Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Ohio Psychologist Sentenced to 24 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Extortion and Threatening A WitnessRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marcia J. Weber, age 46, of Loveland, Ohio was sentenced today in federal court in Harrisburg by U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones, III to serve 24 months in prison on the charges of conspiracy to commit extortion and threatening to injure a witness.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Nicholas I. Stanishia, while serving a sentence of life imprisonment plus 23 years at the Southeastern Correctional Institution in Lancaster, Ohio, for a murder conviction, developed a relationship with clinical psychologist Weber who helped orchestrate Stanishia’s release from prison by attempting to get the sole witness who identified Stanishia at his Ohio murder trial to recant his trial testimony.
The surviving witness was also shot during the murder but was able to flee. Stanishia escaped, was captured three years later and tried for the murder. He was also convicted of a rape and burglary committed while on the run. He was sentenced to 54 years’ imprisonment for this offense.
Weber and Stanishia met in an Ohio correctional facility where he was participating in a work release program. Weber hired a private investigator to help obtain information about the witness, who now lives in Central Pennsylvania, including where he and his wife lived, where he worked, and information about his children and other immediate family. Weber and Stanishia then hired Martin Jay Wilson to travel from Missouri to Pennsylvania, where Wilson rented a car, drove to the witness’s house near Harrisburg and placed a gas can filled with water at the witness’s porch.
Stanishia, with the help of Joy Six and Anthony Vaughn - both other inmates - used a smuggled-in cellular telephone to contact the witness to get the victim/witness to sign an affidavit prepared by Stanishia. Stanishia stated in the call that the next time the gas can would not be filled with water. During the call, Stanishia claimed to be a high ranking member of the Aryan Brotherhood and that his release was being orchestrated by the Aryan Brotherhood. The contacts with the witness were subsequently reported to law enforcement agencies. Many of the phone calls were recorded at the prison and played during Stanishia’s trial.
Stanishia was found guilty by a federal jury in Harrisburg of conspiracy to transmit a threat to injure a central Pennsylvania witness who had testified against him. The case was tried before Judge Jones. Sentencing of Stanishia is deferred pending preparation of a presentence report.
Six, age 40 and Vaughn, age 41, both Ohio inmates, pled guilty to the conspiracy in July 2015. Sentencing dates have not been scheduled.
Wilson, age 43, of Kansas City, Missouri, pled guilty to the conspiracy in April 2015 and was sentenced in September 2015 by Judge Jones to 18 months.
This case was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Harrisburg, Cincinnati, and Columbus, Ohio Offices, the Hampden Township and the Lower Paxton Police Departments, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and investigators from the Southeastern Correctional Institution in Ohio.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.
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Alabama Man’s Minor Role in Heroin Transaction Leads to 18 Month Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
SCRANTON--The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 19-year-old Alabama man was sentenced to 18 months in prison today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton, for playing a minor role in a single heroin transaction in October 2014.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Corey Wortham, of Montgomery, Alabama, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. Wortham admitted to traveling from Alabama to Luzerne County to participate with others in a heroin transaction on October 11, 2014. Agents arrested Wortham and others after the transaction.
Wortham was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2014, as a result of an investigation by agents of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Kingston Police Department.
Judge Munley ordered Wortham to serve three years on supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
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Tobyhanna Man Sentenced to Prison for Scheme to File False Tax Returns Resulting in Unwarranted Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Tobyhanna man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Scranton by Senior United States District Judge Edwin M. Kosik to serve 51 months in prison on the charges of filing fraudulent claims and income tax returns with the IRS.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Brandon Hill, age 34, pleaded guilty to filing false or fraudulent claims with the IRS and assisting in the filing of fraudulent Income Tax returns in October 2013.
The charges were brought as a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations which discovered that Hill was preparing and filing false and fraudulent tax returns from his residence in Tobyhanna. It was part of the scheme that coconspirators provided Hill with their name and true social security number, from which information Hill prepared and filed tax returns with inflated earnings and manufactured false credits and adjustments, thereby inflating the refund issued by the IRS.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Kosik also ordered that Hill should pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $291,103, and be supervised by the U.S. Probation Department for three years following his release from prison.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.
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Penn National Racing Official Charged with Fraud in Race Rigging SchemeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a racing official at Penn National Race track in Grantville has agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud for accepting money and other gratuities in exchange for providing inside information to trainers on which races to enter their horses in order to have a better chance at winning.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Craig Lytel, age 60, of Hershey, Pennsylvania was an employee of the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Track (Penn National) who served as a racing official at the track. He is charged with wire fraud alleging that he was the recipient of an interstate wire transfer of $1,000 from a bank in Kentucky to Lytel’s bank in Pennsylvania allegedly in exchange for providing inside information on the makeup of horse races at Penn National so that the trainers would know the composition of the race and enter their horses in races in which they have a better opportunity to win. It is alleged that Lytel deprived his employer of his honest service by accepting cash, dinners, gift cards and golf outings in exchange for the information.
Lytel is licensed as a racing official at Penn National and falls under the rules and regulations that govern licensees with the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission. Lytel was privy to information concerning the horses entered in a race while the race entries are being filled by the racing office. This information gives a horse owner/trainer an advantage as to which race to enter their eligible horse in that it would give the horse a better chance of success. Such information, coupled with the knowledge of what other horses are in a given race, could also provide an opportunity for collusion on the behalf of owner/trainers or even determine if a race will be filled enough to run.
The government filed a plea agreement with the defendant which is subject to the approval of the court.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission as part of an ongoing investigation of racing at Penn National.
Prosecution of the case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.
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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Hazleton Man Pleads Guilty and Is Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Federal Heroin Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Hazleton man pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Wilkes-Barre before Senior United States District Judge A. Richard Caputo, to a federal heroin trafficking charge and was then sentenced to prison.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Adam Castro, age 28, of Hazleton, admitted to the charge of possession with intent to distribute heroin and was sentenced to 48 months in prison.
The charge arose after investigators made purchases of heroin from Castro and, on January 21, 2015, obtained a search warrant for a residence located on West Elm Street in Hazleton where Castro was staying. As a result of that search, investigators seized approximately 1,050 bags of heroin, drug packaging materials and United States currency.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Hazleton Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police.
In addition to the prison term, Senior Judge Caputo also ordered that Castro be supervised by a probation officer for three years following his release from prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.
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NY Woman Federally Indicted for Credit Card Fraud in Central Pennsylvania StoresRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a New York state woman was indicted late yesterday by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg for allegedly using fraudulently obtained credit cards in June 2014 to make thousands of dollars of purchases from stores in Cumberland County and Luzerne County.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Zeni Ortiz-Reyes, age 31, of Middletown, New York was charged in an indictment with making purchases with an unauthorized access device card. Ortiz-Reyes allegedly made purchases at the Best Buy store and in Mechanicsburg and at a Lowes store in West Hazelton in June 2014. Ortiz-Reyes purchased gift cards and merchandise using credit cards she applied for in someone else’s name without that person’s knowledge or permission. The gift cards and merchandise amount to approximately $18,000.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service, the Hampden Township and Silver Spring Township Police Departments, and the security personnel for the retail stores. The case has been assigned to Assistant U.S. 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 for each count is 15 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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Mount Carmel Woman Charged with Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Mount Carmel woman was indicted yesterday by a grand jury in Harrisburg on charges related to health care fraud.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Joan Cicchiello, age 64, of Mount Carmel, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, the owner and operator of Twilight Beginnings, a psychiatric and counseling practice, was charged with one count of health care fraud and 14 counts of making false written statements and writings to obtain Medicare payments.
According to the indictment, between May 2010 and the present, Cicchiello’s business contracted with skilled nursing facilities in Adams, Dauphin, York, Franklin, Schuylkill, Lancaster and Northumberland Counties to provide mental health services to residents.
The indictment alleges that Cicchiello, a certified registered nurse practitioner, employed at least four individuals who did not meet Medicare licensing requirements for the provision of mental health services. Services were allegedly provided by the individuals but false claims for payment were submitted to Medicare indicating that Cicchiello had provided the services and were paid on that basis.
Cicchiello fraudulently obtained on-line certification in pastoral counseling for workers, falsely stated on applications for renewal of her license that she had never been convicted of any felony and misdemeanor offenses, and submitted false claims to Medicare stating she had provided medical or counseling services on dates when she was on vacation or actually traveling outside the United States.
The indictment also contains an allegation by the government seeking forfeiture of property derived from the offenses.
The case was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy H. Fawcett is the assigned prosecutor.
An indictment is only an allegation. The person charged in the indictment is 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 sentence for the offense of health care fraud is 20 years’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Each count of making false writings and statements in connection with a health care matter carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a three-year term of supervised release. 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 Schuylkill County Employee Charged with Embezzling $452,186Read the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a former Schuylkill County employee, Virginia G. Kunigonis, age 54, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, has been charged with embezzling $452,186 from the Schuylkill County Conservation District between 2007 and 2014.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, an Information filed with United States District Court today in Harrisburg, Kunigonis was charged with one count of Theft From Programs Receiving Federal Funds. The Information alleges Kunigonis forged 437 Conservation District checks totaling $410,435 between October of 2007 and May of 2014. The Information also alleges Kunigonis used a Conservation District credit card to pay an additional $41,751 in personal expenses during that same time period. The Information alleges the Schuylkill County Conservation District received in excess of $10,000 in federal grant monies each year between 2007 and 2014.
The Information was filed pursuant to a plea agreement that was also filed with the Court. In the plea agreement Kunigonis agreed to plead guilty to the one count Information, to cooperate with the government, to make restitution as ordered by the court, and to forfeit the sum of $452,186, all of her interests in her Pottsville, PA residence, and all of her interests in her Schuylkill County retirement account, net of taxes, to the government.
According to the Information, Virginia Kunigonis began working as an administrative assistant for the Schuylkill County Conservation District in approximately 2002. Prior to that she worked in various capacities for Schuylkill County since 1986. No date has yet been scheduled for the entry of Kunigonis’ guilty plea.
The case was investigated by the Scranton Office of the FBI in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Police 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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Dauphin County Man with Prior Conviction Indicted Federally for Unlawful Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Dauphin County man was indicted late yesterday by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg for possession of a pistol by a person prohibited by law from having a firearm.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the grand jury alleges that Lawrence Bethea, age 31, was found to be in possession of a concealed .380 caliber pistol after being approached by police in Harrisburg. Bethea was found asleep inside his vehicle, which was parked in the middle of the 1600 block of Berryhill Street. When police located the firearm, Bethea ran and struggled with police after being apprehended. Bethea, as a person with a previous conviction for an offense punishable by a prison term in excess of one year, is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Harrisburg Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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U.S. Department of Justice Awards Grant Funds to Communities and Institutions in Central PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced awards of grant funds totaling approximately $ 2.8 million by the U.S. Department of Justice to county, city, and local governments, institutions of higher education, and a social service agency in Central Pennsylvania to assist local law enforcement and help reduce domestic violence and violence against women.
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch this week announced Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) funding awards to cities and counties in Central Pennsylvania and around the country, aimed at creating and protecting law enforcement positions. Over $107 million will be awarded nationally through the COPS Hiring Program (CHP), including $1.7 million within the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The list of this year’s Central Pennsylvania COPS grantees includes the Harrisburg Police Department ($554,978), the City of York ($1,090,917), and the Township of Hanover (Luzerne County)($125,000).
“The COPS Office is pleased to assist local law enforcement agencies throughout the country in addressing their most critical public safety issues,” said Ronald L. Davis, Director of the COPS Office. “These grants are not simply about putting more officers on the street, they are about expanding the capacity of law enforcement agencies to engage in community policing.”
CHP provides grants to law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire community policing officers. The program provides salaries and benefits for officer and deputy hires for three years.
The COPS Office is responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS has invested over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 127,000 officers and provide publications, training, and technical assistance.
For the complete list of grantees and additional information about the 2015 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.
In addition to the COPS grants, the following grants were also awarded by the Department of Justice:
- The Centre County Women’s Resource Center, State College, was awarded a Transitional Housing Assistance Program grant in the amount of $350,000 from the Office on Violence Against Women. The Resource Center is a non-profit organization offering support services to victims of domestic violence and their families. The Transitional Housing Assistance Program provides aid to victims who are homeless, or in need of transitional housing, or other housing assistance, including short-term housing assistance and supportive services.
- Juniata College, Huntingdon, was awarded a Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus Program of $299,947 from the Office on Violence Against Women. The Campus Program supports activities that develop campus-based responses that include victim services, law enforcement, health providers, housing officials, administrators, student leaders, faith-based organizations, student organizations, and disciplinary boards. The intent is to enhance victim safety and assistance and to hold offenders accountable.
- Juniata, in partnership with the Abuse Network, Huntingdon House, Michael J. Ayers Law Project, the District Attorney’s Office of Huntingdon County, the Huntingdon Borough Police, and the J.C. Blair Hospital, will improve the response to sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking, establish a mandatory student prevention and educational program for incoming students, and implement training for campus law enforcement and administrators.
- Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, was awarded a Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus Program grant of $298,910 from the Office on Violence Against Women.
- Messiah, in partnership with the Carlisle YWCA and the Upper Allen Township Police Department, will continue implementation of a mandatory student prevention and educational program for incoming students, strengthen its response to address the prevention of incidents of sexual assault, domestic and dating violence and stalking, expand training opportunities for campus constituencies, and provide training to campus law enforcement and administrators.
- Dauphin County was awarded a $72,142 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
- The grant allows local governments to support activities to prevent and control crimes based on their own needs and conditions.Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice. The jurisdictions can use the grant to fund victim advocate positions, purchase licenses for countywide police records management system, and a Crimewatch website fee for service to enhance technology available for officers as they engage in community policing.
- The City of York was awarded a $60,699 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
- The grant funds can be used for law enforcement programs, prosecution and court programs, prevention and education, corrections and community corrections programs, drug treatment and enforcement programs, planning, evaluation and technology improvement, and crime victim and witness programs. JAG funds are also used to replace office supplies, firearms, and tasers.Additionally, funds will be used for a youth outreach program and subscription fees for investigative services.
- The City of Scranton was awarded an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant in the amount of $19,390 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The City of Scranton will use the grant to purchase police cruisers to better protect and serve the citizens of Scranton.
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Pike County Man Charged with Engaging in High Speed Chase in Attempt to Elude Police at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation AreaRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that charges were filed late yesterday against a Shohola, Pennsylvania man resulting from his attempt to avoid being stopped by Park Rangers at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The indictment by a grand jury in Scranton charges that Matthew J. Wojciechowski, age 24, while operating a 2006 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle within the National Recreation Area, willfully failed to stop, and attempted to elude a pursuing police officer by engaging in a high speed chase, and endangered a law enforcement officer and members of the general public by doing so.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the incident occurred on July 6, 2015, when a Park Ranger observed Wojciechowski allegedly speeding while driving his motorcycle on Route 209 within that National Recreation Area. When the Ranger attempted to stop Wojciechowski by activating his lights and siren, Wojciechowski allegedly sped away traveling more than 10 miles, at times in excess of 100 miles an hour, before losing control of the motorcycle and crashing. The indictment alleges Wojciechowski put an officer and the general public at risk through his alleged actions. However, fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the incident.
The investigation was conducted by the National Park Service and prosecution is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney John Gurganus.
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 a 7 year term of 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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New York City Man Sentenced to 18 Months on Counterfeit Credit Card ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a New York City man was sentenced today to 18 months imprisonment for possessing 62 counterfeit credit cards. In addition to the 18 months imprisonment, Dawill Almonte was also ordered by U.S. District Court Judge William J. Caldwell to serve two years on supervised release following his release from prison.
Almonte, age 23, from the Bronx, New York, was arrested on November 19, 2013, with two co-defendants, Danilo Vargas, age 27, and Jeriel Delosangeles, age 26, both also from the Bronx, following a Pennsylvania State Police traffic stop for speeding on Route 30 near Hellam Township, York County.
Searches of the defendants’ vehicle yielded 62 counterfeit Mastercard, American Express and Visa credit cards and a counterfeit Florida and Connecticut driver’s licenses. The drivers’ licenses bore the photographs of Almonte and Vargas. Fifty Four of the 62 counterfeit credit cards were in Almonte’s name.
The government’s investigation revealed no charges had as yet been incurred on any of the counterfeit credit cards. On March 9, 2015, Almonte, Delosangeles and Vargas all pleaded guilty to an Indictment charging them with one count of Possession of 15 or More Counterfeit or Unauthorized Access Devices.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of U.S. Secret Service and the Pennsylvania State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel.
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New York City Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Heroin and Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 32 year old New York City resident was sentenced Friday, September 18, 2015 to serve 10 years in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for selling cocaine, crack and heroin in Lackawanna and Luzerne County.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Timothy Smart pleaded guilty in December 2014 to distributing cocaine, crack and heroin between 2012 and September 2013. The conviction and sentence were the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police into the sale of drugs at motels in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. FBI Agents arrested Smart on September 20, 2013, following a “controlled buy” of crack cocaine at a Lackawanna County motel. A subsequent search of the motel room resulted in the seizure of 84 bags of heroin, crack cocaine and a digital scale.
Judge Mariani also ordered Smart 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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Logan Child Care and Resource Center and Its Chief Executive, Tyron Ali, Agree to Settle Federal False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Logan Child Care and Resource Center and its chief executive officer, Tyron Ali (collectively referred to as “Logan”), have agreed to pay $63,167.50 to resolve allegations that Logan violated the Federal False Claims Act. The United States alleges that Logan failed to provide accurate numbers of meals provided by child and adult care facilities and administrative costs pursuant to the requirements of the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (“CACFP”).
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the settlement agreement resolves allegations that Logan, as a home care sponsor, failed to provide the Pennsylvania Department of Education in Harrisburg with accurate meal counts from participating child and adult care facilities in the Philadelphia area from 2005 through 2007. Logan was required to submit the information via computer for reimbursement. It is alleged that the inaccurate reporting resulted in the United States paying Logan more than it was entitled to receive under the CACFP. Logan was located in Philadelphia. In 2009, Logan was permanently excluded from the CACFP.
The CACFP is a federally funded program providing aid to child and adult care institutions and family or group day care homes for the provision of nutritious foods that contribute to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children, and the health and wellness of older adults and chronically impaired disabled persons. Through CACFP, more than 3.3 million children and 120,000 adults receive nutritious meals and snacks each day as part of the day care they receive. The CACFP is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the states. In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Education administers the CACFP.
Logan and Ali did not reimburse the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the federal funds Logan and Ali allegedly received improperly. The failure to make repayment was reported to the U.S. Attorney’s Office by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2014.
The agreement is not an admission of liability by Logan and Ali. As a result of consideration by the government of the present ability of Logan and Ali to make payment, the agreement calls for monthly payments of $100. If Logan and Ali fail to make timely payments, the entire unpaid amount, plus interest will be due and payable immediately at the option of the United States. The agreement does not release Logan and Ali from any criminal liability or debarment by federal agencies.
The case was investigated by the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region. The case was litigated by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy S. Judge.
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Tobyhanna Man Pleads Guilty to 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 today that Jason Mitchell, age 30, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to conspiracy in dealing in counterfeit United States Federal Reserve Notes. The guilty plea was entered before U.S. District Judge James M. Munley in Scranton.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Mitchell was charged in an indictment by a grand jury in November 2014. 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 during June 2014.
The plea is subject to the approval of the court. Judge Munley scheduled sentencing for December 18, 2015.
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.
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 $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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Hazleton Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Heroin and Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON--The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 37-year-old Hazleton resident was sentenced today to serve 41 months in federal prison by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik for participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Willy Perez, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine during July through October 2013.
Perez was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2014, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Scranton Police.
Judge Kosik also ordered Perez to be placed on three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Perez, a legal resident alien, faces deportation and removal from the United States as a result of this felony conviction.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
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New York Man Convicted of Jewelers Store Robbery Following Jury TrialRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jesse Brewer, age 40, of Jamaica, New York was convicted late yesterday of interference with commerce by robbery and use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence after a three-day jury trial in Harrisburg before U.S. District Court Judge William W. Caldwell.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the jury returned with the verdict of guilty after approximately two hours deliberation. The charges were the result of a robbery that occurred on July 12, 2012 at White Jewelers in York, PA. Brewer, along with Jamell Smallwood and Timothy Forbes, robbed the store of more than fifty Rolex watches valued at over $500,000. In the course of the robbery, Brewer shot the owner of the store, severely injuring him. Smallwood of Allentown, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty previously and was sentenced to 17 years in prison for his role in the robbery. Forbes of Allentown, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. No sentencing date was set for Brewer.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the York Area Regional Police Department, with assistance from the Allentown and New York Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.
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 lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Hazleton Man Charged with Ten Counts of Heroin Distribution; Some Near A SchoolRead the Press Release
SCRANTON--The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 44-year-old Hazleton resident was indicted by a federal grand jury late yesterday in Scranton, on 10 counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Israel Calcano-Garcia, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, allegedly committed the crimes between January 2015 and September 2015, in Luzerne County.
The charges in the indictment resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Hazleton Police.
Eight of the charges allege that the defendant distributed heroin within 1,000 feet of a school. Each of those charges is punishable by a mandatory minimum one-year prison sentence and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Calcano-Garcia faces up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted on the two other charges.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
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 imprisonment for 20 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Harrisburg Man Indicted on Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Harrisburg man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg on firearm charges.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Christopher Fleisher, age 35, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was charged in an indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm and with possessing a stolen firearm. The indictment alleges the offenses occurred on June 4, 2015 in Harrisburg and involved a stolen .38 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun.
The case was investigated by the by the Harrisburg Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Harrisburg Police Department and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Office of Probation and Parole. 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 10 years imprisonment on each count, 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 Director of Marketing and Merchandising for Pa-Liquor Control Board Pleads Guilty in Honest Services Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that the former Director of Marketing and Merchandising for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PA-LCB) pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to a scheme to defraud the state, its citizens and the PA-LCB of their right to his honest services as a public official through bribes, kick-backs and concealing information.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, James H. Short, Jr., age 50, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, admitted to the charge of Honest Services Mail Fraud. Short was indicted by a grand jury in August 2015.
Short served as the Director of Marketing and Merchandising from approximately 2003 to 2012 and supervised the process through which alcoholic beverages are selected and acquired for sale in Pennsylvania’s state-run liquor stores.
By pleading guilty Short admitted to approximately 10 years (2002 to 2012) of receiving benefits from a distributor and a manufacturer of alcoholic beverages sold in Pennsylvania’s stores. These benefits included all-expense paid golf trips, cash, gift cards, meals, and other benefits.
As Director of Marketing and Merchandising for the PA-LCB, Short supervised the process of recommending to the PA-LCB which new products should be sold and which products should no longer be sold in Pennsylvania’s 500 state-run liquor stores.
No date has been scheduled yet for Short’s sentencing.
The case is part of a continuing investigation by the Harrisburg Office of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Consiglio. The case initially was brought by the Pennsylvania Ethics Commission which found that Short violated the Pennsylvania Ethics act when he accepted certain things of value charged in the present federal 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 for the offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Federal Inmates in Wayne County Charged with Assaults with A Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that late yesterday a federal grand jury in Scranton indicted five federal inmates at the United States Penitentiary Canaan (“USP Canaan”), in Waymart, Pennsylvania, in separate cases involving alleged assaults with a dangerous weapon.
One of the incidents involves an assault by an inmate on correction officers.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the following inmates were charged in the following cases:
Jerome Lummes, age 37, is charged with assaulting four correctional officers at USP Canaan on August 18, 2015. Lummes also was charged with possessing a homemade weapon fashioned from a sharpened piece of metal, commonly known as a “shank.”
The maximum penalty under federal law for Lummes is 20 years of imprisonment for each assault count, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty under federal law is 5 years of imprisonment for the use of a dangerous weapon, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine.
On June 3, 2015, inmate Reuben Blajos, age 41, originally from California, and inmate Manuel Vasquez-Perez, age 39, originally from Mexico, allegedly assaulted another inmate at USP-Canaan, repeatedly striking the victim with improvised weapons made by tying metal padlocks to prison-issued socks.
Blajos and Vasquez-Perez face up to 20 years’ incarceration and fines of up to $750,000.
James E. Carson, age 29, is charged with assaulting a fellow inmate at USP Canaan on July 12, 2015. Carson also was charged with possessing a homemade weapon fashioned from a sharpened piece of metal, commonly known as a “shank.”
The maximum penalty under federal law for Carson is 15 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Efrain Rodriguez, age 43, was charged with assaulting a fellow inmate at USP Canaan on July 23, 2015. Rodriguez also was charged with possessing a homemade weapon fashioned from a razor blade and a toothbrush, commonly known as a “shank.”
The maximum penalty under federal law for Rodriguez is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
The investigations were conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers from USP Canaan. Lummes is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John C. Gurganus. Blajos and Vasquez-Perez and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter Hobart. Carson and Rodriguez are 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.
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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Chambersburg Man Indicted for Federal Workers' Compensation FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Chambersburg man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg on a charge of theft and fraud regarding federal workers’ compensation benefits he received from 2011 through 2014.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Chad McClure, age 45, of Chambersburg, PA was charged in an five count indictment with fraudulently receiving $143,475.41 in benefits paid out under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA). The Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation administers the FECA program. The indictment alleges that McClure was a civilian employee of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 2009, he went out on a disability claim. From April 2011 through 2014, McClure, who claimed a work-related injury, concealed his employment and affiliation with, CM Pig Out, a catering services firm, during this same time period he submitted the forms each year by the Office of Workers’ Compensation for benefits to continue to be paid.
The case was investigated by the by the United States Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General’s Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations. Prosecution is 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 10 years of imprisonment on each count of theft and 5 years on each count alleging FECA program fraud, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Scranton Man Sentenced to Prison for Use of an Interstate Communication Device to Entice A Minor to Engage in SexRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Scranton man was sentenced today in federal court in Scranton by United States District Judge Edwin M. Kosik to serve 60 months in prison on the charge of using an interstate communication device to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Hugo Perez Banda, age 28, pleaded guilty to utilizing the internet and a cellular device, to knowingly attempt to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, in March 2015.
The charges were brought after Scranton Police received a complaint that Banda had communicated with a 14 year old minor using Facebook, and requesting the minor to both send photographs of her genital area to Banda over the internet, and to accompany Banda to a local motel in order to engage in sexual intercourse.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Kosik also ordered that Banda be supervised by a probation officer for five years following his release from prison. It is also noted that Banda is subject to deportation upon his release from prison.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Scranton Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.
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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Postal Employee Charged with Misappropriation of Postal FundsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today Lori Haberle, age 45, of Kelayres, PA, has been charged in a one-count Indictment with misappropriation of Postal funds by a federal grand jury in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, in January through March 2015, Haberle, a Postal Service support employee, misappropriated postal funds at the Kelayres and Quakake Post Offices in Schuylkill County, resulting in a loss of at least $1,155 to the United States Postal Service.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Postal Service. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Jr.
Haberle faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and fines totaling $250,000.
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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Wilkes-Barre Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Heroin Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Wilkes-Barre man pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Scranton, before United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to a federal heroin trafficking charge.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Larry Hayes, age 28, admitted to the charge of possession with intent to distribute heroin. Hayes and another defendant were 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 heroin from a bedroom in which Hayes was sleeping. From another bedroom in which the co-defendant was sleeping, investigators seized an additional amount of heroin and two firearms.
The investigation was conducted by the Wilkes-Barre Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).
The charges against the co-defendant, Disean Kendricks, are still pending.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.
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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New York Man Sentenced for Possession of Fraudulent Credit Cards and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Robert Cagle, age 50, Bronx, New York on Friday, September 11, 2015 to 48 months imprisonment. Cagle pled guilty in April 2015 to possession of fraudulent credit cards and aggravated identity theft.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, a Criminal Information was filed in March 2015 charging Cagle with access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. Allegedly, in April 2014, Pennsylvania State Police conducted a search of a disabled vehicle on Interstate 81. Cagle, a passenger in the vehicle, was found to be in possession of 71 fraudulent credit/debit cards, as well as equipment intended to be used for the manufacture of the counterfeit devices.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Mariani also ordered that Cagle be supervised by a probation officer for three years following his release from prison.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Pennsylvania State Police and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle L. Olshefski.
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Luzerne County Man Charged with Theft from Postal ServiceRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Criminal Information was filed in U.S. District Court in Scranton charging a Luzerne county man with stealing over $20,000 from the United States Postal Service by submitting multiple false insurance claims over an eight month period.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, on multiple occasions between October 2011 and June 2013, David Steele, age 44, of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, submitted false insurance claims to the United States Postal Service, resulting in losses totaling $20,903.13.
The government filed a plea agreement in the case which is subject to the approval of the court.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Peter Hobart.
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 $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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Western PennsylvaniaTrio Indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute A Half-Pound of HeroinRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today a federal grand jury in Williamsport returned a two-count indictment charging three residents of Westmoreland County with conspiracy to distribute a half-pound of heroin.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the grand jury charged Brian Keith Robinson, Cesare Biagio Palumbi, and Natawsha Durand with conspiracy to distribute approximately 224 grams (about a half pound) of heroin recovered in a rental vehicle following their arrests on February 26, 2015 by Scott Township Police Department officers on State Route 487 near Interstate 80 in Columbia County. The indictment also charges them with distribution and possession of heroin.
Robinson, age 31, and Durand, age, 20, are residents of New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Palumbi, age 23, is a resident of Irwin, Pennsylvania.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation together with the Scott Township Police Department, South Centre Township Police, the Columbia County Drug Task Force, and the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel has been assigned to the prosecution of this matter.
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 sentencing 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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Scranton Man Sentenced to Prison for Area RobberiesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Frank McBride, age 29, of Scranton, to 110 months imprisonment. McBride pled guilty in March 2015 to bank robbery and attempted bank robbery, and Hobbs Act robbery (interference with commerce by threats or violence).
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the charges stemmed from an FBI investigation initiated in June of 2014 after a series of attempted bank robberies in Lackawanna County. A similar scheme was used in each attempted bank robbery and McBride was identified as the perpetrator after review of video surveillance from bank locations and analysis of cell phone records. Law enforcement later learned that McBride was responsible for robberies at gas stations/convenience stores in Scranton and Moosic.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Mariani also ordered that McBride be supervised by a probation officer for three years following his release from prison, and ordered him to make restitution in the amount of $9,829.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Olshefski.
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Huntingdon County Man Charged with Federal Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that today a federal grand jury in Harrisburg returned an indictment against Jay Eugene Reed, age 55, a resident of Three Springs, Pennsylvania. The indictment charges Reed with production of child pornography, possession of child pornography and tampering with witnesses.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Reed was charged in July 2015 by the Pennsylvania State Police with sexually assaulting minors. During the investigation, the State Police seized a cell phone, a computer, and other electronic devices belonging to Reed from his residence pursuant to search warrants. The Indictment alleges that Reed both produced and possessed images of child pornography found on several of the seized devices. The Indictment also alleges that Reed attempted to tamper with a victim or witness by writing a letter asking the victim/witness not to talk to anyone about the case.
Reed has been detained in custody since July 9, 2015 as a result of the sexual assault charges.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Huntingdon County District Attorney’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Special Agent Clifton Vikara, FBI, at 814-234-0341.
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."
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 of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Hazleton Man Sentenced to Prison in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rafael Sanchez, age 51 of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today in federal court in Scranton, by United States District Judge James M. Munley, to serve 94 months in prison after pleading guilty in April of this year to conspiracy to submit false claims and aggravated identity theft.
Sanchez was also ordered to serve an additional 3 years under court supervision upon his release from prison and to pay $694,237 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Sanchez owned and operated Sanchez Multi Service, a check-cashing, tax preparation and money transfer business in Hazleton. An Indictment returned by a federal grand jury last year alleged Sanchez and others used the identities of unknowing third parties to prepare and file fraudulent federal income tax returns. The Indictment also alleged that Sanchez deposited and cashed fraudulently obtained federal tax refund checks totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Akeia Conner, Special Agent in Charge, Philadelphia Field Office stated, “The severity of today’s sentence sends a clear message to identity thieves who think they can defraud the United States Treasury. The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, along with the United States Attorney’s Office and our fellow law enforcement partners, will work diligently to pursue those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of the American taxpayer. The impact of identity theft on our taxpayers and our tax system is long lasting. The sentence imposed today tells identity thieves that the ramifications for their crime will also be long lasting.”
The investigation was conducted by the Scranton Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. The IRS received assistance in the investigation from the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Hazleton City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Houser.
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Former Scranton Businessman Convicted for Failing to Surrender and on Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
WILKES-BARRE - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal jury in Wilkes-Barre found Joseph P. Donahue, age 60, guilty of knowingly failing to surrender for service of a federal sentence pursuant to a court order, being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a fugitive from justice in possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm after a seven-day trial. The case was tried before United States District Court Judge E. Richard Caputo. Sentencing is scheduled for December 7, 2015.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Donahue was previously convicted in March 2010 of sixteen felony counts including bank fraud, money laundering, false statements and credit card fraud after a two week trial. On December 2, 2010, United States District Court Judge James M. Munley sentenced Donahue to 121 months’ incarceration and ordered Donahue to surrender himself to begin serving that sentence on January 4, 2011. Donahue failed to report to a previously designated federal facility and a warrant for his arrest was issued. He was apprehended on January 20, 2011 by United States Marshals in Los Cruces, New Mexico while operating under an assumed identity. He possessed a firearm at the time of his arrest.
Donahue testified at trial. Donahue’s defense, in part, was that he failed to surrender to begin serving his sentence because he feared that he was being unfairly prosecuted by the government and he denied any knowledge concerning the firearm. The jury received the case Tuesday afternoon, September 1, 2015 and returned a verdict of guilty on all counts after deliberating approximately 3 hours.
The evidence at the 2010 trial proved that Donahue enlisted and recruited shareholders, investors and partners in various businesses that the defendant owned and controlled, offering them, in exchange for their paying a share of the operating expenses, a share in the profits of the particular business. With the knowledge of his partners, Donahue obtained credit cards from various financial institutions, putting the credit cards in the names of the investors, for the purpose of paying for the operating expenses of a particular corporation that the defendant owned and controlled.
Unbeknownst to the investors, however, Donahue obtained additional credit cards and loans from financial institutions in their names by obtaining on-line credit card applications and by forging their names on the applications, identifying corporations unknown to the partners. Donahue then use these fraudulently-acquired credit cards to incur expenses to which the investors had not consented and for which they would be liable. By forging the investors= names to loan applications, Donahue also committed bank fraud and money laundering.
Donahue was also previously convicted after a 1989 federal trial of conspiracy and failure to comply with monetary instrument reporting requirements. That trial involved evidence that Donahue conspired with drug trafficker Frederick “Rik” Luytjes to smuggle millions of dollars out of the United States while avoiding monetary reporting requirements and tax consequences for Luytjes. United States District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy sentenced Donahue to a two year term of imprisonment for those crimes.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the United States Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Todd K. Hinkley and Michelle L. Olshefski.
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Former Director of Marketing and Merchandising for PA-Liquor Control Board Charged in Honest Services Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that the former Director of Marketing and Merchandising for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PA-LCB) has been charged with a scheme to defraud the state, its citizens and the PA-LCB of their right to his honest services as a public official through bribes, kick-backs and concealing information.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, James H. Short, Jr., age 50, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is charged with Honest Services Mail Fraud in a Criminal Information filed today in the United States District Court in Harrisburg. Short served as the Director of Marketing and Merchandising from approximately 2003 to 2012 and supervised the process through which alcoholic beverages are selected and acquired for sale in Pennsylvania’s state-run liquor stores. With over $1 billion in annual revenue, the PA-LCB is one of the largest purchasers of alcohol in the world.
The charge is based upon Short’s alleged 10 years (2002 to 2012) of receiving benefits from a distributor and a manufacturer of alcoholic beverages sold in Pennsylvania’s stores. These benefits included all-expense paid golf trips, cash, gift cards, meals, and other benefits.
As Director of Marketing and Merchandising for the PA-LCB, Short supervised the process of recommending to the PA-LCB which new products should be sold and which products should no longer be sold in Pennsylvania’s 500 state-run liquor stores. Short has been charged with accepting things of value from the companies with the intent to be influenced in decisions he made to recommend new products and remove others from Pennsylvania liquor stores while failing to disclose the receipt of the items in annual financial reports he was required to submit to the State Ethics Commission as a public official.
The Information describes two alleged examples of all-expense paid trips to Florida. In February 2010, Short is alleged to have been taken by private jet on an all-expense paid golf outing to Bonita Bay, Florida with the purpose of influencing his decision to list a particular product for sale. This trip, as well as a similar trip in December 2011, were part of an ongoing stream of benefits the vendor and manufacturer provided to Short to influence his decisions. The specific mailing in the charge is correspondence Short allegedly caused to be sent to company A in February 2012 notifying the company of a PA-LCB decision approving the listing of the company’s products.
No date has been scheduled yet for entry of Short’s guilty plea. Together with the Criminal Information, the government also filed a plea agreement with Short, which is subject to the approval of the court, and a joint statement of facts concerning the offense.
The case is part of a continuing investigation by the Harrisburg Office of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Consiglio. The case initially was brought by the Pennsylvania Ethics Commission which found that Short violated the Pennsylvania Ethics act when he accepted certain things of value charged in the present federal 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 for the offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Two in Williamsport 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 two Williamsport men were indicted today by a federal grand jury for narcotics trafficking and possession of firearms in furtherance of their drug trade.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the grand jury alleges that Anthony Gaskin, age 24, and Ibrahim Stevens, age 25, possessed crack cocaine and heroin in a Williamsport apartment. These narcotics were found in a 2014 surveillance and investigation of the apartment by Williamsport police that also uncovered 3 unlicensed handguns and equipment and materials to weigh and package the drugs.
Both Gaskin and Stevens face charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, Possession of a Firearm in Drug Trafficking and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Gaskin also faces a count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives(ATF), the Williamsport Bureau of Police, and the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur.
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 of imprisonment, a term of 4 years’ supervised release following imprisonment, and a $5 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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Southside York Gang Leader Enters Guilty Plea to Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - A leader of the “Southside Gang” located in York, Pa. pled guilty to racketeering and drug trafficking conspiracy today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, James Abney, a/k/a “Doocs”, age 29, of York, pled guilty as the parties prepare for a jury trial scheduled for September 21, 2015.
On September 17, 2014, a federal indictment was brought by a grand jury in Harrisburg charging 21 one members of the Southside Gang with racketeering and drug trafficking conspiracy. In the indictment, the Southside Gang is identified as an alleged criminal enterprise whose purpose is to protect its territory and power through intimidation, violence and threats, generate profits primarily through open-air drug dealing within its territory and violent crime, defend and retaliate on behalf of gang members, and assist members through retaliation against witnesses and thwarting efforts of law enforcement.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Essam E. Rabadi, the racketeering conspiracy indictment was the result of a two-year combined investigation by ATF, York City Police Department and the York County District Attorney’s Office with participation by the Pennsylvania State Police, West York Borough Police Department, Spring Garden Township Police Department, the York County Drug Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio, William Houser, Joseph Terz, and Daryl Bloom are prosecuting the case.
The names of those charged in the indictment are listed at the end of this release. They all were held in custody pending trial.
According to the indictment, all 21 men allegedly are or have been members or participants in the Southside Gang, which operated in the southern area of the City of York. The center of the alleged gang area is near Maple and Duke Streets in York, a location locally known as “the Jungle.”
The gang allegedly functions through an organized structure, including senior leaders, drug traffickers engaged in narcotics distribution; and “shooters,” who commit violent acts on behalf of the gang and to protect each other. Order is allegedly maintained through intimidation, threats, violence and, in some cases, murder.
The indictment alleges that defendant James Abney has been a principal leader and organizer, along with six other indicted individuals. The indictment also alleges that the Southside Gang includes a group of violent drug traffickers, originally affiliated with the “Bloods,” primarily a New York-based national violent street gang.
The indictment alleges criminal acts involving violence against a rival York gang, called “Parkway,” allegedly resulting in deaths of members of both gangs and innocent bystanders.
Southside Gang members allegedly distribute illegal drugs, mainly crack cocaine, as a major part of the criminal enterprise’s business and used and possessed firearms to protect the drugs.
Many Southside gang members have been investigated and prosecuted by York and York County law enforcement agencies for years as individual cases. The federal prosecution aims at dismantling the organization by exposing and attacking its ongoing structure and leadership. The federal investigations of gang violence and drugs in York are continuing in full cooperation with local police and the York County District Attorney’s Office.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
In this case, the maximum penalty James Abney faces is 25 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.
Name and Street Name Age
Rolando Cruz, a/k/a “Mico” 29
Marc Hernandez, a/k/a “Marky D” 29
Douglas Kelly, a/k/a “Killer” 36
Roscoe Villega, a/k/a “P Shawn” 40
James Abney, a/k/a “Doocs” 28
Tyree Eatmon, a/k/a “Ree” 26
Jahkeem Abney, a/k/a “Foo” 24
Maurice Atkinson, a/k/a “Mo” 27
Anthony Sistrunk, a/k/a “Kanye” 26
Cordaress Rogers, a/k/a “Tank” 28
Eugene Rice, a/k/a “B Mor” 26
Angel Schueg, a/k/a “Pocko” 24
Marquis Williams, a/k/a “Quis” 26
Jalik Frederick, a/k/a “Murder Cat” 21
Brandon Orr, a/k/a “B Or” 22
Malik Sturdivant, a/k/a “Base” 22
Jabree Williams, a/k/a “Minute” 23
Ronald Payton, a/k/a “Ron Ron” 22
Jerrod Brown, a/k/a “Boogie” 25
Quintez Hall, a/k/a “Q” 21
Richard Nolden, a/k/a “Rich” 24
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Last Defendant in Federal, State, Local Joint Drug Organization Investigation Sentenced to 12 Years; U.S. Attorney Announces Sharing of Forfeited Drug Proceeds; Thanks Officials, Officers and Agencies for Their WorkRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania today announced the successful conclusion of the investigation and prosecution of a major Harrisburg-area drug trafficking organization and recognized the efforts of law enforcement agencies in the case.
United States Attorney Peter Smith particularly thanked Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico and Harrisburg Police Chief Thomas Carter, for their key role as long-time partners in drug law enforcement in the Harrisburg area.
In 2011, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations in Harrisburg began investigating a large-scale drug trafficking organization whose members were bringing substantial quantities of cocaine hydrochloride into this area and distributing it to local drug dealers. Some of it was cooked into crack cocaine. Both the powder cocaine and crack cocaine were sold on the streets of Harrisburg.
The agents dubbed the investigation “Operation Ghost Hunter” because the main targets, including John Rawls and Antwaun Byrd, had eluded law enforcement for a long time. The investigation involved court-authorized wiretaps as well as federal funding. It resulted in the conviction of 22 drug dealers for drug offenses and money laundering. In addition, law enforcement officers seized cash drug proceeds, firearms, and luxury cars.
During the course of the investigation, agents learned that, generally, Harrisburg-area dealers, including Antwaun Byrd, sent couriers by Amtrak to the Atlanta, Georgia, area. The couriers carried cash which they turned over to Rawls who, in turn, provided them with large quantities of cocaine hydrochloride. The couriers traveled back to Harrisburg, usually by bus, and turned the drugs over to Byrd and other members of the organization. Drug proceeds were laundered, in part, through the purchase and sale of luxury automobiles.
The last of the defendants, and one of two defendants convicted at jury trials, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William Caldwell this morning. The Court sentenced Shaine L. Williams, age 44, of Harrisburg, to 144 months’ imprisonment. Previously, Judge Caldwell sentenced Adrian Totton, the other defendant who went to trial, to 240 months’ imprisonment. The prosecutor was Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Fawcett, currently head of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Other defendants received substantial sentences as well (see the attached list). Nearly all these defendants were drug dealers or career criminals or both. The drug seizures included three kilos of cocaine hydrochloride seized from Rawls’ house in Atlanta, another three kilos seized from a courier at the Harrisburg bus station, and a half kilo of methamphetamine seized in Atlanta, as well as additional drugs.
Eight firearms, including a pistol-grip shotgun, were seized. One of the more unusual firearms that was seized was a handgun the drug dealers called “Pinky.”
Five luxury vehicles paid for with drug profits and used to transport drugs were confiscated. These included two BMWs, two Mercedes Benz, and a Cadillac Escalade.
Agents and officers seized almost $620,000 in cash, including $435,000 found at a safe in a house owned by Rawls in Atlanta.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that $432,103 of that money was turned over to its partners in local law enforcement to fund their efforts in drug law enforcement, including $340,386.59 that went to the Dauphin County Drug Task Force.
This case, and other similar ongoing cooperative and joint efforts, demonstrate the remarkable and often unsung work of state and local law enforcement in the effort to combat criminal activities involving illegal drugs as part of their overall responsibility to protect the public.
Other law enforcement agencies and law enforcement personnel contributed significantly to this case. They include the DEA Atlanta Field Division Strike Force Group 1, IRS Criminal Investigations in Atlanta, the United States Marshals Service, Dauphin County Probation, Lebanon County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, the Clayton County Georgia, Sheriff’s Office, The Columbia County, Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
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Honduran Citizen Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a grand jury in Williamsport has indicted Alexander Cebilla-Amaya on charges of Illegal Reentry to the United States after a prior deportation.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Cebilla-Amaya, age 38, of Honduras, was charged in an indictment alleging that he illegally re-entered the United States after having been previously deported in 2013. In April 2015, he was arrested in Towanda, Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the by the Allenwood Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $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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Chambersburg Man Sentenced to 30 Months Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney=s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that U.S. District Court Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner sentenced Jerome Knight, age 35, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania today to 30 months imprisonment in federal court in Harrisburg. Knight pleaded guilty on March 26, 2015 to distribution and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Knight obtained cocaine in New York and distributed it in Chambersburg and in Maryland. When he was arrested by the Pennsylvania State Police, bags containing more than 200 grams of powder cocaine were seized from his vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.
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Monroe County Man Sentenced to 270 Months (22.5 Years) in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 45-year-old Tobyhanna man who admitted to producing child pornography was sentenced today to 270 months (22.5 years) in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Robert Ferraro, previously pleaded guilty in May 2015 to using and persuading a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of such conduct. Ferraro committed the offense between August 2013 and January 2015. The criminal conduct involved Ferraro sexually abusing a six-year-old child, videotaping the abuse, and uploading the video to the internet.
Ferraro was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2015, as a result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.
Judge Mannion ordered Ferraro to serve 10 years on supervised release following his prison sentence. Ferraro must also register as a sex offender and comply with all of the requirements of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
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."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
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Boston Man Sentenced to 324 Months (27 Years) in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 47-year-old Boston man was sentenced today to 324 months (27 years) in prison by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner in Harrisburg.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Fremo Santana, previously pleaded guilty in December 2014 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine hydrochloride.
Santana was known as the leader of a drug trafficking organization and was a major Boston-based source of supply of cocaine and heroin to distributors in Harrisburg. Santana maintained a premises in Harrisburg and utilized couriers to travel between Harrisburg and the Boston area.
Santana was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2012, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Dauphin County Drug Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daryl F. Bloom prosecuted the case.
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Former Township Tax Collector Sentenced to Five Years' Probation for Theft of $300,000 in Public FundsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a York County woman was sentenced today to 5 years’ probation by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo for theft of public funds.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Melissa Ann Arnold, age 46, was charged in February 2015 for stealing more than $300,000 from tax payments made by citizens to Spring Garden Township, York County during 2008 and 2009. Arnold was the Treasurer and Tax Collector for Spring Garden Township from 1995 until October 2009. Arnold was able to steal the tax payments because many of the checks were written out to her and, rather than deposit the checks into the Township’s account, she deposited them into her personal account.
Arnold pled guilty in March 2015.
York County submitted an insurance claim for the funds and received a significant repayment. Arnold entered into an agreement with the insurance company to pay back the full amount of the claim and has already paid almost $50,000 of the amount due.
Judge Rambo made payment of the balance, as well as an additional sum of almost $28,000 to Spring Garden Township for related losses, part of Arnold’s sentence in a restitution order.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police and Spring Garden Township Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy.
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Pittston Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Bath SaltsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Alan Folweiler, age 22, of Pittston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for participating in a conspiracy to distribute alpha-pvp, commonly known as “bath salts.”
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Folweiler pleaded guilty in April 2015 to his involvement in the conspiracy which was responsible for distributing large quantities of alpha-pvp, a controlled substance analogue, to others during 2011 through 2013.
Folweiler was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2014, following an investigation by Department of Homeland Security agents, the Pennsylvania State Police, and West Pittston Police.
Judge Mannion also ordered Folweiler to serve three years on supervised release following his prison sentence, and to pay a special assessment of $100.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
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Scranton Man Indicted for Robbery of PNC BankRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that an indictment was returned late yesterday by a grand jury in Scranton charging a Scranton man with robbing the West Scranton branch of PNC Bank.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment charges that on July 14, 2015, Chester Williams, age 31, robbed the West Scranton PNC bank of five hundred forty dollars ($540).
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Scranton Police Department. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Peter Hobart.
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 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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Scranton Man Admits Role in Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a 26-year-old Scranton man pleaded guilty yesterday before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Jimmy Cantelmo admitted to conspiring with his brother, Sean Cantelmo, and others to persuade a minor to engage in prostitution during February through August 2014.
The sex trafficking activity involved placing photographs of the minor along with ads in the adult “escort” section of a website; renting motel rooms in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties where the prostitution activities occurred; purchasing and providing condoms for the minor to use during commercial sex acts; and serving as security or “bodyguards” at the motels where the commercial sex acts took place.
Jimmy Cantelmo was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in April 2015, as a result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police. Four persons have been charged in connection with the investigation. Sean Cantelmo previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 151 months in prison. Justin Strait pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
Judge Munley scheduled sentencing for November 18, 2015. Cantelmo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of life in prison. Cantelmo remains detained in prison pending sentencing.
Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States 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."
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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Middletown Man Sentenced to 84 Months' Imprisonment for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Middletown man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg to 84 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge John E. Jones, III for receipt of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Steven Alan Shepherd, age 30, previously pleaded guilty to the receipt of child pornography in January 2015. Judge Jones also ordered Shepherd to pay restitution in the amount of $135,000.
The charges resulted from a search of Shepherd’s home on May 1, 2014, where over 21,000 images and 909 video files of child pornography were located and seized. Shepherd received the material via a computer in 2010.
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."
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.
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Luzerne County Man Charged with Federal Heroin Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Luzerne County man was indicted late yesterday by a federal grand jury in Scranton for heroin trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment charges Pedro Noriega, age 42, of Plymouth, Luzerne County, with possession with intent to distribute heroin.
The charge stems from an investigation in April 2015 which investigators arranged to make a purchase of heroin from Noriega and then obtained a search warrant for Noriega’s residence on West Main Street in Plymouth, and allegedly seized approximately 495 bags of suspected heroin, 19 grams of raw heroin, packaging materials and drug paraphernalia from a bedroom in the residence.
The investigation was conducted by the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Narcotics Investigations (BNI) of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.
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 twenty 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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Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement Cooperation Leads to Indictments of Four Alleged Armed Drug-Dealers in Luzerne CountyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that, as the result of ongoing cooperation among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, indictments were returned late yesterday by a grand jury in Scranton charging four men in separate cases with possession of firearms in connection with drug-dealing activity in Luzerne County communities.
The charges were part of an ongoing cooperative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement against violent crime in Luzerne County.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, on February 4, 2015, Jeffery Stevens, 32, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was arrested by agents of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations following an alleged heroin transaction at a hotel room in Plains Township. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was allegedly in possession of heroin, a .380 semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number, a 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number, a .357 revolver, 135 rounds of ammunition and $1,410 in United States currency.
On June 12, 2015, Dennis Couvertier, 43, of Luzerne, was arrested by Kingston Police detectives allegedly following the third of three cocaine transactions that took place between June 3 and June 12. At the time of his arrest, Couvertier was allegedly in possession of a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, 43 rounds of ammunition and $2,916 in United States currency.
On July 11, 2015, Joshua Harris, 26, of Newark, New Jersey, was arrested for allegedly distributing marijuana and possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute it following a routine traffic stop by the Edwardsville Police. At the time of his arrest, Harris—an alleged felon who is not permitted to possess firearms—was allegedly in possession of a Chinese assault-style rifle with 30-round magazines, 50 rounds of ammunition and $669 in United States currency.
The investigation of these cases was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives working in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, the Kingston Police and the Edwardsville Police. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Peter Hobart.
A fourth Indictment charges Aaron Bangaroo, age 35, of Kingston, with possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, two counts of distribution of heroin, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.
The charges stem from an investigation in which police made two purchases of heroin from Bangaroo and then obtained a search warrant for Bangaroo’s residence, located on South Gates Avenue in Kingston, and seized heroin, cocaine, two firearms and ammunition from a bedroom in the residence.
The investigation was conducted by the Kingston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.
Couvertier faces a minimum term of 5 years and up to life imprisonment as well as fines totaling $1,250,000. Harris faces a minimum term of 5 years and up to life imprisonment as well as fines totaling $500,000. Stevens faces a minimum term of 5 years and up to life imprisonment as well as fines totaling $1,500,000. Bangaroo faces a minimum term of 5 years and up to life imprisonment as well as a $250,000 fine.
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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Dominican National Charged with Heroin Trafficking and Illegal Reentry into the United States After DeportationRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a criminal Information was filed today charging a Hazleton resident with distributing more than 100 grams of heroin and illegally reentering the country after having been removed as an illegal alien.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Information alleges that Edwin Guerrero-Guerrero a/k/a “Angel Dueno Matos,” age 35, who is a citizen of the Dominican Republic and was residing in Hazleton at the time of his arrest, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, and illegally reentered the United States after having been previously removed as an illegal alien.
The charges stem from an investigation by special agents and task force officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and Hazleton Police.
Guerrero-Guerrero faces a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine if he is convicted of the drug charge, and up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if he is convicted of the illegal reentry charge.
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 a total of 60 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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New Smart on Crime Program Aids Recently Released Offenders to Reenter the CommunityRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a unique partnership has been formed consisting of local, regional and national private business entities to aid moderate to high-risk offenders in the federal criminal justice system, who have been recently released into the community.
The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania operates the Court Assisted Re-Entry (CARE) Program, which is a four-phase program designed to aid in the rehabilitation and re-integration of recently released federal inmates. The members of the program include the U.S. District Court, U.S Attorney’s Office, U.S. Probation, Federal Public Defenders Office and county volunteers.
A new partnership between ESSA Bank & Trust, Northampton Community College, Pyramid Healthcare Inc. and the CARE Program institutes a precedent setting program whereby CARE participants will team with a bank, community college and healthcare officials to help them get back on their feet.
ESSA Bank & Trust will institute a Financial Literacy Program where CARE participants will be instructed by bank officials on money management issues. In addition, it will institute a CARE Loan Program that would provide loans up to $15,000 to qualifying active CARE participants and CARE graduates for housing, education/training, or transportation. On Aug. 12, 2015, the official launch of the program, ESSA Bank & Trust announced its first loan in the amount of $13,750 for a CARE participant to purchase a car as transportation to her employment.
Northampton Community College will provide educational opportunities including a G.E.D. program and adult basic education courses.
Pyramid Healthcare Inc. will administer a drug and alcohol treatment and counseling program and perform a Level of Care Assessment for each participant entering into the CARE program.
The combined partnership of the CARE Program will assist individuals under federal supervision to successfully re-enter their communities and become responsible, self-sufficient, contributing and law-abiding citizens.
In early 2013, the Justice Department launched a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system in order to identify reforms that will ensure felony laws are enforced more fairly and more efficiently.
This review led to the Smart on Crime initiative announced by Attorney General Eric Holder in August 2013, which maps a way forward for meeting our criminal justice challenges, including bolstering prevention and reentry efforts to deter crime and reduce recidivism. The new CARE partnership with ESSA Bank & Trust, Northampton Community College and Pyramid Healthcare is a step forward in the “Smart on Crime” initiative and reinforces the Justice Department’s commitment to making the criminal justice system work more efficiently.
New Smart on Crime Program Aids Recently Released Offenders to Reenter the CommunityRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a unique partnership has been formed consisting of local, regional, and national private business entities to aid moderate to high-risk offenders in the federal criminal justice system, who have been recently released into the community.
The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania operates the Court Assisted Re-Entry (CARE) Program, which is a four-phase program designed to aid in the rehabilitation and re-integration of recently released federal inmates. The members of the program include the U.S. District Court, U.S Attorney’s Office, U.S. Probation, Federal Public Defenders Office, and county volunteers.
A new partnership between ESSA Bank & Trust, Northampton Community College, Pyramid Healthcare, Inc., and the CARE Program institutes a precedent setting program whereby CARE participants will team with a bank, community college and healthcare officials to help them get back on their feet.
ESSA Bank & Trust will institute a Financial Literacy Program (FLP) where CARE participants will be instructed by bank officials on money management issues. In addition, it will institute a CARE Loan Program that would provide loans up to $15,000 to qualifying active CARE participants and CARE graduates for housing, education/training, or transportation. On August 12, 2015, the official launch of the program, ESSA Bank & Trust announced its first loan in the amount of $13,750 for a CARE participant to purchase a car as transportation to her employment.
Northampton Community College will provide educational opportunities including a G.E.D. program and adult basic education courses.
Pyramid Healthcare, Inc. will administer a drug and alcohol treatment and counseling program and perform a Level of Care Assessment for each participant entering into the CARE program.
The combined partnership of the CARE Program will assist individuals under federal supervision to successfully re-enter their communities and become responsible, self-sufficient, contributing, and law-abiding citizens.
In early 2013, the Justice Department launched a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system in order to identify reforms that will ensure felony laws are enforced more fairly and more efficiently.
This review led to the “Smart on Crime” initiative announced by Attorney General Eric Holder in August 2013, which maps a way forward for meeting our criminal justice challenges, including bolstering prevention and reentry efforts to deter crime and reduce recidivism. The new CARE partnership with ESSA Bank & Trust, Northampton Community College and Pyramid Healthcare is a step forward in the “Smart on Crime” initiative and reinforces the Department’s commitment to making the criminal justice system work more efficiently.
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