Middle District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Italian Citizen Indicted for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging an illegal alien from Italy with unlawful re-entry into the United States.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Luigi Coppola, age 46, a native and citizen of Italy, in the United States illegally, was charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg today.
The indictment alleges that Coppola, an alien who was convicted on September 21, 2006, of Terroristic Threats in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and had been previously arrested and deported from the United States on December 27, 2007, did knowingly and unlawfully reenter the United States. He was located by federal immigration agents in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
If convicted, Coppola faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia. Prosecution is assigned to Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell.
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 under the federal statute is 10 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.
Clarks Summit Man Sentenced to One Year for Threatening to Kill the PresidentRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 42-year-old Clarks Summit man was sentenced today to serve 12 months’ in prison by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to posting a threat to kill the President of the United States on the White House website.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant Nicholas Savino admitted to sending a threat on August 16, 2013, that read: “President Obama the Anti-Christ. As a result of breaking the constitution you will stand down or be shot dead.”
Savino was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2013, as a result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service and Clarks Summit Police.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Savino will forfeit to the United States three firearms and approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition seized by agents from his apartment and vehicle during the investigation.Savino must also serve two years on supervised release following his prison sentence and pay a $3,000 fine.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
Alien Indicted for Re-EntryRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that a federal grand jury today returned an indictment charging an illegal alien from Mexico with unlawful re-entry into the United States.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Antonio Figueroa-Zamora, age 29, of Monroe County, an alien who had previously been deported from the United States pursuant to law, was charged by the grand jury for allegedly re-entering the United States on or before June 4, 2014 at an unknown place.
If convicted, Antonio Figueroa-Zamora faces a term of imprisonment of two years of imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia. 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 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 under the federal statute is 2 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.
Alien Indicted for Re-EntryRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging an illegal alien from Nicaragua with unlawful re-entry into the United States.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Juan Carlos Tellar-Mendoza, age 27, of Lackawanna County, an alien previously been deported from the United States, was charged by the grand jury for allegedly re-entering the United States on or before May 4, 2014, at an unknown place.
If convicted, Juan Carlos Tellar-Mendoza faces a term of imprisonment of two years of imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia. 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 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 under the federal statute is 2 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.
Sex Offender Charged for Failing to Register in PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a criminal information has been filed in U.S. District Court in Scranton charging an East Stroudsburg man with failing to register as a sex offender in Pennsylvania.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Barry Page, age 46, is designated as a sexual offender as a result of a 1998 New Jersey State conviction for sexual abuse of a minor. It is alleged in the information that Page traveled in interstate commerce and knowingly failed to register and update information in Pennsylvania as he was required to do pursuant to the provisions of the Adam Walsh Act.
The charge is the result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service. It carries a penalty of a maximum term of 10 years incarceration and fines in the amount of $250,000.
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 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 under the federal statute is 10 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.
Pittston Man Charged with Bringing A Gun into the Federal Building in ScrantonRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that it has charged a 58-year-old Pittston resident unlawfully possessing and causing to be present a loaded firearm inside the William J. Nealon Federal Building.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, his office filed a criminal Information yesterday against Jerome Vantaggi, charging him with committing the offense on June 5, 2014.
The charge against Vantaggi resulted from an investigation by the United States Marshals Service.
If convicted of the charge, Vantaggi faces up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
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 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 under the federal statute is 1 year 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.
Criminal Immigration Charges Brought Against Two Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), announced today that charges in two unrelated cases were brought against the following persons in Harrisburg on June 11, 2014.
Agustin Lopez-Velasco, age 38, a native and citizen of Mexico has been charged with illegal reentry into the United States and fraud and misuse of documents.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Lopez-Velasco, in the United States illegally, was charged in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg yesterday.
The indictment alleges that Lopez-Velasco, an alien previously arrested and deported from the United States in March 2011, reentered the United States illegally, and knowingly possessed a fraudulent permanent resident card when apprehended in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
If convicted, Lopez-Velasco faces a maximum sentence of up to 12 years’ imprisonment and a $500,000 fine.
Jose Galarza-Buestan, age 29, a native and citizen of Ecuador, in the United States illegally was charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg today.
The indictment alleges that on or before May 14, 2014, Galarza-Buestan did knowingly possess, use, or attempt to use a fraudulent social security card and birth certificate during an encounter with immigration officials in York, York County, Pennsylvania.
If convicted, Galarza-Buestan faces a maximum sentence of up to ten years’ imprisonment and a $750,000 fine.
Both investigations were conducted by ICE ERO. They are being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell.
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.
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.
Carlisle Resident Charged Federally with Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today the indictment of Zackary Adam Knight for child exploitation offenses. Knight, 19, of Carlisle, was charged in four separate counts in the indictment handed up by the Grand Jury in Harrisburg.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Knight is charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor; production of child pornography; distribution of child pornography; and possession of child pornography. The charges stem from an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) inter-agency child exploitation task force, with assistance from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division.
The Indictment alleges the crimes were committed at the U.S. Army War College which is within the jurisdiction of the United States.
Knight was taken into custody by HSI special agents on May 9, 2014. At the time, Knight was a resident of a housing area at the War College. After a detention hearing in Harrisburg, Chief United States Federal Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson ordered that Knight be detained pending further proceedings.
If convicted of all offenses, Knight faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison and fines up to $1,000,000.
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 under the federal statute of 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.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy.
Allenwood Inmate Charged with Filing False Liens Against Bureau of Prisons OfficialsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that charges have been filed against Marc E. Barrett of Stamford, Connecticut.
According to United States Attorney, Peter Smith, Barrett, age 39, is charged in a one-count information with filing false liens in Connecticut and North Carolina state courts against several Bureau of Prisons officials, while incarcerated at the FCC-Allenwood Medium.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Williamsport Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Wayne P. Samuelson is assigned to prosecute 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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statues and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is ten years imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000. 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.Monroe County Man Charged with Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a criminal Information was filed in U.S. District Court in Scranton today charging a Monroe County resident with participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin during November 2013 through April 2014.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Information alleges that Kerion Johnson, age 40, conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin in Monroe County and elsewhere.
The charge stems from an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Johnson faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine if he is convicted of the charge.
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 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 under the federal statute is 20 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.
Luzerne County Man Sentenced to More Than 14 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a former Kingston resident was sentenced today to serve 175 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for distributing heroin and cocaine during a four-year time period.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, James Featherstone, age 34, previously admitted to distributing cocaine and heroin on multiple occasions in Luzerne County during January 2009 through September of 2013, and possessing a firearm in connection with his drug trafficking.
The charge against Featherstone resulted from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Pennsylvania State Police, Kingston Police, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.
Featherstone must also serve three years on supervised release following his prison sentence faces and pay a $100 special assessment.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
Criminal Immigration Charges Brought Against Two Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that charges in two unrelated cases were brought yesterday against the following persons by a federal grand jury in Scranton.
Jose Efrain Martinez-Aguilar, a/k/a Carlos Oreana Benitez, age 48, a native and citizen of Honduras in the United States illegally, was charged in a one-count indictment alleging that Martinez-Aguilar, an alien previously arrested and deported, knowingly and unlawfully reentered the United States after having been convicted of an aggravated felony involving the trafficking of controlled substances.
If convicted, Martinez-Aguilar, faces imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine in the amount of $250,000.Arturo Leal-Calderone, age 36, a native and citizen of Mexico in the United States illegally, was charged in a one-count indictment alleging that Leal-Calderone, an alien previously arrested and deported, knowingly and unlawfully reentered the United States on or before April 17, 2014, at an unknown place.
If convicted, Leal-Calderone faces a term of imprisonment of up to two years of imprisonment.
The investigations were conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty 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.
Wilkes-Barre Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Wilkes-Barre resident was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges of distributing crack cocaine and unlawfully possessing a firearm.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Tristan Somers, age 30, was charged with seven counts of distribution of crack cocaine, possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking, and possessing a firearm as an unlawful user of controlled substances. The offenses allegedly occurred between March 2014 and May 28, 2014.
The charges stem from an investigation by special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Kingston Police, and Wilkes-Barre Police.
If the defendant is convicted of the charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for each drug trafficking crime, up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for possessing a firearm as an unlawful user of drugs, and a mandatory five-years in prison and up to life in prison for possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking.
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 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 under the federal statute is 10 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.
Texas Man Enters Guilty Plea and Is Sentenced to Federal Prison for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Texas resident pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Scranton, before Senior United States District Judge Edwin M. Kosik, to the charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and was then sentenced to serve 36 months in prison.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Jose Gomez, age 46, formerly of Garland, Texas, admitted to participating in a drug-trafficking conspiracy which obtained cocaine in Texas and distributed the cocaine in Monroe and Northampton County in 2011.
Gomez, who is originally from the Dominican Republic, also faces deportation proceedings.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Stroud Area Regional Police Department and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.
Stroudsburg Man Charged with Passing Counterfeit BillsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a criminal information was filed on May 30, 2014, in U.S. District Court in Scranton against Dominick Andino, age 24, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the information charges Andino with conspiracy to pass counterfeit federal reserve notes at various locations throughout the Middle District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
Andino could be imprisoned for up to the statutory maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years and fines in the amount of $250,000.
The case was jointly investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Dickson City Police Department. 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 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 under the federal statute is 5 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.
Criminal Immigration Charges Brought Against Two Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that charges in two unrelated cases were brought against the following persons in Harrisburg on May 30, 2014.
Marcos Guillen-Guillen, age 32, a native and citizen of Honduras, in the United States illegally was charged in a one-count information filed with the Court in Harrisburg today. The information alleges that Guillen-Guillen, an illegal alien, did enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
If convicted, Guillen-Guillen faces a maximum sentence of up to 6 months’ imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.
Johnny Martinez-Palacios, age 32, a native and citizen of Honduras, in the United States illegally was charged in a one-count information filed with the Court in Harrisburg today.
The information alleges that Martinez-Palacios, an illegal alien, did enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
If convicted, Martinez-Palacios faces a maximum sentence of up to 6 months’ imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.
The investigations were conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell.
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.
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.
Carbon County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Cocaine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Carbon County man was sentenced today, in federal court in Scranton by Senior United States District Judge Edwin M. Kosik, to serve 30 months in prison on the charge of distributing cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Joseph Revell, age 21, of Nesquehoning, Carbon County, previously pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine in the Carbon County area between January 2011 and December 2012.
In addition to the prison term, Senior Judge Kosik also ordered that Revell be supervised by a probation officer for three years following his release from prison.
Revell was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 30, 2012, after an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Nesquehoning and Lansford Police Departments in Carbon County.
Previously, Alexander “Butch” Sommers, age 48, of Summit Hill, Carbon County, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for participating in the same cocaine trafficking ring.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.
Real Estate Agent Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Defraud Investors and LendersRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the sentencing yesterday of Andrew Brosnac, age 48, of Mansfield, Texas. Brosnac, a real estate agent and investment consultant, plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud in connection with the sale and leaseback of businesses in Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, South Dakota, California, Oregon, and Wyoming.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, between 2006 and 2008 Brosnac and co-conspirator Samuel Pearson, age 47, Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania, admitted using a group of companies to buy Jiffy Lube stores, automotive service businesses, convenience store/gas stations and other commercial properties, then selling them to investors in Pennsylvania and California. The investment properties included a Jiffy Lube store in Sayre, Bradford County, Pennsylvania.
In pleading guilty, Brosnac admitted arranging funding from banks and credit unions for investors to purchase the properties and then used other companies controlled by him and Pearson to lease and operate the properties for investors. Brosnac also admitted that he and Pearson provided investors and lenders with false and fraudulent financial information concerning the investment properties which induced loans and investments totaling approximately $19 million. In the plea agreement, Brosnac agreed that he received approximately $2.4 million in commissions and consulting fees from the sales of the properties.Judge Yvette Kane sentenced Brosnac to five years in prison, followed by a period of three years’ supervised release, and a special assessment of $100, and ordered Brosnac to pay to victim investors and lenders restitution totaling $2,409,924.04 representing the commissions and consulting fees that he received as a result of the offense. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines the advisory imprisonment range was 60 months, which is also the maximum statutory term of imprisonment.
Pearson, operator of Peanut Oil, was charged separately with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud in a Criminal Information filed in March 2011 and pled guilty in April 2011 pursuant to a plea agreement. He is awaiting sentencing before Senior U.S. District Court Judge William C. Caldwell.The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel.
Luzerne County Court Employee Charged Federally with Stealing County FundsRead the Press Release
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 Luzerne County Court employee, Stacey McGlone, age 37, of McAdoo, Pennsylvania, with stealing in excess of $5,000 from the Luzerne County Probation/Parole office, under the supervision of the County Court of Common Pleas, during the course of her employment with that office.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, McGlone was responsible for the collection of funds from individuals receiving services associated with the Probation/Parole Office, as well as debts owed by those individuals, including fines, costs and restitution debts incurred in connection with court proceedings. McGlone allegedly failed to make proper disposition of funds that came into her possession by reason of her employment. The Information charges that between January 2009 and March 2014, McGlone stole in excess of $5,000 in cash from payments she collected.
Federal jurisdiction to prosecute the case is based on the fact that Luzerne County and the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas each received more than $10,000 in federal funds annually.
The government also filed a plea agreement with McGlone which must be approved by the U.S. District Court.
McGlone faces up to 10 years in prison and fines in the amount of $250,000. McGlone’s employment with Luzerne County and the Court of Common Pleas has been terminated.
The prosecution is the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. 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 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 under the federal statute is 10 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.
Nine Mid-State Residents Charged with Running an Illegal Gambling OperationRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Steven Sheely, Sr., 59, Camp Hill, PA, Staci Sheely, 52, Camp Hill, PA, Steven Sheely, Jr., 39, Mechanicsburg, PA, John McDonald, 37, New Cumberland, PA, James Fox, 46, Harrisburg, PA, Bret Hager, 42, Carlisle, PA, Brian Fertenbaugh, 43, Mechanicsburg, PA, Ralph Domene, 47, Camp Hill, PA, and Roger Charles Vaneslow, II, 44, New Cumberland, PA, were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg charging them with four counts of running an illegal gambling operation, money laundering and criminal conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the grand jury found probable cause to believe that all were involved in running a sports betting operation. It is a federal crime if five or more individuals are involved in running such an operation, and it operated continuously for more than 30 days or had gross receipts of at least $2,000 in any given day. The indictment alleges that it was in operation over the last six months. All nine were also charged with money laundering and conspiracy. Additionally, the indictment contained a forfeiture allegation, which means that if any or all of the defendants are convicted of the charges, they may be required to forfeit to the United States all illegal gambling proceeds.
Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each count if convicted of the money laundering or money laundering conspiracy charges and fines of up to $500,000 on each of those counts. The charge of operating an illegal gambling business and criminal conspiracy are each punishable by up to 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 on each of those counts.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Harrisburg Resident Agency, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission. This case is being prosecution of by Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty 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.
Correction: Charges Against Indian Citizen Were Dismissed Prior to Unsealing of Federal Indictment Charging Export License ViolationRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for Middle District of Pennsylvania announced a correction today in a press release issued on April 23, 2014 concerning an indictment presented by the grand jury in December 2012.
The indictment was sealed until the filing of a criminal information on April 23, 2014 against Hetran Inc., an engineering and manufacturing plant in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania and its Chief Executive, Helmut Oertmann, relating to the same charges.
When the indictment was unsealed the press release incorrectly stated that Suniel Malhotra, an Indian citizen, was one of the defendants. In fact, the charges against Mr. Malhorta were dismissed in 2013 at the request of the government.
Three Iranian citizens and two Iranian firms are defendant in the indictment. The charges involve the shipment of industrial equipment to Iran in 2012 in violation of U.S. export license requirements.
Luzerne County Man Charged with Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 38-year-old Mountaintop resident, who was indicted in January 2014 by a federal grand jury in Scranton for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, was arrested yesterday by federal agents.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the grand jury alleges that Joseph White unlawful possessed a Hi Point .45 caliber firearm in June 2013 in Kingston, Pennsylvania. The indictment alleges that, at the time he possessed the firearm, White was a convicted felon.
White appeared before Magistrate Judge Thomas M. Blewitt for his initial appearance. Magistrate Judge Blewitt ordered White detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for next week.
The charge stems from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Kingston Police. Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Deputy United States Marshals assisted in the apprehension of White.
If the defendant is convicted of the charge he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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 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 under the federal statute is 10 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.
****Luzerne County Woman Pleads Guilty to Transporting A Person in Interstate Commerce to Engage in ProstitutionRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that an Edwardsville woman pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to aiding and abetting another person in transporting a female from Pennsylvania to New Jersey to engage in prostitution.
According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, the defendant, Kyoni Humphrey a/k/a “Kyoni Nieves,” age 24, admitted that she helped a co-defendant commit the crime by renting and driving a vehicle used to transport the female to motels in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to engage in prostitution, renting motel rooms, and posting “escort” advertisements and photographs on the backpage.com website during May and June of 2013.
Humphrey was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2014, as a result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
Humphrey faces up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Judge Mariani ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed and scheduled sentencing for the week of August 11, 2014.
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."
Shippensburg Man Federally Charged with Unlawful Distribution of CocaineRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dante Kaleek Darby, 32, of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg charging him with four counts of distribution of a controlled substance, cocaine, between September 2012 and October 2013 in Franklin County.
If convicted, Darby faces a statutory maximum of 20 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Franklin County Drug Task Force. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura J. Kerstetter, of the Franklin 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 these particular cases, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 20 years imprisonment and 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.
****Lackawanna County Man Sentenced for His Role in Tax FraudRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Walter J. Pietralczyk, Jr., age 40, Jermyn, Pennsylvania was sentenced yesterday in federal court for his role in a tax fraud while also involved his wife, Lackawanna County Attorney, Danielle Ross. U.S. Magistrate Judge, Thomas M. Blewitt, sentenced Pietralczyk to a two year term of probation and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $63,124.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, a criminal information was filed on November 5, 2013 which charged Pietralczyk with one count of preparing and filing a fraudulent joint tax return on behalf of himself and his wife, Danielle Ross. The information charges that Pietralczyk knew that the tax return, Form 1040, was fraudulent and false as to a material matter in that the income reflected was substantially less than the couple’s actual joint income for the calendar year 2009. The restitution ordered reflects the tax loss for the calendar years 2008 through 2010.
The prosecution is the result of a joint investigation by the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
Former Dunmore Man Sentenced to Nine Years’ Imprisonment for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion has sentenced Kevin Lawrence Johnson, age 35, formerly of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, to nine years’ imprisonment for distributing heroin on numerous occasions between 2010 and May 2013 in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania.
According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, Johnson routinely obtained heroin in Philadelphia and transported it to Lackawanna County for distribution with the assistance of street level dealers working for him. On September 4, 2013, Johnson appeared in federal court and pleaded guilty to heroin distribution. In doing so, he admitted to distributing more than 400 grams of heroin during the scheme. In addition to the nine-year term of imprisonment, Judge Mannion ordered that Johnson be placed under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for a period of three years following the service of his prison sentence.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Scranton Police Department, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.
Criminal Immigration Charges Brought Against Three Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), announced today that charges in three unrelated cases have been brought against the following persons by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg:
Santiago Ortiz-Ortiz, age 49, a native and citizen of Mexico in the United States illegally, was charged in a one-count indictment alleging that Ortiz-Ortiz, an alien previously arrested and deported, knowingly and unlawfully reentered the United States. He was located by federal immigration agents in York County, Pennsylvania.
If convicted, Ortiz-Ortiz faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
Claudio Villa-Vera, age 26, a native and citizen of Ecuador in the United States illegally, was charged in a one-count indictment alleging that Villa-Vera, an alien previously been arrested and deported knowingly and unlawfully reentered the United States and was apprehended in York, Pennsylvania.
If convicted, Villa-Vera faces a maximum sentence of up to two years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
Jose Gonzalez-Sanchez, age 25, a native and citizen of Mexico, in the United States illegally, was charged in a one-count alleging that Gonzalez-Sanchez, an alien previously been arrested and deported knowingly and unlawfully reenter the United States and was apprehended in Franklin, Pennsylvania.
If convicted, Gonzalez-Sanchez faces a maximum sentence of up to two years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The investigations were conducted by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia and are being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell.
Army Colonel Charged Federally with Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg today indicted Colonel Robert J. Rice, 56, of Carlisle, for possession and distribution of child pornography over the internet. Rice is a Colonel in the U.S. Army stationed at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the charges stem from an investigation by the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office, conducted the initial investigation and is cooperating with federal authorities in this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
If convicted of both offenses, Rice faces up to 30 years in prison and fines of $500,000. The possession offense carries a maximum jail sentence of ten years and a maximum fine of $250,000. The distribution offense carries a mandatory minimum five-year jail sentence and a maximum jail sentence of twenty years along with a maximum fine of $250,000.
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.
Luzerne County Woman Sentenced to 26 Months for Tampering with A Consumer ProductRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Yolanda Holman, age 35, Wilkes-Barre, was sentenced today in federal court in Scranton for tampering with a consumer product. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy sentenced Holman to 26 months incarceration followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, a Criminal Information filed on December 19, 2013 charged that Holman knowingly and intentionally tainted a bottle of Children’s Advil on August 23, 2013 with prescription pills and other medication. Holman waived indictment and entered a guilty plea on February 4, 2014.
All of the tainted containers were recovered and are in the possession of law enforcement officers or otherwise destroyed. The tainted containers presented no danger to the public. The retail store where the Advil was purchased cooperated with federal authorities.
The investigation was conducted by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Scranton Resident Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.Luzerne County Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a West Pittston resident pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to participating in a drug conspiracy that distributed heroin to others during a 13-month time period.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Robert Romasiewicz, age 20, admitted to regularly obtaining heroin in New Jersey and distributing it to others on multiple occasions in Luzerne County during January 2013 through February 24, 2014.
The charge against Romasiewicz resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Romasiewicz faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing was scheduled for August 26, 2014.
Romasiewicz also agreed to forfeit two firearms seized by agents during the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
Carlisle Resident Arrested for Child Pornography and Abuse of A ChildRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Criminal Complaint signed by an agent of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was filed United States District Court in Harrisburg on May 9, 2014 against Zackary Adam Knight, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, alleging possession of child pornography and abusive sexual contact with a child under the age of 12.
Knight was taken into custody and today, May 12, appeared before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson. After a brief hearing Chief Magistrate Judge Carlson ordered that Knight, age 19, be detained in custody temporarily based on the seriousness of the offenses and the resolution of questions regarding a future fixed address for the defendant. At the time of the arrest, Knight was a resident of housing facilities at the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks.
No date was set for future court hearings.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy.
Bank Branch Manager Charged with Defrauding CustomersRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the filing of a Criminal Information in U.S. District Court on May 9, 2014, charging Tiffany Look, age 39, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with mail fraud.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, over a period between 2007 and 2013, Look was a branch manager at two area financial institutions, Mid Penn Bank and Members First Federal Credit Union. Look allegedly devised and carried out a scheme to obtain money from four customers of the institutions by taking out fraudulent loans in the customers’ names. The total loss was allegedly approximately $140,000.
The government also filed a plea agreement with Look in the case which is subject to approval by the Court.
The financial institutions both cooperated with the investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspectors and the Swatara Township and Hampden Township Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph J. Terz.
If convicted, Look faces a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years and fines up to $250,000.
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 under the federal statute is twenty years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances, and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public, and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
Carlisle Woman Charged with Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today it filed a Criminal Information in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg charging a Carlisle woman with theft of more than $500,000 in Social Security Administration benefits paid to Stock’s mother over the past 30 years.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Susan Stock, 71, of Carlisle, PA signed a plea agreement with the United States that was also filed today. Stock agreed to plead guilty to the one-count Information that charges her with theft of government funds. Stock faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.00. Stock has also agreed to make restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the amount of $523,683.20.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in 2013 investigators for the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General discovered the fraud when trying to arrange an interview with Stock’s mother, who had been receiving SSA benefits since at least April 1983. The SSA checks were deposited over that 30 year period into an account which Susan Stock controlled. It was discovered that Stock’s mother died in 1983 but that Stock never notified SSA of her mother’s death and continued to receive and spend her deceased mother’s SSA benefits.
The case has been assigned to Senior U.S. District Court Judge William C. Caldwell. The plea agreement is subject to the Court’s approval. The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General. Prosecution of the case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.
A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is imprisonment for 10 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.
Five Monroe County Residents and Two California Men Indicted for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
The United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that five Monroe County residents and two California men have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in the Monroe County area in 2013 and 2014.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment, returned by the grand jury in April of this year and made public today, charges a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy whereby the defendants obtained high-quality methamphetamine from sources in California which they then distributed for profit in the Monroe County area over a two year period. Charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine are the following individuals:
Reginald Braddy, age 31, San Bernardino, California;
Fontaine Horton, age 35, San Bernardino, California;
Scott Borushak, age 51, Sciota, Pennsylvania;
Emmanuel Tucker, age 38, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania;
Fred Baumgartner, age 33, Kresgeville, Pennsylvania;
Anthony Ianuale, age 42, Effort, Pennsylvania; and
Jeanine Altemose, age 53, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.In addition to the conspiracy charge the indictment also charges Horton, Borushak, Tucker and Ianuale with distributing methamphetamine. Altemose is also charged with the offense of maintaining drug-involved premises, for allowing methamphetamine to be stored and distributed from her residence. Six of the defendants are now in custody. One of them, Altemose, is out on bail.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department and the Stroud Regional Police Department.
Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O'Hara.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All person 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 sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is imprisonment for twenty 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.
Final Member “Felony Lane Gang” Sentenced to over Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that the final member of the “Felony Lane Gang” conspiracy was sentenced to 63 months in prison.
According to the United States Attorney, on Monday, May 5, 2014, Judge William Caldwell sentenced Sylvester Joseph for his role in a car break-in and bank fraud crew that stole over a million dollars in the five years it was in operation. Testimony presented at previous sentencing proceedings showed that the crew stole millions of dollars from banks using stolen checks and identification. Although they were only caught in the fall of 2012, the crew was implicated in committing this scheme over five years and victimizing over 250 people in the course of his fraud scheme, dubbed the “Felony Lane Gang”.
The “Felony Lane Gang” is a group of thieves based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that travels across the United States stealing identities and checkbooks from unattended cars (“smash and grabs”). With the stolen checkbooks and driver’s licenses, the gang cashes checks using the drive through lane of banks. The farthest lane from video cameras and tellers have been dubbed the “felony lane” because of the ease with which false identities can be used to cash checks.
In December 2012, a grand jury returned a four count indictment charging 10 people with conspiracy to commit fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. All of those who were charged entered guilty pleas and the majority of them have been sentenced. The following is a summary:
- Travis J. Russ, age 32, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida – identified as the leader and sentenced to 188 months in prison;
- Jarrett Hobbs, age 31, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida – identified as a leader and sentenced to 132 momths in prison;
- Sylvester Joseph, age 26, of Derrfield, Florida – identified as a leader and sentenced to 63 months in prison;
- Khiante Thompson, age 20, Florida – sentenced to 15 months;
- Phillip Etienne, age 31, of Margate, Florida – 46 months in prison;
- Willie L. Ogiste, age 35, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida –sentenced to 41 months;
- Teresa L. Brimhall, age 45, of Oakland Park, Florida – 18 months in prison;
- April Ainsworth, age 26, of Richmond, Texas – 36 months in prison;
- Colleen Shelly, age 49, of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida – 11 months in prison; and
- Wendy Snyder-Lucas, age 31, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida – 11 months in prison.
The 10 persons charged in this indictment struck Pennsylvania from August to October 2012. During that time, they broke into and/or stole the identities of over 100 people. In addition, the group targeted state parks where victims left purses, wallets, and checkbooks in their cars while using the recreation facilities. The “smash and grabs” occurred at approximately 25 different state parks and recreation centers in and around Central Pennsylvania.
This group used stolen checks and identification to obtain funds from banks and credit unions. According to the indictment, a conspirator, disguised as the account holder, used the drive-through lane at the account holder’s bank, submitted to the teller a forged check with the stolen identification of the victim, on numerous occasions, and received the funds. Through this process, these conspirators successfully compromised numerous accounts and stole tens of thousands of dollars in funds from the victims.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Secret Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and other state and local investigative agencies. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Consiglio.
Pittston Man Sentenced for Involvement in Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Senior United States District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik yesterday sentenced Leroy Trudgen, age 58, of Pittston, Pennsylvania, to 97 months’ imprisonment for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine between 2007 and April 2012.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Trudgen’s role in the conspiracy included obtaining cocaine in New York City and bringing it to Pittston, Pennsylvania, where he and his coconspirators distributed it at his business known as “Roy’s Used Tires” and at various bars in Luzerne County. A federal grand jury sitting in Scranton, Pennsylvania, indicted Trudgen and nine others on the conspiracy charge in May 2012. On November 13, 2013, Trudgen pleaded guilty to the Indictment. In addition to the 97-month term of imprisonment, Judge Kosik ordered that Trudgen be placed on supervised release for a period of three years following the service of his prison sentence.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a New Jersey resident pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to possessing heroin with the intent to distribute it in January 2014.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, George Wormley, age 37, of Montclair, New Jersey, admitted that he possessed approximately 300 bags of heroin and intended to sell it to others on January 3, 2014, in Kingston, Pennsylvania.
Wormley was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 25, 2014, as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Kingston Police, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.
Wormley faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Judge Mannion ordered a pre-sentence report to be completed. No date was set for sentencing.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
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 under the federal statute is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1 million 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.
Getaway Driver in Milford Mini-Market Robberies Sentenced to 90 Months’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced yesterday that Senior United States District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy sentenced Daviandra Gwendolyn Green, age 28, formerly of Port Jervis, New York, to 90 months’ imprisonment for her participation in the robberies of six convenience stores between April and October 2011.
According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, Green previously pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Scranton to acting as a getaway driver when a confederate robbed (1) the Hilltop Sunoco/Extra Mart located at 238 State Route 6, Milford, Pennsylvania on April 6, 2011; (2) the Turkey Hill Minit Market, 912 Pennsylvania Avenue, Matamoras, Pennsylvania, on April 11, 2011; (3) the Hilltop Sunoco/Extra Mart located at 238 State Route 6, Milford, Pennsylvania on April 17, 2011; (4) the Citgo Mart, 220 Dolson Road, Middletown, New York on May 1, 2011; and (5) the Turkey Hill Minit Market, 912 Pennsylvania Avenue, Matamoras, Pennsylvania, on May 5, 2011. Green’s confederate brandished a weapon during the robberies.
Green and Jeremiah Anderson also entered the Hilltop Sunoco/Extra Mart, in Milford, Pennsylvania on October 5, 2011, and attempted to rob it without success. Anderson, age 29, also of Port Jervis, recently pleaded guilty in federal court to attempted robbery of that store and will be sentenced later this year.
Green’s two other confederates in the string of robberies were also convicted in federal court for their involvement in the scheme. Daniel Ortiz, age 28, of Watertown, New York, was sentenced to 80 months’ imprisonment. Simon Shomo, age 28, of Port Jervis, New York received a 70 months’ imprisonment term.
Judge Conaboy ordered that Green be placed on supervised release for three years following the service of her 90-month prison sentence.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Eastern Pike Regional Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.
Third Woman in Carbon County Cocaine Conspiracy Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a third woman from Carbon County was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Edwin M. Kosik to serve 21 months in prison on the charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, Ceres Lozada, age 27, of Nesquehoning, Carbon County, previously admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and powder cocaine in the Carbon County area between January 2010 and December 2012.
In addition to the prison term, Senior Judge Kosik also ordered that Lozada be supervised by a probation officer for three years following her prison sentence.
Previously, Bonnie Vosburgh, age 22, of Nesquehoning, Carbon County, was sentenced to 60 months in prison by Senior Judge Kosik, while Victoria Argott, age 34, of Lansford, Carbon County, was sentenced to 40 months in prison. Vosburgh and Argott entered guilty pleas and admitted to participating in the same cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
The case resulted from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Nesquehoning and Lansford Police Departments in Carbon County.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.
****Robert Mericle Sentenced to One Year in PrisonRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Robert Mericle was sentenced to one year in prison by Senior District Judge Edwin M. Kosik. Judge Kosik also ordered Mericle to pay a $250,000 fine and to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons on May 14, 2014.
Mericle was charged with misprison of a felony in August 2009 as part of a then-ongoing investigation of judicial corruption in Luzerne County. Mericle later entered into a plea agreement with the government which was amended prior to today’s sentencing.
Mericle testified as a principal government witness in the trial of former Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas Judge Mark Ciavarella in February 2011.
The government, as part of the plea agreement, recommended a downward departure from the Sentencing Guidelines based on Mericle’s cooperation during the long investigation. The defense argued for a greater downward departure. The Court today ruled in favor of the government in regard to the downward departure.
At today’s hearing Judge Kosik considered the extent to which the Court should vary from the Guidelines based on factors listed under the governing federal statute in sentencing Mericle. Major factors in this case were the nature and circumstances of the offense and Mericle’s role in the offense. The Court stated that, based on those factors, it was varying upward and sentenced Mericle to the one year prison term.
The government’s seven year investigation of judicial corruption in Luzerne County was led by the trial team of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gordon A. Zubrod, Michael A. Consiglio and William S. Houser and agents of the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation offices in Scranton.
United States Attorney Peter Smith stated that the sentence was appropriate in view of the factors considered by the Court and that Judge Kosik was in the best position to make the appropriate determination having heard the evidence of the seriousness of the offense during the Ciavarella trial and having the benefit of the sentencing memoranda submitted to him by the government and the defense and Mericle’s own statement to the Court.
Old Forge Pharmacist Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that an Old Forge pharmacist pleaded guilty in Scranton today to Health Care Fraud charges before the U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, a criminal information was filed in January 2014 charging Peter Capitano with engaging in a scheme and artifice to defraud Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Medicaid for the period beginning January 2007 through August 2013.
The charges stem from an investigation initiated in February of 2011 by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Capitano pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement with the government.
The information filed against Capitano alleges that he engaged in a scheme and artifice to defraud Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Medicare by submitting claims or causing claims to be submitted to those health benefit providers for drugs allegedly prescribed when the prescriptions did not exist and for drugs not actually dispensed. Capitano will be required to pay restitution for the loss amount.
In this particular case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 10 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.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
Luzerne County Man Charged with Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a criminal Information was filed today charging a West Pittston resident with participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin during 2013 and early 2014.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Information alleges that Michael Romasiewicz, age 21, conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin in Luzerne County and elsewhere during January 2013 through February 24, 2014.
The charge stems from an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Romasiewicz faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine if he is convicted of the charge. The Information also seeks the forfeiture to the United States of two firearms seized during the investigation.
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 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 under the federal statute is 20 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.
Illegal Alien Receives Time-Served SentenceRead the Press Release
On April 22, 2014, in federal court in Williamsport, Juan Bartolome Mora, age 34, a Mexican citizen arrested in Montour County in January 2014 and charged with illegal re-entry into the United States in February 2014 and held in custody for 102 days, was sentenced to time-served by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William C. Simmers.
Firearms Dealer Sentenced to 26 Months in Prison for Conspiracy and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
On April 21, 2014, in federal court in Williamsport, Chief U.S. District Judge Christopher C. Conner sentenced Frank C. Lowe, age 57, a Williamsport resident, to 26 months in prison. Lowe pled guilty in April 2013 to conspiracy and tax evasion. Lowe’s co-conspirator, Christopher Haupt, pled guilty last week to a conspiracy charge.
Lowe was ordered to report to prison on May 28. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne P. Samuelson. The investigation was conducted by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and IRS-Criminal Investigations.
Brooklyn Man Charged with Passing Counterfeit BillsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a felony information has been filed against Ketsy Devis, age 24, of Brooklyn, New York. The information charges Devis with conspiracy to pass counterfeit federal reserve notes at various locations throughout the Middle District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
Devis could be imprisoned for a statutory maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years and fines in the amount of $250,000.
The case was jointly investigated by Special Agent Jason Wolfson of the United States Secret Service and the Dickson City Police Department.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 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 under the federal statute is 5 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.
Schuylkill County Firm and Chief Officer Charged with Shipping Machinery to Iran in Violation of U.S. Export License RequirementsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, today announced that a Criminal Information has been filed against a Schuylkill County firm and its Chief Officer, charging them with conspiracy to evade export reporting requirements and with attempting to smuggle to Iran a lathe machine in violation of U.S. export regulations.
Charged in the Criminal Information were Hetran, Inc., an engineering and manufacturing plant in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania and its Chief Executive Officer, Helmut Oertmann. At the same time, an indictment was unsealed that had previously been voted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg in December 2012 against three Iranians and two Iranian firms connected with the criminal scheme:
Mujahid Ali
Khosrow Kasraei
Reza Ghoreishi
FIMCO FZE
Crescent International Trade and Services FZEAlso charged was Suniel Malhotra, an Indian national, an overseas sales representative for Hetran, Inc.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Hetran allegedly manufactured a horizontal lathe, also described as a bar peeling machine (“peeler”), valued at more than $800,000 and weighing in excess of 50,000 pounds. A horizontal lathe, or peeling machine, is used in the production of high grade steel or "bright steel", a product used, among other things, in the manufacture of automobile and aircraft parts.
On or about June 2009, Hetran was allegedly contacted by representatives of FIMCO, an Iranian company with offices in Iran and the United Arab Emirates, and Crescent International, an affiliated company based in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. FIMCO allegedly wanted to purchase the peeler. During negotiations, it became apparent that the peeler was intended for shipment to Iran. American companies are forbidden to ship “dual use” items (such as the peeler) to Iran without first obtaining a license from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Aware that it was unlikely that such a license would be granted, Hetran, Helmut Oertmann and other co-conspirators agreed to falsely state on the shipping documents that the end-user of the peeler was Crescent International in Dubai.
On June 17, 2012, Hetranallegedlycaused the peeling machine to be shipped to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, fraudulently listing Crescent International in Dubai as the end-user, knowing that the shipment was ultimately being sent to Iran in violation of federal law.
Hetran is charged with conspiring to violate the export laws of the United States, and is subject to a sentence of up to $1,000,000. Helmut Oertmann, charged with attempting to smuggle goods from the United States to Iran, faces a potential penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to 5 years supervised release. The Iranian and Indian defendants are charged with conspiring to violate and with attempting to violate the export laws of the United States, each carrying potential penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to 5 years supervised release for the individual defendants and a $1,000,000 fine for each corporate defendant.
The case was investigated by the Office of Export Enforcement of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The prosecution is being coordinated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Fawcett and Senior Litigation Counsel Gordon Zubrod and is being overseen by the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
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 under the federal statute is 10 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.
Kingston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that Michael Hughes, age 32, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of marijuana, a controlled substance, with intent to distribute yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge Edwin M. Kosik in Scranton. The offense occurred in April 2013 when Kingston Police officers, with the assistance of ATF agents initiated a traffic stop on Hughes based on an outstanding warrant. During the search of the vehicle, investigators located a quantity of marijuana. Hughes was charged in a criminal information filed on April 4, 2014.
This case was the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Kingston Police Department.
Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amy C. Phillips.
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 under the federal statute is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1,000,000 fine, and a 3 year term of supervised release following 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.
Indictment Unsealed Charging Pennsylvania Man and Two Additional Individuals with Conspiracy to Illegally Export Restricted Chemical Laboratory Equipment to SyriaRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging three individuals, including Ahmad Feras Diri, age 39, of London, United Kingdom, Harold Rinko, age 72, of Hallstead, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, and Moawea Deri, age 36, a Syrian citizen, and a firm with which Ahmad Feras Diri and Moawea Deri were associated, for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to illegally export laboratory equipment, including items used to detect chemical warfare agents, from the United States to Syria, in violation of federal law.
The indictment alleges that federal legislation and export controls seek to shut down the supply chain used by the Syrian state to support terrorism and to develop and proliferate weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons. Pursuant to regulations of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Administration, a license is required to export goods and services from the United States to Syria, other than limited and certain categories of humanitarian food and medicine.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment, returned by a Scranton grand jury on November 20, 2012, and sealed until today, charges the three individuals and the company with criminal conspiracy, wire fraud, illegal export of goods, money laundering, and false statements.
According to Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge (SAC) John Kelleghan, Commerce Department Office of Export Enforcement New York Field Office SAC Sidney Simon, and the United States Attorney’s Office, Ahmad Feras Diri was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in London on March 14, 2013, and is facing extradition to the United States in connection with the charges in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Harold Rinko, of Hallstead, Pennsylvania, previously waived arraignment on the sealed indictment. The government has also filed a plea agreement with Rinko which is subject to the approval of the Court. Rinko, the owner-operator of Global Parts Supply, was allegedly engaged in the export business. Ahmad Feras Diri and Moawea Deri are brothers in the business of purchasing and transferring goods from the United States to Syria through a firm known as d-Deri Contracting & Trading. Moawea Deri, remains at large, and is considered a fugitive.
The indictment alleges that, from 2003 until the date of the indictment, the three men conspired to export items from the United States through third party countries to customers in Syria, without the required U.S. Commerce Department licenses.
According to the indictment, the conspirators prepared false invoices which undervalued and mislabeled the goods being purchased and listed false information as to the identity and geographic location of the purchasers of the goods. The indictment alleges that the items were to be shipped from the United States to Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, and thereafter transshipped to Syria.
According to the indictment the items allegedly included: a portable gas scanner used for detection of chemical warfare agents by civil defense, military, police and border control agencies; a handheld instrument for field detection and classification of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals; a laboratory source for detection of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals in research, public safety and industrial environments, a rubber mask for civil defense against chemicals and gases; a meter used to measure chemicals and their composition; flowmeters for measuring gas streams; a stirrer for mixing and testing liquid chemical compounds; industrial engines for use in oil and gas field operations; and a device used to accurately locate buried pipelines.
The case was investigated by HSI in partnership with the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement. “HSI will use all resources at its disposal to prevent sensitive and restricted technology from being exported to Syria though the black market,” said SAC Kelleghan. “No good comes of illegal exports to Syria during this time of gross misgovernment and civil strife, and HSI will do all in its power as the principal enforcer of export controls to ensure that sensitive technology doesn’t fall into the wrong hands in Syria. I applaud our colleagues at the Department of Commerce, along with our law enforcement counterparts in the United Kingdom, who helped us make this complex investigation a success.”
Special Agent In-Charge Simon cited the close cooperation of Federal law enforcement agencies throughout the case. “I commend our colleagues from HSI and the United Kingdom, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, for their outstanding work with the Commerce Department on this case. Our special agents work tirelessly every day to pursue those who flout our export control laws and attempt to supply anyone with technology that threatens our national security. OEE will seek and arrest violators wherever located, worldwide, and we will continue to leverage our unique authorities as the only federal law enforcement agency exclusively dedicated to enforcing dual-use export violations,” he said.
The case is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley and Mariclaire Rourke, Trial Attorney with the Department of Justice, National Security Division, Counterespionage Section.
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 guilty 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.
****Harrisburg Man Sentenced to Prison on Firearms Charges as Part of On-Going Partnership to Prosecute Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Harrisburg man was sentenced today, in federal court in Scranton by Senior United States District Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, to serve 235 months in prison on the charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a stolen firearm.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, a jury found Carlos C. Hill, age 42, of Harrisburg, guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in March 2013.
The charges were the result of an on-going partnership between the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced in August 2012 to respond to a surge of violent crime within the city. The charges against Hill arose from an incident in which, after Hill brandished a stolen firearm at a female victim in the 1600 Block of Park Street in Harrisburg, the firearm was subsequently recovered by the Harrisburg Police Bureau.
In addition to the prison term, Senior Judge Rambo also ordered that Hill supervised by a probation officer for five years following his release from prison.
Hill was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 26, 2012, after an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Harrisburg Police Bureau.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.
****Harrisburg Businessman Arrested and Charged with Federal Tax FraudRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Paul Biko, age 61 and Maura Mia Whetsel, age 31, both of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania were arrested today on federal tax fraud charges involving failure to pay to the IRS or account for approximately $200,000 withheld from wages of employees.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, beginning in or about April 2006 through in or about January 2010, Biko and Whetsel, Biko’s daughter, allegedly conspired to impede and obstruct the IRS in the assessment, computation and collection of federal employment taxes. The alleged objectives of the tax conspiracy were to not fully pay over to the IRS the employment taxes Biko withheld from employees and then convert these funds for other business and personal uses. Biko was the Chief Officer of Clearview of Harrisburg, Clearview Landscaping and Clearview Builders. Whetsel was the firms’ Director of Finance and bookkeeper.
The Superceding Indictment also charges Biko and Whetsel with 8 counts of failing to truthfully account for and pay over to the IRS the employment taxes Biko withheld from his employees.
Biko and Whetsel were charged earlier this month in initial and superceding indictments that were sealed until the defendants were taken into custody today. Their initial appearance was held today before Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab. The case has been assigned to Chief District Judge Christopher C. Conner. Both defendants were released under pretrial supervision.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Joseph J. Terz.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of 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 under the federal statute is 5 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine for Count 1 and 5 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $10,000 fine for each count of Count 2 through 8. 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.