Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Pike County Surgeon Charged with Evading Tax Payments and Submitting False Documents to the IRSRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dr. Robert Gorrell, who formerly worked for Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, was charged with evading payment of his income taxes, and with filing a false document with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Scranton on December 8, 2015, but remained sealed until Dr. Gorrell was found and arrested in Texas on February 11, 2016.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment charges Gorrell, age 65, with engaging in a years-long pattern of activities to avoid paying over $148,000 in tax deficiencies. The grand jury charged Gorrell with, among other things, causing his tax preparer to file Form 1040 tax returns and Form 433-A collection statements that falsely claimed Gorrell paid for his own medical malpractice insurance. Gorrell also allegedly lied to IRS agents and submitted forged documentation to the IRS in support of his claims. The activities occurred between October 2006 and April 2012.
The indictment also charges Gorrell with causing his tax preparer to file a Form 433-A collection statement with the IRS that falsely claimed he paid for his own medical malpractice insurance, failed to report the extent of his bank accounts, and failed to report his ownership of a Porsche Cayenne.
The investigation was conducted by the IRS, Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Two Men Sentenced in Bradford County “Bath Salts” CasesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kurt Smith, age 50, formerly of Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today and Patrick Russell, age 50, of LeRaysville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced February 10, 2016, by U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik in Scranton, for drug related offenses.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Judge Kosik sentenced Smith to 24 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute Alpha-PVP, commonly known as “bath salts.” Smith imported two kilograms of the substance from sources of supply in China by placing orders over the internet. The bath salts were then distributed by Smith and other individuals in Bradford County. Smith has since moved to Kentucky.
Smith was initially charged in a Criminal Information on August 25, 2015 and pled guilty on September 8, 2015.
Russell was sentenced to 31 months imprisonment for his involvement in the conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute “bath salts.” Russell was directly involved in the importation and distribution of at least 500 grams of bath salts.
Russell was initially charged in an Indictment on December 10, 2013 and pled guilty on April 14, 2015.
The cases were investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Athens Borough Police Department and were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.
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Hazleton Resident Charged with Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 9, 2016, a federal grand jury in Scranton indicted a 55-year-old Dominican national who resides in Hazleton for distributing heroin on two occasions between December 2015 and January 2016.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the two-count indictment alleges that Juan Elvis Monsanto, who used the street name “Elvi,” distributed heroin on December 15, 2015, and January 28, 2016.
The indictment was unsealed yesterday following Monsanto’s arrest. He was arraigned late yesterday by U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick in Scranton and was ordered to be detained in prison pending trial in the case.
The charges against Monsanto resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Hazleton Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
Monsanto faces up to 20 years in prison for each charge.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 40 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Wilkes Barre Man Indicted for Heroin, Cocaine and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Wilkes-Barre man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Scranton on heroin, hydrocodone and cocaine possession, and firearm offenses.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment charges Andre Allen, age 25, with possessing with intent to distribute heroin, hydrocodone and cocaine in Wilkes-Barre in September 2015. The indictment also charges Allen with possessing multiple firearms in furtherance of his heroin, hydrocodone and cocaine trafficking activities.
The charges stem from a joint investigation between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department in which the Wilkes-Barre Police Department executed a search warrant at Allen’s residence in Wilkes-Barre. From the residence, the police recovered four firearms, two of which were stolen, over 200 grams of marijuana, 31 grams of heroin, 33 grams of cocaine and other drug paraphernalia.
The investigation of these cases was conducted by the ATF, working in conjunction with the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. The prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies
Allen faces a minimum of 5 years and up to a lifetime term of incarceration as well as fines totaling $1,500,000.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Fifth Shenandoah Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 25-year-old Shenandoah resident connected to a large-scale heroin trafficking ring that operated in Schuylkill County during 2012 through September 2015, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Derek Yashinsky pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. Yashinsky admitted to distributing heroin and transporting other drug traffickers to Patterson, New Jersey, and Hazleton to obtain large quantities of heroin on multiple occasions. Yashinsky was involved in transporting and distributing between 400 grams and 700 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to between than 13,000 and 23,000 retail bags of heroin.
Yashinsky was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Scranton in September 2015, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Schuylkill County.
Judge Munley ordered a presentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for May 11, 2016. Yashinsky faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
Four co-defendants—Rhashean Strange, Carlos Correa, Nicolai Varga, and Paul Jadus—have also pleaded guilty to participating in the drug conspiracy. Three other co-defendants are awaiting trial in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the cases.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 40 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Baltimore Man Convicted of Heroin Trafficking Resulting in Death of 21 Year Old Central Pennsylvania ResidentRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Eugene Stallings, Jr., age 28, of Baltimore, Maryland, was convicted on February 5, 2016 of heroin trafficking that resulted in death and other charges after a 4-day jury trial in Harrisburg before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the jury returned with a guilty verdict to all five counts on the indictment relating to Stallings after less than 2 hours of deliberation. The jury convicted Stallings, aka Bruno, of conspiring to distribute and for distributing more than 100 grams of heroin to Ashley Gries, Danny Forrester, Gabriel Stouffer, and Michael DeCarlo between October 2013 and April 2014. Gries, Forrester and Stouffer traveled from the Shippensburg, Pennsylvania area to purchase heroin from Stallings in Baltimore, and then engaged in heroin trafficking in the Franklin and Cumberland County areas. Gries, Forrester, Stouffer and DeCarlo have pleaded guilty for the roles in the drug trafficking organization.
According to the evidence presented at trial, heroin obtained from Stallings led to the death of 21 year old Kyle Golter in Shippensburg, on February 7, 2014. Franklin County Coroner Jeffrey R. Conner determined that Golter’s death was the result of heroin toxicity. The jury also convicted Stallings of conspiring to distribute and for distributing heroin that resulted in Golter’s death. This charge carries an enhanced penalty requiring a mandatory minimum 20 years’ imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Smith stated that, “Golter’s death was a senseless tragedy and the serious penalties that the defendant faces reflect the dangerous consequences of trafficking heroin.”
Chief Judge Conner has not scheduled a sentencing date for Stallings, but Stallings will remain detained pending a sentencing hearing.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Shippensburg Police Department, and the Cumberland County Drug Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith A. Taylor and Scott Ford.
This case is part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former Manager of York Federal Credit Union Charged with Embezzlement and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that the former Chief Executive Officer-Manager of the HD York Federal Credit Union in York, Pennsylvania has been charged with embezzlement from the Credit Union and with evading federal income taxes.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Sherry Garner, age 53, of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, is charged in a Criminal Information with bank larceny. The Information alleges that Garner embezzled $252,106 from the credit union between 2010 and 2013 and failed to report $70,983 in stolen income on her federal income tax return for 2011, thereby evading $19,069 in federal income taxes.
In a plea agreement filed with the Information, Garner also admitted that the total tax loss of $62,704 on her unreported income. Garner has agreed to make restitution to both the credit union and the IRS as ordered by the Court.
HD York Federal Credit Union merged with White Rose Credit Union on May 30, 2014.
No date has yet been scheduled for Garner’s arraignment on the charges. The charges in the Information carry an aggregate maximum term of 15 years imprisonment and $350,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Offices of the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty for Health Care Fraud is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum term of imprisonment for False Statements in Health Care Matters is 5 years imprisonment.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Northeastern Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison for $1.8 Million Investment FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a former Bartonsville man was sentenced today to 97 months in prison by United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo in Harrisburg to a charge stemming from an investment fraud.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Joseph Gallardo, age 48, Bartonsville, previously plead guilty to mail fraud in September 2014. Gallardo was a registered investment advisor with investment firms in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He persuaded clients with those investment firms to invest in Blue Meadow Group LLL, his personal real estate venture. Victims were guaranteed attractive rates of return and were falsely told that their money was invested in and protected by real estate. Contrary to what was represented to the victims, Blue Meadow Group was not a real estate investment trust and its securities were not registered with the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Securities Commissions.
In fact, victims’ monies were used to purchase a gas station and convenience store and to fund Gallardo’s on-line day trading account that lost a substantial amount of money. Investigators determined that victims of Gallardo’s criminal activity lost approximately $1.8 million.
During July 2009, the Pennsylvania Securities Commission issued a cease and desist order ordering Gallardo to stop offering or selling investment properties in Pennsylvania. After the cease and desist order, Gallardo solicited additional victims who invested money with him.
Gallardo was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2014 as a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy H. Fawcett prosecuted the case.
Judge Rambo ordered the defendant to pay restitution in the amount of $1,792,170 to victims and to serve a three-year term of supervised release following his incarceration.
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Former Fulton Bank Employee Charged with Stealing $13,325Read the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a former Fulton Bank employee has been charged with stealing $13,325 from Fulton Bank in York, Pennsylvania
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Donna S. Miller, age 45 of Felton, is charged with bank larceny in a one count Information filed in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg.
Miller allegedly stole $13, 325 from the Fulton Bank, S. Queen Street branch in York between September 2013 and November 2014. Miller was terminated in November 2014 and has made full restitution to Fulton Bank.
The government also filed a plea agreement with the defendant which is subject to approval by the court. No date has yet been scheduled for Miller’s guilty plea.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Two Northeast Pennsylvania Check Cashers Charged in Separate Stolen Identity Refund Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that two northeast Pennsylvania check cashers have been charged as a result of their participation in separate stolen identity refund fraud schemes.
Jose Cabreja, age 30, of Scranton, and Franklyn Nunez, age 40, of Hazleton, were charged in one-count criminal informations filed today in federal court in Scranton with conspiracy to make false claims against the government.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Cabreja Information charges that Cabreja operated Frank Check Casher, Inc. in Olyphant, and that his co-conspirators used the identities of unknowing third parties to prepare and file fraudulent federal income tax returns. The Information alleges that Cabreja deposited and cashed fraudulently obtained tax refund checks totaling $876,731 between June and August 2013.
The Nunez Information charges that he operated The Closet Multi-Service, LLC in Hazleton, and alleges that co-conspirators of Nunez used the identities of unknowing third parties to prepare and file fraudulent federal income tax returns. The Information also alleges that Nunez deposited and cashed fraudulently obtained tax refund checks totaling $358,525 between June and September 2011.
The government also filed a plea agreement in each case which is subject to approval by the court.
According to United States Attorney Smith, the prosecution of fraudulent tax refund schemes that rob tax payers as well as the government is a high priority in this district.
The Department of Justice views the prosecution of Stolen Identity Refund Fraud, or “SIRF,” as vital. These schemes disrupt the orderly administration of the income tax system for hundreds of thousands of law abiding taxpayers nationwide and have cost the United States Treasury billions of dollars. SIRF crimes are often perpetrated by criminal enterprises with key individuals at all stages of the scheme: those who steal Social Security Numbers and other personal identifying information, those who file false returns with the Internal Revenue Service, those, including check cashers, who facilitate obtaining the refunds, and those who promote the schemes. These criminal enterprises exploit the highly automated systems for storing personal information, preparing and filing tax returns electronically, and generating income tax refunds quickly—often in the form of electronic payments. Everyone with a Social Security Number is potentially vulnerable to having his or her identity stolen. The IRS estimates that during the 2013 filing season alone, over 5 million tax returns were filed using stolen identities, claiming approximately $30 billion in refunds.
The charges in the present cases are the result of ongoing investigations by the Scranton Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police, the Hazelton, Taylor, Dickson City, Dunmore and Olyphant Police Departments, and the Lackawanna and Luzerne County District Attorneys’ Offices. The cases are assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William Houser for prosecution.
Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Another Shenandoah Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 27-year-old Shenandoah resident connected to a large-scale heroin trafficking ring that operated in Schuylkill County during 2012 through September 2015, pleaded guilty yesterday before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Nicolai Varga pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. Varga admitted to distributing heroin and transporting other drug traffickers to New York, Patterson, New Jersey, and Hazleton to obtain large quantities of heroin on multiple occasions. Varga was involved in transporting and distributing between 400 grams and 700 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to between than 13,000 and 23,000 retail bags of heroin.
Varga was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in September 2015, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Schuylkill County.
Judge Munley ordered a presentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for April 28, 2016. Varga faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
Three co-defendants—Rhashean Strange, Carlos Correa, and Paul Jadus—have also pleaded guilty to participating in the drug conspiracy. Four other co-defendants are awaiting trial in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the cases.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 40 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Adams County Man Indicted Federally for Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that an Adams County man was indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg on January 20, 2016 for receipt and possession of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the grand jury alleges that Earl Greg Walker, age 53, received and possessed child pornography at his home in Adams County in 2011-2012. The indictment was unsealed today following Walker’s arrest on January 29, 2016. Walker is due to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab today for his initial appearance.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 30 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Williamsport Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Williamsport man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for narcotics trafficking and possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trade.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the grand jury alleges that Kalonji Jones, age 37, trafficked a substantial quantity of heroin in Williamsport and the surrounding area. A search of his premises at the time of his arrest yielded 110 packets of heroin packaged for individual sale to users and additional materials for the packaging and distribution of heroin including empty glassine packets, a grinder and scale. Also recovered at the time of the Defendant’s arrest were 3 unlicensed handguns that he is prohibited from possessing under Federal law. These items were found in a 2014 investigation by the Williamsport Police Department.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Williamsport Bureau of Police, and the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 30 years to life imprisonment, a term of 6 years’ supervised release following imprisonment, and a $2 million dollar fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Distributing Bath SaltsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 35-year-old Kingston resident was sentenced to five years in prison today by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, for his role in a drug conspiracy that distributed alpha-pvp (commonly known as “bath salts”) in 2012-2013 in the Luzerne County area.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Frank Brennan, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute alpha-pvp. Brennan admitted to participating in the West Pittston-based drug conspiracy and to distributing a kilogram of alpha-pvp, a controlled substance analogue.
Brennan was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in August 2014, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Department of Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspectors, the Pennsylvania State Police, and West Pittston Police.
Eleven persons have been charged as participants in the conspiracy which involved wholesale suppliers of alpha-pvp based in Texas, and retail distributors of the drug in Luzerne County. All eleven suspects have entered guilty pleas in the case.
Judge Mannion also ordered Brennan to be placed on three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
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Former Owner of Internet Sports Memorabilia Businesses Charged with $2.5 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a former owner of a group of internet sports memorabilia businesses has been charged in connection with a $2.5 million dollar fraud scheme.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Joshua Aaron Shores, age 41, of Bel Air, Maryland and also of Ocean City, Maryland, is charged with Wire Fraud in a Criminal Information filed today in the United States District Court in Scranton.
The charge is based upon Shores’ alleged five-year scheme, between 2008 and 2013, to obtain money and property by dealing in counterfeit and fraudulent sports memorabilia. Shores allegedly created, owned, and operated internet businesses under the names of Dealakhan, LLC, Stadium Authentics, Autograph Showcase, Sunset Beach, End Game Sports, Authenticgraph, and others with facilities in York County, Pennsylvania and in Maryland, and used the businesses to traffic in counterfeit and fraudulent sports memorabilia.
Shores allegedly represented addresses of mailbox receiving services to customers as his business address, created and registered PayPal and Amazon.com accounts in his name and in the names of others to receive payments from customers, purchased counterfeit sports jerseys in bulk from China and affixed fraudulent autographs to them representing them to be authentic autographs of well-known athletes and sports figures, and also using fake certificates of authenticity. According to the Criminal Information, Shores unlawfully obtained approximately $2.5 million dollars from buyers of the fraudulent items.
The Criminal Information also seeks forfeiture of real property located in Ocean City, Maryland, U.S. currency in the approximate amount of $140,000, and an additional amount of $26,000 in proceeds related to a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a sports utility vehicle. The government will also seek restitution for victims of the fraud scheme.
The Criminal Information was filed pursuant to a plea agreement entered into between the United States and Shores. The agreement, which is subject to the approval by the court, includes joint recommendations relating to loss amounts, forfeiture allegations, and an agreement to pay restitution as determined by the court.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The charge of Wire Fraud is punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Clarks Summit Attorney Convicted of Mail FraudRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Susan C. Kevra-Shiner, age 46, of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, was convicted yesterday of seven counts of Mail Fraud in connection with the operation of her abstract and title insurance company. The three-day jury trial of Kevra-Shiner was held before U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik in Scranton.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the jury returned with the verdict of guilty after approximately seven hours of deliberation.
In 2009, Kevra-Shiner was an attorney who also owned and operated GK Abstract Co., Inc., an abstract and title insurance company located in Avoca, Pennsylvania. As part of her legal practice, Kevra-Shiner handled real estate transactions, and, starting in 2003, she began issuing title insurance policies as an authorized agent of the Stewart Title Guaranty Company, a title insurance underwriter based in Texas.
Kevra-Shiner’s agency agreement with Stewart was terminated on September 23, 2008, but the defendant nevertheless continued to issue numerous title insurance policies to her clients after that date. As a result, she defrauded at least sixty-nine (69) homeowners and/or the associated lenders of at least $69,000 in title insurance premiums. The policies Kevra-Shiner sold her clients were invalid and she never remitted any portion of the premiums she received to the underwriter.
On February 28, 2013, the Pennsylvania Office of Disciplinary Counsel suspended Kevra-Shiner's law license for four years as a result of these activities.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter Hobart and Evan Gotlob.
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Wilkes-Barre Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Wilkes-Barre man pled guilty yesterday in United States District Court in Scranton, before United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to possession of a firearm in furtherance of heroin trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Disean Kendricks, age 26, admitted to the charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Kendricks was indicted by a grand jury in June 2015.
The charges stem from an incident in which investigators served a search warrant at a residence located on Sullivan Street in Wilkes-Barre and seized 45 bags of heroin and two firearms from a bedroom in which Kendricks was sleeping.
The investigation was conducted by the Wilkes-Barre Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal state and local law enforcement agencies.
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.
Kendricks faces a mandatory penalty of at least 60 months in prison.
The maximum penalty under federal law is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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New York City Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 28 year old New York City resident was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for selling cocaine and crack cocaine in the Lackawanna and Luzerne County areas.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the conviction and sentence are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police into the sale of drugs at various motels in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. On August 28, 2015, Cedrick Johnson pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine and crack on numerous occasions between 2012 and July 2013.
Judge Mariani also ordered Johnson to be placed on three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, Jr.
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Mexican National Indicted for Illegal Re-EnteryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg indicted Luciano Vasquez-Perez yesterday for illegally re-entering the United States after having been previously deported.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Vasquez-Perez, a 32 year old Guatemalan national, has been deported on two previous occasions. In July of 2013, he was convicted of improperly entering the United States by the U.S. District Court for Arizona and subsequently deported. Later that month, he was again found near Nogales, Arizona and deported a second time.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty for this offense under federal law is 2 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Veteran York County Police Officer Charged with Federal CorruptionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg has indicted Tyson Baker, a 17 year veteran police officer with the Fairview Township Police Department, on charges related to the theft of drug proceeds and efforts to conceal those thefts.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment alleges that Baker, age 41, Etters, stole several thousand dollars of real and suspected drug proceeds in November and December of 2015. Baker then allegedly caused the preparation of false reports in connection with those two thefts to cover up his conduct and obstruct the investigation. Baker was indicted in two counts of the indictment with taking property to prevent its seizure, two counts of obstruction of justice, three counts pertaining to the filing false reports, and one count of theft of government property.
The indictment alleges that, in November, Baker orchestrated the theft of $2,000 in drug proceeds seized by the Fairview Township Police Department during the search of a residence that had resulted in the seizure of several pounds of marijuana and approximately $15,000. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recorded conversations between Baker and a cooperating individual (CI) regarding the theft. The indictment also alleges that Baker discussed with the CI stopping suspected drug traffickers driving through the township to steal their drug proceeds during traffic stops.
The indictment also alleges that on December 16, 2015 the FBI, with the full cooperation of the Fairview Township Police Department, arranged for a vehicle operated by an undercover FBI agent to be stopped. It is alleged that Baker had the vehicle towed from the scene. It is also alleged that, without first obtaining a search warrant and in spite of directions by the FBI not to search the vehicle, Baker searched the vehicle and stole $3,000 that was concealed in the vehicle that Baker believed were drug proceeds. The grand jury also found that false reports were prepared and filed in connection with both theft incidents.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Harrisburg Resident Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the Fairview Township Police Department.
Prosecution of the case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 20 years on the 4 counts dealing with obstruction and records tampering charges, 5 years on each of the two counts charging removal of property to prevent its seizure, 5 years on the false reports to federal authorities charge, and 10 years on the theft of government property charge. There is also a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 28-year-old New Jersey resident pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton, to distributing heroin in Luzerne County in October 2014.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Shaquan Murphy, admitted to traveling from New Jersey to Luzerne County with a co-defendant to distribute 50 bricks of heroin to sub-distributors on October 11, 2014. Murphy acknowledged distributing a total of between 100 grams and 400 grams of heroin, which is approximately equivalent to between 3,300 bags and 13,200 bags, during August-October 2014.
Murphy was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in October 2014, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Kingston Police, Plymouth Police and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.
Murphy is the sixth defendant connected to the heroin trafficking operation to plead guilty in the case.
Judge Munley ordered a presentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for April 28, 2016. Murphy faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. Murphy was ordered to be detained in prison pending sentencing.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Lebanon Service Man Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Receive Bribes While Serving in AfghanistanRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that Timothy H. Albright, age 37, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 12 months in prison by United States District Court Judge John E. Jones, III in Harrisburg for conspiracy to receive bribes while serving in the United States Army at Bagram, Afghanistan.
Judge Jones also ordered the forfeiture of $16,000. Albright pled guilty in March 2015 to charges filed in a criminal information on March 13, 2015.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Albright, a Specialist with the Pennsylvania National Guard, was assigned to the 53rd Joint Movement Control Battalion, 101st Joint Logistics Command, Combined Joint Task Force, with duties at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan (Bagram). He served as an E4 (Enlisted Grade 4) in the United States Army at Bagram between January 7, 2008 and October 20, 2008. In his position at Bagram, Albright, who served as a Commercial Vendor Services Specialist, processed invoices resulting from the provision of supplies by Afghan vendors to restock supplies at the Humanitarian Aid Yard at Bagram. Albright was responsible for reviewing invoices submitted by Afghan vendors who had been awarded contracts to replenish the Humanitarian Aid Yard. If the documents were in order, Albright would date-stamp and submit them for payment.
An Afghan vendor had several million-dollar contracts through his company with the Humanitarian Aid Yard through the Army. He began to give cash to Albright as a way of thanking him for expeditiously processing his invoices. As the relationship developed, so did the size of the amounts of cash from the vendor. Ultimately, Albright received at least $25,000 in cash bribes from the Afghan vendor.
Albright sent the money he received from the Afghan vendor to his home in Lebanon. He concealed the money in envelopes inserted in boxes filled with DVDs. Also, Albright told his supervisor at Bagram about the payments and encouraged him to participate in the scheme. The supervisor did so, and Albright and his supervisor would split up stacks of $100 bills provided by the vendor.
The case was investigated by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, United States Army’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Schinnour and Trial Attorneys Daniel Butler and Bob Doherty of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
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Chicago Resident Pleads Guilty to Participating in Multi-State Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 39-year-old Mexican national who resided in Chicago at the time of his arrest pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to participating in a drug conspiracy that was responsible for distributing large quantities of heroin during a four-year time period in Monroe, Carbon, Montgomery, and Berks Counties in Pennsylvania.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Romualdo Hermosillo-Avendano, also known as “Flaco,” admitted to distributing more than one kilogram of heroin via courier from Chicago to Pennsylvania during December 2013-January 2014.
Hermosillo-Avendano was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2014, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Berks County Detectives and Montgomery County Detectives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
Hermosillo-Avendano faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of life in prison. He also faces possible deportation as a result of his guilty plea. Judge Mariani ordered a pre-sentence report to be completed. Sentencing is scheduled to take place in April 2016.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Tobyhanna Man Sentenced to 21 Months Incarceration for Passing $8,500 in Counterfeit Currency in Area CasinosRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Mitchell, age 31, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 21 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton for passing counterfeit currency in area casinos.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Mitchell was charged in an indictment by a grand jury in November 2014 and pleaded guilty in September 2015 to conspiracy to pass counterfeit United States Federal Reserve Notes. Mitchell and others conspired to receive, exchange, transfer, and pass approximately $8,500 in counterfeit $100 Federal Reserve Notes at the Mount Airy Casino in Mount Pocono, and the Mohegan Sun Casino in Plains on various dates in June 2014.
Also charged in the indictment with Mitchell are Andrew Turner, age 28, and Michael Turner, age 22, both from Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania. Both are awaiting trial.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Gaming Enforcement. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
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New York Man Charged with Great Bend Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Scranton indicted Robert Meader, age 31, of Liverpool, New York, yesterday for committing the robbery of the NBT Bank, Route 11, Great Bend, Pennsylvania.
The Grand Jury indictment alleges that Meader robbed the NBT Bank on October 13, 2015, and took $14,147 in United States Currency.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment was unsealed today following the arrest of Meader in New York. Meader appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick and was detained pending trial. He is presently being held at the Lackawanna County Jail in Scranton.
The case was jointly investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, New York. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Texas Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Role in Bath Salts Conspiracy; Must Forfeit More Than $750,000 in AssetsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that a 40-year-old Texas man was sentenced today to serve 27 months in prison and ordered to forfeit his interest in more than $750,000 in assets for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute alpha-pvp, commonly known as “bath salts,” by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Thanh Duc Tran, of Houston, Texas, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute alpha-pvp to customers in at least 32 states, including Pennsylvania, over various web sites during 2011 through March 2014.
Thanh Duc Tran was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2014, as a result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspectors, the Pennsylvania State Police, and West Pittston Police.
Judge Mannion ordered the defendant to forfeit to the government his interest in a residence in Texas valued at approximately $300,000, coins valued at more than $260,000, four bank accounts containing over $200,000, two vehicles, over $7000 in cash and more than $17,000 in uncashed money orders, and two firearms. Tran must also spend three years on supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
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Scranton Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Receiving and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 43-year-old Scranton resident was sentenced today to 16 years in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton for receiving and distributing child pornography and violating conditions of his supervised release.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Marc Accardi, pleaded guilty in June 2015 to the charge that was filed initially in a Criminal Information. Accardi admitted that he used a cell phone to download and distribute images of child pornography during March-May 2015. He also admitted committing the offense while on supervised release in connection with a prior criminal case.
The charge against Accardi resulted from an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security.
Judge Mannion also ordered Accardi to pay $2,200 in restitution to victims of the child pornography offense. Accardi must also serve 10 years on supervised release following his prison sentence, register as a sex offender, undergo sex offender treatment, and comply with sex offender registration requirements.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Harrisburg Man Convicted of Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Daleo G. Powell, age 32, of Harrisburg, was convicted yesterday of possession with intent to distribute heroin after a two-day jury trial in Harrisburg before Senior U.S. District Court Judge William W. Caldwell.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the jury returned with the verdict of guilty to the drug trafficking after approximately 3 hours of deliberation. The charges were the result of an initial investigation by Harrisburg Bureau of Police in December 2014 that resulted in Powell being found in possession of a loaded firearm and nine bundles of heroin on 15th Street in Harrisburg. The jury acquitted Powell of a related firearms charge. No sentencing date was set for Powell.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.
This case is part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is twenty years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Two Maryland Residents Indicted for Conspiracy to Steal Firearms in Waynesboro, PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg has indicted Rodney Robinson, age 30, and Amber Crummitt, age 33, of Boonsboro, Maryland for conspiracy to steal firearms from a federal firearms licensee along with other related charges.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Robinson and Crummitt allegedly drove from Maryland to the Walmart in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania on October 22, 2015. Robinson entered the store, forced open the gun case, removed five rifles, and left with the rifles in a car driven by Crummitt. On October 27, 2015, the pair returned to the same store and Robinson again allegedly forced open the gun case removing a rifle and a shotgun; however, this time Robinson left the store without the firearms when an alarm activated.
The indictment charges Crummitt and Robinson with conspiracy to steal firearms, theft of firearms, transportation of stolen firearms across state lines, possessing and disposing of stolen firearms, and possession of firearms by felons.
Robinson is currently in custody on unrelated charges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will request a summons to be issued for Crummitt to appear in federal court in Harrisburg at a designated time.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
If convicted of all counts, under federal law, Robinson and Crummitt face respective maximum penalties of 65 and 55 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former USP-Canaan Inmate Sentenced to 14-Years’ Imprisonment for Stabbing Four Correctional OfficersRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jerome Lummus, age 37, was sentenced today to 14 years’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik in Scranton for assaulting four correctional officers and inflicting bodily injury.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, on August 18, 2015, inmate Jerome Lummus, who was serving a federal prison sentence for drug trafficking, approached a correctional officer in the cafeteria at USP-Canaan and took a sharpened metal knife and stabbed the officer in the upper torso, as well as stabbed three other correctional officers who assisted in subduing Lummus. As a result of the unprovoked attack, the correctional officers all sustained stab wounds which required medical attention, but did not result in any life threatening injury.
Lummus pled guilty to the charges prior to his sentencing. Judge Kosik ordered that the 14-year imprisonment term start after Lummus completed his other sentences.
Lummus was charged in an indictment in September 2015, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.
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Wilkes-Barre Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Scranton has indicted a man from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania for drug trafficking and firearm offenses.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment charges Thomas Abreu, Jr., age 34, with possessing with intent to distribute heroin on July 26, 2015. The indictment also charges Abreu, a convicted felon, with possessing three stolen firearms in furtherance of his heroin trafficking activities.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Enforcement, and by the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district-wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes.
This case also was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic of the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Shenandoah Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 50-year-old Shenandoah resident connected to a large-scale heroin trafficking ring that operated in Schuylkill County during 2012 through September 2015, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Paul Jadus pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. Jadus admitted to distributing heroin and allowing his residence in Shenandoah to be used as a “stash house” to store drugs and money for co-conspirators. Jadus was involved in storing and distributing more than 700 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to more than 23,000 retail bags of heroin,
Jadus was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in September 2015, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Schuylkill County.
Judge Munley ordered a presentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for April 15, 2016. Jadus faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the cases.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 40 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Operator of Northeastern Pennsylvania Check Cashing Business Charged in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Diomedes Rodriguez-Nunez, age 27, of Allentown was charged in a Criminal Information filed January 15, 2016 in federal court in Scranton with conspiracy to make false claims against the government.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Information alleges that Rodriguez-Nunez operated Dio Multiservices in Taylor, Pennsylvania, and that co-conspirators of Rodriguez-Nunez used the identities of unknowing third parties to prepare and file fraudulent federal income tax returns. The Information also alleges that Rodriguez-Nunez deposited and cashed fraudulently obtained tax refund checks totaling more than $100,000 between July and September 2013.
The government also filed a plea agreement with the defendant which is subject to the approval of the court.
The charge is the result of an ongoing investigation by the Scranton Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police, the Hazelton, Taylor, Dickson, Dunmore and Olyphant Police Departments, and the Lackawanna and Luzerne County District Attorneys’ Offices. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William Houser for prosecution.
Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Bradford County Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 69-year-old Sayre, Pennsylvania resident was sentenced today to five years in prison by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy in Scranton for possessing child pornography and participating in a wire fraud scheme.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Harold Schrader pleaded guilty in January 2015 to charges filed in November 2014. Schrader admitted that he possessed child pornography on a computer in 2012, and participated in a fraud scheme during 2008-2011. The fraud scheme involved using the internet to solicit overseas loans from others totaling more than $200,000. Those loans were never repaid.
The charges against Schrader resulted from an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Judge Conaboy also ordered Schrader to pay $232,500 in restitution to victims of the fraud scheme. Schrader must also serve five years on supervised release following his prison sentence, register as a sex offender, undergo sex offender treatment, and comply with sex offender registration requirements.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Williamsport Men Indicted for Distribution of Heroin and CocaineRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a grand jury in Williamsport returned a five-count indictment yesterday charging two Williamsport men with conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine, distribution of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment alleges, in or around June 2014, Rasheem Jarbar Ruley, age 24, and Antoine Paris Davis, age 38, conspired to distribute heroin and cocaine to drug users and sellers in Williamsport and distributed and possessed those substances with the intent to distribute on four separate occasions. The indictment alleges that Ruley and Davis stored heroin and cocaine at their residence on Tinsman Avenue in Williamsport, including a large bag containing over 100 grams of heroin (136 small bags of heroin packaged for sale), 16 bags of cocaine, and digital scales.
This matter was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Williamsport Bureau of Police, the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney George Rocktashel.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 40 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the sentencing judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Williamsport Man Indicted for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Williamsport man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for heroin trafficking and the illegal possession of a firearm.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the grand jury alleges that Braheem Johnson, age 27, engaged in multiple deliveries of heroin in Williamsport in 2015. A search of Johnson’s apartment in May 2015 uncovered a supply of over 1000 packets of heroin bundled for distribution to others. Also recovered was an unlicensed .22 caliber handgun which Johnson was prohibited from possessing under Federal law.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Williamsport Bureau of Police, and the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is up to life imprisonment, a term of three years supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Tioga County Physician and One Other Plead Guilty to Health Care Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dr. John Terry, age 65, of Wellsboro and Stephen Heffner, Jr., age 46, of Elkland, pleaded guilty today before Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner in Williamsport.
In January 2016, a criminal information was filed in U.S. District Court in Scranton against Terry in connection with fraudulent prescriptions he wrote for Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, in April 2013, Dr. Terry caused Medicare to be billed for fraudulent prescriptions intended for Heffner knowing that Heffner was not his patient and that the Oxycodone was not actually intended for Heffner but for Dr. Terry’s patient, David Hatch, age 28, of Addison, New York. Medicare paid for the prescription received by Heffner but actually delivered to Hatch.
Dr. Terry also provided prescriptions for Oxycodone and other narcotics to another patient, Thomas Ray, age 52, of Wellsboro, who Terry should have known was not seeking the drugs for legitimate medical purposes. Medicaid paid for medically unnecessary prescriptions written for Ray.
Heffner and Hatch were charged with theft from the Medicare Program arising out of the same incident in separate criminal informations. The government also filed a plea agreement with Hatch. He is scheduled to appear before Chief Judge Conner in Harrisburg to enter a plea of guilty on February 11, 2016.
All three defendants were originally charged together with Ray, in an indictment by a federal grand jury in August 2014. Ray previously pled guilty before Chief Judge Conner and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 20, 2016.
Terry and Heffner are scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2016 in Williamsport.
The investigation was initiated in June 2013 by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) drug diversion agents and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. During the execution of a federal search warrant at his office on July 8, 2013, Dr. Terry voluntarily agreed to surrender his medical license and his DEA registration.
The Pennsylvania State Police assisted in the investigation. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty for health care fraud under federal law is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Harrisburg Businessman Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Paul Biko, age 65, pleaded guilty yesterday to federal tax fraud before Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner in Harrisburg.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, in 2008, Biko was the owner of three Harrisburg businesses: Clearview of Harrisburg, Clearview Landscaping and Clearview Builders. As owner, Biko controlled the financial affairs of the three companies including all business bank accounts. For the fourth quarter of 2008, Biko’s companies withheld employment taxes from employees but failed to pay to the IRS the federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes due to the United States. The government’s estimate of the loss is approximately $674,969.
Biko is scheduled to be sentenced in April 2016.
Biko was charged in an indictment in April 2014. Charges are still pending against Maura Mia Whetsel, age 31, of Harrisburg, the firms’ former Director of Finance and bookkeeper.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations. Prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph J. Terz.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $10,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.]
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Ohio Couple Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that tax evasion charges were filed yesterday against the owners of a cemetery business in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Theodore Martin, age 51, and his wife, Arminda Martin, age 44, of Ravenna, Ohio, operated three cemeteries, including Suburban Memorial Gardens in Dover, Pennsylvania, and Grandview Memorial Park and Fairview Memorial Park in Ohio. The Martins failed to report to the IRS all the income they received from the operations of the cemeteries located in Ohio. The Martins formerly resided in York County, Pennsylvania.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J. Terz.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Monroe County Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Monroe County man connected to a heroin trafficking ring that operated in Monroe County and elsewhere during 2012 through March 2015, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, William Young, age 36, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine. Young admitted to traveling to New Jersey on several occasions to obtain a total of more than 80 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to approximately 2600 retail bags of heroin, for distribution to others in the Monroe County area.
Young was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in March 2015, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Monroe County.
Judge Munley ordered a presentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for April 12, 2016. Young faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Eight Men Indicted on Heroin ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a grand jury in Harrisburg indicted eight men yesterday for possessing, distributing, and conspiring to possess and distribute substantial amounts of heroin.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment charges:
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Jose Perez Delgado, age 32;
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Addan Brito Torres, age 28;
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Yovelin Mendez Marte, age 36;
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Rashawn Spriggs, age 28;
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Deajon Spriggs, age 18;
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Joshua Baker, age 19, all of Chambersburg;
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Brandon Morant, age 26, and
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Jerthione Bell, age 28, both of Lancaster
with distributing more than 100 grams of heroin and conspiring to distribute more than 1,000 grams of heroin from October 1, 2015 to January 7, 2016 in Chambersburg, Franklin County and elsewhere.
The indictment was unsealed following the arrests of Bell and Morant yesterday. Delgado, Brito-Torres and Marte were arrested on Friday, January 8, 2016. Rashawn Spriggs, Deajon Spriggs and Joshua Baker were arrested last week on local charges related to the federal indictment and will appear in federal court for arraignment on January 20, 2016. All defendants are in custody.
The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Franklin County Drug Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum 10 year term of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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York City Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years for Possession of A Gun as an Armed Career CriminalRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a York, Pennsylvania man was sentenced to 15 years in prison today by U.S. District Court Senior Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, for possessing a firearm.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Charles Swan, age 35, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg in April of 2013 and pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon in May 2014. Swan was arrested on July 12, 2012, by York City Police officers after a brief foot pursuit. During the chase, Swan threw a .40 caliber pistol onto a nearby building, which police ultimately recovered.
At the time that he possessed the gun, Swan had previously been convicted three times by local authorities for drug trafficking. Federal law requires that a convicted felon who possesses a firearm -- with three or more prior convictions for drug trafficking or crimes of violence -- receive a sentence of at least 15 years in prison.
Judge Rambo also ordered that Swan pay a fine of $1,600, and that upon his release from prison, he serve three years of supervised release under the supervision of the United States Office of Probation.
The prosecution was the result of an investigation by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the York City Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Consiglio.
This case is part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a districtwide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes.
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Two Shenandoah Men Plead Guilty to Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that two Shenandoah residents connected to a large-scale heroin trafficking ring that operated in Schuylkill County during 2012 through September 2015, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Rhashean Strange, age 30, who used the street name “Chicago,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin. Strange admitted to being a leader and manager of the drug conspiracy, and to possessing a firearm in connection with the conspiracy.
In a separate proceeding, Carlos Correa, age 27, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. Correa also admitted to possessing a firearm in connection with the drug conspiracy.
Strange and Correa were indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in September 2015, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Schuylkill County.
Judge Munley in each case ordered a presentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for Strange on April 15, 2016, and for Correa on April 14, 2016. Strange faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of life in prison. Correa faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the cases.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison for Heroin Trafficking and Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a citizen of the Dominican Republic who reentered the United States after being deported and resided in Luzerne County, was sentenced to 78 months in prison today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy in Scranton, for distributing large quantities of heroin in the summer of 2014, and illegally reentering the country.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Edwin Guerrero-Guerrero, age 35, who resided in Hazleton under a false name and identity, pleaded guilty to the charges on September 15, 2015. Guerrero-Guerrero admitted to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of heroin, which is the equivalent of approximately 17,000 retail bags of heroin, after he had illegally reentered the United States.
Guerrero-Guerrero was charged in a criminal Information in August 2015, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), immigration enforcement agents with the Department of Homeland Security, and Scranton Police.
Judge Conaboy also ordered Guerrero-Guerrero to be placed on four years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Guerrero-Guerrero also faces possible deportation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
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Carbondale Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 27-year-old Carbondale man pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick to using a computer to download child pornography from an internet website.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Edward Jeter, admitted to committing the offense between November 2014 and August 2015. Agents found more than 90 videos and more than 2,100 images of child pornography on Jeter’s computer, including images of children between the ages of 3 and 14.
Jeter was charged in a Criminal Information filed in November 2015, as a result of a nationwide investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Judge Mehalchick ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy will schedule a date for sentence. Jeter faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Four Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg indicted four South Central PA and Maryland residents on December 16, 2015 on charges of distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and hydrocodone and for possessing handguns in furtherance of those crimes.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Angel Moorman, 36, Waynesboro, Joseph Tyeryar, 33, Frederick, MD, Chad King, 31, Sharpsburg, MD, and Susan Callahan, 36, Waynesboro, were charged with possessing cocaine and oxycodone with the intent to distribute and conspiracy to do the same in the Waynesboro area. Moorman and Callahan were also charged with possession of heroin with the intent to distribute it. Moorman was charged in a separate count with possessing four handguns in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity. The indictment alleges that this activity occurred from June 2015 up to and including October 14, 2014.
The indictment remained under seal until yesterday to allow investigators to locate and arrest the defendants. Tyeryar, King and Callahan were arrested on January 7, 2016 and Moorman was arrested in October on local charges. The defendants were arraigned by U.S. Magistrate Chief Judge Martin C. Carlson in Harrisburg. Moorman remains in custody at Franklin County Prison. Defendants are currently scheduled for trial on March 9, 2016 before U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones, III.
The case was investigated by the Franklin County Drug Task Force, the Frederick County MD Narcotics Unit and Homeland Security Investigations. Prosecution of the case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 40 years on the drug charges with a mandatory 5 year minimum sentence. Each firearm count is punishable by up to life imprisonment and a mandatory consecutive 5 year term of imprisonment. There is also a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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United States Reaches Agreement with Former York County Chiropractor in Civil False Claims Act SuitRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that it has entered into a Consent Decree with former chiropractor Kurt Bauer, age 62, of York, PA, to resolve a suit the United States filed alleging that Bauer remained involved in the management of a Medicare provider’s business despite his exclusion by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in violation of the False Claims Act.
United States Attorney Peter Smith announced today that the resolution was accepted by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner.
The civil Complaint filed by the United States alleged that Bauer was the former owner of Leader Heights Healthcare, a York County-based chiropractic and primary care provider that accepted Medicare patients. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) excluded Bauer from participating in federal health care programs in 2008, which had the practical effect of precluding his employment at Leader Heights in any capacity.
Despite the exclusion and after falsely informing Medicare that he had “[r]etired,” Bauer allegedly retained ownership of Leader Heights until 2009 and continued to be involved in the management and administration of Leader Heights until he learned of the government’s investigation in 2013. During this period of time, Leader Heights allegedly submitted thousands of claims to Medicare for reimbursement for several million dollars. The government contends that, because of Bauer’s involvement in the management and administration of Leader Heights during his exclusion, Bauer knowingly caused the submission of false claims to Medicare that improperly sought reimbursement for the services he provided.
The Consent Decree resolves the allegations in the Complaint, and requires Bauer to:
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Make payments over the next five years to the United States totaling approximately $30,000.
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Consent to a renewed exclusion from federal health care programs for the next 25 years.
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Make bi-annual certifications to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the next 5 years, under penalty of perjury, certifying that he is complying with his renewed exclusion and the pertinent guidance from HHS.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General and the Health Care Fraud Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Scicchitano for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Iranian Company Sentenced for U.S. Export ViolationRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the Office of Export Enforcement of the United States Department of Commerce announced that FIMCO, an Iranian corporation, was sentenced today to pay a $100,000 criminal fine by United States District Court Judge Yvette Kane in Harrisburg for conspiracy to evade export licensing requirements.
The conspiracy was in connection with an attempt to smuggle to Iran a machine with possible military as well as civilian applications.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, in December 2012, a federal grand jury in Harrisburg charged FIMCO in a sealed indictment made public in July 2015. In April 2014, an American company, Hetran, Inc., an engineering and manufacturing corporation in Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and its President, Helmut Oertmann, were charged with participating in the conspiracy. A guilty plea was entered on behalf of the corporation in July 2015 before United States Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab.
Hetran manufactured a large horizontal lathe, also described as a bar peeling machine (“peeler”), valued at more than $800,000 and weighing in excess of 50,000 pounds. The machine is used in the production of high grade steel for the manufacture of automobile and aircraft parts.
Under U.S. law and regulations, American companies are forbidden to ship “dual use” items (items with civilian as well as military or proliferation applications), such as the peeler, to Iran without first obtaining a license from the U.S. Government. Aware that it was unlikely that such a license would be granted, FIMCO, which does business in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and other alleged co-conspirators agreed to falsely state on the shipping documents that the end-user of the peeler was Crescent International Trade and Services FZE (Crescent), an affiliated company, knowing that the machine would subsequently be shipped to Iran after being off-loaded in Dubai.
In June 2012, Hetran caused the peeling machine to be shipped from Pennsylvania to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, fraudulently listing Crescent as the end-user, knowing that the shipment was ultimately being sent by FIMCO to Iran in violation of federal law. The Office of Export Enforcement, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), U.S. Department of Commerce detected the shipment and ordered that it be re-delivered to the United States. The seizure of key shipping documents, emails and correspondence from Hetran to Iran revealed the scheme, and was critical to the success of the case, and to shutting down the contemplated shipment.
As part of its plea agreement with the United States, FIMCO agreed that the government would recommend a criminal fine. The company also has agreed under a settlement with BIS to pay a $837,500 civil penalty to the U.S. Department of Commerce, of which it paid $587,500 out-of-pocket, with the remaining $250,000 suspended for two years. The suspended portion of the civil penalty will be waived thereafter so long as FIMCO complies with the terms of the plea agreement and any criminal sentence and satisfies certain additional conditions. FIMCO will also be made subject to a two-year suspended denial of its export privileges.
"The penalty imposed today, together with the six-figure administrative penalty being paid by FIMCO to the Department of Commerce, reflects the seriousness of the violation, said Under Secretary of Commerce Eric L. Hirschhorn. The Office of Export Enforcement will continue to pursue and fully prosecute those who violate our export control laws and threaten our national security."
During the investigation by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), FIMCO and Crescent were placed on BIS’s Entity list in August 2014. The Entity List identifies foreign parties that are prohibited from receiving listed items unless the exporter secures a license. Those persons present a greater risk of diversion to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs, terrorism, or other activities contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. By publicly listing such persons, the Entity List serves as an important tool to prevent unauthorized trade in such items.
In December 2014, Helmut Oertmann and Hetran were sentenced by Judge Kane to 12 months’ probation; Oertmann and Hetran were ordered as part of a settlement with BIS to pay a penalty of $837,500 with $337,500 of that amount paid out-of-pocket and the remainder conditionally suspended, which penalty Judge Kane adopted as to Oertmann and Hetran. The other indicted company, Crescent International Trade and Services FZE, and the three Iranian individuals who served as officers of FIMCO, Khosrow Kasraei, Reza Ghoreishi, and Mujahid Ali, are presently fugitives.
The case was investigated by the New York Field Office of the Office of Export Enforcement, Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce. The Department of Commerce’s Office of the Chief Counsel for Industry and Security handled the civil proceedings. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy H. Fawcett and was overseen by the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
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New Jersey Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Role in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that an Orange, New Jersey man was sentenced to five years in prison today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton, for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy that operated in Luzerne County during February through October 2014.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Antuan Jamison, age 36, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others from Luzerne County, New Jersey, and Alabama, to distribute heroin to customers in the Luzerne County area. Agents seized more than 250 bags of heroin from Jamison and several associates in October 2014, and Jamison admitted to distributing between 100 and 400 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to approximately 3500 to 14,000 bags of heroin, to sub-distributors in Luzerne County.
Jamison was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in October 2014, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Kingston Police, Plymouth Police and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.
Judge Munley also ordered Jamison to forfeit his interest in more than $7000 in cash and a vehicle seized during the investigation. Jamison was ordered to be placed on three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
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Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison for Role in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Luzerne County man was sentenced to 151 months in prison on Monday by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton, for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy that operated in Luzerne County during February through October 2014.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Shaliek Stroman, age 32, of Edwardsville, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others from Luzerne County, New Jersey, and Alabama, to distribute heroin to customers in the Luzerne County area. Stroman admitted to distributing more than 1500 bags of heroin, and was sentenced as a “career offender” under the federal sentencing guidelines due to multiple prior drug trafficking convictions.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Munley called Stroman a “recidivist heroin dealer” who must be held accountable for repeatedly distributing heroin during the past ten years.
Stroman was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Scranton in October 2014, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Kingston Police, Plymouth Police and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.
Judge Munley also ordered Stroman to forfeit his interest in more than $7000 in cash and a vehicle seized during the investigation. Stroman was ordered to be placed on three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
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