Middle District of Pennsylvania

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Yesenia Ramos, age 44, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on May 5, 2024, before United States District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to the charge of conspiracy to make false statements in connection with the purchases of multiple firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers.

 According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Ramos admitted to conspiring with Windall Mitchell, age 34, of East Stroudsburg, to provide false information to federally licensed firearms dealers regarding the purchases of fifteen firearms between May 15, 2021, and June 14, 2022, in Monroe County.  The firearms were purchased from various federally licensed firearms dealers in Monroe County. The investigation began after one of the purchased firearms was recovered from another individual by police in New York City.

Windall Mitchell previously entered a guilty plea to the charge of conspiracy to make false statements in connection with the purchases of multiple firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers. On April 30, 2024, Judge Munley sentenced Mitchell to serve 30 months’ imprisonment.

The charge against the defendants resulted from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for conspiring to make false statements to firearms dealers is five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

###

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on May 6, 2024, Christopher Texidor, age 36, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was convicted following a jury trial of trafficking over 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of marijuana and hiring gunmen to protect his illegal activities. The trial, held before United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, spanned six days, and the jury deliberated for approximately four hours before returning its verdict.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between October 2018 and May 2020, Texidor and his codefendants operated a marijuana smuggling operation out of Fastlane Auto Sales, a used car lot located on Paxton Street in Harrisburg. Texidor and his codefendants arranged to have his drug source in California mail hundreds of parcels full of marijuana to Harrisburg through the U.S. Mail.  In the same way, they regularly mailed tens of thousands of dollars in cash back to the California source. Texidor and his codefendants used a sophisticated system of GPS tracking devices, which they placed in their parcels, to keep track of their drugs and money. Through this the scheme, over 9,000 thousand pounds of suspected marijuana parcels, worth millions of dollars, were brought to the Harrisburg area.

Texidor and his codefendants used guns, robbery, and kidnapping as tools to keep their criminal operation running. At the trial, the jury heard evidence of the violence Texidor and his codefendants used to try and stop a thief from stealing their marijuana. In late 2019, a thief began stealing their marijuana from parcels shipped to them. By using tracking devices in their parcels and attaching tracking devices to vehicles, they identified the person that they suspected was stealing their marijuana. Texidor and his codefendants then hired gunmen to stop the thefts. From December 2019 to February 2020, the gunmen went after the suspected thief. In December the gunmen shot up a truck in Harrisburg connected to the suspected thief; they shot into an occupied home in Susquehanna Township where the suspected thief was sleeping; and they shot into an occupied home in Steelton that they guessed was connected to the suspected thief. In February 2020, they robbed the suspected thief at gunpoint in Highspire.  

The jury convicted Texidor of conspiracy to traffic more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, conspiracy to use a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, use of a means in interstate communication to commit a crime of violence, and drug trafficking.  Sentencing has not been scheduled.

Texidor’s codefendants, William Kuduk, Jonathan Cobaugh, Justin Laboy, Jose Laboy, and Julio Arellano have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.  Codefendant Jamie Valenzuela pleaded guilty to being the marijuana source from California. He was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment. 

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office, and the Susquehanna Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio and Scott Ford prosecuted the case.

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON – The Justice Department announced that it has filed a statement of interest in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania supporting the right of private plaintiffs to bring a lawsuit to enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. This filing is one of many recent briefs by the Justice Department supporting the longstanding principle that private plaintiffs are authorized to bring lawsuits to vindicate important rights protected by the Voting Rights Act.

“The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, and it is the right on which all other rights depend,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.  “Since the enactment of the landmark Voting Rights Act in 1965 to protect this precious right, private parties have enforced the law in courts across this county, enabling countless Americans to vote free from unlawful discrimination. The Justice Department will continue vigorously enforcing the Voting Rights Act and defending the right of private citizens and organizations to do the same.”

“The Voting Rights Act gives private citizens a voice to stand up to unlawful voting discrimination by their government,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.  “My office will continue to enforce the civil rights statutes like the Voting Rights Act, and proudly partners with the Civil Rights Division in protecting a private citizens’ right to enforce that Act.”

The department filed its statement of interest in Aquino and Lopez v. Hazleton Area School District, a case in which plaintiffs allege the at-large method of electing the nine-member school board of directors unlawfully dilutes the ability of Hispanic voters to elect candidates of their choice. The school district seeks to dismiss the case, arguing that private parties like the plaintiffs are not able to file lawsuits under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The department’s statement of interest argues that private parties may enforce the Voting Rights Act directly, as well as through another civil rights law ton which plaintiffs often rely.

The Justice Department has filed 18 statements of interest and amicus briefs in federal district courts and courts of appeals since January 2021 supporting the right of private parties to file suits under the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act to protect the right to vote. In all, since January 2021, the Justice Department has filed 32 statements of interest in courts across the country to protect the right to vote. 

More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Individuals may report possible violations of the federal voting rights laws through the Civil Rights Division’s website at ciilrights.justice.gov or by telephone toll-free at 800-253-3931.

###

Insight Global LLC, headquartered in Atlanta has agreed to pay $2.7 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to implement adequate cybersecurity measures to protect health information obtained during COVID-19 contact tracing.

The United States alleged that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania Department of Health hired Insight Global to provide staffing for COVID-19 contact tracing and paid Insight Global using funds from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Insight Global understood that personal health information of contact tracing subjects needed to be kept confidential and secure, but it failed to do so. For example, certain personal health information and/or personally identifiable information of contact tracing subjects was transmitted in the body of unencrypted emails, staff used shared passwords to access such information, and such information was stored and transmitted using Google files that were not password protected and were potentially accessible to the public via internet links.

The United States further alleged that from November 2020 through January 2021, Insight Global managers received complaints from Insight Global staff that such information was unsecure and potentially accessible to the public, but Insight Global failed to start remediating the issue until April 2021. At that point, Insight Global addressed the issue, including by securing such information, investigating the cause and scope of the incident, strengthening internal controls and procedures, adding more data-security resources and issuing a public notice regarding the scope of the potential exposure and offering free credit monitoring and identity protection services to those affected. Insight Global also cooperated with the United States’ investigation.

“The resolution announced today reflects our continuing commitment to ensure that government contractors fulfill their cybersecurity obligations,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Failure to do so can compromise sensitive information of individuals and the government. The Justice Department will hold accountable those contractors who knowingly fail to satisfy cybersecurity requirements.”

“We will continue to work tirelessly here in the Middle District of Pennsylvania to make sure that those who do business with the government fulfill their commitments,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “Increasingly, cybersecurity is a critical part of most, if not all, federally funded contracts. We are thankful for the support of HHS-OIG and their assistance in investigating this case.”

“Contractors for the government who do not follow procedures to safeguard individuals’ personal health information will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to protecting the American public and the security of their personal health data.”

On Oct. 6, 2021, the Deputy Attorney General announced the department’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative, which aims to hold accountable entities or individuals that put sensitive information at risk by knowingly providing deficient cybersecurity products or services, knowingly misrepresenting their cybersecurity practices or protocols, or knowingly violating obligations to monitor and report cybersecurity incidents. Information on how to report cyber fraud can be found here.

The United States’ investigation was prompted by a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that defendants submitted false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, Terralyn Williams Seilkop, a former Insight Global staff member who worked on the contact tracing at issue, to receive a $499,500 share of the settlement amount. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Seilkop v. Insight Global LLC, No. 1:21-cv-1335 (M.D. Pa.).

Senior Trial Counsel Albert P. Mayer of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara J. Haken for the Middle District of Pennsylvania handled this matter, with assistance from HHS-OIG.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

Settlement

HARRISBURG - Insight Global LLC, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has agreed to pay $2,700,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to provide adequate cybersecurity to protect health information obtained during COVID-19 contact tracing.

The United States alleged that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania Department of Health hired Insight Global to provide staffing for COVID-19 contact tracing, and paid Insight Global using funds from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Insight Global understood that personal health information of contact tracing subjects needed to be kept confidential and secure, but it failed to do so.  For example, certain personal health information and/or personally identifiable information of contact tracing subjects was transmitted in the body of unencrypted emails, staff used shared passwords to access such information, and such information was stored and transmitted using Google files that were not password protected and were potentially accessible to the public via internet links.

The United States further alleged that from November 2020 through January 2021, Insight Global managers received complaints from Insight Global staff that such information was unsecure and potentially accessible to the public, but Insight Global failed to start remediating the issue until April 2021.  At that point, Insight Global addressed the issue, including by securing such information, investigating the cause and scope of the incident, strengthening internal controls and procedures, adding more data-security resources, and issuing a public notice regarding the scope of the potential exposure and offering free credit monitoring and identity protection services to those affected.  Insight Global also cooperated with the United States’ investigation.

“The resolution announced today reflects our continuing commitment to ensure that government contractors fulfill their cybersecurity obligations,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.  “Failure to do so can compromise sensitive information of individuals and the government.  The Justice Department will hold accountable those contractors who knowingly fail to satisfy cybersecurity requirements.”

“We will continue to work tirelessly here in the Middle District of Pennsylvania to make sure that those who do business with the government fulfill their commitments,” said United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam.  “Increasingly, cybersecurity is a critical part of most, if not all, federally funded contracts.  We are thankful for the support of HHS-OIG and their assistance in investigating this case.”

“Contractors for the government who do not follow procedures to safeguard individuals’ personal health information will be held accountable,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).  “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to protecting the American public and the security of their personal health data.”

On October 6, 2021, the Deputy Attorney General announced the Department’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative, which aims to hold accountable entities or individuals that put sensitive information at risk by knowingly providing deficient cybersecurity products or services, knowingly misrepresenting their cybersecurity practices or protocols, or knowingly violating obligations to monitor and report cybersecurity incidents.  Information on how to report cyber fraud can be found here.

The United States’ investigation was prompted by a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that defendants submitted false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery.  The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower, Terralyn Williams Seilkop, a former Insight Global staff member who worked on the contact tracing at issue, to receive a $499,500 share of the settlement amount.  The case is captioned United States ex rel. Seilkop v. Insight Global LLC, No. 1:21-cv-1335 (M.D. Pa.).

This matter is being handled by Senior Trial Counsel Albert P. Mayer of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Tamara J. Haken of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

# # #

The Justice Department today announced that it has filed a statement of interest in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania supporting the right of private plaintiffs to bring a lawsuit to enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. This filing is one of many recent briefs by the Justice Department supporting the longstanding principle that private plaintiffs are authorized to bring lawsuits to vindicate important rights protected by the Voting Rights Act.

“The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, and it is the right on which all other rights depend,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Since the enactment of the landmark Voting Rights Act in 1965 to protect this precious right, private parties have enforced the law in courts across this country, enabling countless Americans to vote free from unlawful discrimination. The Justice Department will continue vigorously enforcing the Voting Rights Act and defending the right of private citizens and organizations to do the same.”

“The Voting Rights Act gives private citizens a voice to stand up to unlawful voting discrimination by their government,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “My office will continue to enforce the civil rights statutes like the Voting Rights Act, and proudly partners with the Civil Rights Division in protecting a private citizens’ right to enforce that Act.”

The department filed its statement of interest in Aquino and Lopez v. Hazleton Area School District, a case in which plaintiffs allege the at-large method of electing the nine-member school board of directors unlawfully dilutes the ability of Hispanic voters to elect candidates of their choice. The school district seeks to dismiss the case, arguing that private parties like the plaintiffs are not able to file lawsuits under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The department’s statement of interest argues that private parties may enforce the Voting Rights Act directly, as well as through another civil rights law on which plaintiffs often rely.

The Justice Department has filed 18 statements of interest and amicus briefs in federal district courts and courts of appeals since January 2021 supporting the right of private parties to file suits under the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act to protect the right to vote. In all, since January 2021, the Justice Department has filed 32 statements of interest in courts across the country to protect the right to vote.

More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Individuals may report possible violations of the federal voting rights laws through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone toll-free at 800-253-3931.

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Doanin Reyes-Diaz, age 24, of Honduras, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Reyes-Diaz was previously removed from the United States on September 3, 2019, through Brownsville, Texas, and it is alleged that he was subsequently found in the United States without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country. The indictment also alleges that on March 16, 2024, Reyes-Garcia was encountered in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.

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

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Oseas Froilan Gomez-Tebalan, age 29, a Citizen of Guatemala, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for illegally reentering the United States.

 According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Gomez-Tebalan was previously removed from the United States on March 18, 2017, through Phoenix, Arizona, and it is alleged that he was subsequently found in the United States without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country.  The indictment also alleges that on March 21, 2024, Gomez-Tebalan was encountered in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations.  Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for the charged offenses is 20 years imprisonment, three years of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William L. Nalley Jr., age 27, of Boiling Springs, PA, and Rafael Orihuela, age 22, of Carlisle, PA, were indicted today by a federal grand jury on charges related to the distribution of controlled substances and unlawful possession of firearms.  

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Nalley possessed with the intent to distribute marijuana, lysergic acid diethylamide, and psilocin. It is also alleged that Nalley possessed two firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.  The indictment further alleges that Orihuela maintained a premise for the purpose of unlawfully storing, distributing, and using the controlled substances listed above.  

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Middlesex Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Lawrence Malachefski, age 39, of Wilkes-Barre, PA, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to wire fraud.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the criminal Information to which Malachefski pleaded guilty alleges that, from approximately March 2023 to June 2023, while serving as the financial Controller of a Wilkes-Barre based Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) business, Malachefski embezzled over $1.5 million from his employer, converting the funds to his own personal possession and use.

Malachefski acknowledged that the monetary loss attributable to his conduct was greater than $1.5 million and that he abused a position of private trust in a manner that significantly facilitated the commission of his crime.  Malachefski also agreed to make restitution to the victim-company in the amount of $1,586,557.45.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John is prosecuting the case.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Anthony Zayas, age 35, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo following his conviction for extortion by interstate communication. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Zayas previously pleaded guilty to this offense, which involved Zayas’s efforts in the fall of 2022 to coerce a victim to pay $150,000 under the threat that Zayas would publicize intimate photos and images of the victim if they did not comply.  In a sentencing memorandum, Zayas asked Judge Rambo to sentence him to house arrest in lieu of prison, but Judge Rambo rejected that request and ordered that Zayas report to prison in June 2024 to begin serving his sentence. 

Judge Rambo also ordered Zayas to pay $850 in fines and assessments and to serve one year of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence.

The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian T. Haugsby.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carlos Rodriguez-Cruz, age 33, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on April 29, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to the charge of assaulting a federal correctional officer.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Rodriguez-Cruz, formerly of Puerto Rico, admitted to punching a correctional officer on October 6, 2023, at FCI Schuylkill, after an incident in which the officer conducted a search of the cell of Rodriguez-Cruz and removed items of contraband from the cell.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law is up to 8 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Windall Mitchell, age 34, of East Stroudsburg, Monroe County, was sentenced on April 30, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to 30 months’ imprisonment on the charge of conspiracy to make false statements in connection with the purchases of multiple firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Mitchell previously pleaded guilty and admitted to conspiring with his co-defendant, Yesenia Ramos, age 43, of Stroudsburg, to provide false information to federally licensed firearms dealers regarding the purchases of ten firearms between May 15, 2021, and June 14, 2022, in Monroe County.  The firearms were purchased from various federally licensed firearms dealers in Monroe County.  The investigation began after one of the purchased firearms was recovered from another individual by police in New York City.

The charges against Ramos are still pending.

The charge against the defendants resulted from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Xavier Josey, age 33, of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison on the charge of failing to comply with sex-offender registration requirements.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Josey was required to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act due to a 2013 conviction for indecent liberties with a child in North Carolina, but failed to do so upon establishing a residence in Pennsylvania. The indictment charged that Josey traveled interstate to Pennsylvania, established a residence in Sunbury, but failed to register or update his sex offender registration information in Pennsylvania as required by the law.

In addition to the prison term, United States District Court Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann also ordered that Josey be supervised by a probation officer for five years following his release from prison, that he undergo sex-offender treatment, and that he comply with all registration requirements of the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The charges were the result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service – Harrisburg office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scalera.

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.

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jared Sebaugh, age 36, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on April 26, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Sebaugh, formerly of Olmstead Falls, Ohio, admitted to assaulting another inmate with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. The charges stem from an incident in February 2023 in which Sebaugh assaulted another inmate with a prison-made weapon consisting of a combination lock attached to a cloth strap.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The maximum penalty under federal law for each charge is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tylee Brown, age 39, of Norristown, Montgomery County, was sentenced on April 23, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to 19 years’ imprisonment on the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Brown previously pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing between 1.5 kilograms and 5 kilograms of high-quality crystal methamphetamine for further distribution in the Susquehanna County area in April 2020.  On April 30, 2020, the Pennsylvania State Police apprehended Brown in Susquehanna County and seized approximately four pounds of crystal methamphetamine from a vehicle in which Brown was traveling.  Brown had traveled from Montgomery County to distribute the crystal methamphetamine to other individuals in Susquehanna County.  Brown was indicted by a grand jury in Scranton for methamphetamine trafficking in October 2020.

The charges against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mykayliah Hevener, age 25, of Carbondale, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 23, 2024, for production and distribution of child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that in 2023, Hevener both produced and distributed child sexual abuse material in the form of images and videos of herself engaging in sexual contact with a toddler.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Isiah Smith, age 59, of York, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 3, 2024, by a federal grand jury for firearms offenses.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that, on or about December 7, 2022, Smith possessed an unregistered firearm, without a serial number, and transferred the firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act.  Additionally, Smith allegedly possessed ammunition when he was prohibited by law from doing so.    

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the York County Drug Task Force, and the York County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the indicted offenses is a combined 45 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eliezer Almanzar, age 34, of York County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 17, 2024, by a federal grand jury with child pornography offenses.

According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Almanzar is charged with two counts of sexually exploiting a child to produce child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Penn Township Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

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

The maximum penalty upon conviction for the charged offenses is 160 years imprisonment, a lifetime term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, a statutory assessment, and a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced that it is monitoring today’s election in Berks, Luzerne and Philadelphia Counties, Pennsylvania, to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws.

The Civil Rights Division enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The division regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the division also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order. 

The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Act and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Porfirio Peralta-Nunez, age 45, of York, PA, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges. 

According to U.S. Attorney Gerard Karam, the indictment alleges that between November 2022 and October 2023, Peralta-Nunez engaged in a conspiracy to traffic cocaine into York County.  The indictment further alleges that on October 23, 2023, Peralta-Nunez possessed five kilograms or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute the controlled substance. 

The case was investigated by the York County Drug Task Force, along with the Drug Enforcement Agency and the York City Police Department.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Monroe is prosecuting the case.

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

The maximum penalty for the offenses is life imprisonment, a five-year term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $10,000,000 fine. A sentence for each of these offenses also includes a period of supervised release following imprisonment. 

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jaquan Ardrey, age 30, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for methamphetamine trafficking.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Ardrey with two counts of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Dauphin and Cumberland Counties.

The charges resulted from an investigation by the FBI Capital City Safe Streets Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police, Harrisburg City Police, and Cumberland County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.

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

Under federal law, Ardrey faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, a maximum sentence of life in prison, a term of supervised release, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Durante King-Mclean, age 25, Prasath Paramalingam, age 34, Archit Grover, age 36, all of Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and Jalisa Edwards, age 25, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, were charged in a multi-count federal indictment with charges stemming from a conspiracy to engage in international firearms trafficking.  

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that King-Mclean was stopped by Pennsylvania State Police on September 2, 2023, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, after several motor vehicle violations were observed. It is further alleged that King-Mclean, who was illegally in the United States from Canada, fled on foot when troopers discovered firearms in the rental vehicle. A court authorized search warrant for the vehicle led to the recovery of 65 firearms that were allegedly destined to be illegally smuggled into Canada. Two of those firearms were fully automatic and considered machine guns under federal law. Eleven of the firearms were determined to be stolen, and one firearm had an obliterated serial number.

The indictment further alleges that Paramalingam was involved in the conspiracy since April 2023 with persons known and unknown to the grand jury, including King-Mclean, to arrange for King-Mclean’s illegal entry into the United States. While King-Mclean was in the United States, Paramalingam allegedly arranged funding for King-Mclean to purchase the various firearms which he obtained in Florida, Georgia and elsewhere as King-Mclean traveled back towards Canada and through Franklin County. Grover and Edwards were charged by the grand jury as accessories after the fact for their alleged assistance to King-Mclean after his arrest to conceal evidence concerning his attempted gun smuggling and provide co-conspirators with information regarding the scope of the investigation, among other things.

“ATF’s highest priority is reducing violent gun crime, and firearms trafficking feeds that crime by putting guns in the hands of violent criminals and other prohibited people,” said Eric J. DeGree, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Philadelphia Field Division. “Far from being a victimless crime, trafficking presents a grave threat to public safety across our nation and to our neighbors. Thanks to our cooperative efforts, this action has kept 65 firearms off the street — preventing them from being used in any number of killings and other crimes – and ended this international firearms trafficking scheme. ”

“International arms trafficking greatly endangers citizens of both countries,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Sara C. Bay. “HSI is proud to be on the front lines against the crime and devastation that illegal weapons bring to the cities in which they are used. We will continue to use our global reach and cooperate with our law enforcement partners to combat transnational weapons trafficking.”

“This indictment is the result of outstanding pro-active enforcement by our Patrol Troopers, which led to a larger successful inter-agency investigation,” said Major Serell Ulrich, Director, Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation.  “Illegal firearm trafficking has no boundaries, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners both federally and internationally to mitigate this worldwide problem.  Anytime illegal firearm trafficking affects our Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania State Police will strive to identify, investigate, and arrest those responsible.”  

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Harrisburg Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe is prosecuting the case.

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

This prosecution is also part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets. 

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

# # #

A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 70 years in prison for torturing an Estonian citizen in 2015 in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and for the illegal export of weapons parts and related services.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ross Roggio, 55, of Stroudsburg, arranged for Kurdish soldiers to abduct and detain the victim at a Kurdish military compound, where Roggio suffocated the victim with a belt, threatened to cut off one of his fingers, and directed Kurdish soldiers to repeatedly beat, choke, tase, and otherwise physically and mentally abuse the victim over a 39-day period. The victim was an employee at a weapons factory that Roggio was developing in the Kurdistan region of Iraq that was intended to manufacture automatic rifles and pistols.

“Ross Roggio had his victim abducted and detained at a Kurdish military compound in Iraq, where Roggio and others physically and mentally tortured the victim over the course of 39 days,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “During that time, Roggio suffocated the victim and directed others to beat, choke, and tase him. Roggio’s victim worked at a weapons factory in Iraq, where Roggio illegally sent weapons parts and illegally provided services, in violation of export controls laws. Today’s sentence—following the second-ever conviction under the federal torture statute—shows that, no matter where such deplorable acts occur, the United States is committed to holding the perpetrators accountable.”

“As proven at trial and demonstrated by today’s sentence, Mr. Roggio committed egregious human rights abuses and smuggled restricted firearm components from the United States to launch an unsanctioned weapons factory,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “We will not waver in bringing to justice those that violate our export controls in contravention of our national security and foreign policy priorities.”

“The sentence imposed by the court demonstrates the seriousness of Ross Roggio’s crimes and brings some measure of justice for his torture victim,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “Violence against the dignity and human rights of any victim cannot be tolerated and our office will continue to prioritize and pursue those who would do so in violation of federal law. Ross Roggio was also convicted of United States export laws related to illegally producing firearms in Kurdistan, Iraq. Though more technical in nature, these laws are no less important and are designed to take into account human rights considerations on a larger scale, to limit access to our most sensitive technologies and weapons, and to promote regional stability. I commend all the prosecutors and law enforcement agents who worked tirelessly to bring justice in this matter.” 

In connection with the weapons factory project, Roggio exported firearms parts and tools without the required approvals by the U.S. government. He also illegally trained foreign persons in the operation, assembly, and manufacturing of the M4 automatic rifle.

“Torture is among the grievous crimes the FBI investigates and this is the second time we have been able to bring justice under the federal torture statute,” said Executive Assistant Director Timothy Langan of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch. “Our investigation into Roggio’s abominable crimes and today’s sentencing would not be possible without the sheer courage of the victim to tell his story. The FBI and our international partners stand with victims by standing up to human rights violations wherever they occur.” 

“Today’s sentence highlights our commitment to stopping those who commit human rights abuses and threaten the security of the U.S. and partner nations,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “Thanks to our close interagency and international cooperation, Roggio has been brought to justice.”

“Export evasion is often not a standalone crime,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). “Here, the same defendant who was illegally exporting weapons parts to his Iraqi weapons factory was also brutally torturing one of his employees there.”

A federal jury convicted Roggio in May 2023 of 33 counts of torture, conspiracy to commit torture, conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, exporting weapons parts and services to Iraq without the approval of the U.S. Department of State, exporting weapons tools to Iraq without the approval of the U.S. Department of Commerce, smuggling goods, wire fraud, and money laundering.

Roggio was the second defendant to be convicted of torture since the federal torture statute went into effect in 1994.

The FBI and HSI investigated the torture and were joined in the investigation of the arms export violations by BIS’ Office of Export Enforcement.

Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley for the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case.

The Estonian Internal Security Service, Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and Pennsylvania State Police also provided valuable assistance.

Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the HSI tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE, or complete the FBI online tip form or the ICE online tip form.

HARRISBURG – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 70 years in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for torturing an Estonian citizen in 2015 in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and for the illegal export of weapons parts and related services.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ross Roggio, 55, of Stroudsburg, arranged for Kurdish soldiers to abduct and detain the victim at a Kurdish military compound, where Roggio suffocated the victim with a belt, threatened to cut off one of his fingers, and directed Kurdish soldiers to repeatedly beat, choke, tase, and otherwise physically and mentally abuse the victim over a 39-day period. The victim was an employee at a weapons factory that Roggio was developing in the Kurdistan region of Iraq that was intended to manufacture automatic rifles and pistols.

“Ross Roggio had his victim abducted and detained at a Kurdish military compound in Iraq, where Roggio and others physically and mentally tortured the victim over the course of 39 days,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “During that time, Roggio suffocated the victim and directed others to beat, choke, and tase him. Roggio’s victim worked at a weapons factory in Iraq, where Roggio illegally sent weapons parts and illegally provided services, in violation of export controls laws. Today’s sentence—following the second-ever conviction under the federal torture statute—shows that, no matter where such deplorable acts occur, the United States is committed to holding the perpetrators accountable.”

“The sentence imposed by the Court demonstrates the seriousness of Ross Roggio’s crimes and brings some measure of justice for his torture victim,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam. “Violence against the dignity and human rights of any victim cannot be tolerated and our office will continue to prioritize and pursue those who would do so in violation of federal law. Ross Roggio was also convicted of United States export laws related to illegally producing firearms in Kurdistan, Iraq. Though more technical in nature, these laws are no less important and are designed to take into account human rights considerations on a larger scale, to limit access to our most sensitive technologies and weapons, and to promote regional stability. I commend all the prosecutors and law enforcement agents who worked tirelessly to bring justice in this matter.” 

In connection with the weapons factory project, Roggio exported firearms parts and tools without the required approvals by the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce. He also illegally trained foreign persons in the operation, assembly, and manufacturing of the M4 automatic rifle.

“The sentencing today is a testament to not only the diligent work done by law enforcement, both here and overseas, but most importantly, the courage of the victim and witnesses in coming forward,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Torture is among the most egregious crimes the FBI investigates. The FBI along with our law enforcement partners will continue to purse justice for victims of these horrendous crimes.”

“The extensive cooperation, information sharing, and dedication shown by the law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation has been extraordinary,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Sara C. Bay. “Roggio’s sentence stands as proof that the United States will investigate and prosecute those that break our laws and violate human rights regardless of where they are committed.”

“The illegal export of firearms parts and tools from the United States often goes hand in hand with other criminal activities, such as the charge of torture on which the jury voted to convict the defendant,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office. “This sentence sends a strong message to those who wish to illegally traffic in firearms. I commend our law enforcement colleagues for their dedication to bringing justice in this case.”

A federal jury convicted Roggio in May 2023 of 33 counts of torture, conspiracy to commit torture, conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, exporting weapons parts and services to Iraq without the approval of the State Department, exporting weapons tools to Iraq without the approval of the Commerce Department, smuggling goods, wire fraud, and money laundering.

Roggio was the second defendant to be convicted of torture since the federal torture statute went into effect in 1994.

The FBI and HSI investigated the torture and were joined in the investigation of the arms export violations by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement.

Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley for the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case.

The Estonian Internal Security Service, Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and Pennsylvania State Police also provided valuable assistance.

Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the HSI tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE, or complete the FBI online tip form or the ICE online tip form.

###

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jamie Smicherko, age 27, of Avoca, Pennsylvania, Patrick Russin, age 54, of Shavertown, Pennsylvania, Ryan Medar, age 36, of Jenkin Township, Pennsylvania, and Carlos Laurel, age 45, of White Haven, Pennsylvania, were indicted on April 9, 2024, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that between October, 2023, and April, 2024, Smicherko, Russin, and Medar conspired to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine within Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.  The indictment also alleges that Smircherko, Russin, Medar, and Laurel conspired to distribute cocaine. The indictment also alleges that Smicherko, Russin, and Medan also distributed quantities of methamphetamine.  The indictment further alleges that Medar and Smicherko both trafficked firearms and possessed firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspired to do the same.  

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Guibbonz Marcellus, age 43, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 12, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 27 months’ imprisonment on 23 counts of aiding and assisting the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns.  Marcellus was convicted following a jury trial in July 2023. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Marcellus operated a tax-preparation business in Chambersburg called M&M Confident Multi Services from 2013 to 2016.  In an effort to increase refund amounts and generate business, Marcellus regularly included false numbers on the returns he prepared and filed.  The returns falsely claimed, among other things, the federal fuel-tax credit, business losses, and deductions for charitable gifts and unreimbursed employee expenses.  The Court found that the total loss to the government due to Marcellus’s conduct was over $208,000.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Miovas prosecuted the case.

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ras Dalmar Johnson, age 27, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 9, 2024, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on February 1, 2024, Johnson possessed with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, over 50 grams of methamphetamine, and amounts of cocaine and marijuana.  The indictment also alleges that on the same date, Johnson, who is a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, possessed a Glock 26 handgun in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Narcotics and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Camilo Antonio Batz-Ortiz, age 40, of Guatemala, was indicted on April 9, 2024, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien and possession of a fraudulent immigration document.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Camilo Antonio Batz-Ortiz was previously removed from the United States on September 9, 2013, and it is alleged that he was subsequently found in the United States without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country. The indictment also alleges that on March 4, 2024, Batz-Ortiz was encountered in Clinton County, Pennsylvania and at that time, he was in possession of a fraudulent Permanent Resident Card. 

This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson is prosecuting the case.

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lamar Brown, age 38, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 168 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for drug trafficking offense.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on July 13, 2020, in Luzerne County, Brown possessed with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, both Schedule II controlled substances.

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

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Edward Clouser, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was charged on April 10, 2024, by a federal grand jury with distributing and possessing child pornography. 

According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Clouser with distributing child pornography on November 28, 2022, and possessing child pornography including images involving a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age on February 7, 2023, in Cumberland County. 

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

The case was investigated by the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Haugsby prosecuted the case.

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

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

###

HARRISBURG– A federal jury convicted a Milroy, Pennsylvania, man today of tax evasion for his years-long scheme to evade the payment of his individual income taxes and his business’s employment taxes.

According to court documents and evidence presented at the four-day trial before District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner, Brandon Aumiller owned Brandon Aumiller & Associates, an insurance sales business. For tax years 2007, and 2009 through 2011, Aumiller filed personal income tax returns reporting that he owed a total of approximately $82,311 in income taxes. He also filed employment tax returns for his business reporting that it owed approximately $24,882 in taxes for the third quarter of 2013 and the first two quarters of 2014. Despite reporting that he and his business owed more than a total of $107,193 in taxes to the IRS, Aumiller did not pay these assessments. 

When the IRS attempted to collect the taxes, Aumiller engaged in a multi-year scheme to thwart the IRS’ efforts by concealing his assets in nominee bank accounts, structuring multiple real estate deals to conceal the transactions from the IRS and submitting false financial disclosure forms to the IRS that did not fully disclose his bank accounts and concealed critical information about his real estate transactions.

Judge Conner scheduled Aumiller to be sentenced on September 4. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each of the two counts of his conviction. Judge Conner will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorney Matthew L. Cofer of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur for the Middle District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.

###

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Thomas Green, age 33, of Danville, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on charges of influencing federal officials by threat and interstate communications with a threat.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Green called multiple FBI field offices across the country for several years to express frustration that the FBI was not investigating alleged criminal conduct reported by Green. The indictment also alleges that, beginning on or about August 18, 2022, Green began calling several FBI field offices across the country and threatening to assault and murder FBI agents if they did not investigate the alleged criminal conduct reported by Green. The indictment also alleges that Green called the FBI field office in Miami, Florida, and told FBI personnel that he knew about the murder of two Miami FBI agents and that “can happen again” if FBI personnel did not “act” how Green wanted them to. FBI Special Agents Laura Schwartzenberger and Daniel Alfin, who were members of FBI Miami, were killed while executing a search warrant in 2021.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Moreno is prosecuting the case.

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on April 3, 2024, United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson sentenced Brian Johnson, age 43, of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to 140 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine.  Johnson had previously pleaded guilty to this offense.  Judge Wilson also ordered Johnson to serve three years on supervised release after the conclusion of his prison sentence. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Johnson and three co-conspirators who have also pleaded guilty distributed hundreds of grams of methamphetamine in Lancaster and Dauphin Counties between September 2020 and August 2021, operating primarily out of Columbia Borough.  Johnson began selling large quantities of methamphetamine to another co-conspirator in September 2020, when Johnson was living in Philadelphia.  Johnson then relocated to Columbia Borough in early 2021, and continued trafficking substantial quantities of methamphetamine until he was arrested on August 30, 2021.  By the time he was sentenced, Johnson had at least eight previous convictions for other criminal offenses, including drug trafficking, assault, and unlawful firearms possession. 

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lancaster County Drug Task Force, and the York County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Christian T. Haugsby prosecuted the case.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Noel Mateo, age 35, of Umatilla, Florida, and David Duclos, age 29, of Orlando, Florida, were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms and more of cocaine and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Mateo and Duclos possessed and conspired to possess with the intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine on or about December 7, 2023, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The indictment further alleges that three firearms were possessed in furtherance of the drug trafficking activities.

This case was investigated by United States Homeland Security Investigations and Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Charles Witherson, III, age 38, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was charged by a federal grand jury with distributing child pornography. 

According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on February 5, 2024, in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, Witherson distributed child pornography. The indictment also alleges that on March 29, 2024, Witherson possessed images of child pornography, including images involving a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.

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

The FBI investigated the case, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Haugsby.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a lifetime term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Takiyah Gordon Austin, age 47, formerly of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits related to COVID-19 emergency relief funds.  Judge Mannion also ordered Austin to pay restitution in the amount of $288,590.

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program was created by the March 27, 2020 CARES Act, as part of the United States government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public’s health and economic well-being. The PUA program was designed to provide unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits.

According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Austin pleaded guilty to one count wire fraud and one count of aggravated identify theft.  From in or about May 2020 to in or about May 2021, Austin, a claims specialist with the Social Security Administration, filed PUA claims for ineligible recipients in exchange for payment from the individuals.  Additionally, Austin filed claims after accessing SSA databases to obtain the personal identifying information from unsuspecting individuals and then diverted the unemployment funds to addresses she controlled in order to use the funds for her own personal expenses. Through the scheme, Austin defrauded the government of over $288,000.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  Special Assistant United States Attorney Megan Curran and Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case.

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Edwin Rojas Cordova, age 20, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of stealing firearms from a licensed dealer.   

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on December 27, 2022, Cordova stole 13 firearms from a licensed firearm dealer located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

The case was investigated by the ATF.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J. Terz is prosecuting the case.          

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on April 2, 2024, George E. Jones, age 43, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 151 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years on supervised release for trafficking cocaine.  Judge Wilson also sentenced Jones to a consecutive 24-month prison term for violating the conditions of a term of supervised release he was serving for a prior federal drug trafficking conviction.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Jones previously pleaded guilty on July 20, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 28 grams and more of cocaine base.  In 2011, Jones was convicted of drug trafficking that resulted in Jones serving approximately a 10-year federal prison sentence.  Jones was released from that sentence in May 2020, and resumed selling crack and powder cocaine in Harrisburg less than two months later while he was serving a term of supervised release.  

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

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance provided by the Harrisburg Police Bureau. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Consiglio prosecuted the case.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that that Earl Marshawn Washington, age 61, and previously a resident of Honolulu, Key West, Las Vegas, and other places, was sentenced to 52 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, at the time of his guilty plea, Washington admitted to working with a series of romantic partners, dating back to 2013, to create and sell counterfeit artistic goods known as “woodblocks” or “woodcuts.” Xylography is the art of making “woodcuts,” or engravings made from wooden blocks, especially for printing using historical techniques. In traditional xylography, an artist uses a sharpened tool to carve a design into the surface of a woodblock. The raised areas that remain after the block has been cut are inked and printed, while the recessed areas that are cut away do not retain ink and will remain blank in the final print. Woodblock images can be printed onto paper, fabrics, textiles, or other materials. The technique has been used in different geographic regions at different times. One woodblock tradition stems from Germany starting around the 14th century and continuing for several hundred years thereafter.

Washington was originally charged by indictment in January 2023, along with his then wife, Zsanett Nagy. As part of Washington’s plea agreement, the original charges against him were dismissed, and a new charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud was filed. Washington pleaded guilty to this offense in July 2023. Nagy pleaded guilty in August 2023 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.

Washington and Nagy each admitted to selling inauthentic woodblocks and prints made from woodblocks that they as advertised as being from between the 15th and early 20th centuries. The buyers included a pair of woodblock collectors residing in France, as well as a buyer of a woodblock print who then resided in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. On one occasion, for example, Washington promised to send the buyers in France fifteen “15th.C Reformation/Lutheran wood blocks.” The buyers then made PayPal payments to Nagy before learning that the woodblocks they purchased were not from the 15th and 16th centuries, as advertised. Nagy received these payments, moved the proceeds to a bank account in her name, and then quickly converted the proceeds to cash through withdrawals of several thousand dollars or more. Together, the buyers in France paid nearly $85 thousand for counterfeit woodblocks.

Washington’s buyers also included a collector of woodblocks from York, Pennsylvania, in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. This collector paid $118,810 to Washington and Washington’s then girlfriend from 2013 to 2016 in exchange for approximately 130 woodblocks, again advertised as being several centuries old. In one email, for instance, Washington, using the alias “River Seine,” claimed to be selling “original printing blocks from the 16th and 17th centuries.”

At the time of his guilty plea, Washington also admitted to regularly utilizing bank accounts and PayPal accounts belonging to his romantic partners, to utilizing the alias “River Seine” when dealing with customers, and to relying on his partners to handle mailings of packages to victims.

Washington was also ordered to pay restitution to victims in the total amount of $203,240.90 and ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release following his imprisonment.

Nagy was sentenced to time served in January 2024. She also faces potential deportation for her conviction.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Art Crime Team - Philadelphia Division, with assistance from the FBI Art Crime Program at FBI Headquarters.  The DOJ’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance during the investigation. Assistance was also provided by the French Ministry of Justice, the French National Gendarmerie, the German Federal Criminal Police Office, the State Criminal Police Office of Saxony.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John H. Johnson and Paula Z. Johnson, both age 62, of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging them with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. John H. Johnson also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in 2016, John Johnson, a physician with specialized training in anesthesiology, entered into an agreement with other individuals to defraud health insurance programs by billing them illegally for expensive tests known as “urine drug tests.” One of the individuals that Johnson conspired with was Rodney L. Yentzer, who pleaded guilty for his role in related offenses in March 2022, and is awaiting sentencing. Johnson and Yentzer carried out this agreement through a couple different groups of pain management practices located throughout central Pennsylvania, known as Lighthouse Medical and Pain Medicine of York (“PMY”). Yentzer, who had no medical training, acquired PMY in 2014 at the suggestion of John H. Johnson, with whom Yentzer was business partners. PMY absorbed Lighthouse Medical in 2017, and PMY closed permanently in November 2019 after law enforcement agents executed search warrants at its various locations.

In 2016, Lighthouse Medical, under the direction of John H. Johnson, operated a drug testing laboratory on its own premises. This laboratory had the equipment and capabilities to perform urine drug testing (“UDT”) on site. UDT, when used legitimately, is a method for physicians to test their patients for the presence and specific amounts of various substances. A very high percentage of the patients of Lighthouse Medical (and, subsequently, PMY) were prescribed with opioid medications at each monthly visit. UDT could be used, for instance, to test whether such patients were taking their medications as prescribed or taking illegal recreational drugs in addition to their prescribed medications. Urine drug tests were typically reimbursed at a high rate by Medicare and private insurance programs.

In March 2016, Johnson and Yentzer agreed with the new owners of a rural, 25-bed “Critical Access Hospital” located near the border of Florida and Alabama to “sell” Lighthouse Medical’s UDT laboratory services to the hospital; in exchange, the hospital purchased the exclusive right to bill for payment and collect payment from patients and insurance programs. The hospital agreed to pay Lighthouse Medical a kickback of $900 per test.

As a Critical Access Hospital under federal law, the hospital received very favorable payment from Medicare and private insurance programs, including, for example, for UDT. Thus, even while paying a $900 kickback per test to Lighthouse Medical, the hospital was still able to collect and keep a significant amount of money over and above that amount. The owners of the hospital also used other laboratories like Lighthouse Medical in a similar pass-through manner. As a result, the hospital was able to bill for a number of laboratory tests that far exceeded what would normally be associated with a small facility of its kind, and Lighthouse Medical was paid far more than what it would have typically received for UDT from Medicare and other insurers. For instance, on July 12, 2016, the hospital paid Lighthouse Medical $816,300 for 907 urine drug tests. Approximately one week later, the hospital paid Lighthouse Medical $628,200 for nearly 700 tests.

In total, the owners of the hospital billed others, including private insurers, approximately $1.4 billion for various laboratory testing services that were not medically necessary. The majority of this amount was due to UDT. Lighthouse Medical received $2,341,775 in kickback payments over a four-month time period, with 85% of this amount going to John H. Johnson and the remaining amount going to Rodney L. Yentzer.

In addition to pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, John H. Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. His wife, Paula Z. Johnson, who is also a physician from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to the same offense. Together, John H. Johnson and Paula Z. Johnson conspired to evade payments to the U.S. Government that John H. Johnson was required to make for a prior criminal conviction.

In July 2015, John H. Johnson was indicted for various tax offenses in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. In September 2016, John H. Johnson was charged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with a separate health care fraud scheme. In early 2017, John H. Johnson knew that he was likely going to prison for these offenses, so he approached Rodney L. Yentzer and got Yentzer to agree to place Paula Z. Johnson, who had not practiced medicine in years, on the PMY payroll.

In June 2017, John H. Johnson was sentenced to an 84-month term of imprisonment for the various offenses with which he had been charged. He was also ordered to repay to the U.S. Government over $3 million restitution payments for fraudulent health care billing and unpaid taxes.

Even following his imprisonment, Johnson and Yentzer remained in close contact through phone and in-person visits, with Johnson providing direction to Yentzer. During conversations, Johnson and Yentzer sometimes used coded language to describe sensitive subjects, including the term “toy” to refer to money and the term “toy box” to refer to bank accounts.

John H. Johnson knew that PMY continued to be highly profitable, in large part owing to its UDT billing. Specifically, PMY billed every patient for two urine drug tests at each visit: one test a presumptive “screen” for the presence of certain substances and the second a definitive test for specific levels of 22 different substances. This testing protocol had been put in place by John H. Johnson when he ran Lighthouse Medical, and he instructed Yentzer to do the same at PMY. Yentzer followed this direction.

From mid-2017 until late 2019, PMY submitted bills just to Medicare for around $10 million in UDT, with well over $4 million being paid out. John H. Johnson, Paula Z. Johnson, and Rodney L. Yentzer devised various other ways to funnel money to the Johnsons so that they could benefit from this wealth without the money being captured for John H. Johnson’s restitution payments. Among other things, Yentzer purchased a car for the Johnsons’ son and leased an Audi Q5 for Paula Z. Johnson, at her request. Yentzer also made $28,000 in contributions to their children’s 529 college savings accounts, paid over $40,000 in legal bills for “asset and estate planning,” made over $40,000 in payments toward personal loans, and covered other large bills, all with the knowledge of both John H. Johnson and Paula Z. Johnson. On a number of occasions, Paula Z. Johnson requested these payments directly from Yentzer or his assistant.

PMY shut down abruptly in November 2019 after search warrants were executed because it was no longer able to retain medical providers to see patients. In January 2020, in a recorded prison call, Yentzer stated to John H. Johnson, that “if there’s anything left, I will make sure Paula gets, uh, a piece.” He added that “whatever’s left” after satisfying certain creditors he would “divvy up.” Yentzer made this statement despite the fact that Paula Z. Johnson had been formally terminated by PMY in November 2019.  

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for conspiracy to defraud the United States is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty under federal law for conspiracy to commit health care fraud is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Robles, age 43, formerly of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to serve 65 months’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, and $100 in financial penalties based upon his guilty plea to possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in August 2021, Robles was operating a motorcycle at a high rate of speed on I-81 in Cumberland County. A Pennsylvania State Trooper attempted to stop Robles and a high-speed chase ensued where speeds reached up to 115 mph and Robles crossed the median into oncoming traffic. Robles was eventually stopped and found in possession of heroin, marijuana, and cocaine base, as well as a .9mm Polymer handgun with no serial number, known as a “ghost gun,” loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition. Prior to the August 2021 incident, Robles was previously convicted of a state felony drug offense in 2021 and a federal drug offense in 2002 that prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition.

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

The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler and Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Miovas prosecuted the case.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mario Ruiz-Ruiz, age 35, of Mexico, was indicted on March 20, 2024, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Ruiz-Ruiz was previously removed from the United States on March 24, 2021, through El Paso, Texas, and it is alleged that he was subsequently found in the United States without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country. The indictment also alleges that on March 13, 2024, Ruiz-Ruiz was encountered in Adams County, Pennsylvania.

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Tyrik Brown, age 29, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 20, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to serve an additional six months in prison on the charge of possession of contraband in prison.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Brown, formerly of Washington D.C., previously pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing a dangerous prison-made weapon, commonly known as a “shank.”  The charge stems from an incident in April 2023 in which staff at FCI Schuylkill found Brown in possession of the weapon.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.

At the time of the incident at FCI Schuylkill, Brown was serving a sentence from Washington D.C. for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.  That sentence does not expire until November 2024.  The sentence imposed by Judge Mariani for the charge of possession of contraband in prison will run consecutively to the Washington D.C. sentence.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mark S. Herrick, age 47, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for five counts of interference and attempted interference with commerce by robbery.  

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that between October 24, 2023 and October 29, 2023, Herrick robbed, or attempted to rob, five different businesses with a knife. The five businesses stretched across three counties within the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Palmyra, Swatara, and Lower Allen Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

SCRANTON - United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam announced that as part of the Department of Justice’s United Against Hate initiative to better counter hate crimes and hate incidents in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, he has met and will continue to meet with religious leaders to discuss their concerns about extremism and threats to their places of worship and their members. 

In December 2023, U.S Attorney Karam hosted two separate meetings in Scranton and in Harrisburg with local Jewish leaders to discuss their concerns about the recent uprise in antisemitic speech and incidents of hate.  At those meetings, subject matter experts from the United States Attorney’s Office; Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigations; Pennsylvania State Police; Dauphin, Cumberland, Lackawanna, and York County District Attorney’s Offices; Harrisburg, Scranton, and York Police Departments; and York Human Relations Commission attended and listened to the leaders’ safety concerns and encouraged them to report all hate incidents and crimes.  In February and March 2024, U.S. Attorney Karam had similar meetings with local Muslim, Islamic, and Arab Christian leaders to discuss the equally troubling uprise in threats to their members.   

“We continue to strengthen our partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement in conjunction with our stakeholders in the religious communities by holding these conversations to serve them better, said U.S. Attorney Karam.  “Hate-fueled violence and incidents will not be tolerated in our district, and we will continue to unite our stakeholders with the shared goal of reporting, preventing, disrupting, and prosecuting these crimes.”

The United Against Hate initiative seeks to strengthen collaborative relationships of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with communities in order to build trust and encourage the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents. 

Those who believe they are subject to hate crimes or incidents should contact local law enforcement and the FBI.  Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/. Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing usapam.civil.rights@usdoj.gov.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Adony Rivera-Cortorreal, age 28, of the Dominican Republic, was indicted on March 19, 2024, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Rivera-Cortorreal was previously removed from the United States on April 2, 2019, and it is alleged that he was subsequently found in the United States without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country. The indictment also alleges that on March 2, 2023, Rivera-Cortorreal was encountered in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.

This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Moreno is prosecuting the case.

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

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 12, 2024, Vincent Shaffer, age 44, of Schuylkill County, PA, was indicted on a charge of possession of child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Shaffer received child pornography on August 20, 2023, and possessed child pornography on December 7, 2023, in Columbia County. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation-RAC Williamsport and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Larry Patterson, age 32, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 12, 2024, to 10 years in prison, to be followed by a three year term of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Patterson was stopped by law enforcement in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 2022. He was found to be in possession of 29 grams of crack cocaine in two clear plastic baggies, as well as a digital scale.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Harrisburg City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johnny Baer and Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.

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

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mohamed Farah, age 34, of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to three years’ imprisonment for threatening the President and a former President. The Court also imposed a three-year term of supervised release to follow imprisonment.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Farah previously admitted that in January 2022, he threatened to assassinate President Biden and threatened to assassinate former President Trump if he ran for reelection. Farah, a citizen of Somalia, may face deportation after serving his prison sentence.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Lower Allen Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.
# # #