Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Eight Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
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.
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Port Matilda Man Charged for Threatening Then President-elect Donald J. TrumpRead the Press Release
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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Monroe County Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
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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United States Attorney's Office to Participate in Community Events During National Night OutRead the Press Release
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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Former Township Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
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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Nanticoke Man Charged with Pandemic Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
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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Dauphin County Man Sentenced to 115 Months’ Imprisonment for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
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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USP Lewisburg Inmate Charged with Possession of Child Porn and Possessing Contraband in PrisonRead the Press Release
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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Somerset County Man Indicted for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
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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Middleburg Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
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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FCI Lewisburg Inmate Charged with Assault with A Dangerous Weapon and Possession of Weapons in PrisonRead the Press Release
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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Dominican National Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Onassis Alexander Tejeda-Arias, age 42, a Dominican Republic National previously residing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 51 months in prison by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley for illegally reentering the United States following his deportation after committing an aggravated felony.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Onassis Alexander Tejeda-Arias illegally entered the United States on at least two prior occasions. After illegally living in Lawrence, Massachusetts, since 2009, Onassis Alexander Tejeda-Arias was deported to the Dominican Republic on October 16, 2018, following a Massachusetts criminal conviction in 2015, for possession with the intent to distribute 635.7 grams of heroin. That crime resulted in a three-and-a-half-year imprisonment sentence. Thereafter, in early 2020, the defendant illegally reentered the United States through Texas. On October 6, 2022, Onassis Alexander Tejeda-Arias was arrested by agents with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for his involvement in significant drug trafficking activities where he was supplying various co-conspirators with bundles of heroin/fentanyl. This second drug trafficking conviction following his illegal reentry netted a sentence of two and half to five-years’ imprisonment. On April 24, 2025, Tejeda-Arias the defendant pleaded guilty to the Federal Indictment charging illegal reentry. Judge Munley ordered that the 51 months’ imprisonment sentence was to run consecutive to the defendant’s state drug trafficking sentence. After service of his sentences, Tejeda-Arias will be deported to the Dominican Republic.
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 and Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.
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Dominican National Indicted for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Luis de Jesus Pichardo, age 57, a native and citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Carbon 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 Pichardo, a foreign national, having previously been removed in both 1996 and 2000, was found to be in the United States on or about July 16, 2025, in Carbon 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 the United States Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Berti 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 20 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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Monroe Man Sentenced to 48 Months’ Imprisonment for Committing $2 Million in Covid-19 Pandemic FraudRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brian J. Albelli, age 46, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 23, 2025, to 48 months of imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, following his convictions of wire fraud and money laundering.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Albelli filed approximately 20 fraudulent applications for pandemic stimulus funds, including under the Payment Protection Program (PPP) and for Economic Injury and Disaster Loans (EIDLs). Albelli filed the applications in the name of various business entities under his and his family’s control, listing himself, his wife, and his parents as the signatories. Some of the applications submitted by Albelli were filed on behalf of corporate entities under his control that did not, in fact, have actual business operations.
Through his scheme, Albelli secured over $2.2 million in pandemic stimulus funds. Instead of using his funds on business expenses, as intended, Albelli used them to purchase automobiles, a boat, and make casino withdrawals, among other personal expenses. A significant portion of the loan proceeds were passed through an account held in the name of Outbreak Assets LLC, a company Abelli created for the sole purpose of receiving fraudulent proceeds, before being used on personal expenses.
In addition to the sentence of imprisonment, Judge Mannion also sentenced Albelli to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, to pay full restitution of $2,232,077, and to forfeit numerous assets seized by investigators which included funds in bank accounts, two vehicles, and jewelry.
The PPP and EIDL programs, both funded by the March 2020 CARES Act, were designed to help small businesses facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP funds were offered in forgivable loans, provided that certain criteria are met, including use of the funds for employee payroll, mortgage interest, lease, and utilities expenses. EIDL funds are offered in low-interest rate loans, designated for specific business expenses, such as fixed debts, payroll, and business obligations.
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.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno prosecuted the case.
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Honduran Citizen Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Reentry; Faces DeportationRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Elio Yoel Cardona-Torres, age 43, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced on July 17, 2025, to time-served (five months in prison) by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for illegally reentering the country after having previously been removed. Cardona-Torres had pleaded guilty to the charge.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Cardona-Torres was arrested during targeted enforcement in Sayre, Pennsylvania, on February 22, 2025. Cardona-Torres had previously been removed from the United States pursuant to court order in 2006, 2008 and 2010. Cardona-Torres again faces deportation proceedings.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States 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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Former Assistant Director of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ministries Charged with Child-Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that former Assistant Director of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ministries, Daniel Reed, age 51, of Thompsontown, Juniata County, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal complaint with attempted production of child pornography, production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the criminal complaint alleges that Central Pennsylvania Youth Ministries received a report from an adult female who said that she was “groomed” into a sexual relationship with Reed when she was between 14 and 17 years old. It is further alleged that thereafter a “peep hole” and two-way mirror was discovered in the second-floor hallway closet of the Youth Ministries and looked into the second-floor bathroom which had a shower.
Following the execution of a search warrant at Reed’s residence, law enforcement seized an electronic device which contained internet searches relating to the use of hidden cameras for illicit purposes. It also included a text message to a group that included two 16-year-old minor females, appearing to encourage them to use the shower at the Youth Ministries’’ facility. Also, on a hard drive seized from the residence, law enforcement discovered at least seven nude images of minor females from the second-floor bathroom at the Youth Ministries’ facility, and images of others in other bathrooms and bedrooms. All the images appeared to have been taken from a hidden camera.
The FBI's Philadelphia Field Office is seeking to identify potential victims. If you, your family member, or anyone that you know may have information relating to these matters under investigation and/or would like to report a crime, please contact the FBI Philadelphia Office at (215) 418-4000.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for the charged offenses is 70 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.
Criminal complaints only contain allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania, PC Agrees to Pay $790,000.00 to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG, PA —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania, PC (ECOP) has agreed to pay $790,000.00 to resolve False Claims Act allegations of civil liability for submitting claims to Medicare for Evaluation & Management (E&M) services that violated Medicare rules and regulations.
According to the Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between September 1, 2018, and April 7, 2025, ECOP submitted claims to Medicare Part B for E&M services on the same date of service for beneficiaries receiving bilateral eye injections in violation of the applicable Medicare rules and regulations.
“The United States Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Pennsylvania is dedicated to working with its law enforcement partners to zealously investigate allegations of the submission of unsupported claims to federal healthcare programs,” said Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus. “Improperly billing federal healthcare programs increases the costs of these taxpayer-funded programs. Settlements like this one are an important part of the fight against fraud, waste and abuse.”
“Providers who participate in the Medicare program must abide by the program’s rules when submitting claims,” said Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is committed to protecting the integrity of the Medicare program and maintaining the trust of the people it serves. We will continue to work with the United States Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement partners to address allegations brought under the False Claims Act.”
This matter was handled by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Haken of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
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Charges Filed After Alleged Water Damage to ICE’s York County Office SpaceRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Guerdison Printus, age 27, a citizen of Haiti, was indicted by a federal grand jury for destruction of government property.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that, on or about June 25, 2025, in York County, Printus tampered with a sprinkler, causing water damage in the office space of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The indictment further alleges that the resulting damage exceeded the sum of $1,000.
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for the charged offense is 10 years imprisonment, one year 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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Carbon County Man Sentenced to 188 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Mika, age 44, of Lansford, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 17, 2025, to 188 months’ imprisonment and four years of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for one count of possess with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Mika previously pled guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. As part of his guilty plea, Mika also admitted to possessing over 400 grams of methamphetamine, other controlled substances, and a revolver--all of which were found in his Lansford, PA, home during the execution of a search warrant by members of the Nesquehoning Police Department, and other investigators.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania, the Lehighton Borough Police Department, the Nesquehoning Police Department, the Lansford Police Department, the Franklin Township Police Department, and the Carbon County District Attorney’s Office. United States Attorney James Buchanan 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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Carbon County Couple Charged with Defrauding A Senior CitizenRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christen Lee Cosgrove, age 40, and Brian Cosgrove, age 37, both of Weatherly, Pennsylvania were indicted by a federal grand jury on conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud and money laundering charges.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the 59-count indictment alleges that between October 2022 and May 2023, the Cosgroves conspired to defraud financial institutions which had possession of money from an estate and from a 93-year-old individual totaling approximately $1,000,000. It is further alleged that the Cosgroves used and caused wire transactions to fraudulently obtain the money which they spent on personal items including a house, recreational vehicle, boat, vacations, and paying off personal and business debt. The indictment also alleges that they used the fraudulently obtained money in multiple unlawful monetary transactions.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for bank fraud is 30 years of imprisonment and the maximum penalty under federal law for wire fraud is 20 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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Chinese Nationals Charged with Conspiracy to Defraud Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that eight Chinese nationals who obtained student visas to attend college in the United States were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Those indicated include: Yankun Jiang, 24, of State College, PA, Hanlin Yang, 24, of State College; Chenhao Chen, 25, of California; Xiaoqing Tu, 24, of California; Dongjie Lu, 35, of California; Lei Bao, 22, of New York; Kuo Zhang, 31, of New Jersey; and Jiacheng Zhang, 25, of Florida.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that beginning in or about August of 2023 and continuing until on or about February 22, 2024, the defendants orchestrated a wide-scale computer “pop-up” scam targeting elderly victims falsely claiming that their computer or bank accounts had been compromised. The indictment further alleges that members of the conspiracy traveled to victims’ homes and posed as federal law enforcement officers to collect large sums of cash from the victims claiming that the assets would be protected, among other falsehoods. It is alleged that more than 50 victims across 19 states were defrauded of more than $10,000,000.
"These indictments highlight the relentless efforts of Homeland Security Investigations to safeguard our elderly population from complex fraud operations," stated Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens of HSI Philadelphia. "Schemes like these cause significant emotional and financial harm to elderly victims across the country. HSI, in partnership with the FBI, remains steadfast in our commitment to securing justice for the victims and ensuring that those responsible are held fully accountable."
“As outlined in the indictment, this criminal enterprise not only exploited elderly victims but did so by impersonating federal law enforcement—an egregious abuse of trust,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office. “We urge older Americans and their families to remain alert to these kinds of scams. The FBI will never ask for money or payment of any kind. We are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations for their dedicated work in bringing this case forward.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 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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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 15 Years’ Imprisonment on Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Essameddin Birry, age 43, of Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 9, 2025, to 15 years’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, between May 31, 2023, and July 27, 2023, Birry distributed methamphetamine on multiple occasions in the Wilkes-Barre area within Luzerne County. On September 11, 2023, Birry was involved in a motor vehicle stop in Olyphant, Lackawanna County. Birry attempted to flee on foot from law enforcement but was apprehended and found to be in possession of distribution amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl and possessed a loaded handgun. Birry was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony drug trafficking convictions. At the time of this offense, Birry was on probation for a prior drug trafficking conviction.
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).
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police and Olyphant Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jenny P. Roberts and Patrick Bannon prosecuted the case.
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Former Business Vice President Indicted for Attempting to Extort His Former EmployerRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Bryan R. Chapman, age 62, of Missouri, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on extortion charges.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Chapman was the Vice President of a nationwide business located in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. After he was fired, Chapman attempted to extort the business by claiming that he would expose that the company had taken trade secrets from a supplier. Chapman demanded six-months’ severance in exchange for his silence, which would have amounted to over $100,000. The company refused to be extorted.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the extortion offense is 20 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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Citizen of Mexico Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Leonardo Mendoza-Zavala, age 44, a citizen of Mexico, was indicted yesterday 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 June 21, 2025, Mendoza-Zavlawas found in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, after previously having been removed from the United States. The indictment also alleges that Mendoza-Zavala had been removed from the United States on January 6, 2020, through Laredo, Texas, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting 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).
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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Monroe County Man Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Robert Stull, age 46, of Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. for one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Stull previously pled guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Stull also admitted to possessing over one kilogram of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, drug packaging materials, over $22,000 in cash, and several firearms, that were also found in his home during the execution of a search warrant on September 12, 2025, by members of the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, as well as other investigators.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan prosecuted the case 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 Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Muhammad Adnan, age 21, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 2, 2025, to 10 years in prison by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for drug trafficking.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, Adnan was indicted with three codefendants for distributing methamphetamine in quantities of 50 grams and more on multiple occasions from November 2023 until February 2024, in Harrisburg. Adnan had previously pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine on February 27, 2025.
Codefendants Urias Williams pleaded guilty on February 27, 2025, and is awaiting sentencing; Aaron Pitts is currently scheduled for trial on October 6, 2025; and Aaron Gambino is a fugitive.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Capital City Safe Streets Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Dauphin County Drug Task Force, and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. 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 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).
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Carbon County Man Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Mika, age 44, of Lansford, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 3, 2025, to 120 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr., for one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Mika previously pled guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Mika possessed over one pound of methamphetamine, several pounds of marijuana, drug packaging materials, over $22,000 in cash, and several firearms, that were found in his home in Lansford, during the execution of a search warrant by members of the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, as well as other investigators on September 6, 2024.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania, the Lehighton Borough Police Department, the Nesquehoning Police Department, the Lansford Police Department, the Franklin Township Police Department, and the Carbon County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan is prosecuting 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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California Man Charged with Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct with A MinorRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marvin Isaac Dagoc, age 27, of Lakeside, California, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that from January to March 2025, Dagoc enticed a minor to engage in illicit sexual conduct, traveled to Lycoming County to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor in March of 2025, and produced child pornography on March 17, 2025.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense is up to 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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West Nanticoke Man Charged with Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Daniyel Jamal Heyward, age 45, of West Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges Heyward with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine on February 13, 2025, and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine between January 1, 2025 and February 13, 2025.
The case was investigated by the Luzerne County Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting 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).
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses are 40 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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New York Man Indicted for Failure to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Darnell Ney, age 41, of Attica, New York, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for failing to register as a sex offender upon relocating to Pennsylvania.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that from July 22, 2024 and continuing to on or about February 2, 2025, despite being required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), upon relocating to the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Ney failed to register his address in Pennsylvania as required by SORNA.
This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Wyoming County Sherriff’s Department in Warsaw, New York; and the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office in Warsaw, New York. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case.
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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Mifflin County Man Sentenced for Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Vincent Minervini, age 50, of Reedsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to a term of probation for five years with a period of 540 days of home detention with electronic monitoring by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for filing a false tax return.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Minervini pleaded guilty on August 27, 2024, to filing a false tax return in 2018. From 2014 through 2018, Minervini, operated various companies that he either owned on his own or controlled through a partnership. These businesses included VM Holdings, LLC; Supreme Star Property Management, LLC; Boomer Builders LLC; Debt Free Partnerships, LP; Boomer Ranches DS, LLC; and VMJH Holdings, LLC.
Minervini filed personal and business tax returns in each of these years. Minervini made it appear that his businesses were incurring expenses, which were deducted from his businesses’ taxable income, by moving money from one of his companies to another and labeling such payments “Management Services,” “Management Fees,” “Operating Expenses,” “Operating Budget,” and “Transfers.” For example, in 2016, VMJH Holdings and Boomer Ranches made $134,500 worth of transfers to Boomer Builders that were labeled “Operating Budget” and “Operating Expenses,” but Boomer Builders did not declare any of these transfers as gross receipts on its own tax return. Minervini’s actions therefore reduced the amount of income that was subject to taxation by the IRS.
Minervini made payments from his companies to himself without reporting such transfers as income in his personal tax returns. For instance, in 2017, VM Holdings transferred approximately $809,648.22 to Minervini’s personal bank account, and Minervini deducted this amount as an expense on VM Holdings’ tax return, but he did not declare it as income on any other return, personal or business.
As a result of these actions, Minervini underreported approximately $2,102,512 in income.
Minervini submitted his tax returns to the IRS under penalty of perjury. Minervini admitted that the tax returns for 2014 to 2018 contained knowingly false information. Minervini accepted responsibility for $266,618 in unpaid taxes, which was the full amount of unpaid taxes for 2014 to 2018. He also paid restitution to the IRS in that amount prior to the date of sentencing. The IRS will also assess penalties and interest on Minervini’s back taxes.
The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case.
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Honduras Native Charged with Illegal Possession of A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nelson Geovany Pineda-Chacon, age 30, of Honduras, residing in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about May 7, 2024, in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, Pineda-Chacon, an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States, did knowingly possess a 9mm Beretta handgun and 9mm Luger ammunition as a prohibited person.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). 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 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).
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is fifteen 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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Citizen of Mexico Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Edelicio Castillo-Ramos, age 33, a citizen of Mexico, residing in Mill Hall, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday for illegal reentry.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Castillo-Ramos was previously removed from the United States on July 12, 2012, through Calexico, California, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so. The indictment also alleges that on June 20, 2025, Castillo-Ramos was encountered in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger 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 the offense is 2 years, a fine, and 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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Schuylkill County Man Charged with Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mark Thompson, age 49, of Ashland, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that beginning in January of 2025, to on or about April 25, 2025, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Thompson conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The indictment further alleges that on or about April 8, 2025, Thompson distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (“FBI”), the Shenandoah Police Department, and the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan 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 imprisonment for twenty 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.
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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Schuylkill County Man Charged with Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Darious Felder, age 34, of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking offenses.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that beginning from on or about January, 2025, to on or about April 25, 2025, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Felder conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The indictment further alleges that on three separate occasions in March and April of 2025, Felder distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (“FBI”), the Shenandoah Police Department, and the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan 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 imprisonment for forty 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.
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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Guatemalan National Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Reentry; Faces DeportationRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Erikx Soto-Gomez, age 41, a citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced yesterday to time-served (75 days in prison) by United States District Court Judge Julia K. Munley for illegally reentering the country after having previously been removed.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Soto-Gomez was indicted by a federal grand jury after being arrested for Driving Under the Influence in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, on April 10, 2025. Soto-Gomez had previously been removed from the United States pursuant to a court order in 2012. Soto-Gomez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry before being sentenced.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs 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).
Soto-Gomez still faces pending state charges in Lebanon County, and an ICE detainer is lodged against him for deportation proceedings.
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Lebanon Man Sentenced to 85 Months’ Imprisonment for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stephen Okamoto, age 36, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 26, 2025, to 85 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary for distribution of child pornography.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, law enforcement identified an Internet Protocol (IP) address that was sharing a collection of child pornography via BitTorrent software. The IP address was traced to Okamoto’s residence. Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant on that residence, recovering electronic devices that contained over 1,900 images of child pornography.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Derry Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera 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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Milton Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Justo Melendez-Morales, age 44, of Milton, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 22, 2025, for charges related to drug trafficking.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about February 26, 2025, through May 9, 2025, Melendez-Morales sold and possessed approximately 38 grams of cocaine in his Milton apartment, which he maintained as a premises for drug trafficking.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger 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 the offense is 30 years 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.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Gettysburg Man Pleads Guilty to Mail Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Harry Hartman, age 54, a resident of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on June 24, 2025, before United States District Judge Keli M. Neary to mail theft.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, in February 2023, the mail delivery room at Gettysburg College began receiving complaints that packages marked as “delivered” or “out for delivery” were not received. Later that year, the delivery room reported the issues to the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPIS OIG). The issues quieted down during the summer months; however, they ramped back up in or around mid-October.
At his guilty plea hearing, Hartman admitted to the following: In early 2024, the United States Postal Service and United States Postal Inspection Service reviewed approximately 50–75 tracking numbers for packages that were scanned as “delivered” at the Gettysburg Post Office but did not arrive at Gettysburg College for delivery. Subsequently, in August, surveillance was conducted at the Gettysburg Post Office, which resulted in Hartman being identified and observed taking packages from a bin destined for Gettysburg College. Upon being identified as a suspect for stealing mail from the Gettysburg Post Office, agents from the OIG and USPIS interviewed Hartman. During the interview, Hartman admitted that, since approximately March 2024, he stole approximately 1-2 mail packages “on occasion” and resold the contents on eBay. Hartman also consented to a search of his car and residence. At his residence, Hartman surrendered a large carboard box full of items that he had stolen from the Gettysburg Post Office but not yet sold.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (“Wes”) Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is five 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.
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Shippensburg Man Indicted for Threatening Former Presidential CandidateRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Steven Hartford, age 37, a resident of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury for threatening a former presidential candidate.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that, at relevant times, Hartford accessed, controlled, and used TikTok social-media account “thealex13one13.” The Indictment further alleges that on or about July 21, 2024, a media outlet published a 17 second video on its own TikTok account. The video showed the Presidential Candidate with a caption, “Will [the Candidate] be the next Democratic nominee?” At approximately 7:32 p.m., “thealex13one13” commented, “I will assassinate her if she runs for pres.”
The Indictment alleges that, on or about the same date, the same media outlet published a 12 second video on its TikTok account. The video showed the Presidential Candidate with a caption, “could [the Candidate] replace Joe Biden?” At approximately 7:56 p.m., “thealex13one13” commented, “I will assassinate her.” Thereafter, on or about July 22, 2024, “thealex13one13” allegedly made other comments on TikTok about and directed toward the Presidential Candidate, including: “22 250 coming her way”; “5.56 for her”; and “5.56 waiting for her.”
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. 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 is 10 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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Pittsburgh Man Indicted for Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tieriq Pinnix, age 32, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Pinnix possessed an FNH, 9-millimeter handgun and ammunition in York County, on March 6, 2025, as a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Northern York Regional Police Department, and the York Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford 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).
Pinnix faces a maximum penalty of 15 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 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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Mexican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gregorio Perez-Canceco, age 42, a Mexican National residing in York, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury on one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Perez-Canceco was previously removed from the United States on October 4, 2017, through Hildalgo, Texas, and it is alleged that he was subsequently found in the United States without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country. The indictment also alleges that on May 23, 2025, Perez-Canceco was encountered in York County, Pennsylvania.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to ten years of imprisonment, plus a fine and a term of supervised release. 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.
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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Mexican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
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 indicted on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury on one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Dorantes-Ortiz was previously removed from the United States on July 20, 2022, via Brownsville, Texas. The indictment also alleges that on March 7, 2025, Dorantes-Ortiz was encountered in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania without having first 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 is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to two years of imprisonment, plus a fine and a term of supervised release. 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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Juniata County Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Larry L. Grove, Jr., age 36, of Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment brought forward a total of eight counts. Six of the counts allege Grove distributed cocaine and methamphetamine on separate occasions between December 2024 and May 2025. It is further alleged that on May 20, 2025, Grove possessed with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and additional quantities of marijuana. Lastly, the indictment alleged Grove possessed firearms after he was convicted of a felony.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police Troop G VICE Unit, and the Mifflin County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen 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 the most serious offense alleged in the indictment is 40 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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Guatemalan National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rocael Lopez-Lopez, age 32, a Guatemalan National residing in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury on one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Lopez-Lopez was previously removed from the United States on December 21, 2012, via Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona. The indictment also alleges that on April 28, 2025, Lopez-Lopez was encountered in Franklin County, Pennsylvania without having first 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 is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to two years of imprisonment, plus a fine and a term of supervised release. 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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Citizen of Mexico Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Fernando Hernandez-Garfias, age 42, a Mexican Citizen, was indicted on June 18, 2025, 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 May 7, 2025, Hernandez-Garfias was found in York County, Pennsylvania, after previously having been removed from the United States. The indictment also alleges that Hernandez-Garfias had been removed from the United States on November 23, 2016, through Brownsville, Texas, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so.
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 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 2 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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Carlisle Man Indicted for ArsonRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Petonyak, age 46, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was charged on June 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury with two counts of arson.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on August 11, 2021, Petonyak maliciously set fire to materials associated with two buildings in Carlisle: The Gingerbread Man, located on S. Court House Avenue; and the Faye’s Kitchen, located on S. Hanover Street.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Carlisle Police Department; and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case.
Petonyak faces a maximum penalty of 40 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 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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Former Fiscal Manager for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Angela Saar, age 51, of Olyphant, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 29, 2025, to 366 days in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for wire fraud related to her on-going theft from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania, in Scranton.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, from November 2018 to June 2022, while employed as the fiscal manager for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania (CAC/NEPA), Saar engaged in a scheme to defraud the CAC/NEPA. Formed in 1998, the CAC/NEPA, is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), whose mission is to provide excellence in the assessment and treatment of child abuse and neglect. During her tenure as the fiscal manager for the CAC, Saar diverted fraudulent payments of various kinds from CAC/NEPA bank accounts into her own personal bank accounts for her personal benefit. Some of the diverted payments involved fraudulent mileage reimbursements, while others involved Saar inflating her bi-weekly paychecks by thousands of dollars.
The total amount of restitution ordered payable to the CAC/NEPA was $411,940.11. Saar also similarly defrauded a second charitable organization in Lackawanna County for which she paid restitution prior to her sentencing in this matter. Saar has been ordered to surrender herself to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons on or before June 20, 2025.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Scranton Resident Office of the Philadelphia Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Berti prosecuted the case.
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Hazleton Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brian Castillo, age 33, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 12, 2025, to 151 months’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani for distribution of methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on August 20, 2021, and September 10, 2021, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents made two controlled buys of methamphetamine from Castillo in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Castillo sold 42 grams during the first sale and 55 grams of the drug on the second sale for $1,000 on each occasion. Before he was arrested, Castillo fled the country when he learned he was under investigation. He was later arrested on July 8, 2024, when attempting to re-enter the country. On February 21, 2025, Castillo entered a plea of guilty to one of the charges in the indictment.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police. Acting U.S. 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.
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Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Artemio Santiago-Hernandez, age 43, a Citizen of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday to time served (three months) by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for illegally reentering the United States.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, Santiago-Hernandez was previously removed from the United States on March 19, 2015, through Laredo, Texas and reentered the United States without legal permission to do so. Santiago-Hernandez was also previously removed in 2007. Santiago-Hernandez was convicted at least three times of driving under the influence or similar offenses and still faces DUI charges in Franklin County.
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 investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Scott Ford prosecuted the case.
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