these individuals involved in high-level drug trafficking underscores the importance of cooperative efforts among the law enforcement agencies involved in the case,” said Chief Bruce D. Harris, Cornwall Borough Police Department.
“The dismantling of the Aviles poly-drug trafficking organization was the result of an enormously successful, jointly-conducted criminal investigation and prosecution that once again illuminated the great work being done together by local and federal officials on behalf of the citizens of Central Pennsylvania,” said Jeffrey A. Bielski, Resident Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Lebanon County Drug Task Force, Lebanon County Detective Bureau, Lebanon City Police Department, Cornwall Borough Police Department, and assisted by the Lebanon County Probation Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Nichole Eisenhart who also serves as the First Assistant District Attorney in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania and Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom, Chief of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force 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.
Julio Aviles, Sr. is subject to an enhanced penalty due to his prior drug trafficking conviction and is subject to a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. The maximum penalty under federal law for the remaining defendants is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment and a fine. The conspiracy count also requires a mandatory term of imprisonment of ten years and the possession with intent to distribute count carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of five years. 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 Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution Resulting in Death of Pregnant Woman and Unborn FetusRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Luis Antonio Zayas, age 47, of Hazleton, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on April 10, 2017, before United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to drug distribution resulting in death.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Zayas pleaded guilty to knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute and distributing fentanyl, a Schedule I controlled substance, resulting in the death of another. Zayas was indicted by a grand jury in Scranton in August 2016.
Zayas admitted in court that he sold what he believed to be heroin to the victim on July 6, 2016. In reality, the drug was 100 percent fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid painkiller. The victim, who was 33 weeks pregnant at the time, overdosed and died. Toxicology results showed that both the mother and unborn fetus died from lethal levels of fentanyl in their systems. Zayas arranged the drug deal with the victim via text messages and proclaimed at one point that he had “damm good shit…….good enough to get way higher than intended lol.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Scranton, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski 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 drug delivery charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum of life. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Carbon County Man Sentenced to 16 ½ Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Grant Harris, age 38, formerly of Albrightsville, was sentenced on April 10, 2017, by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to 16 ½ years in prison for producing child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Harris previously pleaded guilty to persuading and enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual image of that conduct. Harris committed the crime between 2008 and 2009, when the victim was eight-years-old. Harris was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2015, shortly after agents and police discovered the child pornography on a computer used by the defendant.
Judge Munley also ordered Harris to serve 15 years on supervised release following his prison sentence. Harris will also be subject to the restrictions and requirements of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
In imposing a sentence above the 15-year mandatory minimum sentence required by law, Judge Munley characterized Harris’ conduct as “monstrous,” and noted the harm inflicted on the victim and the victim’s family.
The investigation was conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Bradford County Man Sentenced to 77 Months’ Imprisonment for Stealing 48 Firearms and Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on April 10, 2017, United States District Judge A. Richard Caputo sentenced Aaron L. Vanderpool, age 35, of Wysox, Pennsylvania, to 77 months’ imprisonment, for stealing 48 firearms and for distributing heroin.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Vanderpool pleaded guilty to burglarizing Fulmer’s Sporting Goods, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Wysox, Pennsylvania, on or about May 24, 2015. Vanderpool admitted to stealing 48 firearms and to conspiring to transport 47 of them to New York, where they were sold and traded for heroin. Only three of the 48 firearms have been recovered by law enforcement. Vanderpool also admitted to distributing heroin on May 8, 2015.
Judge Caputo also ordered Vanderpool to pay $27,383.75 to the victims of his crimes.
Two other individuals have been charged in relation to the Fulmer’s Sporting Goods burglary. Jared Miller was charged in August 2016 and has entered a plea agreement to firearms and heroin trafficking offenses. Luis Mercado was charged in April 2017 and also has entered a plea agreement to firearms and heroin trafficking offenses.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and by the Pennsylvania State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.
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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New York Man Charged with Aiding the Transportation of 47 Stolen Firearms and Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Luis Mercado, age 46, of Queens, New York, was charged on April 6, 2017, in a criminal information with firearms and controlled substance offenses associated with a May 2015, gun store burglary in Bradford County, Pennsylvania.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that Mercado aided and abetted the transport of 47 stolen firearms from Pennsylvania to New York. The firearms were stolen from Fulmer’s Sporting Goods, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Wysox, Pennsylvania, on or about May 24, 2015. The information also charges Mercado with conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 to 400 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to approximately 4,000 to 16,000 doses of heroin, during a three-year period from June 1, 2012 through June 17, 2015.
The government simultaneously filed a plea agreement with Mercado to the alleged charges, which is subject to approval of the court. A date for his arraignment has not been set.
Mercado is the third individual to be charged in relation to the Fulmer’s Sporting Goods burglary. Jared Miller and Aaron Vanderpool were charged in August 2016, with firearms and heroin trafficking offenses. Miller and Vanderpool have pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Richard Caputo and are awaiting sentencing.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police. 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.
This case also was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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 penalties under federal law for the charges are 50 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The heroin conspiracy charge carries a five-year mandatory minimum sentence 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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Centre Hall Woman Sentenced for Conspiring to Manufacture and Sell ExplosivesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on April 5, 2017, United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Christina Woodring, age 35, of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, to two years of probation, including an eight-month term of home confinement, for conspiring to manufacture and distribute explosives.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Christina Woodring pleaded guilty to conspiring with her husband, James Woodring, to purchase and transport commercial grade fireworks, to increase the fireworks’ power and volatility, and to sell them, all without a license to do so. The conspiracy lasted from May 1 through 18, 2016, when an explosion occurred at the couple’s Centre Hall residence.
James Woodring, who is awaiting sentencing, pleaded guilty to one count of manufacturing explosives, and to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. James Woodring was charged with possessing a stolen semi-automatic pistol, a shotgun, a semiautomatic, large-capacity rifle and a rifle. As a previously convicted felon, Woodring is prohibited from possessing the firearms.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Centre Hall Police Department, and the Springettsbury Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
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Philadelphia Man Indicted for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dehaven Pollard, age 36, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for robbing a local restaurant and using a firearm in furtherance of robbery.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Pollard and two unidentified accomplices drove from Philadelphia to Harrisburg to rob the Lancaster Brewing Company on November 12, 2016. The indictment also alleges that Pollard and his accomplices possessed a 32-caliber revolver and a Yugoslavian SKS rifle during, and in relation to, the robbery.
The case was investigated by the Swatara Township Police Department and the FBI Violent Crime Joint Taskforce. Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Schinnour 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 penalty under federal law is up to life 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 Sentenced to 151 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Curtis Waldron, age 41, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 30, 2017, by United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, to 151 months’ imprisonment for drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Waldron distributed heroin, cocaine and marijuana on October 2, 2015, and possessed with the intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine since at least January 2015. Waldron was found to be responsible for possessing 143 grams of heroin for distribution. One hundred forty-three grams of heroin is the equivalent of approximately 6,000 individual doses of heroin.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Harrisburg Police Department, Dauphin County Drug Task Force and the Dauphin County Probation Office. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe 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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Virginia Man Sentenced to 111 Months’ Imprisonment for Armed Robbery of Econo Lodge in ScrantonRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a man from Virginia was sentenced on March 31, 2017, by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to serve 111 months’ imprisonment for the armed robbery of the Econo Lodge in Scranton on February 13, 2016.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Kwa’shon Roane, age 24, of Gloucester, Virginia, previously pleaded guilty to the charges of interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Roane, was one of four individuals, including Rodney Whiting, age 23, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Tracy Whiting, age 24, of Newport News, Virginia, and Kelvin Robinson, age 24, of Newport News, Virginia, who were indicted by a grand jury in March 2016, for the armed robbery of the Econo Lodge.
Previously, Kelvin Robinson and Tracy Whiting were each sentenced to serve seven years’ imprisonment by Judge Mannion for charges related to the incident. Rodney Whiting has also entered a guilty plea and is awaiting sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Scranton Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, the Taylor Borough and Moosic Borough Police Departments, and numerous local law enforcement agencies.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara 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.
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Owner of Lackawanna County School Bus Company Charged in Payroll Tax SchemeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Michael Runco, age 56, of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information with failing to pay the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employment taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks and filing a false personal income tax return omitting substantial personal income in 2010.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Runco operated Runco Transportation, Inc., a business that provided school bus transportation services under contract with Mid Valley School District, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. During 2006 through 2010, Runco Transportation, Inc. employed as many as 12 individuals. While federal employee employment taxes were withheld from employee paychecks, Runco allegedly failed to account for and pay these tax monies over to the IRS on behalf of his employees. Runco also received compensation from his company but failed to report this income on his 2010 personal income tax return. The total tax loss to the IRS is alleged to be approximately $78,578.
The criminal information was filed pursuant to a plea agreement, which is subject to approval by the court. The plea agreement requires Runco to cooperate fully with the IRS, and to pay all taxes owed together with interest and penalties as determined by the court.
The case was investigated by the Scranton Office of the IRS. Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley is prosecuting the case.
Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The combined maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is eight 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 Charged with Three Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Maurice L. Ross, age 34, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on March 29, 2017, by a federal grand jury with unlawful possession of a firearm and three armed robberies.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Ross robbed the Brookwood Mart, located in Harrisburg, by gunpoint on three separate occasions in December 2016. The indictment also alleges Ross was a convicted felon, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm. Ross was also charged with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy 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 and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each of the unlawful possession of firearm charges is 10 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for each of the armed robbery charges is 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for each charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence is life in prison. 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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Edwardsville Man Sentenced to 87 Months’ Imprisonment for Heroin Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on March 28, 2017, United States District Court Judge Robert Mariani sentenced Louis Angel Soto, age 27, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, to 87 months’ imprisonment for possessing with intent to distribute heroin, and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brander, Soto was arrested with heroin, marijuana, and a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol after a search warrant was executed at his home by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Soto was indicted by a grand jury on November 10, 2015, and pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on March 18, 2016. He has been in custody since his arrest.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, working in conjunction with the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob 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.
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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Two Previously Deported Aliens Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that two previously deported aliens were indicted separately on March 29, 2017, by a federal grand jury on illegal re-entry charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Cesar Mauricio Rodriguez-Flores, age 32, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico on five occasions from March 2011 through September 2016. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after September 2016, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania, after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Francisco Ramirez-Zamudio, age 35, of Mexico was previously deported from the United States to Mexico on four occasions from March 2011 through April 2013. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after April 2013, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
The cases were investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell prosecuted the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each defendant is two 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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Great Bend, Pennsylvania Woman Charged in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Joann Palmatier, age 54, of Great Bend, Pennsylvania, was charged by felony criminal information with mail fraud.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that Palmatier was employed as a bookkeeper for a custom machine shop in Great Bend, responsible for managing the company’s finances, including paying vendor bills, taxes and payroll. Palmatier is accused of stealing approximately $95,000 of her employer’s money and, among other things, paying her own bills by mailing company checks to her creditors.
The United States also filed a plea agreement, which is subject to the approval of the Court, wherein it is indicated that Palmatier intends to plead guilty to the charges when she appears in federal court for her arraignment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Franklin County Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Anthony Michael Cobb, age 47, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, was indicted on March 29, 2017, by a federal grand jury with unlawful possession of a firearm and three drug trafficking offenses.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Cobb was allegedly in possession of firearms illegally, and possessed heroin, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine with intent to distribute. The indictment also alleges Cobb was previously convicted of a felony offense, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.
The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Waynesboro Police Department with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case was also 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 and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the unlawful possession of firearm charge is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for each of the drug trafficking charges is 30 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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Former Bank Manager Indicted for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Karen E. Ramm, age 50, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, was indicted on March 29, 2017, by a federal grand jury for bank fraud.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Ramm was a branch manager and loan officer at Commerce Bank (now known as First National Bank of Pennsylvania, successor to Metro Bank) between 2000 and 2010. The indictment alleges that between 2001 and 2007, Ramm defrauded Commerce Bank by using her position to fraudulently originate approximately seven loans totaling $379,900 for a customer she knew personally. It is alleged that each loan contained false information regarding the borrower and it is also alleged that Ramm converted a portion of the loan proceeds to her own benefit.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the financial institution’s security and investigations staff. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the bank fraud charge is 30 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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Canadian Man Convicted of Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Targeting U.S. LawyersRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Henry Okpalefe, age 49, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. The three-day bench trial was held before United States District Court Judge John E. Jones, III.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, between 2008 and 2010, Okpalefe and his co-conspirators stole over $23 million from hundreds of lawyers and law firms in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and nationwide. Under the guise of seeking legal representation, the conspirators contacted attorneys and law firms in the United States using fake email accounts. Once an attorney or law firm agreed to represent the purported client, the conspirators sent bank checks through the mail and instructed them to deposit the money into their IOLTA accounts. From there, the attorneys were provided with wire instructions and they wired their legitimate funds to Asian bank accounts. Before the counterfeit checks were returned as fraudulent, the money had already been withdrawn by co-conspirators in Asia and distributed to conspirators’ bank accounts in Nigeria and Canada. Okpalefe and his co-conspirators operated in Canada, Nigeria, Japan and South Korea.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The Toronto Strategic Partnership and the Toronto Police Service provided integral assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Schinnour and Kim Douglas Daniel.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, Harrisburg Domicile, has reason to believe that this scheme is ongoing. The United States Postal Inspection Service encourages anyone receiving a check in the mail to be vigilant and to work closely with financial institutions to understand when a check has been verified as legitimate, even if funds are immediately made available upon deposit of the check. If you or someone you know has information about this please contact Inspector Rachel R. Heintz at 717-257-2342, 1425 Crooked Hill Road P.O. Box 60035, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17106-0035.
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Additional Bank Robbery Charges for Two Scranton MenRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Christian Gonzalez, age 23, and Anthony Ocasio, age 21, both of Scranton, Pennsylvania, were charged on March 28, 2017, in a superseding indictment by a federal grand jury for multiple counts of bank robbery.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the superseding indictment alleges that Gonzalez and Ocasio committed the following three bank robberies together:
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January 12, 2017, Citizens Savings Bank, Cedar Avenue, Scranton, approximately $2,000 stolen;
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December 27, 2016, NBT Bank, Wyoming Avenue, Kingston, approximately $2,550 stolen; and
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December 22, 2016, Fidelity Bank, Birney Avenue, Moosic (attempt).
Gonzalez alone is charged with the following bank robbery:
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December 5, 2016, NBT Bank, Keyser Avenue, Scranton, approximately $7,000 stolen.
This investigation is ongoing and being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offense is 80 years in prison for Gonzalez, 60 years in prison for Ocasio, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Stroudsburg Man Guilty of Interstate Prostitution and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Thurman Stanley, age 40, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 27, 2017, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, to three counts of transporting women in interstate commerce for purposes of prostitution and one count of trafficking in heroin, “molly,” and crack cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Stanley admitted that between December 2013 and December 2015, he transported at least four women from Pennsylvania to New York, Iowa, and North Dakota for purposes of prostitution, and also provided illegal drugs to them.
Stanley faces up to 50 years in prison and nearly $2 million in fines. Judge Munley ordered a pre-sentence report to be completed. Sentencing is scheduled for June 28, 2017.
Stanley was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2016, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, Monroe County Detectives, and police in Bismarck, North Dakota. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each prostitution offense is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty under federal law for the drug offense is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former Employee of the Luzerne County Correctional Facility Sentenced on Firearms and Extortion ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Louis Elmy, age 53, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 23, 2017, by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to 72 months imprisonment on firearms and extortion charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Elmy pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and extortion in July 2016. Elmy is a former employee of the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, and a former President of the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board.
Between November 2013 and February 2016, Elmy, while acting in his official capacity as the work release counselor at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, extorted money and other items of value from work release inmates in exchange for affording them special privileges and unauthorized furloughs. In order to have documentation that appeared to be legitimate, Elmy created court orders and then physically cut and pasted a Luzerne County Judge’s signature from an older order onto the fraudulent order, and then photocopied the document in order to have a finished product for the file.
The drug trafficking crime involves the possession of and intent to distribute crack cocaine while in possession of a Hi-Point .380 caliber handgun.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Mannion also ordered that Elmy be supervised by a probation officer for two years following his release from prison.
The case was investigated by the Scranton Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski 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.
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Lock Haven Woman Indicted for Embezzling Customer Certificate of DepositRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jolene Edwards, age 38, of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury with bank fraud, embezzlement by a bank employee, and interstate transportation of stolen property.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that while Edwards worked as a customer service representative and assistant branch manager at Jersey Shore State Bank (JSSB), Edwards embezzled and fraudulently converted $52,222 in funds from a customer’s certificate of deposit account. According to the indictment, instead of transferring the funds to a new certificate of deposit account at M&T Bank, Edwards used the funds to pay her credit card bills, repay personal loans, and to make purchases for family members. The scheme to embezzle and fraudulently convert the customer’s funds started in June 2012 and continued through March 2015.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former Utz Quality Foods Vendor Sentenced in $1.4 Million False Invoice & Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jonathan Haas, age 45, of Easton, Pennsylvania, the owner/operator of a former Utz Quality Foods, Inc. supplier, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Yvette Kane to 36 month’s imprisonment for his participation in a false invoice, kickback scheme that defrauded Utz Quality Foods, Inc. (Utz) out of approximately $1.4 million.
Judge Kane ordered Haas to pay $925,146 restitution to Utz and $500,000 restitution to Utz’s insurance carrier, Chubb Insurance, for a total of $1,425,146 in restitution. During the sentencing hearing, Haas submitted a check in the amount of $100,000 towards his restitution obligations.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Haas, the former owner of Haas Packaging and Design, Inc. in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Kevin Myers, age 38, formerly of Abbottstown, Pennsylvania, and the former Director of Purchasing for Utz, pleaded guilty in July 2016, to an information charging them with wire fraud.
Haas Packaging & Design supplied Utz with shelving and packaging products. The defendants defrauded Utz between January 2010 and August 2014, by Myers’ preparation of approximately 43 bogus purchase orders and ’ submission of approximately 83 false invoices for products Utz never received. After Myers approved ’ false invoices for payment, Haas would kick back a portion of the proceeds to Myers. According to a forensic audit commission by Utz, received approximately $1,425,765 from Utz and from that amount Haas paid Myers approximately $523,500.
Haas and Myers attempted to conceal some of the kickbacks Haas paid Myers as payments for fictional consulting services. The payments were made in the form of checks payable to “Myers Packaging Consulting,” a non-existent, paper company created by Myers.
Judge Kane sentenced Myers to 51 months’ imprisonment in November 2016. Judge Kane ordered Haas to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence on May 23, 2017.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Utz Quality Foods, Inc. cooperated with the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel prosecuted the case.
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Windsor Woman Charged with Mail and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brenda Hilton, age 59, of Windsor, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on mail and wire fraud charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Hilton worked as a claims specialist responsible for managing and authorizing payments relating to workers’ compensation claims at an insurance company that provides commercial property-casualty insurance to companies throughout North America. The indictment alleges that in 2012, Hilton submitted three fraudulent claims of approximately $27,728 for processing. The fraudulent claims that Hilton submitted directed all payments be sent to Hilton’s home address. Two of the three checks were deposited into Hilton’s personal bank account.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Schinnour 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 for each count under federal law is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Steelton Man Indicted on Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Johnnie Spriggs, age 29, of Steelton, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to possess and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on November 12, 2015, a Rossie Arms, .357 caliber Magnum revolver handgun and over 100 grams of heroin were found in Spriggs’ Steelton residence. One hundred grams of heroin is the equivalent of approximately 4,000 individual doses of heroin.
The case was investigated by the Steelton Borough Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case was also 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.
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 up to 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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Previously Deported Alien Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Isidro Aguilar-Mendoza, age 43, of Mexico, was indicted 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, Aguilar-Mendoza was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in March 2004, December 2009, and May 2009. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after December 2009, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In 2009, he was convicted in the Southern District of Texas of illegal re-entry, an offense which subjects him to enhanced penalties in the current case.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell 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.
Because of Aguilar-Mendoza’s previous conviction, under federal law he faces a maximum penalty of 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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Jamaican Man Indicted on “Sweepstakes Fraud” Charges Targeting Senior CitizensRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Tackya Whyte, age 41, a Jamaican citizen residing in Richmond, Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury on conspiracy, mail fraud, and money laundering charges.
Whyte was arrested on February 6, 2017, in Richmond and ordered detained by United States Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab following a February 14, 2017, preliminary hearing in Harrisburg.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Whyte and unidentified fraudsters perpetrated a scheme to defraud senior citizens that were falsely told they had won a multi-million-dollar international sweepstakes prize. The indictment further alleges that the purported winners were directed to send Western Union and MoneyGram money transfers and money orders payable to Whyte, and others, to pre-pay taxes and other fictitious expenses in order to collect the non-existent cash prizes. The indictment also alleges that Whyte re-transferred the fraud proceeds to conspirators in Jamaica.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney and United States Postal Inspectors remind all citizens that they should never make an advance payment of any kind on the promise of a sweepstakes prize, loan or grant.
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.
Mail fraud and money laundering are each punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering carry a five-year statutory maximum, 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 Charged with Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Timothy Madison, age 29, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Madison was in possession of heroin and two handguns, a 9mm Kel-Tec and .40 caliber EEA Witness, at his home on April 14, 2016.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Police Department, the Pennsylvania Probation and Parole Board, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case was also 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 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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Federal Inmate Sentenced for Possessing MarijuanaRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that John Vercusky, age 39, a federal inmate, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani in Scranton, on March 21, 2017, to serve three months in prison for possessing contraband at the United States Penitentiary located in Schuylkill, Pennsylvania (“USP Schuylkill”).
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Vercusky was caught in possession of marijuana on October 25, 2015, while incarcerated at USP Schuylkill.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers from USP Schuylkill. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob prosecuted the case.
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Chambersburg Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dexton Brunson, age 44, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Brunson with possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana and criminal conspiracy. The charges arise out of an incident that occurred on December 8, 2016, when Brunson’s home was searched by the Pennsylvania State Police and the United States Marshals Service that led to the discovery of cocaine and marijuana in his home.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Marshals Service and the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each drug charge is a 20-year term of imprisonment. A term of supervised release following imprisonment must be imposed as well as a potential fine of $1 million dollars. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Stroudsburg Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Joseph Andershonis, age 58, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 20, 2017, before United States Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick for failing to pay employment taxes.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Andershonis owned and operated Just Very Affordable, Inc., a Stroudsburg home renovation business, and failed to pay employment taxes from the first quarter of 2010 to the last quarter of 2012, resulting in a tax loss of more than $212,000.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Bethlehem Man Sentenced to 87 Months’ Imprisonment for Cocaine Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on March 16, 2017, United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Clyford Francois, age 38, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to 87 months’ imprisonment for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine, and for possessing two firearms in furtherance of his narcotics trafficking activities.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Francois was arrested with over 12 grams of cocaine and two loaded firearms, a Smith and Wesson 9mm and a Titan .25 caliber, during a routine traffic stop. Law enforcement officials also recovered $612. Francois admitted that he intended to sell the cocaine and that some of the money was from prior cocaine sales.
Francois was indicted by a grand jury on December 15, 2015, and pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on September 6, 2016. He has been in custody since his arrest.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and by the Hanover Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. 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.
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Delaware Man Convicted of Distributing over A Kilo of Heroin in Dauphin and Lycoming CountiesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Anthony Rowe, age 55, of Wilmington, Delaware, was convicted by a federal jury of distributing over 1,000 grams (one kilo) of heroin in Dauphin and Lycoming counties. The three-day trial was held before United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo in Harrisburg.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the jury returned with the guilty verdict after approximately thirty minutes of deliberation. The evidence showed that Rowe travelled from Philadelphia to Dauphin and Lycoming Counties between February and June 2016, and distributed over a kilo of heroin. One kilo of heroin is approximately equal to 40,000 retail bags of heroin.
Rowe was immediately detained following the verdict. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Dauphin County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Daryl F. Bloom and 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 this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $10,000,000 fine. The offense carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of ten years. 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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Maine Resident Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Participating in A Multi-State Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy Based in StroudsburgRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stephon Davis, age 20, who resided in Maine at the time of his arrest, was sentenced Thursday to five years’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, for his role in a heroin trafficking conspiracy that stretched from Stroudsburg to New York to Maine.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Davis, who used the street name “Chicken,” previously admitted to conspiring with others to sell heroin between 2010 and 2015. Davis admitted distributing more than 100 grams of heroin during the conspiracy, which is approximately equivalent to more than 4,000 retail bags of heroin.
The indictment alleged that Davis and his co-defendants participated in a street gang known as the Black P-Stones, obtained heroin from suppliers in New York, and distributed the heroin in Stroudsburg and locations in Maine. According to the indictment, couriers were used to transport heroin to Maine, where Davis and others distributed it to customers.
Davis was indicted along with six other people by a federal grand jury in Scranton in September 2015, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators from 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.
Judge Mannion ordered Davis to serve four years on supervised release following his prison sentence.
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.
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Tennessee Couple Convicted for Unemployment Compensation FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Earl Lafayette Hall, III, age 35, of Arlington, Tennessee, and his wife, Renita Blunt, age 32, were convicted by a federal jury on conspiracy, mail fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft charges related to an unemployment compensation fraud scheme. The five-day trial was held before United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo in Harrisburg.
According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the jury returned with the guilty verdicts after approximately 2.5 hours of deliberation. Hall was convicted on 12 mail fraud counts, 10 money laundering counts, four aggravated identity theft counts, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Blunt was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft counts. The jury also directed Hall to forfeit the sum of $30,000 and Blunt to forfeit $1,026.
Hall and Blunt were accused of applying for Veteran’s unemployment compensation benefits under the Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Members Program, commonly known as “The UCX Program.” The UCX Program is a federally funded U.S. Department of Labor program administered by the States. The jury found that Hall assumed the identity of five individuals between 2013 and 2014 in order to receive benefits under the program. The jury also found that Blunt assumed the identity of one individual to receive benefits under the program.
"Earl Lafayette Hall III and Renita Blunt misused the identities of others to submit counterfeit forms and steal money intended for individuals who experience unemployment after serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who exploit the Unemployment Compensation for Ex-service Members Program,” stated Richard Deer, Special Agent in Charge, Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering & Fraud Investigations, U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Internal Audits Division, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation Benefits and Policy, and the Pennsylvania Department of the Treasury, Office of Unemployment Compensation Disbursements. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Douglas Daniel and Scott R. Ford 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 is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Lancaster County Woman Guilty of Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tammie Sensenig, age 45, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty March 8, 2017, before United States Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson to a criminal information charging her with healthcare fraud.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Sensenig had previously been excluded from providing healthcare to Medicaid beneficiaries due to prior convictions related to Medicaid fraud. In order to obtain a position as a behavioral health consultant, Sensenig made false representations in order to hide her ineligible status. As a result, Medicaid paid approximately $84,500 for her services.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Medical Fraud Control Section and the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Schinnour is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 10 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Dunmore Man Guilty of Stolen Identity Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Diego Rojas, age 42, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 7, 2017, before United States District Court Judge James M. Munley to making false claims against the government.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Rojas admitted to depositing more than 350 United States tax refund treasury checks, at least 250 which were identified as fraudulent, into the check cashing company he owned and operated, Dunmore Check Cashing. Additionally, Rojas admitted that the value of the checks was more than $1.6 million. In the plea agreement, Rojas agreed to make full restitution in the amount of $1,669,864 to the Internal Revenue Service.
The Department of Justice views the prosecution of Stolen Identity Refund Fraud, or “SIRF,” as vital. These schemes disrupt the orderly administration of the income tax system for hundreds of thousands of law abiding taxpayers nationwide and have cost the United States Treasury billions of dollars. SIRF crimes are often perpetrated by criminal enterprises with key individuals at all stages of the scheme: those who steal Social Security Numbers and other personal identifying information, those who file false returns with the Internal Revenue Service, those, including check cashers, who facilitate obtaining the refunds, and those who promote the schemes. These criminal enterprises exploit the highly automated systems for storing personal information, preparing and filing tax returns electronically, and generating income tax refunds quickly—often in the form of electronic payments. Everyone with a Social Security Number is potentially vulnerable to having his or her identity stolen. The IRS estimates that during the 2013 filing season alone, over 5 million tax returns were filed using stolen identities, claiming approximately $30 billion in refunds.
The charge that the defendant has pled guilty to in the present case is the result of ongoing investigations by the Scranton Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police, the Hazelton, Taylor, Dickson City, Dunmore and Olyphant Police Departments, and the Lackawanna and Luzerne County District Attorneys’ Offices. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob is prosecuting the case.
A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this charge is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine plus any restitution that the court orders. 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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Dunmore Woman Guilty of Providing Firearms to FelonRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Angela Lucke, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 8, 2017, before United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to unlawfully providing firearms to a convicted felon.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Lucke admitted to giving three guns to convicted heroin dealer, Ariel Varsanyi of New York. Lucke purchased the guns for Varsanyi because he was barred as a felon from buying guns himself.
Lucke previously pleaded guilty in Lackawanna County Court in July 2016, to a charge of falsely reporting the firearms as stolen from her residence, and was sentenced in October 2016, to two years’ probation.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dunmore Borough Police Department. Assistant United States 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.
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, 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 60 Months’ Imprisonment for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Andre Allen, age 25, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani on February 28, 2017, to 60 months’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Allen possessed four firearms in his apartment, two of which were stolen. Allen also possessed a variety of controlled substances including, heroin, cocaine and hydrocodone.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob 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 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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