Middle District of Pennsylvania

Williamsport-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eric Rodriguez, age 32, an inmate in FCI Allenwood, was sentenced yesterday to 21 months’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for possessing contraband in prison.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury after being found in possession of a razor blade with a handle made from electrical tape during a random pat search. Rodriguez pleaded guilty to possessing contraband in prison before being sentenced.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Miguel Molina-Echavarria, age 40, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday to time-served (nearly 4 months in prison) by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. for illegally reentering the country after having previously been removed. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Molina-Echavarria was indicted by a federal grand jury after being arrested for Driving Under the Influence and related charges in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on May 18, 2025. Molina-Echavarria had previously been removed from the United States pursuant to a court order in 2024. Molina-Echavarria pleaded guilty to illegal reentry before being sentenced.

The case was investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis P. Sempa and Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).           

Molina-Echavarria still faces pending state charges in Franklin County, and an ICE detainer is lodged against him for deportation proceedings.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Leon-Avalos, age 32, of Mexico, was indicted on September 10, 2025, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States after committing an aggravated felony.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Leon-Avalos was convicted of Aggravated Assault and Attempted Indecent Assault in Dauphin County’s Court of Common Pleas in January 2015. It further alleges Leon-Avalos was removed from the United States on January 6, 2016, through Brownsville, Texas, and then found on or about August 26, 2025, in Dauphin County without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country.

This case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen W. Dukes is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is twenty years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Renato Jardines-Santiago, age 37, of Mexico, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of Illegal Reentry.    

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about August 25, 2025, Jardines-Santiago was found in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, after previously having been removed from the United States. The indictment also alleges that Jardines-Santiago had been removed from the United States through San Ysidro, California, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so. He was previously prosecuted in 2019 for illegally reentering the United States after having been removed. 

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mohammed Zeidan, a/k/a “Mo,” age 36, of East Greenville, Pennsylvania, was convicted on September 5, 2024, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, and firearms conspiracy following a four-day trial before Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Zeidan was friends with members of the Schuylkill County chapter of the Infamous Ryders Motorcycle Club, of which co-defendant Steven Wong was the president. Wong used his position to recruit members of the motorcycle club and other associates to participate in a series of brutal home-invasion armed robberies in Schuylkill and Berks County in the summer and fall of 2020.  Zeidan agreed to participate in an August 29, 2020, home-invasion robbery with three other co-conspirators in which Zeidan and two others entered the home of a street-level drug dealer while wearing masks and armed with firearms and knives and rob the victims of drugs and drug proceeds. One of the firearms used was a fully automatic homemade AR-15 style assault rifle.  Zeidan did not personally carry a firearm during the robbery but tried to break down the backdoor of the residence and impersonated a police officer in order to convince the potential victims to come downstairs. Instead, the victims jumped out of the second-floor window, injuring themselves.  Zeidan and his fellow co-conspirators then ran from the home without stealing anything of value.

Zeidan was later blamed by the other conspirators for the failure of the August 29, 2020, attempted robbery.  Members of the conspiracy later committed additional armed home-invasion robberies in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, and Shillington, Pennsylvania.  Zeidan’s fellow co-conspirators, including Wong, have all been convicted and are currently awaiting sentencing.

The charges stem from an investigation involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Mahanoy City Police Department, the Schuylkill Haven Police Department, the Pottsville Police Department, the Shillington Police Department, the Reading Police Department, and the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James Buchanan and Sarah Lloyd.

This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

In this case, the maximum penalty is twenty years’ imprisonment. 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.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Joseph Nieves, age 32, of Pittston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on September 4, 2025, to 105 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. for possession with intent to distribute five grams of fentanyl.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, in October of 2024, members of the Pittston City Police Department used a confidential informant to purchase fentanyl from Nieves on multiple occasions.  On November 1, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Nieves’ home and seized fentanyl, drug trafficking paraphernalia, $1,274 in cash, and body armor from the residence. This is Nieves’ fifth drug trafficking conviction. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittston City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Cody Duncan, age 37, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 130 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary for enticing a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity.  Judge Neary also ordered Duncan to serve 10 years on supervised release after he finishes serving his prison term.

According to the Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Duncan pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor on November 13, 2024.  Starting in August 2022, Duncan began communicating online with a 13-year-old girl in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, and sent her gifts, including cellphones that she would use to communicate with him.  Duncan subsequently traveled to Pennsylvania in April 2023 and had sex with the minor in a local hotel. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Christian T. Haugsby prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Hector Alvarez, age 37, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on February 3, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted surveillance at a residence located in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, and observed Alvarez leave the location carrying a grocery bag. Officers followed Avarez as he drove away and witnessed him throw the grocery bag into a garbage can from the window of his car. Officers retrieved the bag and observed empty vacuum sealed bags consistent with packaging kilogram quantities of methamphetamine. Officers attempted to pull Alvarez over, but Alvarez ignored emergency alerts and drove to his residence located on McKinley Street, in Hazleton. Alvarez fled from his vehicle but was eventually caught and arrested by police after a short foot pursuit. Officers located a box Alvarez discarded during his flight which contained 600 glassine packets of fentanyl. 

Officers seized additional glassine packets of fentanyl stamped with the same symbols of the fentanyl from Alvarez’s vehicle. Officers also searched the Hazle Township residence and seized 26 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, 90 grams of fentanyl, and 37 grams of cocaine base (crack).

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Luzerne Cunty Drug Task Force, and the Hazleton City Police Department. Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Zachary O’Meara, age 28, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary Canaan, was sentenced on September 3, 2025, to 45 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley, for assault with a dangerous weapon.  

According to the Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, on September 24, 2024, O’Meara stabbed another inmate multiple times in the head with an inmate-manufactured weapon.  The victim sustained six lacerations to the back of his head and one laceration to his right temple that required surgical sutures.  The weapon, commonly referred to as a “shank,” was recovered by prison officials following the assault.  The weapon measured five inches in length and was constructed of melted plastic with a sharpened metal tip on one end. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—Scranton Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson prosecuted the case. 

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Boyd Damgaard, age 37, of Dauphin, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 29 years’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary for producing child pornography.  Judge Neary also ordered Damgaard to serve 15 years on supervised release after he is released from prison.

According to the Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between April and June 2020, Damgaard contacted two adolescent girls aged 14 and 15 via online platforms and, after learning the girls’ ages, engaged in illegal sexual activity with them.  Damgaard created videos and other digital images of his sexual acts with one of the victims and enticed both victims to send him sexually explicit images via online messaging platforms.

On September 25, 2024, Damgaard pleaded guilty to producing child pornography. and as part of a plea agreement admitted to committing all the offenses charged in the federal indictment, including producing, receiving, and possessing child pornography, and coercing and enticing minors to engage in illicit sexual activity.             

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Christian T. Haugsby prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Justis Shea, age 32, of Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 130 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley for one count of possession with intent to deliver controlled substances and one count of felon in possession of a firearm, with the sentences to run concurrent to each other.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Shea previously pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and a synthetic cannabinoid, commonly referred to as K2, in a Luzerne County hotel room in June of 2024.  As part of that plea, Shea also admitted to possessing, on or about July 2, 2024, a stolen Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle, which had previously been shipped in interstate commerce, knowing that he had previously been convicted of a felony. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), the Kingston Police Department, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Pittston Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.

This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted, and the President signed in June 2022.  The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.

This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Charles Adams, age 40, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of attempted possession of a listed chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about November 19, 2024 and November 22, 2024, Adams attempted to possess methylamine with the intent of unlawfully manufacturing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Customs and Border Protection.  Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The maximum penalty upon conviction for the charged offenses is 40 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.        

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Leonardo Mendoza-Zavala, age 44, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to seven months’ imprisonment yesterday by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson on a charge of illegal reentry. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, following convictions in Texas for attempt to take a weapon from an officer, resisting arrest, and terroristic threats, Mendoza-Zavala was removed from the United States on January 6, 2020, through Laredo, Texas. Thereafter, he reentered the United States without obtaining legal permission to do so.  On June 21, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested Mendoza-Zavala in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, in the parking lot of a motel.     

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiate that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joseph Gallego, age 37, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 28, 2025, to 151 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary on drug trafficking charges.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on October 18, 2024, Gallego pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  The York County Drug Task Force conducted surveillance on a home in York County and Gallego was observed entering the front door.  Upon entering, the officers met two conspirators at the door and then conducted a safety sweep and found Gallego in the basement. Agents received consent to search the residence and recovered a loaded Glock model 40, 10 mm caliber semiautomatic pistol; a plastic bag containing 76.37 grams of cocaine base; a bag containing 1.13 grams of cocaine base; and a digital scale.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the York County Drug Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).          

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Williamsport-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nicolae Strava, age 30, a citizen of Romania, was sentenced today to nine months in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for illegally reentering the country after having previously been removed. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Strava was indicted by a federal grand jury after being arrested for theft by deception in Centre County, Pennsylvania, on September 20, 2024. Strava had previously been removed from the United States pursuant to a court order on April 23, 2019, through Houston, Texas. Strava pleaded guilty to illegal reentry prior to being sentenced.

An ICE detainer is lodged against Strava for deportation proceedings.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Hilario Dorantes-Ortiz, age 40, a Mexican National residing in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 28, 2025, to 30 days’ imprisonment and one year of supervised release by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for illegal reentry into the United States.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Dorantes-Ortiz was previously removed from the United States on July 20, 2022, via Brownsville, Texas. After being charged with aggravated indecent assault in March 2025, Dorantes-Ortiz was encountered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He had not obtained legal permission to reenter the country.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jon Robert Donohue, age 32, of Pittston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 27, 2025, to 120 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervision by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani on drug trafficking and firearms charges.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on May 9, 2022, Donohue was serving a house arrest sentence in Luzerne County when probation officers received information that Donohue was trafficking drugs and possessed firearms. During a search of his residence, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, seven firearms, including a stolen firearm, drug trafficking paraphernalia, 593 grams of methamphetamine, 782 grams of cocaine, 72 grams of MDMA and 1.3 kilograms of marijuana were seized.  Donahue was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his prior record.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force and the Luzerne County Adult Probation and Parole Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).          

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jamell R. O’Neal, age 42, of East Meadow, New York, was sentenced on August 22, 2025, to 188 months in prison by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley, related to his plea of guilty for one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. O’Neal will have to serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his incarceration. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, from September of 2023 through at least February of 2024, federal agents received information about illegal drug trafficking activity taking place in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Agents engaged in surveillance and observed, on both September 20th and September 22nd, O’Neal and a co-conspirator engaging in hand-to-hand drug transactions on the streets of Wilkes-Barre out of at least two different residences. On January 16, 2024, agents observed O’Neal engage in a third transaction out of one of the residences. On February 7, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant, wherein  O’Neal was present and taken into custody. Law enforcement recovered a trafficking amount of crack cocaine, fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine, as well as a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver and drug paraphernalia.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Luzerne County Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Mat Minnick, age 22, of Tannersville, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on charges of production of child pornography, online enticement, transfer of obscene material to a minor, and receipt of child pornography.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Minnick used the internet and an electronic device to persuade and entice a minor to engage in sexual conduct and to produce child pornography.  The indictment also alleges that Minnick transmitted obscene materials to four minors. 

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations-RAC Allentown and the Pocono Township Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the crimes charged in the Indictment is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Ricky Charles Patterson, age 44, of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on charges of drug trafficking, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and illegal possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about May 2, 2025, Patterson possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, both Schedule II controlled substances.  It is further alleged that Patterson possessed a Smith & Wesson .44 caliber revolver in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime knowing that he was a prohibited possessor as a convicted felon.

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (“ATF”), the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Kingston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kevin Neysmith, a/k/a Kevin Blackwood, age 45, a resident of Kingston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 160 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to the Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, on September 9, 2022, members of the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force arrested Neysmith in Moosic, Pennsylvania, as he was attempting to make a fentanyl delivery.  During the arrest, Neysmith exited his moving vehicle and fled through a parking lot. His car continued to move and struck an unoccupied car.  Task Force Officers arrested him as he tried to hide behind a dumpster.  Officer seized from Neysmith--and from a compartment in his car--methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, and an unregistered 9-millimeter Canik 55 Model TP9 semi-automatic pistol equipped with a tactical laser.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—Scranton Office, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, members of the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force, and the Moosic Borough Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson. 

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Donnie Woods, age 45, of Northridge, California, was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary for conspiring to distribute fentanyl.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Woods admitted that from July 2020 through at least April 2021, he conspired with others to distribute substantial quantities fentanyl in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.  In April 2021, law enforcement in Pennsylvania seized two packages that Woods had sent from California to a residence in York, Pennsylvania.  The two packages contained, in total, nearly four kilograms of fentanyl.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.    

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Yoel Weiss, age 43, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, to 57 months in prison by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick, related to his plea of guilty for one count of wire fraud -- false statements to the Small Business Administration, and one count of unlawful monetary transactions (money laundering). Additionally, Weiss was ordered to pay $858,000 in restitution and will have to serve a 3-year term of supervised release following his incarceration. 

           According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, in June and July of 2020, during the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, Weiss filed at least seven fraudulent applications for pandemic stimulus funds through the Economic Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The information on those forms, in support of his request for stimulus funds, was fraudulent. The applications submitted by Weiss were filed on behalf of corporate entities that did not, in fact, have actual business operations, and that bore false dates of business establishment, false employee headcount information, and fabricated gross revenues, costs of goods sold, and lost rental income.

Further, upon receipt of the nearly one million dollars in stimulus funds, Weiss did not spend those funds on approved pandemic-related expenses, but instead spent the money on retail shopping, credit card debt, a real estate purchase of a distillery in New York, and to fund other personal expenses and real estate purchases. Weiss additionally received a sentencing enhancement related to obstruction of justice when he attempted to influence and prevent the testimony of a witness who was subpoenaed to testify in front of a federal grand jury.

“Mr. Weiss deliberately and repeatedly defrauded the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program designed to help small business owners during the COVID pandemic for his own personal enrichment,” said Philadelphia Field Office Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty.   “Yesterday’s sentencing holds Mr. Weiss accountable for his criminal actions and shows that our office continues working to bring charges against individuals who commit these crimes.”

The EIDL program, funded by the March 2020 CARES Act, was designed to help small businesses facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.  EIDL funds are offered in low-interest rate loans, designated for specific business expenses, such as fixed debts, payroll, and business obligation.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kyle Eugene Gordon, age 37, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison to be followed by three years on supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick, for escaping from federal custody.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Gordon was a federal inmate at the Capital Pavilion Residential Reentry Center in Dauphin County, where he was serving a sentence for narcotics and firearms offenses. He escaped from the Capital Pavilion on October 7, 2024, and was apprehended by U.S. Marshals eight days later.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Richard Burke, age 75, from Milan, PA, was charged on August 20, 2025, with Wire Fraud in connection with stealing Social Security and Veterans benefits.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the Information charges that from approximately April 2005 until March 2022, Burke withdrew benefits payments from his deceased mother’s bank account. The total amount stolen from the SSA and VA was $350,634.23.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Social Security Administration and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense is 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine. A sentence for this offense may also include a period of supervised release following imprisonment. 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.

Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. 

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sheldon Mays, age 25, of New Jersey, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon while an inmate in a federal correctional facility.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on July 27, 2024, Mays, an inmate at the Schuylkill Federal Correctional Facility, possessed a sharpened plastic weapon with a cloth handle.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (“FBI”).  Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Davon Nelson, age 40, of Maryland, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon in a federal correctional facility.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on October 8, 2024, Nelson, an inmate at the Allenwood Federal Correctional Facility, possessed a prohibited object, a sharpened steel weapon. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Devine, age 35, of Benton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on July 24, 2025, by a federal grand jury on two charges of distribution of methamphetamine. The case was unsealed following Devine’s initial appearance and arraignment on August 18, 2025.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges Devine with distributing more than five grams of methamphetamine on or about May 30, 2024, in Columbia County, and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine on or about June 5, 2024.

This case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The maximum penalty under federal law for each offense is life imprisonment, a fine, and a period of supervised release following imprisonment.  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.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lee Wood, age 48, of Scranton, Pennsylvania was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that from May 28, 2024 through August 17, 2024, Wood conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.  The indictment further alleges that on August 8, 2024, Wood distributed, and possessed with intent to distribute, cocaine.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Noah Lee Craddock, age 33, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 12, 2025, to 71 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, in November 2020, the Pennsylvania State Police stopped a vehicle Craddock was driving on Interstate 83 in Harrisburg.  During the stop, police recovered a 9mm Glock pistol and a loaded magazine from the vehicle. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).       

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Devin Lopez-Dominguez, age 25, an inmate at the Schuylkill Federal Correctional Facility, Minersville, PA, was indicted on August 12, 2025 by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon in a federal correctional facility.          

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on December 22, 2024, Lopez-Dominguez possessed a prohibited object, a sharpened aluminum weapon. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.          

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marco Deputy, age 30, of Frederick, Maryland, was indicted on August 12, 2025 by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon in a federal correctional facility.    

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on December 2, 2024, Deputy, an inmate at the Schuylkill Federal Correctional Facility, possessed a prohibited object, a sharpened aluminum weapon. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.        

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Juawan Davis, age 31, of Baltimore, Maryland, was indicted on August 12, 2025 by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon and controlled substances while an inmate in a federal correctional facility.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on November 14, 2024, Davis, an inmate at Schuylkill Federal Correctional Facility, possessed a sharpened plexi-glass weapon with a tape handle, THC, and Buprenorphine.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (“FBI”).  Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for possessing contraband in prison is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Santino Bellucci, age 28, of Dickson City, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 8, 2025, to 252 months’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone and 40 grams and more of fentanyl resulting in death and distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between January 2022 and February 2023, Bellucci and others conspired to distribute controlled substances throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. On December 18, 2022, Bellucci sold an individual pills and a lethal dose of fentanyl which caused the individual’s death. At the time of the incident, Bellucci was working as a correctional officer at a county facility.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dunmore Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny Roberts and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Olshefski prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jesus Bracero, age 29, of Bowmanstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 8, 2025, to 121 months and 18 days’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Julie K. Munley for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and over 40 grams of fentanyl. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, between January 2023 and September 2023, Bracero and others distributed large amounts of controlled substances throughout Carbon and Lehigh Counties.  Investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Bracero at his residence.  In July 2023 investigators executed a search warrant at Bracero’s residence and seized controlled substances, firearms, ammunition, explosive devices, drug transaction records, and drug packaging material. The area where the contraband was located was protected by video surveillance cameras and two aggressive dogs. 

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Craig Kimmel, age 54, of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for child exploitation offenses on August 6, 2025. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Kimmel attempted to produce a visual depiction containing the sexual exploitation of a child. The indictment states that Kimmel was previously convicted in Schuylkill County of indecent assault and attempted statutory rape, which increases the mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment on this count to 25 years. The indictment further charges Kimmel with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution and any sexual activity for which he could be charged with a crime. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit  www.usdoj.gov/psc. 

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is a lifetime term of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 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.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tyrie Rashad Dunn, a.k.a. “Chaos,” age 37, of Lodi, New Jersey, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for maliciously damaging a building by fire or explosive material and use of explosive material in the commission of a felony.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on January 17, 2025, Dunn carried and used two Molotov cocktails to set fire to a rental property in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.  Dunn set fire and heavily damaged the property during the early morning hours, while the five building tenants were asleep.  Several of the victim tenants had to jump from a second story window to escape, resulting in bodily injuries. Dunn fled from the scene of the fire to New Jersey, where he was subsequently apprehended ten days later after a car chase and the assault of law enforcement officers.  Separate criminal charges for that incident are currently pending in the District of New Jersey.

The case was investigated by the Pottsville Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eduardo Lopez-Zamorano, age 35, was sentenced to 84 months in prison to be followed by three years on supervised release by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for illegally reentering the United States.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Lopez-Zamorano has a long criminal history in the United States. He was convicted of obstructing the administration of law in 2022, when he tried to shove a police officer who had responded to a domestic dispute in Chambersburg. He was then removed from the United States on May 26, 2022. He illegally reentered the United States thereafter and was again removed on December 9, 2022, after serving a five-month sentence for illegal reentry. That notwithstanding, Lopez-Zamorano again illegally reentered the United States. He was convicted of criminal mischief and harassment in 2023 and driving under the influence in 2024, when he was found driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.25%. He was also convicted of harassment for punching a female victim in the face in February 2024. On March 30, 2024, he was found in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, where he had been charged with assault for holding a knife to the throat of the mother of his child. He had not obtained legal permission to reenter the United States.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Juan Valencia-Diaz, age 51, a Mexican National residing in York County, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for a charge of reentry of previously removed aliens.  

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Valencia having previously been removed in 2017, was found to be in the United States on or about July 19, 2025, in York County, Pennsylvania, and he did not have authority for readmission to the United States at the time he was encountered.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).  Assistant United States Attorney Michael Consiglio is prosecuting the case.

Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marvin Rivera, a/k/a “Mace,” age 26, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Oliver Rivera, age 31, of Drums, Pennsylvania, Mark Reynolds age 57, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Sherrielee Stout, age 32, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, Chandler George, age 34, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Angela Ruggiero, age 42, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania,  Joel Fernandez, age 34, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and Eric Konnick, age 41, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges and firearm offenses.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that between January of 2025, and July 30 of 2025, the eight charged defendants conspired to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and marijuana within Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere.  The indictment further alleges the defendants committed the following criminal offenses:

• On multiple occasions between January of 2025 and July 2025, Marvin Rivera, a/k/a “Mace,” distributed and possessed with intent to distribute over 50 grams and more of methamphetamine;
• Between May 29, 2025, and July 20, 2025, Marvin Rivera, a/k/a “Mace,” and six of the other co-defendants used communication facilities to facilitate the commission of a drug trafficking crime, namely conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
• On July 30, 2025, Joel Fernandez and Marvin Rivera possessed with intent to distribute over 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and over 400 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl;
• On July 30, 2025, Angela Ruggiero possessed with intent to distribute over 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine;
• On July 30, 2025, Eric Konnick possessed with intent to distribute over 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and over 40 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl; and,
• On July 30, 2025, Joel Fernandez and Marvin Rivera, a/k/a “Mace,” each possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

During the investigation, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) executed search warrants at numerous locations associated with the drug trafficking activities of the defendants. On July 30, 2025, the agents found, among other items: approximately 71 pounds of alleged methamphetamine, over 2 kilograms of alleged fentanyl (which represents over one million in potential fatal doses), approximately 2 kilograms of cocaine, marijuana, and benzodiazepines, as well as multiple firearms, drug packaging materials including a kilogram press and vacuum sealers, and over $160,000 in cash. The street value for the recovered controlled substances is approximately $600,000.

The case was investigated by the DEA, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James M. Buchanan and Tatum Wilson are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is imprisonment for life, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jacob Buckley, age 22, a resident of Port Matilda, Centre County, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal information for threatening Donald J. Trump as the President-elect.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the information alleges Buckley used a TikTok social-media account under the name, “Jacob_buckley.”  The Information further alleges that on January 16, 2025, “Jacob_buckley” made the following posts: “I hate MAGA republicans bro on god I’ll kill all of them”; “I’m going to kill Trump”; and, “Bro we going into a literal oligarchy in 4 days and im going to kill Trump.”

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service.  Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty upon conviction on the Information is 5 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.        

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Pernell Riddick, age 36, a resident of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

According to the Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on or about September 2, 2022, Riddick, possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.  In furtherance of his drug trafficking endeavor, Riddick possessed a 9-millimeter Smith & Wesson handgun and a 9-millimeter Taurus G2C handgun.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson.

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SCRANTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities in the Middle District of Pennsylvania for National Night Out (NNO) events on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.

Assistant United States Attorneys and staff will participate in events in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Dauphin and Lebanon Counties, to engage with members of the community and provide information on the department’s initiatives.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud to join our law enforcement partners and communities across the district for National Night Out,” said Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus.  “It’s a great opportunity to come together and continue to strengthen relationships and meet the citizens we serve.”

National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.

Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.

For more information, visit https://natw.org/.

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WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Linda Tarlecki, age 63, of Aristes, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday to tax evasion and bank fraud before Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Tarlecki was the former Secretary/Treasurer for Conyngham Township, Columbia County.  From 2013 through 2017, Tarlecki defrauded the Township and Fulton National Bank of over $147,000 by issuing forged paychecks to herself to which she was not entitled.  Tarlecki also failed to report this additional income on her personal income taxes, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of over $38,000.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur prosecuted the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 35 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joseph Kaminski, age 58, of Nanticoke, Luzerne County, PA, was indicted on July 29, 2025, by a federal grand jury for pandemic fraud offenses, including wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to the Small Business Administration (“SBA”). 

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that from approximately January 2020 to approximately January 2025, Kaminski engaged in a scheme to defraud the SBA of over $850,000.00 in emergency pandemic funding made available to small business owners through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program.  The indictment also alleges that Kaminski fraudulently obtained over $40,000.00 of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (“PUA”) benefits to which he was not entitled by deceiving the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations and by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffery St John and Tatum Wilson are prosecuting the case.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Philip Shearer, age 49, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 14, 2025, to 115 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Shearer previously pled guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm—specifically, a privately-manufactured short-barrel rifle.  Shearer further admitted to possessing over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, several high-capacity magazines, and other tactical gear including night vision goggles and a ghillie suit, all of which were found in Shearer’s Harrisburg home. Shearer had 14 prior criminal convictions, including five driving under the influence convictions, an indecent assault conviction, and a domestic violence conviction. Shearer also attempted to purchase a firearm twice but was denied based on his background check. He then turned to making the firearms himself.

"The sentencing of Philip Shearer emphasizes the serious dangers posed by felons who unlawfully possess and manufacture firearms,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. “Homeland Security Investigations is dedicated to collaborating with our law enforcement partners, like ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, to ensure that dangerous criminals with a history of violence are not allowed to possess firearms."

“Protecting our communities from dangerous criminals like Philip Shearer is a top ATF priority,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Philadelphia Field Division. “With 14 criminal convictions, including multiple driving under the influence, indecent assault, and a domestic violence conviction, the law duly prohibits him from owning the unregistered short-barrel rifle he manufactured for himself after he was prevented from buying a firearm. Working with Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office, we are making our communities safer one case at a time.”

The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carl Jones, age 51, from Chester, PA, was charged on July 24, 2025, with possession of child pornography and for possessing contraband in prison.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges that from February 24, 2025 to April 9, 2025, Jones possessed a cell phone containing images of a minor, including a minor under the age of 12, engaged in sexually explicit conduct, while he was an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution Lewisburg (FCI Lewisburg), Lewisburg, Pennsylvania,

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense is 20 years and a fine. A sentence for this offense must also include a period of supervised release of 5 years up to life following imprisonment. 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.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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.              

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tyler Fuller, age 31, of Somerset County, PA, was indicted yesterday on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Fuller received and possessed child pornography from August 2023 to January 2024, in Centre County. 

The case was investigated by the State College Police Department, Ferguson Township Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the Department of Homeland Security.  Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 years, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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WILLIAMSPORT-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jeffrey Snyder, age 47, of Middleburg, was sentenced yesterday to 188 months in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Snyder led Pennsylvania State Police officers on a 90-mile-an-hour chase through Union and Snyder counties on April 8, 2024.  When Snyder was finally arrested, he possessed approximately 376 grams of methamphetamine, $1,390.40 in cash, was driving a stolen vehicle, and had a loaded, stolen revolver in the driver’s side door.  Snyder previously pleaded guilty on March 6, 2025.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andrew Dion, age 57, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution Lewisburg (FCI Lewisburg), Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on July 24, 2025, by a federal grand jury on two counts of possessing contraband in prison and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on June 2, 2025, Dion was in possession of a broken, wooden broom handle, approximately 13 inches in length, which he used to assault another inmate.  The indictment further alleges that Dion was also in possession of a bent brush with exposed metal prongs, approximately 8 inches in length.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine.  A sentence would also include a period of supervised release following imprisonment.  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.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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