Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Three Previously Deported Aliens Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that three previously deported aliens were indicted separately by a federal grand jury on illegal re-entry charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Jose Alberto Juarez-Hernandez, age 32, of Guatemala, was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala in August 2010. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after August 2010, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Gregorio Perez-Canceco, age 31, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico on five occasions from November 2005 through July 2006. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after July 2006, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Elvis Ivan Tzul-Lopez, age 36, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in March 2016 and October 2010. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after March 2016, and was found in the United States in York 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 is prosecuting the cases.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for 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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Luzerne County Woman Charged with Theft of Postal FundsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Carol Sosik, age 55, of Shavertown, Pennsylvania, was charged in a one-count criminal information with misappropriation of postal funds from the U.S. Post Office in Dallas, Pennsylvania.
According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information charges Sosik with stealing approximately $4,600 from the Dallas Post Office between June 2014 and May 2016. Sosik was employed at the Dallas Post Office as a distribution window clerk, with responsibility for sales of postage stamps.
The United States also filed a plea agreement, which is subject to the approval of the Court, wherein it is indicated that Sosik intends to pay restitution and plead guilty to the charges when she appears in federal court.
This case was investigated by the the Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara 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 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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Olyphant Man Guilty of Attempted Enticement of A Minor for Sexual PurposesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brian LaChance, age 27, of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 3, 2017, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr, to using a facility of interstate commerce to attempt to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, LaChance admitted that in November 2015, he used the internet and a cell phone to attempt to entice and persuade a 15-year-old female to send him sexually explicit photographs of her.
The charge stems from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Army criminal investigators. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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. The charge also carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years 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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Connecticut Man Sentenced to 13 Years’ Imprisonment for Committing Six Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Sandy Lee Parks, age 61, of New Haven, Connecticut, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 156 months’ imprisonment for six bank robberies in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Parks previously pleaded guilty to all six counts in a criminal information charging the following bank robberies and armed bank robberies:
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Savings Institute Bank & Trust, Westerly, Rhode Island, on February 20, 2015;
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Coastway Credit Union, Warwick, Rhode Island, on June 16, 2015;
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Citizen’s Bank, Stonington, Connecticut, on June 24, 2015;
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People’s Security Bank, Duryea, Pennsylvania, on July 3, 2015;
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Wells Fargo Bank, Plymouth, Pennsylvania, on July 10, 2015; and
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First Niagra Bank, Trexlertown, Pennsylvania, on July 17, 2015.
Shortly after the First Niagra Bank robbery on July 17, 2015, officers from the Upper Macungie Police Department arrested Parks, who was driving the vehicle identified in surveillance footage as the getaway car. A search incident to arrest revealed a pellet gun and other evidence connecting him to the First Niagra robbery. Parks has been detained in federal custody since his arrest.
In addition to the 156-month term of imprisonment, Judge Mannion also ordered that Parks be placed on supervised release for a period of three years following the service of his sentence. Judge Mannion further ordered that Parks make restitution in the amount of $49,816, which represents the total amount of money stolen in the first five robberies. The amount of $8,140 stolen from First Niagra Bank was previously returned.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Duryea, Plymouth Township, Upper Macungie, Pittston, Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes-Barre Township, Plains Township, Jenkins Township, West Pittston, Edwardsville, Warwick, Rhode Island, Hanover, and Kingston Police Departments, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys John Gurganus and Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.
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Lackawanna County Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Heroin Trafficking and Supervised Release ViolationRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Shawn Isom, age 45, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment on February 27, 2017, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for trafficking in heroin.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Isom pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute between 80 and 100 grams of heroin (which is equivalent to approximately 3,000-4,000 retail bags of heroin) in Lackawanna County during September 2015. Isom committed the crime while on supervised release for a previous federal drug conspiracy.
Judge Mariani imposed a 50-month prison sentence for the heroin trafficking offense, and added a 20-month prison sentence for Isom’s supervised release violation. Isom was also ordered to serve six years on supervised release following his prison sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Scranton Police. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Two Men Sentenced for Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Ronald Drayton, age 48, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and Marcal Fraction, age 36, of Hudson, Pennsylvania, were sentenced on February 23, 2017, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion. Judge Mannion sentenced Drayton to 57 months’ imprisonment and Fraction to 120 months’ imprisonment for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Drayton and Fraction were indicted along with seven co-conspirators in November 2014, and both pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy. All seven co-conspirators charged in the case have pleaded guilty.
The investigation revealed that Drayton distributed between 500 grams and two kilograms of cocaine and Fraction distributed between 100 and 200 grams of cocaine in Northeastern Pennsylvania between January 2013 and November 2014. The cocaine was shipped to Pennsylvania from Puerto Rico.
The case was investigated by the Scranton Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob prosecuted the case.
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Three Luzerne County Men Indicted on Heroin ChargesRead 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, Nathaniel Murphy, age 41, and Roy Seabrook, age 43, both of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, were indicted on February 21, 2017, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
The indictment was unsealed on February 24, 2017, following the arrests of defendants. The defendants were arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. and were ordered detained pending a detention hearing.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that De Leon Frias, Murphy, and Seabrook conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin. De Leon Frias was allegedly responsible for distributing over 100 grams of heroin (which is the equivalent of approximately 4,000 individual doses).
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 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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Luzerne County Man Charged with Bank FraudRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Scott Capparell, age 46, of Drums, Pennsylvania, the former administrator of Heritage Mills Personal Care, Inc. (“HMPC”), was charged in a criminal information on February 23, 2017, with committing bank fraud.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Capparell worked from April 2013 through July 2016 as the administrator of HMPC, which provides personal care services to its residents. During that time period, it is alleged that Capparell diverted $394,517 worth of HMPC residents’ monthly rent checks to an account at PNC Bank under Capparell’s control, instead of to the HMPC account at Mid Penn Bank. Capparell allegedly withdrew all of the diverted funds for his use and the use of other unnamed individuals. To conceal the scheme, Capparell allegedly lied to HMPC owners and managers, and falsified HMPC’s books and records.
The government also filed a plea agreement which is subject to approval of the court. A date for Capparell’s initial appearance has not been set.
The investigation was conducted by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
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 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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Former Canadian MoneyGram and Western Union Agent Sentenced to 6o Months’ Imprisonment on Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Alex Mgbolu, age 45, of Toronto, Canada, was sentenced February 23, 2017 to 60 months’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for conspiring to defraud hundreds of American citizens out of more than $2.1 million in an international mass marketing consumer fraud scheme. Chief Judge Conner also ordered Mgbolu to pay $1,372,602 in restitution.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Mgbolu, a former Western Union and MoneyGram agent, pleaded guilty in August 2016, to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.
Mgbolu conspired with Chima Nneji, William Nneji, and other unnamed individuals between July 2002 and May 2010, to commit the crimes. Mgbolu was extradited to the United States from Canada.
Mgbolui was the owner/operator of a Western Union agency called FA CAM Associates (FA CAM) and a MoneyGram agency also known as FA CAM. Both agencies were located in Toronto, Canada. Between July 2002 and May 2010, international mass marketing fraudsters allegedly instructed hundreds of consumer fraud victims across the United States to send Western Union and MoneyGram money transfers to Canada where the transfers were paid out by Mgbolu at FA CAM. Mgbolu concealed the fraudsters’ identity by entering false names and identification data into the Western Union and MoneyGram computer data bases. Analysts from the Toronto Police and U.S. Postal Inspection Service have determined that over 90% of the payee addresses and identification numbers entered at FA CAM were invalid. For his role in the scheme Mgbolu retained a portion of the money transfers before sending the balance of the proceeds on to the fraudsters.
As a Western Union agent, between July 2002 and April 2006, FA CAM paid out 213 money transfers totaling $453,119 that were reported by the senders as having been fraud induced. As a MoneyGram agent, FA CAM paid out 67 transfers totaling $149,723 between August 2006 and September 2007 that were reported by the senders as having been fraud induced.
After Western Union terminated FA CAM and MoneyGram restricted FA CAM’s ability to pay out money transfers, money transfer checks from other fraud-complicit MoneyGram Western Union agents in the greater Toronto area were deposited into FA CAM’s bank account. The deposit of fraudulently induced funds into what appears to be a legitimate business bank account and the subsequent reissuance of the proceeds via checks and wire transfers helps to launder the proceeds and conceal the identity of the fraudsters is known as “check pooling.”
Overall, between July 2002 and May 2010, FA CAM and the 13 complicit Western Union and MoneyGram agents paid out 907 money transfers totaling $2,127,410 that were reported by the senders as being fraud induced.
Codefendant Chima Nneji pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy charge before Judge Conner on July 21, 2016. Nneji was sentenced on December 7, 2016, to 45 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $381,729 in restitution.
The lower restitution amount is due in part to monies compensated to victims as part of the U.S. v. MoneyGram, deferred prosecution agreement in the Middle District of Pennsylvania which established a $100 million restitution fund in 2013 for MoneyGram customers that were victims of consumer fraud. A $586 million dollar restitution fund was also recently established for victims of consumer frauds who sent their monies through the Western Union money transfer system. Like the MoneyGram fund, the Western Union fund was established in January of this year as a result of a deferred prosecution agreement with the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the US Department of Justice.
Codefendant William Nneji remains a fugitive from justice.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the United States Postal Inspection Service, and assisted by the Toronto Police. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel prosecuted the case.
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Williamsport Man Indicted on Drug Charges and Stealing Eleven Handguns from Gun StoreRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Samuel Bozochovic, age 36, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury with stealing handguns from a gun store in Muncy, Pennsylvania, and possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute them.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Bozochovic allegedly broke into the R&J Welch gun store on February 8, 2017, and stole 11 handguns from the inventory. Five of the firearms were recovered during a search of Bozochovic’s apartment, but six are as yet unrecovered. Later the same day, Bozochovic was apprehended in the course of distributing heroin to another person and 48 heroin packets were recovered from him at that time.
Bozochovic was arrested on February 9, 2017, and brought before United States Magistrate Judge William I. Arbuckle, III where he was detained pending further proceedings.
“Stolen guns are quickly sold into the black market as a tool-of the-trade for criminals who frequently use them in violent acts. ATF will use our resources to protect the public by identifying and arresting thieves who divert guns into the hands of criminals, which then fuels violence in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation or the stolen firearms is encouraged to call 1-800-ATF GUNS (1-800-283-4867).
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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 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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Middletown Man Indicted on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Marcello Whyte, age 33, of Middletown, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 22, 2017, by a federal grand jury on drug charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Whyte with possessing with the intent to distribute 250 grams of cocaine and traveling interstate for the purpose of drug trafficking. The charges arise out of an incident that occurred on March 16, 2016, when the defendant’s car was involved in a traffic stop conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police that led to the discovery of the cocaine in the defendant’s car.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office and the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.
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 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 $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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Harrisburg Man Indicted on Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Yamil Mediavilla-Diaz, age 30, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 22, 2017, by a federal grand jury on a firearms charge.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on August 19, 2016, in Harrisburg, Mediavilla-Diaz unlawfully possessed an AR-15 and ammunition as a previously convicted felon.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Harrisburg City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli 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 for this offense is ten 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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Columbia County Man Charged with Drug Distribution Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jeffrey Scott Jones, age 36, of Orangeville, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking that resulted in death.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Jones sold a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to the victim on July 28, 2016, and the victim died as a result from the use of the drugs.
The case was investigated by the Scott Township Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Jones faces a minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum penalty under federal law of life imprisonment, a term of three years’ supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1 million dollar 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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Plains Man Indicted on Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Francesco Leggio, age 26, of Plains, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 21, 2017, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Leggio possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana on March 28, 2016, in Plains, Pennsylvania. The indictment also alleges that Leggio possessed a Hi Point 9mm handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities and after being convicted of a felony. Leggio was further charged with witness tampering for attempting to influence the testimony of a witness.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Kingston Municipal, Wilkes Barre, Plains Township, and Forty Fort Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
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 combined penalty under federal law for these offenses 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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Bank Employee Charged with Interstate Transportation of Stolen PropertyRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jolene M. Edwards, age 38, of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, was charged on February 21, 2017, in a criminal information with interstate transportation of stolen property.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that while she 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 information, 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.
The government also filed a plea agreement, which is subject to the approval of the court.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel is prosecuting the case.
Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 10 years 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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Second Virginia Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison 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 Tracy Whiting, age 24, of Newport News, Virginia, was sentenced by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion to serve seven years in prison for the armed robbery of the Econo Lodge in Scranton on February 13, 2016.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Whiting previously pleaded guilty to the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Whiting was one of four individuals, including Kelvin Robinson, age 25, of Newport News, Virginia, Kwa’shon Roane, age 24, of Gloucester, Virginia, and Rodney Whiting, age 23, of Scranton, who were indicted by a grand jury in March 2016, for the armed robbery of the Econo Lodge.
Previously, in December 2016, Kelvin Robinson was sentenced by Judge Mannion to serve seven years in prison for charges related to the incident. Rodney Whiting and Kwa’shon Roane have also entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Scranton Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office and numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Taylor Borough and Moosic Borough Police Departments. 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.
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Monroe County Man Sentenced to Home Confinement and Probation for Selling ExplosivesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that United States District Judge Richard P. Conaboy sentenced Ronald J. Scheu, age 48, of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, to three years of probation, including an eight-month term of home confinement, for distributing explosives without a license. Judge Conaboy also fined Scheu $1,000.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Scheu pleaded guilty to distributing 119 M-class devices, 26 class 1.3 mortars, and one aerial shell, without the appropriate license or permit. Scheu admitted to maintaining a storage locker filled with hundreds of pounds of explosives, and to selling professional grade explosives. He also admitted to manufacturing flash powder and explosives at his residence.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and by the Carbon County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
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York Man Sentenced to 141 Months’ Imprisonment for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Derek Bowman, age 33, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 15, 2017, to 141 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge William J. Caldwell for the armed robbery of PNC bank in York, Pennsylvania, on January 9, 2016.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Bowman entered the PNC bank branch located on East Market Street, in York, with a sawed-off shotgun. He pointed the shotgun at a bank employee and demanded money from her drawer. He stole approximately $3,000 from the bank before fleeing the scene. Bowman was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police the next day and was found to be in possession of money and heroin. The shotgun was later recovered by Springettsbury Township Police.
This matter was investigated by the Springettsbury Township Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Schinnour 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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Luzerne County Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Bath SaltsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Robert Benussi, III, age 26, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to participating in a conspiracy to distribute alpha-pvp, commonly known as “bath salts.”
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Benussi admitted to agreeing with others to distribute the drug to customers in the Luzerne County area during 2014 and 2015. The members of the conspiracy obtained the alpha-pvp from suppliers in China.
Benussi also admitted that he and others used force, threats, and intimidation in connection with the drug conspiracy.
Benussi was one of seven people charged by a grand jury in August 2016. That indictment was the fourth wave of arrests connected to alpha-pvp distribution in Luzerne County. In all, 18 people have been charged in the case since July 2013, including a Texas-based supplier of the bath salts. Benussi is the fourteenth defendant to plead guilty in the case.
Judge Munley ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed and scheduled sentencing in the case for May 19, 2017. Benussi is detained in prison pending sentencing.
“Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners will continue to use all resources at our disposal to detect and prevent the importation and distribution of dangerous chemicals and narcotics that continue to ravage our communities. The excellent investigative work in this case conducted by HSI Special Agents, our Task Force Officers from the Pennsylvania State Police, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspectors directly resulted in the today’s guilty plea,” said Marlon V. Miller, special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia, “These seizures and related arrests are another victory in ridding our communities of these poisons."
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspectors, the Drug Enforcement Administration, members of the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police from Luzerne County. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 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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Hershey Man Indicted on Bankruptcy Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Michael J. Jackson, age 57, of Hershey, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 15, 2017, by a federal grand jury on wire fraud, bankruptcy fraud, false bankruptcy oaths and claims, and aggravated identity theft charges.
The indictment was unsealed today following Jackson’s initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab. Jackson was ordered detained pending his detention hearing scheduled for February 17, 2017.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Jackson perpetrated a scheme to defraud his creditors, the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and his wife between 2009 and 2017, by filing seven Chapter 13 and 11 bankruptcy petitions, five of which were filed under Jackson’s name and two of which were filed under his wife’s name without her knowledge, information or consent. The indictment also alleges the petitions contained false information regarding Jackson’s income, his assets, and his employment, and were merely filed in order to postpone a Sheriff’s Sale of his Hershey residence.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Offices of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel is prosecuting the case.
Wire Fraud is punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Bankruptcy Fraud and False Statements in Bankruptcy matters both carry a five-year statutory maximum.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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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Newfoundland Woman Charged with Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Linda Ferris, age 55, of Newfoundland, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information filed in U.S. District Court in Scranton charging her with knowingly making a false statement during her bankruptcy case.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Ferris filed for bankruptcy in July 2013 and did not disclose all of her assets. The information alleges that at a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy hearing in Wilkes-Barre in September 2013, Ferris testified falsely under oath that her bankruptcy schedules were accurate and that she had disclosed all of her assets when, in fact, she knew that she received approximately $194,000, which was not listed on her bankruptcy schedules.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Trustee’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob is prosecuting the case.
The government also filed a plea agreement signed by the defendant which is subject to the approval of the court.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 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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Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced for Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Paul Rodriguez, age 41, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 10, 2017, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to serve 108 months’ imprisonment for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Rodriguez was indicted along with eight co-conspirators in November 2014, and pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy. All eight persons charged in the case have pleaded guilty. Rodriguez and his co-conspirators distributed between 15 kilograms and 50 kilograms of cocaine in Northeastern Pennsylvania between January 2013 and November 2014. The cocaine was shipped to Pennsylvania from Puerto Rico.
The case was investigated by the Scranton Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob prosecuted the case.
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Scranton Man Guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Bath SaltsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kevin Peterson, age 33, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on February 13, 2017, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to participating in a conspiracy to distribute alpha-pvp, commonly known as “bath salts.”
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Peterson admitted to agreeing with others to distribute the drug to customers in the Luzerne County area during 2014 and 2015. Peterson resided in Luzerne County at the time he was involved in the conspiracy.
Peterson was one of seven people charged by a grand jury in August 2016. That indictment was the fourth wave of arrests connected to alpha-pvp distribution in Luzerne County. In all, 18 people have been charged in the case since July 2013, including the Texas-based principal supplier of the bath salts. Peterson is the thirteenth defendant to plead guilty in the case.
Judge Munley ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed and scheduled sentencing in the case for May 16, 2017.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspectors, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police from Luzerne County. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 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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Olyphant Man Charged with Attempted Enticement of A Minor for Sexual PurposesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Criminal Information was filed on February 13, 2017, charging Brian LaChance, age 27, of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, with using a facility of interstate commerce to attempt to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, LaChance is charged with using the internet and a cell phone to attempt to entice and persuade a 15-year-old female to send him sexually explicit photographs of her in November 2015.
The charge stems from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Army criminal investigators. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative
launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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. The charge also carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years 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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New Jersey Man Guilty of Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Janeski, age 38, of Edison, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on February 13, 2017, before United States Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson to production of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Janeski admitted that between November 2015 and February of 2016, he used an application on a web-enabled cell phone to coerce a minor into engaging in illegal sexual activity and subsequently stored images of the minor on a cloud-based storage system.
The case was investigated by the Northern York County Regional Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Schinnour is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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.
Janeski faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum penalty under federal law of 30 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Bushkill Man Sentenced for High Speed ChaseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Christopher Fish, age 35, of Bushkill, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 10, 2017, by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to four months’ home-confinement and two years’ probation for fleeing and eluding rangers at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brander, Fish engaged in a high speed chase while operating a Black Honda Shadow motorcycle within the National Recreation Area, willfully failed to stop, and attempted to elude a pursuing police officer causing danger to other officers and pedestrians.
The investigation was conducted by the National Park Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob prosecuted the case.
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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 7 ½ Years in Prison for Role in Bath Salts ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Folweiler, age 29, of Pittston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to serve 7 ½ years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute alpha-pvp, commonly known as “bath salts,” by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Folweiler previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute the drug during 2011 through 2014, in Luzerne County. Folweiler admitted to distributing a kilogram of alpha-pvp. Folweiler was one of seven people indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2014. All seven defendants have pleaded guilty.
The investigation revealed a nationwide operation to distribute “bath salts” based in Texas. The two Texas-based suppliers have also pleaded guilty and been sentenced to prison.
Judge Mannion also ordered Folweiler to spend three years on supervised release following his prison sentence.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspectors, the Pennsylvania State Police, and West Pittston Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
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Lackawanna County Man Guilty of Receiving and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael J. Costello, age 42, of Archbald, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to receiving and distributing child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Costello admitted to using a computer to obtain and trade images of child pornography during January through August 2014. Costello’s computer contained more than 1,100 images and more than 300 videos of child pornography.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis P. Sempa and Evan J. Gotlob are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The charge also carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years 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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York Man Indicted on Heroin Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Manuel Maldonado-Martinez, age 27, of York, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on heroin trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Maldonado-Martinez possessed with the intent to distribute heroin on June 30, 2016, in York. The indictment also alleges that Maldonado-Martinez unlawfully possessed a firearm as a previously convicted felon and possessed the firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the York City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli 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.
Additionally, 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 a lifetime term of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Three Monroe County Men Indicted on Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Deshaun Lipscomb, age 24, of Bushkill, Pennsylvania, Pablo Martinez, age 27, and Orrett Campbell, age 37, both of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, were indicted on February 7, 2017, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
The indictment was unsealed today following the arrests of defendants. The defendants were arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. and were ordered detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for February 13, 2017.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Lipscomb, Martinez, and Campbell conspired to traffic marijuana and used firearms during the course of that conspiracy. The charges stem from a drug deal that turned into a shooting in East Stroudsburg in January 2016. The victim of the shooting suffered two gunshot wounds and was forced from a vehicle travelling at high speed.
The indictment further alleges that Lipscomb possessed a firearm in furtherance of heroin trafficking and trafficked heroin and cocaine, and that Martinez trafficked MDAM, commonly known as “Molly” or “ecstasy.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis P. Sempa and Sean A. Camoni.
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.
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 total maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses 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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Scranton Man Charged with Drug Distributions Resulting in Two Deaths and Serious Bodily Injury to A Third VictimRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Josthan Cardona, age 26, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 7, 2017, by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin and fentanyl, resulting in two deaths and serious bodily injury to another victim.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the five-count indictment alleges that beginning in or about September 2015 and continuing through December 2015, Cardona conspired with others to distribute heroin in Lackawanna County. The indictment also alleges that Cardona distributed heroin and fentanyl on December 7, 2015 and December 12, 2015, resulting in the death of two individuals and distributed heroin and fentanyl on December 12, 2015, to a third individual who overdosed as a result of the heroin causing serious bodily injury.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration – Scranton Office, the Dunmore and Scranton Police Departments, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. 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.
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.
Drug distributions resulting in death or severe bodily injury require a 20 year minimum-mandatory sentence. The maximum penalty under federal law for the crimes charged in the indictment is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Monroe County Man Indicted on Heroin Trafficking and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Laurence Cadogan, age 32, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 7, 2017, by a federal grand jury on heroin trafficking and gun charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Cadogan possessed with intent to distribute heroin and unlawfully possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes allegedly occurred on October 26, 2016, in Tannersville. Police and agents seized more than 3,000 bags of heroin and two firearms, a Ruger .380 caliber handgun and a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun, during the investigation. The indictment seeks the forfeiture of the two firearms.
The charges against the Cadogan resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the cases.
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 gun offense is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. That charge also carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison. The maximum penalty under federal law for the drug offense is 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Lancaster County Man Guilty of PerjuryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Angel Luis Carrasco-Rivera a/k/a Manuel Calcagno, age 54, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to committing perjury.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Carrasco-Rivera was charged with perjury in connection with his recent prosecution and conviction for mail fraud. The fraud prosecution involved Carrasco-Rivera obtaining more than $102,000 by filing false claims for unemployment compensation benefits from 2008 through late 2012. He was sentenced in June 2016 to serve 18 months in prison for that offense.
After Carrasco-Rivera’s sentencing, it was learned that he purposely failed to correct inaccurate information in his presentence report regarding his criminal history. It was learned that Carrasco-Rivera was prosecuted and convicted of a drug trafficking crime in Massachusetts in 1991 under the name Manuel Calcagno and was sentenced to a 20-year prison term for that crime. That conviction was not included in Carrasco-Rivera’s criminal history in the presentence report, resulting in a lower advisory sentencing guideline range in his case. When he was ordered to appear before the court regarding the inaccuracy, Carrasco-Rivera lied under oath to the court when he explained how he became associated with the Calcagno name. A sentencing date will be set at a later time.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations. 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 for the offense under federal law is five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Kingston Man Indicted on Two Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Maurice Woods, age 33, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for two firearms offenses.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Woods with possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number in June 2016. The firearm was a Glock 45mm semi-automatic pistol. The indictment also charges Woods with possession of that firearm after being convicted of a felony.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kingston 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.
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.
Woods faces a minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum penalty of lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $500,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Bloomsburg Man Indicted for Attempted Production of Child Pornography and Attempted Enticement of Minors for SexRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that David Dewald, age 40, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of attempted production of child pornography, and three counts of enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Dewald attempted to persuade and entice two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual image of such conduct, and enticed, persuaded and attempted to entice and persuade three minors to engage in illegal sexual activity between July 2015 and May 2016.
If convicted of the charges, Dewald faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for the child pornography charges, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of life in prison for the enticement and attempted enticement of a minor charges.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Delaware County Detectives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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 enticement of a minor offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty under federal law for the child pornography offenses is 30 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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New Jersey Man Guilty of Production of Child Pornography in “Sextortion” CaseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Hubert Young, age 46, of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, to producing and attempting to produce child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Young admitted to creating two Facebook accounts with fictitious names, and using a cell phone and computer to persuade minors to take pornographic images of themselves and send them to him.
As part of this “sextortion” scheme, Young posed as two teenagers, communicated with victims in chat groups, and when the minors sent the pornographic images to Young, he threatened to put the images on the internet unless the victims sent him additional images. A total of 13 minor victims from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and Indiana fell prey to Young’s criminal activities between January 2015 and June 2016.
Judge Munley ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for May 9, 2017.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and Pittston Police. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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 30 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years 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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Canton Woman Charged with Misappropriation of Postal FundsRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lisa Belawske, age 53, of Canton, Pennsylvania, was charged today in a criminal information with misappropriation of postal funds by a postal employee.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that Belawske misappropriated over $12,000 between October 2015 and June 2016.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni 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 maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Shenandoah Man Guilty of Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shane Lopez, age 22, of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley for his connection to a heroin trafficking ring that operated in Schuylkill County during 2012 through May 2016.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Lopez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin (which equals approximately 4,000 retail bags of heroin). Lopez admitted to being a sub-distributor of heroin for Rhashean Strange, a/k/a “Chicago,” who headed-up the conspiracy. Strange previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Eleven people have been charged in the case. Seven have entered guilty pleas.
Judge Munley ordered a presentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for May 5, 2017. Lopez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Shenandoah Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 40 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 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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Northumberland County Woman Indicted for Taking Deceased Husband’s Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Loretta Galloway, age 55, of Northumberland, Pennsylvania, was indicted on January 31, 2017, by a federal grand jury for taking her deceased husband’s social security benefits.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment was unsealed on February 1, 2017, and charges Galloway with taking more than $83,000, over approximately five years, of her deceased husband’s Social Security benefits to pay her bills and other expenses.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Evan Gotlob is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The 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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Five 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 five previously deported aliens were indicted separately on February 1, 2017, by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg on illegal re-entry charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Jose Martinez-Rojas, age 36, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2007. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after April 2007, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Jorge Cervantes-Gomez, age 31, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in February 2005. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after February 2005, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
The maximum penalty under federal law for Martinez-Rojas and Cervantes-Gomez’s offenses are two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Francisco Cervantes-Guizar, age 38, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in October 2006. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after October 2006 and was found in the United States in Franklin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In 2006, he was convicted before the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania of false statement in a United States Passport Application, an offense which subjects him to enhanced penalties in the current case.
Luis Alberto Silva-Saldana, age 24, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in July 2014. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after July 2014, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In 2014, he was convicted in the Berks County Court of Common Pleas of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, an offense which subjects him to enhanced penalties in the current case.
Abel Salazar-Diaz, age 40, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in August 2010. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after August 2010, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In 2010, 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for Cervantes-Guizar, Silva-Saldana, and Salazar-Diaz’s offenses are ten years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
The cases were investigated by the 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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Dauphin County Woman Pleads Guilty to Social Security Fraud and Harboring an Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stephayne McClure-Potts, age 51, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to social security fraud and harboring an illegal alien.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, McClure-Potts provided false information to the Commissioner of Social Security on ten separate occasions with the intent to obtain a social security card with a fictitious identity for another person. McClure-Potts also harbored an illegal alien from March 2013 through August 2015.
Michael McClure-Potts, age 60, was also charged in October 2016, with harboring an illegal alien from March 2013 through August 2015. His trial is scheduled to begin on February 21, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the City of Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom 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 penalties under federal law for these offenses is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release of three years, and a $500,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, 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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Court of Appeals Affirms 14-Year and 12 ½ -Year Prison Sentences for Two Luzerne County Heroin DealersRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed a 14-year prison sentence and a 12 ½-year prison sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley on two Luzerne County men who participated in a heroin trafficking conspiracy during 2014.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the Court of Appeals affirmed Desmond Mercer’s 14-year prison sentence and Shaliek Stroman’s 12 ½-year prison sentence as being both procedurally and substantively reasonable. Mercer was sentenced in March 2016, and Stroman was sentenced in January 2016.
Mercer previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with Stroman and others from Luzerne County, New Jersey, and Alabama, to distribute heroin to customers in the Luzerne County area. Mercer in his plea acknowledged distributing more than 700 grams of heroin (which equals approximately 23,000 retail bags of heroin) and playing a leadership role in the conspiracy. During part of the conspiracy, Mercer ran the drug operation while an inmate at the Luzerne County Prison.
Stroman, a sub-distributor of heroin for Mercer, also previously pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge.
In separate opinions upholding the sentences, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals reasoned that Judge Munley appropriately considered the respective advisory sentencing guideline ranges, the presentence reports, and the relevant sentencing factors under federal law.
The cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Kingston Police. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the cases and handled the appeals.
The cases were brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Scranton Man Charged with Possessing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Shawn Howells, age 43, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury with possessing and distributing child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that between November 29, 2016 and January 20, 2017, Shawn Howells used the internet to view a minor engaging in illegal sexual activity, and during that same time period transported child pornography by any means, including by computer.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Howells faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the possessing and distributing child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
If convicted, Howells faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Inmate Indicted for Assaulting Corrections OfficerRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dahveed Dean, age 40, an inmate at United States Penitentiary Canaan, Waymart, Pennsylvania, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on a charge of assaulting a federal employee.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Dean punched a corrections officer in the face during an altercation at the prison in September. The officer suffered minor injuries.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers at USP Canaan. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni 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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United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Reappointed by Order of the District Court JudgesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Bruce D. Brandler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, was reappointed United States Attorney by order of the District Court Judges effective January 30, 2017. Mr. Brandler was initially appointed United States Attorney by order of former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch on October 2, 2016, for one hundred twenty days or until a Presidential appointment was made, whichever occurs first. That appointment expired on January 29, 2017, and this new appointment by the District Court Judges appoints Mr. Brandler as United States Attorney until the vacancy is filled by the President.
Mr. Brandler began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, where he served from 1981 until 1985. Upon leaving the District Attorney’s Office, he became the Deputy Chief and then the Chief Investigative Counsel of the New York State Senate Committee on Investigations, Taxation and Government Operations from 1985 to 1986.
Mr. Brandler was appointed an Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in 1986 and was promoted to the position of Senior Litigation Counsel in 1992. In 2014, he became the Chief of the Criminal Division and served in that capacity until his appointment as United States Attorney on October 2, 2016.
Some of the notable cases Mr. Brandler prosecuted as an Assistant United States Attorney and Senior Litigation Counsel included a tax evasion case against former Luzerne County Judge Arthur Dalessandro; a perjury case against former State Representative Frank Serafini; a bribery/extortion case against former Lackawanna County Commissioners Robert Cordaro and Anthony Munchak; an illegal campaign contribution and fraud case against Renato Mariani, the former President of Empire Sanitary Landfill, Inc.; a disadvantaged business enterprise fraud case against Joseph Nagle, the former President of Schuylkill Products, Inc.; an accounting fraud case against Paul Polishan, the former Chief Financial Officer for the Leslie Fay Companies, Inc.; and an environmental crimes case against Chemical Waste Management, Inc. for illegal dumping activities at a Superfund site in Lackawanna County.
Mr. Brandler graduated from Stony Brook University in 1978 and received a B.A. in Political Science with honors, and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He received his law degree in 1981 from the Boston University School of Law. He resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
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Pennsylvania Man Pleaded Guilty to Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to ISIL and Transmitting a Communication Containing a Threat to InjureRead the Press Release
Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz, 20, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure.
The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. The plea was entered before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner.
“Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz conspired to provide material support to ISIL by aiding individuals in their pursuit of traveling overseas to join the designated foreign terrorist organization and by using social media to propagate ISIL’s threats to injure U.S. service members,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to hold accountable those who seek to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations and threaten members of our military.”
“The security of the American People is the highest priority for our office and the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Brandler. “While we cannot eliminate terrorism completely, we can bring to justice those responsible for providing material support and resources to terrorist groups and for spreading hate and destruction in our communities and abroad. Thankfully, the defendant’s activities were disrupted by the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force and justice will be served in this case.”
"As evidenced here, ISIL loyalists need not travel to the field of battle to threaten lives and do harm," said Special Agent in Charge Harpster. "An American citizen provided material support to terrorists from American soil, while enjoying all the rights and privileges scorned by ISIL. We are gratified that Mr. Aziz is being brought to justice for these acts."
According to the filed court documents, on Dec. 22, 2015, Aziz was charged in an indictment with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIL (Counts 1 and 2). A superseding indictment was returned on May 18, 2016, which added Solicitation to Commit a crime of violence (Count 3) and transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure (Count 4).
According to the superseding indictment, from July 2014 to Dec. 17, 2015, Aziz knowingly conspired to provide, provided and attempted to provide material support, including personnel and services, to ISIL. The superseding indictment also alleges that during the same time period, Aziz solicited, commanded, induced and endeavored to persuade others to kill and attempt to kill officers and employees of the United States. The superseding indictment further alleges that he knowingly tweeted the names, addresses, photographs and military branches of approximately 100 U.S. service members to followers and viewers of his Twitter account. The communication also contained threats to injure the service members, stating “kill them in their own lands, behead them in their own homes, stab them to death as they walk their street thinking that they are safe.”
Aziz pledged his allegiance to the leader of ISIL and used at least 71 different Twitter accounts to advocate violence against the U.S. and its citizens, to disseminate ISIL propaganda and to espouse pro-ISIL views. On at least three occasions, Aziz allegedly used his Twitter accounts and other electronic communication services to assist persons seeking to travel to and fight for ISIL. In one instance, Aziz allegedly acted as an intermediary between a person in Turkey and several well-known members of ISIL.
Aziz passed location information, including maps and a telephone number, between these ISIL supporters. A search of a tactical/military style backpack located in Aziz’s closet identified five loaded M4-style high-capacity magazines, a modified straight edge knife, a thumb drive, medication, flashlights, a toothbrush, sunflower seeds, a lighter, nail clippers, fingerless gloves, a pocket watch and a black balaclava, which is like a ski mask and similar to those worn by ISIL supporters.
The maximum penalty provided in the statute for Count 1, Conspiracy to Provide Material Support and Resources to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of up to life and a $100 special assessment. The maximum penalty for Count 4, Transmitting a Communication Containing a Threat to Injure, is five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of three years and a $100 special assessment.
The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), which includes the Pentagon Force Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daryl F. Bloom and Trial Attorneys Robert Sander and Adam L. Small of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.
Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz Pleaded Guilty to Conspiracy to Provide Material Support and Resources to A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization and Transmitting A Communication Containing A Threat to InjureRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster of the FBI's Philadelphia Division announced today that Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz, age 20, a U.S. citizen and resident of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization and transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure.
According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on December 22, 2015, Aziz was charged in an indictment with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization (Counts 1 and 2). A superseding indictment was returned on May 18, 2016, which added Solicitation to Commit a crime of violence (Count 3) and transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure (Count 4).
According to the superseding indictment, from July 2014 to December 17, 2015, Aziz knowingly conspired to provide, provided and attempted to provide material support, including personnel and services, to ISIL. The superseding indictment also alleges that during the same time period, Aziz solicited, commanded, induced and endeavored to persuade others to kill and attempt to kill officers and employees of the United States. The superseding indictment further alleges that he knowingly tweeted the names, addresses, photographs and military branches of approximately 100 U.S. service members to followers and viewers of his Twitter account. The communication also contained threats to injure the service members, stating “kill them in their own lands, behead them in their own homes, stab them to death as they walk their street thinking that they are safe.”
Aziz pledged his allegiance to the leader of ISIL and used at least 71 different Twitter accounts to advocate violence against the United States and its citizens, to disseminate ISIL propaganda and to espouse pro-ISIL views. On at least three occasions, Aziz allegedly used his Twitter accounts and other electronic communication services to assist persons seeking to travel to and fight for ISIL. In one instance, Aziz allegedly acted as an intermediary between a person in Turkey and several well-known members of ISIL.
Aziz passed location information, including maps and a telephone number, between these ISIL supporters. A search of a tactical/military style backpack located in Aziz’s closet identified five loaded M4-style high-capacity magazines, a modified straight edge knife, a thumb drive, medication, flashlights, a toothbrush, sunflower seeds, a lighter, nail clippers, fingerless gloves, a pocket watch and a black balaclava, which is like a ski mask and similar to those worn by ISIL supporters.
“Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz conspired to provide material support to ISIL by aiding individuals in their pursuit of traveling overseas to join the designated foreign terrorist organization and by using social media to propagate ISIL’s threats to injure U.S. service members,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to hold accountable those who seek to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations and threaten members of our military.”
United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler said, “The security of the American people is the highest priority for our office and the Department of Justice. While we cannot eliminate terrorism completely, we can bring to justice those responsible for providing material support and resources to terrorist groups and for spreading hate and destruction in our communities and abroad. Thankfully, the defendant’s activities were disrupted by the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force and justice will be served in this case.”
"As evidenced here, ISIL loyalists need not travel to the field of battle to threaten lives and do harm," said Michael Harpster, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. "An American citizen provided material support to terrorists from American soil, while enjoying all the rights and privileges scorned by ISIL. We are gratified that Mr. Aziz is being brought to justice for these acts."
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), which includes the Pentagon Force Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom and Trial Attorneys Robert Sander and Adam L. Small of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section 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 provided in the statute for Count 1, Conspiracy to Provide Material Support and Resources to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of up to life and a $100 special assessment. The maximum penalty for Count 4, Transmitting a Communication Containing a Threat to Injure, is five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of three years and a $100 special assessment.
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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Superseding Indictment Filed in Skimming Device CaseRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jeshua Paonessa-Velez, age 25, and Luis E. Arochom age 39, both of York City, Pennsylvania, were indicted on January 18, 2017, by a federal grand jury on a second superseding indictment charging them with bank fraud and identity theft.
The indictment was unsealed following Arochom’s arrest and arraignment on January 20, 2017, before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson. Arocho was ordered detained. Paonessa-Velez’s arraignment is tentatively scheduled for January 31, 2017.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the first superseding indictment in May 2015, also brought charges against Arturo Meireles-Candel, age 34, of York City. That superseding indictment charged that Paoness-Velez and Meirels-Candel worked together and devised a scheme to obtain money from Adams County National Bank and Jersey Shore State Bank by placing “skimming” devices on the banks’ ATMs, capturing identification information of the bank customers using those ATMs, and either loading that information onto access devices and making purchases with those access devices, or making direct cash withdrawals out of customer accounts. The superseding indictment also charged both Paonessa-Velez and Meireles-Candel with sixteen counts of aggravated identity theft for stealing means of identification of sixteen of the banks’ customers. Meireles-Candel pleaded guilty to charges in the Superseding Indictment in exchange for no new charges being filed against him.
The new charges brought today by the grand jury in a second superseding indictment add additional instances of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft discovered by investigators and also an additional alleged participant in the scheme. The new charges include allegations of fraudulent activity at Member’s First Federal Credit Union in Hershey and Mechanicsburg, Santander Bank in Spring Grove and York, Centric Bank in Linglestown, Fulton Bank in Hershey, and Jonestown Bank and Trust in Lebanon.
The Adams County National Bank and the retail establishments where the defendants allegedly made the purchases using the stolen identities cooperated in the investigation. The bank reimbursed all of the affected customers for the losses to their accounts.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Southwestern Regional (York) Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, Derry Township Police Department, and Lower Paxton Police Department. 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 offense is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The penalty for aggravated identity theft is 2 years of imprisonment consecutive to any sentence imposed for the underlying bank fraud offense. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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El Salvadoran Man Sentenced for Hindering His Removal from the United States and Assaulting Federal Law Enforcement OfficersRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jose Luis Benitez-Hernandez, age 30, an El Salvadoran national, was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge William W. Caldwell for hindering his removal from the United States and assaulting law enforcement officers.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Benitez-Hernandez was convicted on September 15, 2017, of hindering his removal from the United States and assaulting law enforcement officers following a two-day trial. The charges stemmed from an incident in February 2016, in which Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Officers located Benitez-Hernandez in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania after he failed to leave the United States in accordance with an Immigration Judge’s order.
After identifying Benitez-Hernandez leaving his home in a vehicle, the officers activated their emergency equipment in their vehicles. Benitez-Hernandez failed to stop, charged at one of the vehicles repeatedly, ultimately bumping the front bumper of one of the ICE vehicles. Benitez-Hernandez then refused to exit his vehicle and had to be forcibly removed. Before ultimately being apprehended, Benitez-Hernandez bit one of the ICE Officers and scratched another.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Ford and Daryl Bloom prosecuted the case.
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Scranton Woman Indicted on Cocaine and Heroin Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Patricia Cook, age 59, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and attempted witness tampering charges.
The indictment was unsealed following Cook’s arraignment on January 17, 2017, before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick. Cook was placed on supervised release pending trial.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Cook distributed and conspired to distribute heroin and cocaine between January 2015 and April 2015, in Scranton. The indictment also alleges that she attempted to tamper with a witness in a grand jury investigation.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each 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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