Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Williamsport Man Charged with Firearms and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on October 25, 2016, a federal grand jury in Scranton charged Damontray Taylor, age, 30, a resident of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with firearms and drug offenses.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Taylor with possessing the controlled substances in February of 2016, with the intent to distribute the drugs in the Williamsport area. Taylor was also charged with possession of three firearms in furtherance of his drug activities, and a separate felony charge for possessing firearms as a convicted felon.
The investigation was conducted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean A. Camoni.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalties under federal law include 20 years of imprisonment for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, 10 years of imprisonment for felon in possession of a firearm, a five year mandatory term of imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. If convicted of possessing a firearm 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 Names District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Eric Pfisterer will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Pfisterer has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Brandler said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Brandler stated that AUSA/DEO Pfisterer will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (717) 221-4482.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (717) 232-8686.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Brandler said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
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Lewisburg Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of A MinorRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Williamsport returned an indictment charging Tony A. Vonneida, age 62, of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, with sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that in 2014, Vonneida, coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, in violation of federal law. It is also alleged that Vonneida committed the acts while he was required to register as a sex offender under Pennsylvania law.
The indictment further alleges that Vonneida knowingly possessed digital images that contained images of child pornography including minors who had not attained 12 years of age that had been mailed, or shipped or transported in interstate commerce.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur has been assigned to prosecute 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 statues and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 60 years of imprisonment, up to a lifetime term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $750,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not necessarily an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Lancaster County Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Hacking Apple and Google E-Mail Accounts Belonging to More Than 100 People, Including Many CelebritiesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Lancaster County man was sentenced yesterday on felony computer hacking charges related to his illegal access of over 100 Apple and Google e-mail accounts, including those belonging to members of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, United States District Court Judge William W. Caldwell sentenced Ryan Collins, 36, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to 18 months in federal prison for a felony violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. He was taken into custody immediately after sentencing.
Collins pled guilty in May to one count of unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information. Collins was originally charged in Los Angeles, but the parties agreed to transfer the case to Harrisburg in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, near Collins' home, for the entry of his guilty plea and sentencing.
The case against Collins stems from the investigation into the leaks of photographs of numerous female celebrities in September 2014, known as "Celebgate." Investigators have not uncovered any evidence linking Collins to the actual leaks or that Collins shared or uploaded the information he obtained, however.
From November 2012 until the beginning of September 2014, Collins engaged in a sophisticated phishing scheme to obtain usernames and passwords for his victims. He sent e-mails to victims that appeared to be from Apple or Google and asked victims to provide their usernames and passwords.
When the victims responded, Collins then had access to the victims' e-mail accounts. After illegally accessing the e-mail accounts, Collins obtained personal information including nude photographs and videos. In some instances, Collins would use a software program to download the entire contents of the victims' Apple iCloud backups. In addition, Collins ran a modeling scam in which he tricked his victims into sending him nude photographs.
Investigators identified over 600 victims, many of whom were members of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. By illegally accessing the e-mail accounts, Collins accessed at least 50 iCloud accounts and 72 Gmail accounts, many of which belonged to female celebrities.
The case against Ryan Collins was investigated by FBI agents based in Los Angeles, and the plea agreement was negotiated by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan White and Vicki Chou in the United States Attorney's Office in Los Angeles. The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania assisted in the prosecution by handling the guilty plea and sentencing.
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Former Owners of Money Transmitter Business Sentenced for Conspiring to Structure Financial TransactionsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that the former owners of a money transmitter service business located in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, have been sentenced in federal court in Scranton by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, German Ossa-Rocha, age 50, and Mirela Desouza, age 46, the former owners of Tropical Express, a money transmitter service business, conspired together and with others, to utilize their business in order to transfer the proceeds of unlawful criminal activity to the Dominican Republic.
Ossa-Rocha was sentenced on October 25, 2016, to serve 27 months in federal prison, followed by a two-year term of supervised release. Desouza was sentenced on October 26, 2016, to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by a two-year term of supervised release.
The charges were the result of a drug trafficking investigation conducted jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. The investigation revealed that beginning in approximately January of 2008 and continuing through December 2011, Ossa-Rocha and Desouza structured financial transactions that represented the proceeds of drug trafficking in a manner intended to avoid reporting and recording requirements under State and Federal law. The amount of funds involved in the structuring was approximately $340,000. The funds were transmitted by Ossa-Rocha and Desouza via wire transfers to the Dominican Republic.
Ossa-Rocha was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 9, 2015. Desouza waived indictment by a grand jury and pleaded guilty to a felony information on June 11, 2015.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
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Two Men Sentenced in Scam to Illegally Export Goods to SyriaRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Harold Rinko, age 74 of Hallstead, Pennsylvania and Ahmad Feras Diri, age 43, of London, United Kingdom were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton for their involvement in a conspiracy to illegally export goods to Syria.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Diri, age 39, of London, United Kingdom, was sentenced yesterday to a 37-month term of imprisonment, a $100 special assessment, and ordered to forfeit $45,698 to the government. Diri was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in London on March 14, 2013, and extradited to the United States on charges in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
On October 13, 2016, Rinko was sentenced to a term of time served, 12 months of home confinement, a fine of $2,600, a term of supervised release of 2 years, and was ordered to forfeit $45,698 to the government.
A third defendant, Moawea Deri, a citizen of Syria, remains a fugitive from justice.
Rinko operated an export business in Hallstead, Pennsylvania and conspired with Diri to ship items purchased by customers in Syria in violation of United States law. The three men conspired to export various items from the United States, through third party countries to customers in Syria. The conspirators prepared false invoices which undervalued and mislabeled the goods being purchased and also listed false information as to the identity and geographic location of the purchasers of the goods. The items would be shipped from the United States to Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, and thereafter transshipped to Syria. One such item is described in communications between the conspirators as “it is a portable multi-gas scanner for the detection of chemical warfare agents. Nerve, blood and lung warfare agents are detected using a highly sensitive ion mobility spectrometer.”
"HSI's counter proliferation measures are in place to safeguard our borders and defend our interests across the world. The defendant's willful circumvention of those interests is inexcusable and today's sentencing is an example of the significant repercussions for such action," said Brian Michael, acting special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia.
Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office, Bureau of Industry and Security, US Department of Commerce. "This case demonstrates the outstanding collaboration among law enforcement agencies, and I commend our colleagues at HSI and the Justice Department, as well as our counterparts in the United Kingdom, for bringing this case to a successful conclusion. Shutting down illegal and dangerous trade with anyone who would threaten our national security is the sole focus for Special Agents of the Office of Export Enforcement. We will continue to pursue violators of our nation's export control laws wherever they are located."
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley and Heather Alpino, Trial Attorney with the Department of Justice, National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.
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Scranton Man Indicted for Sex Trafficking, Drug Trafficking, and Attempted Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that a federal grand jury in Scranton returned an indictment on October 25, 2016, charging a Scranton man with sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, drug trafficking, and attempting to tamper with a witness.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Mark Cook, age 38, who used the street name of “Lucky,” conspired with others to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion involving three female victims; distributed heroin, cocaine, and “molly”; and attempted to tamper with a witness. It is alleged that all of the offenses occurred between April 2015 and October 2016.
According to the indictment, Cook used a website to post advertisements for prostitution, rented hotel rooms in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and the Poconos for prostitution purposes, and used intimidation, threats, physical assaults, and illegal drugs to further the prostitution business.
The charges against Cook resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Scranton Police. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
The four 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 charge and attempted witness tampering charge each carry a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative
launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former Carlisle Attorney Sentenced on Tax Evasion ChargeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Karl E. Rominger, age 43, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by the United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo in Harrisburg to twenty months' incarceration in connection with evading taxes and failing to file tax returns.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on July 7, 2016, Rominger, a former attorney practicing in Carlisle, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and one count of failure to file a tax return.
Judge Rambo ordered Rominger to pay restitution in the amount of $317,803. Judge Rambo further ordered that Rominger begin to serve his federal sentence after completing his undischarged state prison term for misappropriating client funds.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph J. Terz.
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Berks County Man Indicted for Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg returned an indictment on October 19, 2016 against William Papoutsis, Jr., age 34, for tampering with a witness in a federal trial.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Papoutsis made threats through Facebook against a witness in upcoming federal trials involving Papoutsis’ nephew, Derek Pelker. A grand jury returned two indictments against Pelker on August 24, 2016 relating to the robbery of the Susquehanna Bank in East Prospect on April 24, 2015 and the robbery of the M&T Bank in Lebanon on April 5, 2016.
The matter was investigated by the FBI Capital City Violent Crimes Task Force. The Task Force consists of representatives from the FBI’s Harrisburg Field Office and the Harrisburg Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott R. Ford.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty for the offenses is 45 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $750,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Dauphin County Couple Charged with Social Security Fraud, Harboring an Illegal Alien and Confiscating A Passport for Forced Labor and ServicesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Dauphin County couple was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 19, 2016, for social security fraud, harboring an illegal alien and confiscating a passport for forced labor and services.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the grand jury alleges that Stephayne McClure-Potts, age 51, provided false information to the Commissioner of Social Security on numerous occasions with the intent to obtain a social security card with a fictitious identity for another person. Additionally, the grand jury alleged that McClure-Potts confiscated the passport and immigration documents of that citizen of Ukraine for labor and services and threatened to have that individual deported.
Finally, Stephayne McClure-Potts and her husband, Michael McClure-Potts, age 60, are both charged with harboring an illegal alien from March 2013 through August 2015. The indictment was unsealed today following the arrest of the defendants.
This case was investigated by the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the City of Harrisburg Bureau of Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalties under federal law, for each of Counts 1 and 3 is five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release of three years and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty under federal law, for Count 2 is ten years’ imprisonment, a three 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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Williamsport Man Charged with Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a grand jury in Scranton returned an Indictment on October 18, 2016, charging Morris Smith, age 33, a resident of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the Indictment charges Smith with possessing cocaine in March 2016, with the intent to distribute it in the Williamsport area. Smith was also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug activities, and a separate felony charge for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Williamsport Bureau of Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean A. Camoni.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalties under federal law include 20 years of imprisonment for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, 10 years’ imprisonment for felon in possession of a firearm, a five year mandatory term of imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime, 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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USP Allenwood 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 on October 18, 2016, a grand jury in Scranton charged Robert Stoddard, age 46, an inmate at United States Penitentiary, Allenwood, Pennsylvania, (USP Allenwood) with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of contraband.
According to United States Attorney Bruce Brandler, the Indictment alleges that Stoddard attacked another inmate with a weapon fashioned from a razor blade (commonly known as a “shank”). The victim required over fifty stitches for his wounds.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers at USP Allenwood. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean A. Camoni.
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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Hazleton Man Pleads Guilty to Pill Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Hazleton man pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, to conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, hydrocodone, Tramadol, Diazepam, and other Schedule II and IV drugs.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the defendant, Franklin Tejeda, age 35, admitted to regularly orchestrating the delivery of parcels of Schedule II and IV pills to co-conspirators’ residences in Hazleton, and distributing the drugs to customers. The illegal conduct occurred between November 2014 and March 2016. The drugs were obtained from suppliers in India.
Tejeda was charged in a criminal information filed by the United States Attorney’s Office in April 2016. The charge stemmed from an investigation by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Postal Inspectors, and Hazleton Police.
Judge Mannion ordered a presentence investigation to be completed and will schedule sentencing after the pre-sentence investigation is completed. Tejeda faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. 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 is 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former United States Navy Contractor Sentenced on False Statement ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a former U.S. Navy Contractor, Andrew Persaud, age 44, of North Potomac, Maryland, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo in Harrisburg to 21 months’ incarceration in connection with making a false statement to the government in connection with a $4.4 million contract to renovate warehouses at the Naval Support Facility in Mechanicsburg, PA.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Persaud was indicted in October 2015 and charged with three counts of false statements to the Government and three counts of wire fraud. On February 23, 2016, Persaud pled guilty to one count of false statements before Judge Rambo.
Persaud was the President and Corporate Director of Persaud Companies, Inc., a Virginia and Maryland based construction company that entered into a $4.4 million contract in 2011 to renovate several warehouses at the Naval Support Activity (NSA) facility in Mechanicsburg.
Persaud hired approximately 17 sub-contractors to work on the project which began in May of 2012. In June and July of 2012, Persaud submitted invoices to the Navy for progress payments. In the documents, Persaud attached signed certifications verifying that all of his subcontractors had been paid for their work. Relying on the verity of Persaud’s representations, the Navy paid Persaud $1,206,470 between June and August 2012.
However, by September 2012, most of the subcontractors had walked off the job site and the Navy terminated Persaud’s contract after it learned, contrary to Persaud’s certifications, that none of the subcontractors had received payment for their work on the project.
The Navy had required Persaud to purchase a materials/labor bond prior to his first contract draw, the premium for which cost Persuad $53,539. As a result, the subcontractors filed claims and eventually received payments from the bond carrier for their work totaling $1,281,753.
Under the terms of a plea agreement with the government Persaud agreed that the loss suffered by the victims was $1,206,470.
Judge Rambo ordered Persaud to pay restitution in the amount of $1,206,470 and entered a forfeiture against him in that same amount. Persaud was ordered to report to the Bureau of Prisons on November 21, 2016.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel.
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Former Adams County Man Sentenced for Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a former Adams County man was sentenced today to 87 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo in Harrisburg for receipt of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Earl Greg Walker, age 53, pled guilty on June 13, 2016, to receiving child pornography at his home in Adams County between 2011-2012.
An examination of Walker’s computer revealed over 1,000 Skype chat messages with minor Russian females and three minor females between the ages of 13-15 years old in the United States. Also recovered from Walker’s computer were numerous video files containing minor females engaged in sexual acts and various stages of undress, to include full nudity.
“There is no greater satisfaction than an investigation culminating in a child predator facing justice. Minors here and abroad are safer with the defendant in custody,” said Brian A. Michael, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigation Philadelphia.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.
The 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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Scranton Man and Virginia Man Plead Guilty to Firearms Charge in Connection with Armed Robbery of Econo Lodge in ScrantonRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Scranton man and a Virginia man pleaded guilty in United States District Court in Scranton on October 18, 2016, before United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to a firearms charge filed in connection with the armed robbery of the Econo Lodge located on Kane Street in Scranton, which occurred on February 13, 2016.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Rodney Whiting, age 23, of Scranton, and Tracy Whiting, age 24, of Newport News, Virginia, admitted to the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Rodney Whiting and Tracy Whiting, along with Kelvin Robinson, age 24, also of Newport News, Virginia, and Kwa’shon Roane, age 24, of Gloucester, Virginia, were indicted by a grand jury in March 2016 for the armed robbery of the Econo Lodge.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.
Kelvin Robinson previously pleaded guilty on October 5, 2016, to the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and is awaiting sentencing.
The charges against Kwa’shon Roane are still pending.
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.
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.
Rodney Whiting and Tracy Whiting each face a mandatory penalty of at least seven years in prison for the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
The maximum penalty under federal law is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment and a fine. According to 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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Ohio Couple Sentenced for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that owners of a cemetery business in Pennsylvania and Ohio were sentenced October 18, 2016 by United States District Court Judge John E. Jones, III in Harrisburg for tax evasion charges.
Judge Jones sentenced both Theodore Martin, age 51, and his wife, Arminda Martin, age 44, both of Ravenna, Ohio (formerly of York County, Pennsylvania), to one year and one day in federal prison. Judge Jones also ordered the Martins to pay the Internal Revenue Service restitution in the amount of $304,837.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Theodore and Arminda Martin operated three cemeteries, including Suburban Memorial Gardens in Dover, Pennsylvania, and Grandview Memorial Park and Fairview Memorial Park in Ohio. The Martins failed to report to the Internal Revenue Service $786,533 they received from the operations of the cemeteries located in Ohio during the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J. Terz.
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Inmate at United States Penitentiary Sentenced to an Additional 18 Months in Prison for Assaulting Corrections OfficerRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Canaan was sentenced today, by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, to serve an additional 18 months in prison on the charge of assaulting a federal corrections officer.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Orlando Garcia-Mata, age 24, formerly of Texas, previously admitted to throwing a punch at a corrections officer at the United States Penitentiary at Canaan. The incident occurred on March 22, 2016. Garcia-Mata is presently serving a sentence of 46 months in prison on the charge of unlawfully being found in the United States after having been previously deported. The sentence Garcia-Mata received today will be served in addition to that sentence.
Garcia-Mata was indicted by a grand jury in Scranton in April 2016.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara
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Carlisle Woman Indicted for Fraud in Connection with Commercial Drivers License Medical ExaminationRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg indicted Joann Wingate on September 28, 2016, for wire fraud, submitting false documents, and aggravated identity theft as part of a scheme to defraud carried out between 2012 and 2014. The Indictment was unsealed following the arrest of Wingate by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General.
According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Wingate, a 58-year-old resident of Carlisle, used the identity of a licensed physician to administer physical examinations to holders of commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) after her chiropractor’s license was suspended in October 2014. Wingate also fraudulently claimed to be a medical doctor in order to serve as a medical review officer for drug tests for CDL holders, when in fact she was never authorized to administer drug testing.
The Indictment alleges that in 2013 and 2014 Wingate fraudulently advertised her medical services at rest stops and gas stations in the Carlisle area; entered into a business agreement with a Carlisle trucking firm to handle the firm’s driver drug and alcohol program requirements, collected urine samples and caused them to be returned to medical laboratories while representing herself to be a medical review officer, completed medical examinations and transmitted false documents to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) develops and publishes standards to test license commercial motor vehicle drivers. Commercial driver’s licenses issued by states, including Pennsylvania, must meet standards established by DOT. Commercial vehicle drivers must pass standard examinations prior to obtaining a license and at regular intervals and must possess a valid certificate completed by a licensed medical examiner. CDL holders are also subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing by a qualified medical review officer.
The Indictment alleges that Wingate’s scheme defrauded CDL holders and the Carlisle-based trucking firm and caused false documents to be generated and submitted in connection with the DOT’s commercial motor vehicle safety program.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott Ford.
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 in this offense is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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New York Man Charged with Attempted Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a criminal information was filed today charging a New York man who was staying in northeastern Pennsylvania at the time of his arrest, with attempted sex trafficking of a minor.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the defendant Adrian Smith, age 21, is accused in the information of participating in the attempted sex trafficking of three female minors in Scranton during August 2016.
The charge stems from an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from Scranton Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Smith faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 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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Maine Resident Pleads Guilty to Participating in A Multi-State Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy Based in StroudsburgRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 20-year-old Maine resident pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, to participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy that stretched from Stroudsburg to New York to the state of Maine.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the defendant, Stephon Davis, who used the street name “Chicken,” admitted to conspiring with others to sell heroin between 2010 and 2015. Davis admitted responsibility for distributing more than 100 grams of heroin during the conspiracy, which is approximately equivalent to more than 3,300 retail bags of heroin.
Davis was indicted along with six other people by a federal grand jury in Scranton in September 2015, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, Maine State Police, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and local police in Monroe County.
The indictment alleges that Davis and his co-defendants participated in a street gang known as the Black P-Stones, obtained heroin from suppliers in New York, and distributed the heroin in Stroudsburg and locations in the state of Maine. According to the indictment, couriers were used to transport heroin to Maine, where Davis and others distributed it to customers.
Davis faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Judge Mannion will schedule sentencing after completion of a pre-sentence investigation and report.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 40 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced to 93 Months for Heroin Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that United States District Judge Malachy Mannion sentenced Thomas Abreu, Jr., age 35, to 93 months in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute heroin, and for possessing three stolen firearms in the course of his narcotics trafficking activities.
According to United States Attorney Bruce Brandler, Abreu, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was found on July 26, 2015 in a Wilkes-Barre motel with heroin and three stolen firearms. Some of the heroin was packaged for distribution, and law enforcement officials also recovered drug packaging paraphernalia, a firearm holster, and $8,449 in cash. Abreu admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute between 60 and 80 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to 2,400 to 3,200 bags of heroin.
Abreu was indicted by a grand jury on January 9, 2016, and pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on June 21, 2016. He has been in custody since July 26, 2015.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and by the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district-wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes.
This case also was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic of the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
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Luzerne County Woman Sentenced to 57 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gina Paglianite, age 48, of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment for selling cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Paglianite had previously pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack) in Luzerne County between 2011 and July 9, 2013. She also pleaded guilty to a separate count charging that she distributed heroin in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on November 21, 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.
In addition to the 57-month imprisonment sentence, Judge Mariani also ordered Paglianite to serve a three-year term of supervised release following service of her prison sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Shaun L. Graves, age 33, a resident of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 13 by Senior United States District Court Judge William W. Caldwell in Harrisburg, to 100 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Graves was arrested by Harrisburg police officers on October 16, 2014 and found to be in possession of a loaded Bersa .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol bearing an obliterated serial number in his boot. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited for possessing firearms.
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.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced for Distribution of OxycodoneRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Keith Hillard, age 49, a resident of Harrisburg, was sentenced on October 12, 2016 by United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, to 33 months’ imprisonment for charges involving the unlawful distribution of prescription drugs.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Hillard pled guilty to unlawful distribution of 100 tablets of Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, on August 21, 2015.
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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Centre County Couple Pleads Guilty to Explosives and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Woodring, age 50, and Christina Woodring, age 34, a Centre Hall, Pennsylvania couple, pleaded guilty today before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to firearms and explosives charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, James Woodring was arrested on May 20, 2016, shortly after an explosion at the couple’s Centre Hall residence, and charged by criminal complaint with similar offenses premised on the same conduct. Both Woodrings were indicted on May 24, 2016 by a federal grand jury in Scranton, with conspiring to manufacture and deal explosives from May 1 through 18, 2016, and associated offenses.
The Woodrings conspired to purchase and transport commercial grade fireworks, to increase the fireworks’ power and volatility, and to sell them, all without a license to do so. James Woodring also was charged with possessing a stolen semi-automatic pistol, a shotgun, a semiautomatic, large-capacity rifle and a rifle. As a previously convicted felon, Woodring is prohibited from possessing the firearms.
James Woodring, pleaded guilty to one count of manufacturing explosives, and to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. In his plea agreement, James agreed that his offense involved 250 to 500 pounds of explosives and to forfeit the firearms seized from the residence.
Christina Woodring, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to manufacture and deal in explosives.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Enforcement, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Centre Hall Police Department, and the Springettsbury Township Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalties under federal law for each charge to which James Woodring has pleaded guilty are ten years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalties under federal law for the charge to which Christina Woodring has pleaded guilty are 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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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Joins Law Enforcement Partners to Support National Community Policing WeekRead the Press Release
WILKES-BARRE - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that as part of “National Community Policing Week” a “neighborhood walk” in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, took place today. One of the top priorities of the Department of Justice is strengthening relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities we serve and protect. Community policing – public safety efforts built on resilient bonds of mutual trust and respect between law enforcement officers and neighborhood residents – is an essential component of law enforcement work. One way to build trust and legitimacy is for law enforcement officers to engage and collaborate with local residents and community organizations to identify areas of concern and coordinate solutions to community problems.
Participants in today’s “neighborhood walk” in Wilkes-Barre were representatives from various federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, along with members of the NAACP. Included were representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, the Wilkes-Barre Mayor’s Office, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, and the United States Marshals Service.
“Events such as today’s neighborhood walk demonstrate that all levels of law enforcement and community members can come together to address crime in our neighborhoods,” said Gary Tuggle, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Philadelphia Field Division. “Strengthening bonds with the community is an important part of the DEA’s mission to raise awareness about the current prescription opioid and heroin epidemic that is ravishing our communities.”
“United with the community we serve, through trust and confidence, we can work as one to root out those who oppose peaceful and safe neighborhoods. The community should know that ATF’s highest priority is reducing and preventing gun violence on our streets. Together, with open dialogue and citizen contributions, we can have stronger bonds with a shared purpose of fighting violent crime and to make certain that where we live and work is a safe place.” Said ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi.
“To keep our communities safe, we need everyone on board,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster. “The FBI is committed to our productive partnerships with law enforcement at every level, and to promoting strong relationships with the citizens we all serve. Events like this support our common cause.”
On November 2015, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with federal, state and local partners announced a renewed strategy for reducing and preventing violent crime and drug activity in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, focusing on the Harrisburg, York, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport areas. The program, known as “Violent Crime Reduction Partnership,” identifies communities which are most in need of anti-violence and anti-drug solutions and targets high-priority offenders in those communities for aggressive prosecution. Today’s event in Wilkes-Barre is meant to demonstrate to the community our awareness of the problems they face, to demonstrate that law enforcement is working together to fight crime in these areas, and most important, to solicit and encourage input from local residents and community organizations for solutions to these problems.
As part of the promoting the dialogue between law enforcement and the community, each federal, state and local law enforcement agency has a “tipline” where local residents can report suspicious activity to the police:
U.S. Marshal Service - tips for fugitives call 1-800-336-0102 or [email protected]
FBI – call 215-418-4000 or https://tips.fbi.gov/
ATF - call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (283-8477) or anonymous tips can be reported to ATF via the Reportit® App (download at Google Play or the Apple App Store)
DEA - “Submit A Tip” at https://www.dea.gov/ops/submit.php
Pennsylvania State Police - PA Crime Stoppers - 1-800-4PA-TIPS; Drug Trafficking Tip Line - 1-877-PA-NODRUGS; Terrorism/Fugitive Tip Line - 1-888-292-1919
Wilkes-Barre Police Department - http://wbcrimeline.com
In addition, prosecutors and police officers are available to meet with the public in schools, township meetings and other appropriate venues to discuss topics of mutual concern. For example, on September 19, 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs held a well-attended symposium on heroin and prescription drug abuse at Central Penn College in Summerdale, Pennsylvania. Events such as this serve not only to educate the public on public health and safety matters but also to promote a strong relationship between law enforcement and the community.
On October 6, 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with our federal, state and local partners, held a similar “neighborhood walk” in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Our offices are committed to continuing the process of building strong bonds of trust and respect between law enforcement and the public they serve.
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New York Man Sentenced to 51 Months’ Imprisonment for Robbing Two BanksRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Robert Meader, age 31, of Liverpool, New York, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani in Scranton on October 7, 2016 to 51 months’ imprisonment for robbing two banks.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on May 16, 2016, Meader pleaded guilty to the crimes before Judge Mariani. During the guilty plea hearing, Meader admitted to committing the following two bank robberies:
- the robbery of $14,147 from the NBT Bank, Great Bend, Pennsylvania, on October 13, 2015; and
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the robbery of $5,721 NBT Bank, Albany, New York, on January 6, 2016.
Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police arrested Meader without incident in Liverpool, New York, on January 12, 2016. Since his arrest, he has been held at the Lackawanna County Jail in Scranton, Pennsylvania. In addition to the 51 months’ imprisonment sentence, Judge Mariani ordered Meader to make full restitution to the banks in the amount of $19,988, and to serve a three year term of supervised release following his imprisonment.
The case was jointly investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, New York. Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.
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Junedale Woman Sentenced to 90 Months’ Imprisonment for Acting as Getaway Driver on Four Armed Bank Robberies and the Armed Robbery of A StoreRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Senior United States District Judge James M. Munley sentenced Crystal Serfass, age 32, of Junedale, Carbon County, Pennsylvania on October 7, 2016, to 90 months’ imprisonment for her role as getaway driver in the armed robberies of four banks and the armed robbery of a store.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on May 4, 2016, Serfass pleaded guilty to the offenses in Federal Court in Scranton. During the guilty plea hearing, Serfass admitted to all charges contained in a five-count Criminal Information which alleges that she helped plan and acted as the getaway driver for David Weaver, age 42, in committing the following armed robberies:
- Jim Thorpe National Bank, Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania, on September 17, 2013;
- National Penn Bank, Drums, Pennsylvania, on August 8, 2014;
- Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania, on November 18, 2014;
- ESSA Bank and Trust, Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, on December 26, 2014;
- Dollar General, Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, on November 16, 2014.
During each of the robberies, codefendant Weaver brandished a firearm to intimidate the employees. Judge Munley sentenced Weaver to 121 months’ imprisonment on October 5, 2016.
Judge Munley ordered that Crystal Serfass and Weaver make full restitution of $22,046 which represented the amount of money taken during the robberies.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.
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- Jim Thorpe National Bank, Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania, on September 17, 2013;
Former Harris Township Supervisor Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Pornography and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher G. Lee, age 67, a resident of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann in Williamsport to 216 months’ (18 years) imprisonment for production, receipt and possession of child pornography as well as obstruction of justice.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Lee was convicted by a jury in March 2016 for producing and receiving child pornography after approximately two hours of deliberation. The jury of six men and six women also convicted Lee of possessing images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent children under the age of 12 years old. Finally, after hearing Lee attempt to have his cousin assist him in having his cellular telephone that was in the custody of the FBI “wiped remotely” in multiple recorded phone calls, the jury convicted Lee of obstruction of justice. Lee is a former Harris Township Supervisor and the ex-director of the Boal Mansion Museum in Boalsburg, PA.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the State College Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith A. Taylor and Francis P. Sempa.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Joins Law Enforcement Partners to Support National Community Policing WeekRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that as part of “National Community Policing Week” a “neighborhood walk” in the Midtown area of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, took place last night. One of the top priorities of the Department of Justice is strengthening relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities we serve and protect. Community policing – public safety efforts built on resilient bonds of mutual trust and respect between law enforcement officers and neighborhood residents – is an essential component of law enforcement work. One way to build trust and legitimacy is for law enforcement officers to engage and collaborate with local residents and community organizations to identify areas of concern and coordinate solutions to community problems.
Participants in the “neighborhood walk” in Midtown Harrisburg were representatives from various federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, along with members of the “Friends of Midtown Community Organization.” Included were representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office, the Harrisburg Mayor’s Office, the Harrisburg Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, and the United States Marshals Service.
“As the newly appointed United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, one of my key priorities is supporting and promoting strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities we serve and protect. The “neighborhood walk” in midtown Harrisburg is a demonstration of my commitment to that goal.”
“Events such as last night’s neighborhood walk demonstrate that all levels of law enforcement and community members can come together to address crime in our neighborhoods,” said Gary Tuggle, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Philadelphia Field Division. “Strengthening bonds with the community is an important part of the DEA’s mission to raise awareness about the current prescription opioid and heroin epidemic that is ravishing our communities.”
“United with the community we serve, through trust and confidence, we can work as one to root out those who oppose peaceful and safe neighborhoods. The community should know that ATF’s highest priority is reducing and preventing gun violence on our streets. Together, with open dialogue and citizen contributions, we can have stronger bonds with a shared purpose of fighting violent crime and to make certain that where we live and work is a safe place.” Said ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi.
“To keep our communities safe, we need everyone on board,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster. “The FBI is committed to our productive partnerships with law enforcement at every level, and to promoting strong relationships with the citizens we all serve. Events like this support our common cause.”
On November 2015, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with federal, state and local partners announced a renewed strategy for reducing and preventing violent crime and drug activity in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, focusing on the Harrisburg, York, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport areas. The program, known as “Violent Crime Reduction Partnership,” identifies communities which are most in need of anti-violence and anti-drug solutions and targets high-priority offenders in those communities for aggressive prosecution. The event last night in midtown Harrisburg was meant to demonstrate to the community our awareness of the problems they face, to demonstrate that law enforcement is working together to fight crime in these areas, and most important, to solicit and encourage input from local residents and community organizations for solutions to these problems.
As part of the promoting the dialogue between law enforcement and the community, each federal, state and local law enforcement agency has a “tipline” where local residents can report suspicious activity to the police:
U.S. Marshal Service - tips for fugitives call 1-800-336-0102 or [email protected]
FBI – call 215-418-4000 or https://tips.fbi.gov/
ATF - call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (283-8477) or anonymous tips can be reported to ATF via the Reportit® App (download at Google Play or the Apple App Store)
DEA - “Submit A Tip” at https://www.dea.gov/ops/submit.php
Pennsylvania State Police - PA Crime Stoppers - 1-800-4PA-TIPS; Drug Trafficking Tip Line - 1-877-PA-NODRUGS; Terrorism/Fugitive Tip Line - 1-888-292-1919
Harrisburg Police Bureau - https://dauphin.crimewatchpa.com/hbgpd/3271/submit-tip
In addition, prosecutors and police officers are available to meet with the public in schools, township meetings and other appropriate venues to discuss topics of mutual concern. For example, on September 19, 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs held a well-attended symposium on heroin and prescription drug abuse at Central Penn College in Summerdale, Pennsylvania. Events such as this serve not only to educate the public on public health and safety matters but also to promote a strong relationship between law enforcement and the community.
On October 7, 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with our federal, state and local partners, will hold a similar “neighborhood walk” in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Our offices are committed to continuing the process of building strong bonds of trust and respect between law enforcement and the public they serve.
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Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Charge in Connection with Armed Robbery of Econo Lodge in ScrantonRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Virginia man pleaded guilty on October 4, 2016 in United States District Court in Scranton, before United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to a firearms charge filed in connection with the armed robbery of the Econo Lodge in Scranton on February 13, 2016.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Kelvin Robinson, age 24, of Newport News, Virginia, admitted 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.
The charges against the remaining defendants are currently still pending.
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 is being 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.
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.
Kelvin Robinson faces a mandatory penalty of at least seven years in prison for the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
The maximum penalty under federal law is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment and a fine. According to 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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Tamaqua Pennsylvania Woman Charged with Taking Narcotics from the Veterans Administration HospitalRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Janice M. Matrician, age 50, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania has been charged with acquiring narcotics by fraud or misrepresentation in connection to an incident at the Veterans Administration Hospital located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on May 22, 2015.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Matrician, a Nurse employed by the Veterans Administration Hospital, is charged with obtaining narcotics by fraud or misrepresentation. Matrician is alleged to have stolen narcotics by representing in the hospital’s computerized automated distribution system that she had disposed of them, when in fact she was keeping the drugs for her own personal use.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.
Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is four years 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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Maine Resident Pleads Guilty to Participating in A Multi-State Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy Based in StroudsburgRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 22-year-old Maine resident pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, to participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy that stretched from Stroudsburg to New York to the state of Maine.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the defendant, Ricquell Lindo, who used the street name “Snaxx,” admitted to conspiring with others to sell heroin between 2010 and 2015. Lindo admitted responsibility for distributing between 100 grams and 700 grams of heroin during the conspiracy, which is approximately equivalent to between 3,300 and 21,000 retail bags of heroin.
Lindo was indicted along with six other people by a federal grand jury in Scranton in September 2015, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, Maine State Police, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and local police in Monroe County.
The indictment alleges that Lindo and his co-defendants participated in a street gang known as the Black P-Stones, obtained heroin from suppliers in New York, and distributed the heroin in Stroudsburg and locations in the state of Maine. According to the indictment, couriers were used to transport heroin to Maine, where Lindo and others distributed it to customers.
Lindo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Judge Mannion will schedule sentencing after completion of a pre-sentence investigation and report.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 40 years’ 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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Junedale Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Committing Four Armed Bank Robberies and the Armed Robbery of A StoreRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Senior United States District Judge James M. Munley sentenced David Weaver, age 42, of Junedale, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, to 121 months’ imprisonment for the armed robberies of four banks and the armed robbery of a store.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on May 4, 2016, Weaver pleaded guilty to the following armed robberies:
- Jim Thorpe National Bank, Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania, on September 17, 2013;
- National Penn Bank, Drums, Pennsylvania, on August 8, 2014;
- Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania, on November 18, 2014;
- ESSA Bank and Trust, Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, on December 26, 2014;
- Dollar General, Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, on November 16, 2014.
During each of the robberies, Weaver brandished a firearm to intimidate the employees. A codefendant, Crystal Serfass, pleaded guilty to helping plan the robberies and acting as a driver for each of the crimes. She is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7, 2016.
Judge Munley ordered that Weaver make full restitution of $22,046 which represented the amount of money taken during the robberies.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.
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Hazleton Man Pleads Guilty to Pill Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Hazleton man pleaded guilty on October 4, 2016 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick in Scranton, to conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute Tramadol, Ambien, Xanex, and other Schedule IV drugs.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the defendant, Azim Hosein, age 45, admitted to regularly receiving parcels of Schedule IV pills at his residence in Hazleton, and providing them to a co-conspirator who distributed them to customers. The illegal conduct occurred between November 2014 and January 29, 2016. The drugs were obtained from suppliers in India.
Hosein was charged in a criminal information filed by the United States Attorney’s Office in August 2016. The charge stemmed from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Postal Inspectors, and Hazleton Police.
Judge Mehalchick ordered a presentence investigation to be completed. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy will schedule sentencing after the pre-sentence investigation is completed. Hosein faces a potential maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Assistant U.S. 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 is five years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Williamsport Man Convicted of Distribution of Heroin and CocaineRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Antoine Paris Davis, age 39, a resident of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was convicted on Friday of conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. The jury also found Davis was responsible for the distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin. The four-day trial was held before U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann in Williamsport.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, from June 2014 through January 2015, Davis conspired with co-defendant, Rasheem Jarbar Ruley, age 24, a resident of Williamsport, to distribute heroin and cocaine to drug users and sellers in Williamsport and distributed and possessed those substances with the intent to distribute on four separate occasions. Ruley and Davis stored heroin and cocaine at their residence on Tinsman Avenue in Williamsport, including a large bag containing over 100 grams of heroin (136 small bags of heroin packaged for sale), 16 bags of cocaine, and digital scales. Pennsylvania State Police investigators also found approximately $1,300 in cash drug proceeds, digital scales used to weigh drugs, plastic bags, wax packets, and rubber bands used to package heroin and cocaine for distribution.
Davis is in custody. Ruley entered a guilty plea on September 8, 2016 before Judge Brann for conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. Ruley also pled guilty to distributing cocaine to an undercover Pennsylvania State Police trooper on June 3, June 10, and June 16, 2015. Ruley is currently awaiting sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Williamsport Bureau of Police, the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office, the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney George Rocktashel.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
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New United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania AppointedRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Bruce D. Brandler, former Chief of the Criminal Division, has been appointed United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania effective October 2, 2016. Mr. Brandler was appointed by order of Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, upon the resignation and retirement of former United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, which became effective on October 1, 2016. Mr. Brandler’s appointment is for one hundred twenty days or until a Presidential appointment is made, whichever occurs first.
Mr. Brandler began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, where he served from 1981 until 1985. Upon leaving the District Attorney’s Office, he became the Deputy Chief and then the Chief Investigative Counsel of the New York State Senate Committee on Investigations, Taxation and Government Operations from 1985 to 1986.
Mr. Brandler was appointed an Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in 1986 and was promoted to the position of Senior Litigation Counsel in 1992. In 2014, he became the Chief of the Criminal Division and has served in that capacity until his appointment as United States Attorney.
Some of the notable cases Mr. Brandler prosecuted as an Assistant United States Attorney and Senior Litigation Counsel included a tax evasion case against former Luzerne County Judge Arthur Dalessandro; a perjury case against former State Representative Frank Serafini; a bribery/extortion case against former Lackawanna County Commissioners Robert Cordaro and Anthony Munchak; an illegal campaign contribution and fraud case against Renato Mariani, the former President of Empire Sanitary Landfill, Inc.; a disadvantaged business enterprise fraud case against Joseph Nagle, the former President of Schuylkill Products, Inc.; an accounting fraud case against Paul Polishan, the former Chief Financial Officer for the Leslie Fay Companies, Inc.; and an environmental crimes case against Chemical Waste Management, Inc. for illegal dumping activities at a Superfund site in Lackawanna County.
Mr. Brandler graduated from Stony Brook University in 1978 and received a B.A. in Political Science with honors, and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He received his law degree in 1981 from the Boston University School of Law. He resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
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Hazleton 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 Hazleton man pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani in Scranton, to trafficking in large quantities of heroin in January 2016.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the defendant, Ryan Hunsinger, age 27, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute in excess of 100 grams of heroin. Hunsinger admitted to traveling to Philadelphia where he obtained more than 700 grams of heroin. Agents and police seized more than 19,000 bags of heroin from Hunsinger’s vehicle on January 18, 2016, near Hazleton.
Hunsinger was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in February 2016, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Hazleton Police.
Judge Mariani ordered a presentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled after the pre-sentence investigation is completed. Hunsinger is detained in prison pending sentencing. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 40 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Four Men Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyRead 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 in Harrisburg sentenced Felix Rodriguez-Pabon, age 25, Berks County, PA, to 87 months and Yefries Guillan-Herrera, age 24, Berks County, to 57 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine hydrochloride.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, eleven defendants were originally indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg in July 2015 and a Superseding Information was filed in June 2016.
The charges stem from an investigation in which the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Lebanon County intercepted packages sent from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to the United States between June and October 2014. The packages contained kilogram quantities of heroin and cocaine hydrochloride concealed inside xbox consoles and projectors.
On September 28, 2016, Chief Judge Conner also sentenced Wilson Herrera, age 22, Berks County, to 10 years in federal prison and Wilfreddy Perez, age 24, Lebanon, to 35 months in federal prison and on August 24, 2016, Glauco Kelvin Celedonio-Smith, age 20, of Lebanon, was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The remaining co-defendants are awaiting sentencing.
"This investigation is an excellent example of how federal, state and local law enforcement were able to successfully dismantle a major narcotics smuggling organization," said Brian Michael, acting special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. "HSI will continue to utilize its broad authorities to aggressively target and dismantle groups that are dispensing poison within our communities."
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.
The investigation was conducted by HSI, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Berks County District Attorney’s Office Detective Unit and the U.S. Customs & Border Protection. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.
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Dauphin County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges of Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Halifax man pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge William W. Caldwell, to a two count felony information, charging him with receipt of images depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, David Allen Hoffman, age 68, received images depicting the sexual abuse of children from an international company. After obtaining a warrant, federal law enforcement officers searched the defendant’s home in August 2016 and located hundreds of images and movies containing child pornography Hoffman received in 2011.
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."
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 Counts 1 and 2 is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Counts 1 and 2 both carry a mandatory term of imprisonment of 5 years’ imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Shippensburg Man Sentenced to 235 Months in Federal Prison for Heroin Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dominick Pugliese, age 55, Shippensburg, PA, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Yvette Kane in Harrisburg to 235 months (19.5 years) in federal prison on heroin trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Pugliese was charged in August 2015 and pled guilty in May 2016 to conspiring with others to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin since August 2014 and possession of a firearm, specifically, a 22 caliber rifle, in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Pugliese admitted to distributing at least one kilogram of heroin that would have resulted in the sale of close to 34,000 individual packets of heroin on the street.
Pugliese’s co-defendants Ryan Naugle, Dominick Burton and Jason Corman are awaiting sentencing. Pugliese’s wife, Delorie Pugliese, is awaiting trial.
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.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Franklin County Drug Task Force, the Cumberland County Drug Task Force, and the Cumberland County Probation Office. Prosecution of the case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.
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Dauphin County Man Charged Federally for Armed Bank Robbery and Firearm ViolationsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Grand Jury in Harrisburg indicted a Dauphin County man charging him with armed bank robbery, possession of a loaded firearm during a crime of violence and being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, on August 31, 2016, Donell Williams, age 39, allegedly robbed the AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union, Enola, Pennsylvania. Approximately $1,500 was taken. Williams was later taken into custody. Williams is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a districtwide 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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Pennsboro Township Police Department. The City of Harrisburg Bureau of Police assisted in Williams’ arrest. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.
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 Count 1 is 25 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty under federal law, for Count 2 is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Count 2 carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of seven years. The maximum penalty under federal law, for Count 3 is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Union FundsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Kauffman, Jr., age 36, Maugansville, Maryland pleaded guilty today before United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo in Harrisburg to stealing $22,062 from a union local at the Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Kauffman was charged with mail fraud on September 7, 2016. The Information, which was filed pursuant to a plea agreement with the government, alleged that Kauffman stole $22,062 between September 2013 and July 2014 from the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) Local Lodge 1442.
Local 1442 is a small union, with approximately 47 members who work at the Letterkenny Army Depot. Kauffman was President of Local 1442 from September 2013 and January 2015. Kauffman embezzled the $22,062 by writing 24 checks drawn against a union bank account that were payable to himself and by disguising the checks as payments for legitimate Local 1442 expenses. The fraud was discovered in January 2015 following an audit of the union’s finances.
The mail fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and $250,000 fine. No date has yet been set for sentencing pending preparation of a pre-sentence report
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s, Office of Labor Management in Philadelphia and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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.
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 Woman Was Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison for Her Role in Filing False and Fraudulent Personal Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sunalen Arzuaga, age 35, formerly of Harrisburg, currently residing in Brunswich, Ga., was sentenced today to one year in federal prison by United States Middle District Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner in Harrisburg for a tax fraud scheme.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Arzuaga pleaded guilty in November 2015 for her role in submitting false and fraudulent tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service.
Between the years 2008 and 2011, Arzuaga made numerous false representations in the preparation of income tax returns for herself and for others in order to maximize refund amounts. The fraudulent preparation included misrepresenting Schedule C income, listing fictitious dependents and manipulating filing status. As a result, the United States Treasury issued $150,000 in refunds to unentitled.
Chief Judge Conner also ordered Arzuaga to pay $112,640 in restitution for her share of the tax fraud scheme.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Schinnour.
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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 on September 21, a federal grand jury charged a Harrisburg man with failure to register as a sex offender.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Kirk Daniel White, age 31, formerly of Lycoming County and more recently of Havre de Grace, Maryland, was charged in a one-count Indictment with failing to update his registration as a convicted sex offender as required by law.
The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States 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 failure to register as a sex offender 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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Previously Deported Alien Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on September 21, a federal grand jury in Harrisburg charged Jose Miguel Francisco with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien. Francisco, age 30, was previously deported from the United States in 2011.
This matter was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Prosecution has been 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 is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former Postal Employee Charged with Unemployment Compensation FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on September 21, a federal grand jury in Harrisburg has returned an indictment charging Rashaad Schell, age 26, Abington, PA, with unemployment compensation fraud.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Schell was working for the United States Postal Service while also obtaining unemployment compensation from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry in Harrisburg. The amount of the loss to the unemployment compensation program is $18,000.
This matter was investigated by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. Prosecution has been assigned to Chelsea Schinnour.
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 five years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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York Man Is Sentenced to 92 Months in Jail for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a York City man was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane in Harrisburg, for selling drugs and possessing weapons in October 2013.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Brandon Dawson, age 31, or York, previously was indicted for drug trafficking and weapons offenses arising from an October 23, 2013, search warrant executed by the York City Police Department at Dawson’s Cottage Place apartment. During the search of the apartment, police recovered heroin, marijuana packaged for sale, drug distribution materials, and a stolen Colt .45 semiautomatic pistol. Dawson entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking and possession of a stolen firearm. Dawson was sentenced by Judge Kane to 92 months in prison for his involvement in this offense.
At the time of the crime, Dawson was being supervised by the United States Probation Office for a previous drug trafficking crime. Because he committed this offense while on supervision, Judge Kane imposed additional punishment on Dawson. She sentenced him to an 24 months in jail, which must be served consecutively to his 92-month sentence.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a districtwide 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.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
The case was investigated by the York City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Consiglio prosecuted this case.
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Harrisburg Businessman Sentenced to 18 Months for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Paul Biko, age 66, was sentenced yesterday to 18 months in federal prison for tax fraud by Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner in Harrisburg.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, in 2008, Biko was the owner of three Harrisburg businesses: Clearview of Harrisburg, Clearview Landscaping and Clearview Builders. As owner, Biko controlled the financial affairs of the three companies including all business bank accounts. For the fourth quarter of 2008, Biko’s companies withheld employment taxes from employees but failed to pay to the IRS the federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes due to the United States. The Court ordered Biko to pay restitution in the amount of $437,336.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations. Prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph J. Terz.
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