Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Scranton Funeral Home Director Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Scranton funeral home director, Al T. Hughes, age 58, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on January 17, 2017, by a federal grand jury for federal income tax evasion.
The indictment was unsealed following Hughes’s arraignment on January 19, 2017, before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick. Hughes was released on his own recognizance.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the five count indictment alleges that Hughes diverted approximately $1.25 million in corporate receipts to his personal benefit, and failed to report the diverted receipts as income on his 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 federal tax returns resulting in a substantial tax due and owing the Internal Revenue Service. It also alleges that he cashed hundreds of customer checks, intended for payment of funeral home services, at various financial institutions, including a check cashing service in Scranton.
Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Gregory Floyd said, “The license to run a business is not a license to avoid paying taxes. Al T. Hughes’s misconduct of hiding income cheated all Americans, since we all pay our fair share for the government services and protections that we enjoy.”
The investigation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service – Scranton Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
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 each count of the indictment is five years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, restitution, 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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Pittston 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 today that David Popish, age 38, of Pittston, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on January 19, 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, Popish admitted to conspiring with others to distribute the drug to customers in the Luzerne County area during 2014 and 2015.
Popish 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. Popish is the twelfth defendant to plead guilty in the case.
Judge Munley ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed and scheduled sentencing in the case for April 27, 2017.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, 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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Western Union Admits Anti-Money Laundering and Consumer Fraud Violations, Forfeits $586 Million in Settlement with Justice Department and Federal Trade CommissionRead the Press Release
Company also Agrees to Implement Anti-Fraud Program and Enhanced Compliance Obligations in Agreements with Federal Authorities
WASHINGTON – The Western Union Company (Western Union), a global money services business headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, has agreed to forfeit $586 million and enter into agreements with the Justice Department, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Central District of California, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Southern District of Florida. In its agreement with the Justice Department, Western Union admits to criminal violations including willfully failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering (AML) program and aiding and abetting wire fraud.
Acting Assistant Attorney General David Bitkower of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez; U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler of the Middle District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker of the Central District of California; Acting U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Inspector in Charge David W. Bosch of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Philadelphia Division; Assistant Director in Charge Deirdre Fike of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office; Chief Richard Weber of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Special Agent in Charge Marlon V. Miller of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen Carroll of the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (FRB-CFPB OIG) Eastern Region made the announcement.
“As this case shows, wiring money can be the fastest way to send it – directly into the pockets of criminals and scam artists,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Bitkower. “Western Union is now paying the price for placing profits ahead of its own customers. Together with our colleagues, the Criminal Division will both hold to account those who facilitate fraud and abuse of vulnerable populations, and also work to recoup losses and compensate victims.”
“Western Union owes a responsibility to American consumers to guard against fraud, but instead the company looked the other way, and its system facilitated scammers and rip-offs,” said Chairwoman Ramirez. “The agreements we are announcing today will ensure Western Union changes the way it conducts its business and provides more than a half billion dollars for refunds to consumers who were harmed by the company’s unlawful behavior.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has a long history of prosecuting corrupt Western Union Agents,” said U.S. Attorney Brandler. “Since 2001, our office, in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, has charged and convicted 26 Western Union Agents in the United States and Canada who conspired with international fraudsters to defraud tens of thousands of U.S. residents via various forms of mass marketing schemes. I am gratified that the deferred prosecution agreement reached today with Western Union ensures that $586 million will be available to compensate the many victims of these frauds.”
“Our investigation uncovered hundreds of millions of dollars being sent to China in structured transactions designed to avoid the reporting requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act, and much of the money was sent to China by illegal immigrants to pay their human smugglers,” said U.S. Attorney Decker. “In a case being prosecuted by my office, a Western Union agent has pleaded guilty to federal charges of structuring transactions – illegal conduct the company knew about for at least five years. Western Union documents indicate that its employees fought to keep this agent – as well as several other high-volume independent agents in New York City – working for Western Union because of the high volume of their activity. This action today will ensure that Western Union effectively controls its agents and prevents the use of its money transfer system for illegal purposes.”
“Western Union’s failure to comply with anti-money laundering laws provided fraudsters and other criminals with a means to transfer criminal proceeds and victimize innocent people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lappen. “Western Union has agreed to forfeit $586 million, the largest forfeiture ever imposed on a money services business, and has agreed to take specific steps to ensure that it complies with the law in the future. This office will continue to vigorously enforce the anti-money laundering laws and regulations, which are necessary to prevent those engaged in fraud, terrorism, human trafficking, drug dealing and other crimes from using companies like Western Union to further their illegal activity.”
“Western Union, the largest money service business in the world, has admitted to a flawed corporate culture that failed to provide a checks and balances approach to combat criminal practices,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer. “Western Union’s failure to implement proper controls and discipline agents that violated compliances policies enabled the proliferation of illegal gambling, money laundering and fraud-related schemes. Western Union’s conduct resulted in the processing of hundreds of millions of dollars in prohibited transactions. Today’s historic agreement, involving the largest financial forfeiture by a money service business, makes it clear that all corporations and their agents will be held accountable for conduct that circumvents compliance programs designed to prevent criminal conduct.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has been at the forefront of protecting consumers from fraud schemes for many years,” said Inspector in Charge Bosch. “When private businesses participate in the actions that Western Union was involved in, it makes it easier for criminals to victimize innocent citizens. Our commitment to bringing these criminals to justice will not waiver, and we look forward to facilitating compensation to victims.”
“Los Angeles-defendant Wang’s company was considered to be among the largest Western Union agents in the United States as over $310 million was sent to China in a span of five years, half of which was illegally structured and transmitted using false identification,” said Assistant Director in Charge Fike. “Rather than ensuring their high volume agents were operating above-board, Western Union rewarded them without regard to the blatant lack of compliance and illegal practices taking place. This settlement should go a long way in thwarting the proceeds of illicit transactions being sent to China to fund human smuggling or drug trafficking, as well as to interrupt the ease with which scam artists flout U.S. banking regulations in schemes devised to defraud vulnerable Americans.”
"As major player in the money transmittal business, Western Union had an obligation to its customers to ensure they offered honest services, which include upholding the Bank Secrecy Act, as well as other U.S. laws,” said Chief Weber. “Western Union’s blatant disregard of their anti-money laundering compliance responsibilities was criminal and significant. IRS-CI special agents – working with their investigative agency partners – uncovered the massive AML compliance failures and is proud to be part of this historic criminal resolution.”
“Today’s announcement of this significant settlement highlights the positive result of HSI’s collaboration with our partner agencies to hold Western Union accountable for their failure to comply with bank secrecy laws that preserve the integrity of the financial system of the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Miller. “As a result of this settlement, Western Union now answers for these violations. I thank the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for their partnership in this investigation.”
According to admissions contained in the deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) and the accompanying statement of facts, between 2004 and 2012, Western Union violated U.S. laws—the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-fraud statutes—by processing hundreds of thousands of transactions for Western Union agents and others involved in an international consumer fraud scheme.
As part of the scheme, fraudsters contacted victims in the U.S. and falsely posed as family members in need or promised prizes or job opportunities. The fraudsters directed the victims to send money through Western Union to help their relative or claim their prize. Various Western Union agents were complicit in these fraud schemes, often processing the fraud payments for the fraudsters in return for a cut of the fraud proceeds.
Western Union knew of but failed to take corrective action against Western Union agents involved in or facilitating fraud-related transactions. Beginning in at least 2004, Western Union recorded customer complaints about fraudulently induced payments in what are known as consumer fraud reports (CFRs). In 2004, Western Union’s Corporate Security Department proposed global guidelines for discipline and suspension of Western Union agents that processed a materially elevated number of fraud transactions. In these guidelines, the Corporate Security Department effectively recommended automatically suspending any agent that paid 15 CFRs within 120 days. Had Western Union implemented these proposed guidelines, it could have prevented significant fraud losses to victims and would have resulted in corrective action against more than 2,000 agents worldwide between 2004 and 2012.
Court documents also show Western Union’s BSA failures spanned eight years and involved, among other things, the acquisition of a significant agent that Western Union knew prior to the acquisition had an ineffective AML program and had contracted with other agents that were facilitating significant levels of consumer fraud. Despite this knowledge, Western Union moved forward with the acquisition and did not remedy the AML failures or terminate the high-fraud agents.
Similarly, Western Union failed to terminate or discipline agents who repeatedly violated the BSA and Western Union policy through their structuring activity in the Central District of California and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The BSA requires financial institutions, including money services businesses such as Western Union, to file currency transaction reports (CTRs) for transactions in currency greater than $10,000 in a single day. To evade the filing of a CTR and identification requirements, criminals will often structure their currency transactions so that no single transaction exceeds the $10,000 threshold. Financial institutions are required to report suspected structuring where the aggregate number of transactions by or on behalf of any person exceeds more than $10,000 during one business day. Western Union knew that certain of its U.S. Agents were allowing or aiding and abetting structuring by their customers. Rather than taking corrective action to eliminate structuring at and by its agents, Western Union, among other things, allowed agents to continue sending transactions through Western Union’s system and paid agents bonuses. Despite repeated compliance review identifying suspicious or illegal behavior by its agents, Western Union almost never identified the suspicious activity those agents engaged in in its required reports to law enforcement
Finally, Western Union has been on notice since at least December 1997, that individuals use its money transfer system to send illegal gambling transactions from Florida to offshore sportsbooks. Western Union knew that gambling transactions presented a heightened risk of money laundering and that through at least 2012, certain procedures it implemented were not effective at limiting transactions with characteristics indicative of illegal gaming from the United States to other countries.
Western Union entered into a DPA in connection with a two-count felony criminal information filed today in the Middle District of Pennsylvania charging Western Union with willfully failing to maintain an effective AML program and aiding and abetting wire fraud. Pursuant to the DPA, Western Union has agreed to forfeit $586 million and also agreed to enhanced compliance obligations to prevent a repeat of the charged conduct, including creating policies and procedures:
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for corrective action against agents that pose an unacceptable risk of money laundering or have demonstrated systemic, willful or repeated lapses in compliance;
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that ensure that its agents around the world will adhere to U.S. regulatory and AML standards; and
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that ensure that the company will report suspicious or illegal activity by its agents or related to consumer fraud reports.
In a related case, Western Union agreed to settle charges by the FTC in a complaint filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, alleging that the company’s conduct violated the FTC Act. The complaint charges that for many years, fraudsters around the world have used Western Union’s money transfer system even though the company has long been aware of the problem, and that some Western Union agents have been complicit in fraud. The FTC’s complaint alleges that Western Union declined to put in place effective anti-fraud policies and procedures and has failed to act promptly against problem agents. Western Union has identified many of the problem agents but has profited from their actions by not promptly suspending and terminating them.
In resolving the FTC charges, Western Union agreed to a monetary judgment of $586 million and to implement and maintain a comprehensive anti-fraud program with training for its agents and their front line associates, monitoring to detect and prevent fraud-induced money transfers, due diligence on all new and renewing company agents, and suspension or termination of noncompliant agents.
The FTC order prohibits Western Union from transmitting a money transfer that it knows or reasonably should know is fraud-induced, and requires it to:
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block money transfers sent to any person who is the subject of a fraud report;
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provide clear and conspicuous consumer fraud warnings on its paper and electronic money transfer forms;
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increase the availability of websites and telephone numbers that enable consumers to file fraud complaints; and
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refund a fraudulently induced money transfer if the company failed to comply with its anti-fraud procedures in connection with that transaction.
In addition, consistent with the telemarketing sales rule, Western Union must not process a money transfer that it knows or should know is payment for a telemarketing transaction. The company’s compliance with the order will be monitored for three years by an independent compliance auditor.
Since 2001, the department has charged and convicted 29 owners or employees of Western Union agents for their roles in fraudulent and structured transactions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Pennsylvania has charged and convicted 26 Western Union agent owners and employees for fraud-related violations; the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California has secured a guilty plea from one Western Union agent for BSA violations, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has secured guilty pleas for BSA violations of two other individuals associated with Western Union agents for BSA violations.
USPIS’s Philadelphia Division’s Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Office; the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office; IRS-CI; HSI; FRB-CFPB OIG; Department of Treasury OIG; the Broward County, Florida Sheriff’s Offices; and Department of Labor investigated the case. Trial Attorney Margaret A. Moeser of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section’s Bank Integrity Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Staples of the Central District of California, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Judy Smith and Floyd Miller of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Katz of the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. Asset forfeiture attorneys in each U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section provided significant assistance in this matter. The department appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by the FTC in this matter.
Persons who believe they were victims of the fraud scheme should visit the Department of Justice’s victim website at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-afmls/remission for instructions on how to request compensation through the Victim Asset Recovery Program.
The Victim Compensation Program, operated by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, is composed of a team of experienced professionals, including attorneys, accountants, auditors and claims analysts. In hundreds of cases, the Victim Compensation Program has successfully used its specialized expertise to efficiently convert forfeited assets to victim recoveries.
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Schuylkill County Man Charged with Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Ernest Schaeffer, age 40, of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on January 17, 2017, by a federal grand jury for methamphetamine trafficking and possessing firearms in connection with drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Schaeffer conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine during June through October of 2016. Schaeffer is also charged with three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possessing four firearms in connection with drug trafficking.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of real property owned by Schaeffer.
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 the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the drug conspiracy charge and the gun charge is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The drug conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and the gun charge 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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Former U.S. Probation Officer Sentenced for Obstruction of InvestigationRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that United States District Court Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner sentenced Rachel Lynn Howze, age 30, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to a split sentence of five months’ imprisonment and five months’ home confinement for obstructing an official federal proceeding while serving as a U.S. Probation Officer in Pittsburgh.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Howze was charged in a criminal information filed in June 2016, with attempting to obstruct, influence, and impede an investigation by intentionally disclosing to unauthorized persons the existence of a state criminal investigation involving an individual under federal supervised release.
Howze, while employed as a Federal Probation Officer in the Western District of Pennsylvania, used her position to access confidential computer files related to an ongoing state heroin trafficking investigation. The individual cooperating with state law enforcement and the target of the state investigation were both under federal supervised release and the federal probation office possessed information about the state investigation in its system of records. Howze alerted the target’s sister about the existence of the criminal investigation. Based on the information Howze provided, the target and his accomplices were able to identify the informant and agreed that the informant “had to go.”
Howze is no longer employed by the U.S. Probation Office.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case because the defendant was an employee under the supervision of the U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh at the time of the criminal activity.
This investigation was conducted by the Pittsburgh Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph J. Terz prosecuted the case.
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Edwardsville Man Indicted for Attempted Robbery and Unlawful Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Victor Santiago-Rivera, age 42, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, was indicted on January 17, 2017, by a federal grand jury on attempted robbery and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on January 6, 2017, Santiago-Rivera attempted to rob Simon and Co. Jewelers located in Kingston, Pennsylvania, and illegally possessed a Glock 17 firearm. The indictment alleges that the defendant has been previously convicted of a crime that is punishable by imprisonment of at least one year, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms along with the Kingston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the attempted robbery is 20 years’ imprisonment followed by three years supervised release and a fine. The firearms charge carries a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment followed by three years supervised release and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Wilkes-Barre Man Charged with Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jerrod Curtis, age 33, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted on January 17, 2017, by a federal grand jury on a drug trafficking charge.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Curtis possessed with the intent to distribute heroin from February through April of 2016, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
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 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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Two Schuylkill County Men Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marquese Whitted, age 30, and Derek Mountz, age 32, both of Schuylkill County, were indicted on January 17, 2017, by a federal grand jury for participating in a methamphetamine and heroin trafficking conspiracy that operated in Schuylkill and Berks Counties in April-October 2016.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Whitted and Mountz conspired with each other and others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than 100 grams (which is equivalent to approximately 4,000 retail bags) of heroin during April through October of 2016.
Whitted is also charged with nine counts of methamphetamine and/or heroin trafficking. Mountz is also charged with two counts of methamphetamine trafficking and possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the 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 to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case was also brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the gun charge is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The drug conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. The gun 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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Scranton Man Charged with Two Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Christian Gonzalez, age 23, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on January 17, 2017, by a federal grand jury for two bank robberies.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Gonzalez committed the following two bank robberies:
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January 12, 2017, Citizens Savings Bank, Cedar Avenue, Scranton, approximately $2,000 stolen; and
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December 5, 2016, NBT Bank, Keyser Avenue, Scranton, approximately $7,000 stolen.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense 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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Federal Inmates Indicted for AssaultRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jeffrey Lynn Mattox, age 32, and Clayton John Shinn, age 26, inmates at the United States Penitentiary, Canaan, in Waymart, Pennsylvania, were indicted on January 17, 2017, by a federal grand jury for assault.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on October 4, 2016, Mattox and Shinn assaulted another inmate by repeatedly striking, punching and kicking the inmate, resulting in serious bodily injury.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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United States Attorney’s Office Reaches Settlement with Luzerne County over Polling Place Access for VotersRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today a settlement with Luzerne County under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to improve physical accessibility at the county’s polling places for individuals who use wheel chairs and other mobility aids, and for individuals who are blind or have vision impairments.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, in the November 3, 2015 general election, the United States Attorney’s Office along with an architect from the Department of Justice surveyed 52 of the county’s 180 polling place locations. The survey resulted in a finding that many of the county’s polling places contain barriers to access for persons with disabilities.
Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by a state or local
government in any of its programs or services, including its voting program. Thus, the ADA requires Luzerne County to select and use polling places that are accessible.
Luzerne County is working collaboratively with the United States Attorney’s Office to make all polling places accessible. Under the terms of the agreement, the county will use an evaluation form for each current and prospective polling place based on ADA architectural standards. The settlement requires the county to either relocate inaccessible polling places to new, accessible facilities, or to use temporary measures such as portable ramps, signs, traffic cones and doorbells, where appropriate to ensure accessibility on Election Day.
“The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler. “We applaud Luzerne County’s commitment to ensure that all persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to vote in person at their polling places alongside their neighbors.”
This investigation was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler with the assistance of the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division (Disability Rights Section).
Those interested in finding out more about the ADA can access the ADA website at www.ada.gov.
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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 Barry Patonja, age 33, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment on January 9, 2017, by United States District Court Judge Malachy Mannion, for his role in the conspiracy of distributing heroin and cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Pantjoa and his co-conspirators distributed more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 100 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to approximately 2,500 retail bags, during the summer of 2014.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses
The case was investigated by the Scranton Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney William S. Houser prosecuted the case.
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Minnesota Man Indicted for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Aaron Broussard, age 26, of Hopkins, Minnesota, appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick in Scranton to face charges that he distributed fentanyl, a Schedule I controlled substance, resulting in the death of another.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Broussard was indicted on December 6, 2016 by a federal grand jury sitting in Scranton. Broussard was arrested on December 6, 2016, in the District of Minnesota and today he was ordered detained pending trial.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Department of Homeland Security. 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 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 guilty 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 $1,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Latin King Gang Member Sentenced to 14 Years’ Imprisonment on Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Latin King gang member Felix Dominguez-Rivera, age 38, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment on January 9, 2017, by United States District Court Judge John E., Jones, III, for distribution of cocaine and heroin and possession of a firearm.
Judge Jones also ordered Dominguez-Rivera to be placed on four years of supervised release following his prison sentence, and to pay $1,800 in fines and special assessments.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Dominguez-Rivera, a career offender, distributed approximately 522 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to approximately 20,000 retail bags, and approximately 2,282 grams of cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, between December of 2011 and August of 2013, in Lebanon County. At the time of his arrest on April 8, 2014, Dominguez-Rivera was in the possession of a loaded Keltec 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lebanon County Drug Task Force, Lebanon City Police Department, and the Cornwall Borough Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom and Nichole Eisenhart, Lebanon County First Assistant District Attorney, serving as Special Assistant United States Attorney, 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.
This case was also brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
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New York Woman Sentenced to Prison for Two Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON -The United States Attorney=s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dorian Whitehead, age 31, of Binghamton, New York, was sentenced on January 5, 2017, by United States District Court Judge James M. Munley, to 51 months’ imprisonment for aiding and abetting two armed bank robberies. Judge Munley also ordered Whitehead to pay $169,099 in restitution.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Whitehead pleaded guilty on March 30, 2016, to aiding and abetting co-defendants Jule Futrell, age 44, of Endicott, New York, Jemel Laquan King, age 40, and Jeremy West, age 41, both of Binghamton, New York, in committing the following armed bank robberies:
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First National Community Bank (FNCB), Jenkins Township, Pennsylvania, on March 13, 2014; and
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NBT Bank, Keyser Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania, on November 26, 2014.
Whitehead aided and abetted West and Futrell in the commission of the FNCB robbery and Futrell and King in the commission of the NBT Bank robbery. Whitehead’s role in both bank robberies was the monitoring of police channels via a cell phone application while she remained in her home in New York. She maintained voice contact with Futrell, present inside of both banks, by using a second cell phone and an ear piece worn by Futrell during the commission of the robberies. Whitehead’s job was to alert codefendants of alarms or police notifications during the progress of the robberies to enable them to flee the scene.
The defendants stole approximately $57,469 in cash from FNCB, and approximately $111,630 in cash from NBT bank.
West was sentenced to serve 126 months’ imprisonment on charges of armed bank robbery, a pharmacy robbery, and use of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. West previously pleaded guilty to committing the armed bank robbery of FNCB and the April 18, 2014, armed robbery of the CVS Pharmacy located in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
King was convicted for his crimes by a federal jury on April 8, 2016, and was sentenced on July 26, 2016, to 157 months’ imprisonment. Futrell pleaded guilty to conspiracy, armed bank robbery, robbery of a pharmacy, and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 7, 2017.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Scranton and Binghamton offices. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski prosecuted the case.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced for Illegally Selling Prescription PainkillersRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Williams, age 55, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 86 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Yvette Kane for unlawfully distributing prescription painkillers.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on March 9, 2015, Williams distributed 50, 10 mg. hydrocodone pills and on March 19, 2015, he distributed 60, 10 mg. oxycodone pills to an individual cooperating with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Dauphin County Drug Task Force, and the Harrisburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe prosecuted the case.
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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 Kelvin Robinson, age 25, of Newport News, Virginia was sentenced by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to serve 7 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, Robinson, previously pleaded guilty to the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Robinson was one of four individuals, including Tracy Whiting, age 24, 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. Tracy Whiting, Rodney Whiting and Kwa’shon Roane also entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Scranton Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office and numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Taylor Borough and Moosic Borough Police Departments.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.
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.
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Army Colonel Sentenced to 12 Years’ Imprisonment for Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Robert J. Rice, a Colonel in the U.S. Army stationed at the U.S. Army War College, age 58, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to 144 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 10 years’ supervised release for distribution of child pornography over the internet.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the sentence follows a five-day jury trial in May 2016. The jury found that Rice knowingly possessed child pornography from August 2010 through January 29, 2013, and that he received and distributed child pornography through the internet from January 23, 2013 through January 28, 2013. Rice is currently incarcerated at Ft. Leavenworth Prison in Kansas where he is serving a 48-month sentence as a result of a court martial conviction. Today’s federal sentence was ordered to run concurrent with Rice’s military sentence.
The case was investigated by the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys James T. Clancy and Chelsea B. Schinnour prosecuted the case.
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Owner of Harrisburg Healthcare Services Firm Sentenced for False Statements, Money Laundering and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Rose Umana, age 49, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on December 21, 2016, by United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to 36 months in prison for making false statements relating to health care matters, engaging in monetary transactions involving criminally-derived property, and identity theft.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, between January 2012 and January 2014, Umana, the owner and operator of Vision Healthcare Services, Inc., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, created false identification documents and fictitious occupational licenses for workers. In executing the scheme, Umana then (1) submitted bills to Medicaid for medical services not provided by the workers, (2) billed Medicaid for services provided by someone other than the person claimed to be the provider, and (3) billed Medicaid for services not provided or provided by someone not qualified to provide the service.
Medicaid is the joint federal–state program that provides health care and nursing home coverage to low asset/income individuals. Medicaid in Pennsylvania is administered by the Department of Human Services. Vision Healthcare Services, Inc., is a medical staffing company and home care services provider servicing Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry and York Counties and has been enrolled under Medicaid since 2006.
The total loss resulting from Umana’s conduct was $1,184,224. In addition to the three- year-term of imprisonment, Judge Rambo also ordered Umana to pay $1,184,224 in restitution and ordered the forfeiture of $656,421. Judge Rambo ordered Umana to report to the Bureau of Prisons on January 23, 2017.
The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations; and, the Medicaid Fraud Control Section of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather M. Albright of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J. Terz prosecuted the case.
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Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years on Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Reginald Barton, age 30, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was sentenced today to 15 years’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Barton pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in July 2016, as a result of a traffic stop in Harrisburg where Barton fled on foot from the police, fired one shot and then tossed the gun, a .22 caliber EIG revolver. Officers from the Harrisburg Bureau of Police caught Barton after a brief foot chase, recovered the firearm and determined that Barton possessed it after having previously been convicted of several felony offenses. As a result of his prior convictions, Barton was determined to be an armed career criminal subject to a minimum mandatory 15-year term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor 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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Wilkes-Barre Man Indicted for Computer HackingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Justin Bodnar, age 27, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted on December 20, 2016, by a federal grand jury for intentionally accessing protected computers without authorization.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Bodnar with an incident in 2013 in which Bodnar allegedly hacked a computer and thereby obtained the e-mails of another individual which he then attempted to sell. The indictment also charges Bodnar with causing intentional damage to a computer stemming from multiple incidents in 2012 in which Bodnar allegedly hacked the computers of his former employer and caused damage to those computers.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Inmate Indicted for Weapon PossessionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Joseph Edwards, age 35, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary, Allenwood, Pennsylvania (USP Allenwood), was indicted on December 20, 2016, by a federal grand jury for possession of a dangerous weapon.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Edwards was discovered with a sharpened weapon, commonly known as a “shank,” on his person in the prison in August 2016.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States 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 five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Inmate Indicted for Drug and Weapon PossessionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Stephen Morrison, age 28, was indicted on December 20, 2016, by a federal grand jury for possession of AB-Pinaca, a Schedule I controlled substance, and a sharpened weapon, commonly called a “shank,” while an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (“FCI”) at Allenwood, Pennsylvania.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Morrison was discovered with the synthetic cannabinoid and weapon on his person at FCI Allenwood in September 2016.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers at FCI Allenwood. Assistant United States 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 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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Inmate Charged with Assault and Possession of ContrabandRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Levar Washington, age 37, inmate at United States Penitentiary, Allenwood (USP Allenwood), was indicted on December 20, 2016, by a federal grand jury for assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of contraband.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Washington attacked another inmate with a sharpened weapon commonly called a “shank.” The victim suffered multiple stab wounds.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and USP Allenwood. Assistant United States 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 the assault 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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Harrisburg Man Indicted on Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Johnnie Zeigler, age 37, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a federal firearms charge.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Zeigler was charged in a one count indictment for being a convicted felon illegally in possession of two loaded guns and ammunition. The charges arise out of an incident in Harrisburg where Zeigler was arrested and police seized a canvas bag containing a Remington Arms 22 LR Rifle, Harrington and Richardson .22 caliber revolver, and ammunition.
The investigation was conducted by the Harrisburg Police Department and the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the drug charge is a 10-year term of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Federal Inmates Indicted for Conspiracy to Obtain Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that William Bonilla, Jr., age 31, and William Davis, age 29, both inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania (FCI Schuylkill), were indicted on December 20, 2016, by a federal grand jury for conspiracy and attempt to obtain marijuana and synthetic marijuana in FCI Schuylkill.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of 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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Plains Township Man Sentenced for Six Area RobberiesRead the Press Release
WILKES-BARRE - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Timothy Fenster, age 31, of Plains Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Richard A. Caputo in Wilkes-Barre, to 92 months’ imprisonment for committing five bank robberies, and one robbery of a store. The sentence imposed credited Fenster with 23 months already spent in prison while facing other state charges. The Court ordered the remaining 92 months’ imprisonment term to commence today.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Fenster pleaded guilty today prior to his sentencing and admitted to committing the following armed robberies:
- Community Bank, Laceyville, Pennsylvania, on December 17, 2014;
- M&T Bank, Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, on December 22, 2014;
- FNCB, Plains Township, Pennsylvania, on January 14, 2015;
- M&T Bank, Coal Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on January 22, 2015;
- Community Bank, Meshoppen, Pennsylvania, on January 26, 2015; and
- Family Dollar, Ashley Borough, Pennsylvania, on January 28, 2015.
Fenster was arrested on January 29, 2015, and has been incarcerated since that date. Judge Caputo also ordered Fenster to pay $21,650 in restitution, and order that he spend three years on supervised release following service of his sentence.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jenkins Township Police Department, Plains Township Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.
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Pike County Woman Guilty of Heroin Distribution Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brittany Ann Banscher, age 21, of Hawley, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on December 19, 2016, before United States District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton, to a charge of drug distribution resulting in death.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Banscher admitted to knowingly and intentionally distributing heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, which resulted in the death of another. Banscher was previously indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton on August 30, 2016. Banscher faces a minimum mandatory 20-year sentence as a result of her guilty plea.
The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Scranton Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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New York Man Indicted on Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Charles J. Senke, age 59, of Syracuse, New York, was indicted by a federal grand jury for traveling in interstate commerce to meet a minor for illicit sexual conduct, as well as online enticement.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Senke used the internet and a cellular device to persuade a person who he believed to be 14 years old to engage in sexual conduct. It is alleged that on February 4, 2015, Senke travelled to Scranton by automobile from Syracuse for the specific purpose of engaging in sexual activity with the person he believed to be a minor.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski 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 are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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More Charges Filed Against Scranton Man in Sex Trafficking and Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Mark Cook, age 38, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a superseding indictment charging additional counts of sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking by force and coercion, a drug conspiracy count, and a wire fraud charge.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the superseding indictment alleges that Cook, who used the street name of “Lucky,” used force or coercion in connection with two additional victims of sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking, conspired with others to distribute cocaine in February through April 2015, and, committed wire fraud in relation to a vehicle insurance claim in August-September 2016.
The superseding indictment also contains the original charges of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force and coercion, three counts of sex trafficking by force and coercion, possession with intent to distribute heroin, “molly,” and cocaine, and attempted witness tampering.
According to the superseding indictment, Cook allegedly used a website to post advertisements for prostitution, rented hotel rooms in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre for prostitution purposes, and used intimidation, threats, physical assaults, and illegal drugs to further the prostitution business.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Scranton Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The sex trafficking offenses each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of life in prison. The drug charges and attempted witness tampering charge each carry a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The wire fraud charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Two York County Residents Indicted for Threatening to Injure Police OfficersRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Chad Stoner, age 28, and Emily Winand, age 27, both of Conewago Township, York County, Pennsylvania, were indicted on December 7, 2016, by a federal grand jury, for transmitting an interstate communication containing a threat to injure police officers and officials of Conewago Township. The indictment also charges that Stoner was a felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment was unsealed December 16, 2016, following Winand’s initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab in Harrisburg, on December 9, 2016. Stoner is currently in York County Prison on state charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on or about August 10, 2016, defendants Stoner and Winand agreed that Winand would use her Youtube account to post a video on which defendant Stoner communicated a threat to injure police officers. The indictment also alleges that on July 8, 2016, Stoner, who had been convicted of an offense punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, possessed three firearms.
The investigation was conducted by the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Northern York County Regional Police Department, and the West York Borough Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph J. Terz.
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.
Stoner faces a maximum penalty under federal law of 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Winand faces a maximum penalty under federal law of 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Two Harrisburg Men Guilty of Possessing Child PornograhyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on December 13, 2016, Timothy Rissmiller, age 44, and on December 15, 2016, John L. Gilbert, III, age 36, both of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty this week to possession of child pornography before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Gilbert and Rissmiller were apprehended by the Harrisburg Bureau of Police after the pair printed photographs containing child pornography at a Harrisburg drugstore. The men were identified when they called a clerk over to help them with the photo printing when it malfunctioned. Police who responded seized the pornographic images of prepubescent children and the surveillance video showing Gilbert and Rissmiller in the store. Officers also searched the halfway house the men were living in as part of their federal supervised release for a prior child exploitation offense involving child pornography. During this search, officers located additional images of child pornography and graphic stories about engaging in sexual activity with children.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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.
A violation of possession of child pornography in this case carries an enhanced penalty requiring a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment and a statutory maximum penalty of 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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Tobyhanna Resident Pleads Guilty to Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Victor Tello, age 25, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, to distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Tello admitted to distributing heroin in November-December 2013, in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Tello admitted to selling between 40 grams and 60 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to between 1,300 and 2,200 retail bags of heroin.
Judge Mannion ordered a pre-sentence report to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled after the pre-sentence report is completed.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1 million 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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Allentown Man Guilty of Participating in A Heroin and Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Robert Estes, age 41, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, to conspiring with others to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Estes admitted to being a manager and supervisor of a conspiracy that distributed between one and three kilograms of heroin (which is equivalent to 33,000 to 99,000 retail bags of heroin), and between 350 and 500 grams of methamphetamine, in the Carbon County area during early 2016 through June 2016.
Estes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and a $5 million fine. Judge Mannion ordered a pre-sentence report to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Allentown Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 40 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Collects over $14.5 Million on Behalf of U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2016Read the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that the Middle District of Pennsylvania collected $14.5 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2016. Of this amount, $2.1 million was collected in criminal actions and $12.3 million was collected in civil actions.
The $14.5 million collected exceeds the Office’s $8.9 million appropriated budget by approximately $5.6 million.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected over $4 million in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2016. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced on December 14, 2016, that the Justice Department collected nearly $15.4 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2016. The $15.4 billion in collections in FY 2016 represents more than five times the appropriated $2.93 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period.
“Every day, the men and women of the Department of Justice work tirelessly to enforce our laws, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used properly and that the American people are protected from exploitation and abuse,” said Attorney General Lynch. “Today’s announcement is a testament to that work, and it makes clear that our actions deliver a significant return on public investment. I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this year's collections possible, and I want to emphasize that the department remains committed to the well-being of our people and our nation.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
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Two Men Indicted on Heroin and Crack Cocaine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Henry J. Flemister, age 26, of Steelton, Pennsylvania, and Kevin N. Bilheimer, age 57, of Yeagertown, Pennsylvania, were indicted on December 14, 2016, by a federal grand jury for heroin and crack cocaine trafficking violations.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Flemister and Bilheimer conspired and possessed with the intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine in August and September 2016, in Mifflin County.
The case was investigated by the Mifflin County Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each of the drug trafficking offenses and conspiracy 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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Sex Offender Indicted for Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Joseph Wayne Acevedo, age 31, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on December 14, 2016, by a federal grand jury for failure to register as a sex offender.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Acevedo was convicted of the offense of indecent assault on a six-year-old child in York County in 2006. That conviction required Acevedo to register as a sex offender in any place he lived, worked, or attended school, and to update his registration on a quarterly basis. Acevedo is charged with failing to update his registration as a convicted sex offender as required by law.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the United States Marshals Service. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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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 December 14, 2016, by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg on illegal re-entry charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Yunny Javier Aplicano-Gutierrez, age 30, a citizen of Honduras, was previously deported from the United States to Honduras in August 2009. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after August 2009 and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Octavio Martinez-Calzada, age 44, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in May 2003. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after May 2003 and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Eduardo Jurado-Morales, age 34, of Guatemala, was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala in April 2008. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2008 and was found in the United States in York County after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
The maximum penalty under federal law for Aplicano-Gutierrez, Martinez-Calzada and Jurado-Morales’s offenses are two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Lorenzo Hernandez-Aguilar, age 33, of Mexico, Hernandez-Aguilar was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in June 2016. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after June 2016 and was found in the United States in Franklin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In 2015, he was convicted in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, an offense which subjects him to enhanced penalties in the current case.
Luis Lopez, age 24, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in February 2012. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after February 2012 and was found in the United States in Franklin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In 2011, he was convicted in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas of Interference with Custody of Children, an offense which subjects him to enhanced penalties in the current case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for Hernandez-Aguilar and Lopez’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 Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Possession of A Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Khalid Fahide Carter, age 22, of Harrisburg, was convicted by a federal jury of distribution of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The three-day trial was held before Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner in Harrisburg.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the jury returned the verdict after less than two hours of deliberation. The jury found that Carter distributed cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, and possessed a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on January 12, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Capital City Safe Streets Task Force, the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorneys Daryl F. Bloom and 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.
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 drug trafficking is 20 years of imprisonment and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking 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 Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Role in Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Justin Strait, age 26, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to six years in prison on December 13, 2016, by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton, for his role in a sex trafficking conspiracy that used a minor to engage in prostitution at several hotels and motels in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Strait previously admitted that he assisted three other men in the sex trafficking activity during early-to-mid 2014. Strait pleaded guilty in July 2015.
Judge Munley also ordered Strait to serve five years on supervised release following his prison sentence. Strait must also register as a sex offender and comply with all sex offender notification requirements of federal and state law.
Three other men connected to the sex trafficking conspiracy have also pleaded guilty: Sean Cantelmo was sentenced to 151 months in prison; Jimmy Cantelmo was sentenced to 10 years in prison; and Mark Matis is awaiting sentencing.
Strait and/or his co-conspirators recruited the minor to engage in prostitution, rented motel rooms for purposes of prostitution, provided condoms to the minor, photographed the minor and posted advertisements for “escort services” on a website, provided illegal drugs to the minor, and acted as security during prostitution activities.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Monroe County Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jabril Greggs, age 26, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on December 12, 2016, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, to serve 33 months in prison for distributing heroin.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Greggs admitted to selling heroin during July 2014, and in April and May of 2015, in the Monroe County area. Greggs admitted to distributing between 80 and 100 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to between 3,000 and 4,000 retail bags of heroin. Greggs pleaded guilty in September 2016.
In rejecting the defendant’s request to be sentenced below the advisory guideline range, Judge Mannion noted the great harm that distributors of heroin were inflicting on our communities.
Judge Mannion also ordered Greggs to be placed on two years of supervised release following his prison sentence, and to pay a special assessment of $100.
Greggs was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2014, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Pocono Mountain Regional Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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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Cumberland County Man Guilty of Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that John Alexander Driscoll, age 60, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, pled guilty on December 13, 2016, before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson to receiving child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Driscoll admitted to receiving images depicting the sexual exploitation of children. After obtaining a search warrant, federal law enforcement officers located thousands of images and movies containing child pornography in Driscoll’s possession.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Bloom.
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.
Driscoll was a 1987 subject of a United States Postal Inspection Service child exploitation operation where he was arrested and convicted of mailing and receiving child pornography. As such, the maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 40 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. In addition, this offense carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of 15 years.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Orangeville, Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Cedrick Vaughn Perkins, age 20, of Orangeville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann, to 60 months’ imprisonment on child pornography distribution charges.
Judge Brann also ordered Perkins to pay $3,000 in restitution and to register as a sex offender.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Homeland Security Investigators received information from the Pennsylvania Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force that Perkins downloaded numerous videos and images containing child pornography from the internet between January and June 2015. Forensic examination of Perkins’s cell phone and computer revealed approximately 75 images and 90 videos of child pornography.
“HSI agents are committed to thwarting the distribution of child pornography, and ensuring criminals like the defendant are brought to justice for preying on vulnerable children,” said Marlon V. Miller, special agent in charge of HSI in Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Hazleton Man Guilty of Selling Heroin Near SchoolRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Israel Calcano-Garcia, age 44, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, who is a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty today to distributing heroin within 1,000 feet of a school, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the defendant, Calcano-Garcia, admitted to selling heroin in January 2015 near the Immanuel Christian School in Hazleton. Calcano-Garcia admitted to distributing between 80 and 100 grams of heroin, which is approximately equivalent to between 2,700 and 4,000 retail bags of heroin.
Judge Mariani ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
Calcano-Garcia was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in September 2015, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hazleton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 40 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum one-year prison sentence for distributing heroin within one thousand feet of a school. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Hanover Businessman Guilty of $150,000 Bank Fraud and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Matthew S. Norris, age 34, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, pled guilty on December 8, 2016, before United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo in Harrisburg, to bank fraud and money laundering charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Norris is the owner and operator of Norris Enterprises, d/b/a Aerus Electrolux, Hanover. Norris admitted to executing a scheme in 2011 that defrauded GE Bank out of $157,785. Norris, as the owner/operator of Aerus Electrolux, was an authorized independent franchisee of Electrolux International, which was then located on York Street, in Hanover. Norris submitted approximately 27 credit applications under the names and identifiers of his customers to GE Bank without the customers’ knowledge or consent. By inflating the customers’ income on electronic credit applications, Norris succeeded in obtaining lines of credit for the customers to purchase Electrolux products. Norris then charged the approved accounts for fictional merchandise sales and, as a result, GE Bank deposited the loan proceeds into Norris’s business account.
The scheme was discovered in October of 2011 when an Electrolux executive initiated an onsite audit of Norris’ business. When GE Bank learned what Norris had done, it immediately credited all amounts owed by the customers.
Under the terms of the plea agreement with the government, Norris agreed to make restitution to GE Bank in the amount of $157,785. No date has been set for sentencing pending preparation of a presentence report.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel.
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 $1,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former Wayne County Surgeon Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dr. Robert Gorrell, Jr., age 66, of Wayne County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, to evading payment of his income taxes, pursuant to a plea agreement with the United States.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Dr. Gorrell formerly worked for Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. During the plea hearing, he admitted to engaging in a years-long pattern of activities to avoid paying over $148,000 in tax. Among other things, he caused his tax preparer to file Form 1040 tax returns and Form 433-A collection statements that falsely claimed Dr. Gorrell paid for his own medical malpractice insurance. He also admitted that he forged documents from Wayne Memorial Hospital and from an insurance company to support those false claims. Dr. Gorrell further admitted to withholding from the IRS information about bank accounts under his control, and about his ownership of a Porsche Cayenne, to impede collection efforts.
The investigation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo 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 five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Williamsport Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dominique Lassiter, age 26, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and possession of firearms by a felon.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Lassiter distributed heroin in Williamsport in September and October 2016. After an investigation by the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit, a search of Lassiter’s apartment uncovered a 9mm pistol, 12-gauge shotgun, .308 caliber rifle, heroin packaged for distribution, bulk heroin and cocaine, and items commonly used in drug trafficking such as digital scales and empty packets identical to the filled packets seized.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Williamsport Bureau of Police, and the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit. The case is assigned to Geoffrey MacArthur for prosecution.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses
This case was also brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of 3 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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Harrisburg Man Indicted on Federal Firearm and Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Michael Depugh-King, age 20, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on December 7, 2016, by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg, on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Depugh-King distributed synthetic marijuana on August 30, 2016, in Harrisburg. The indictment also alleges that Depugh-King possessed a loaded Kel-Tec .9mm semi-automatic handgun during and in relation to his drug trafficking activities.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) and the Harrisburg Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William A. Behe
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 the drug trafficking offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty under federal law for the firearm offense is life imprisonment including a mandatory 5-year 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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Harrisburg Man Indicted for Distributing Heroin Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Erik Palmer, age 29, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on December 7, 2016, by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg, for distributing heroin that led to the death of another person, heroin distribution and criminal conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Palmer unlawfully distributed heroin on January 13, 2016, that led to the death of another person whose body was found in her home on January 14, 2016. The cause of death was determined to be acute morphine toxicity. The indictment also alleged that Palmer distributed heroin in March and April 2016 and conspired with individuals known to the grand jury to distribute heroin on those occasions.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Dauphin County Drug Task Force, and the Lower Paxton Township Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.]
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is a mandatory minimum of 20 year’s imprisonment up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Stroudsburg Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a James King, age 48, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute heroin, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo in Wilkes-Barre.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the defendant, James King, admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute approximately 60 grams of heroin which is the equivalent of 2,000 retail bags of heroin. The heroin was found in his vehicle and residence in September of 2016.
According to the terms of the plea agreement, both the government and the defendant have agreed to recommend to the court that King be sentenced to 14 years in prison. Judge Caputo scheduled sentencing for April 17, 2017.
King was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in October 2016, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years’ 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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