Middle District of Pennsylvania

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jay Holloway, age 36, of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on child pornography charges.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Holloway distributed, received, and possessed child pornography from August 2021 to May 17, 2023, in Bradford County. The indictment further alleges that images and videos contained minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, some of which depict the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.

The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section. 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 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.
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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Luis Gonzalez, age 28, of El Paso, Texas, was sentenced on March 12, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to ten years’ imprisonment on the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Gonzalez previously pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing between 15 kilograms and 50 kilograms of cocaine for further distribution in the Lackawanna County area in September 2022. Gonzalez and another individual, Jose Torres, age 27, also of El Paso, Texas, were indicted by a grand jury in Scranton for cocaine trafficking in October 2022. The charges stem from an incident on September 29, 2022, in which members of the Pennsylvania State Police made a traffic stop of a vehicle in Lackawanna County. Gonzalez and Torres were the occupants of the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of sixteen individually wrapped kilograms of cocaine, having a street-value of approximately $500,000.

Co-defendant Jose Torres is still awaiting sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police and the Scranton Police Department. 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.
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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jose Torres, age 28, of El Paso, Texas, was sentenced on March 12, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to ten years’ imprisonment on the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Torres previously pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing between 15 kilograms and 50 kilograms of cocaine for further distribution in the Lackawanna County area in September 2022. Torres and another individual, Luis Gonzalez, age 28, also of El Paso, Texas, were indicted by a grand jury in Scranton for cocaine trafficking in October 2022. The charges stem from an incident on September 29, 2022, in which members of the Pennsylvania State Police made a traffic stop of a vehicle in Lackawanna County. Torres and Gonzalez were the occupants of the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of sixteen individually wrapped kilograms of cocaine, having a street-value of approximately $500,000.

Co-defendant Luis Gonzalez was previously sentenced by Judge Mariani to serve ten years’ imprisonment.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police and the Scranton Police Department. 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.
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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Benjamin Woytas, age 34, of Wilkes-Barre Township, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that in August 2023, Woytas distributed methamphetamine on multiple occasions in Luzerne County.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. 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 40 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jose Miguel Peralta, Jr., age 35, of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for fentanyl trafficking in Luzerne County.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Peralta with one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.  

The charges against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. 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.

Under federal law, for the fentanyl trafficking charges, Peralta 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. For the firearms charge, Peralta faces a maximum sentence of 15 years 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.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Cesar A. Reyes-Garcia, age 43, of Guatemala, was indicted on March 6, 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 Reyes-Garcia was previously removed from the United States on June 11, 2015, through Harlingen, 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 January 16, 2023, Reyes-Garcia was encountered in Lebanon 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 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.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Terry Clark, age 59, of York County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 7, 2024, to 96 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in 2021, Clark was stopped by law enforcement in York, Pennsylvania, and found to be in possession of crack cocaine, two cell phones, a digital scale, and $18,200.  Clark confessed that the money was from selling drugs.  A month later, Clark sold crack cocaine to a confidential source, and then, two weeks later was stopped again.  During the second stop, Clark was in possession of an additional quantity of crack cocaine and marijuana.  Law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant at Clark’s residence and seized more crack cocaine, as well as fentanyl, a digital scale, and stun gun.  In total, Clark was determined to be responsible for 398 grams of crack cocaine, 27 grams of marijuana, and 8 grams of fentanyl.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the York County Drug Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorneys Bruce D. Brandler, Johnny Baer, and K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe prosecuted the case. 

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dexter Yard, age 36, of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 8, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to the charge of distributing fentanyl and cocaine.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Yard admitted that on August 17, 2021, he distributed fentanyl and cocaine to another individual in Luzerne County.  The charge stems from an incident in which members of the Wilkes-Barre Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police made a purchase of fentanyl and cocaine from Yard, and then arrested him.  A search of the vehicle Yard was driving resulted in the seizure of a fully loaded .38 caliber handgun, drug paraphernalia and the money police used to purchase the drugs from Yard.

The charge against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  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.

Under federal law, Yard faces a maximum sentence of twenty years, 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.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Luke Shager, age 37, of New Milford, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 7, 2024, to 262 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for sexual exploitation of children.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual, later identified as Shager, was transmitting multiple images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Shager’s New Milord residence and seized four cellular telephones. The devices contained over 1,200 images and videos of child pornography, including 2 self-produced videos depicting Shager engaging in sexual contact with a minor under the age of 12. 

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kevin Davis, age 28, of Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 7, 2024, to 96 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between May 2021 and April 2022, Davis rented an apartment to a drug trafficking operation in Wilkes-Barre knowing the apartment was solely being used to store illegal drugs and drug proceeds.  Davis installed security cameras inside the apartment and acted as security for the drug trafficking organization. He instructed members of the organization what to do and say if they were stopped by the police and warned them about potential law enforcement surveillance.  On one occasion he used a law enforcement data base to determine whether a member of the organization had been stopped by law enforcement.  During the time of the conspiracy, Davis was employed as a patrolman for a Luzerne County Municipal Police Department.  Judge Mannion determined at sentencing that Davis abused is position of trust as a law enforcement officer when committing these acts.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Hardik prosecuted the case.

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

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.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Edgardo Pueyo-Malave, age 37, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for conspiring to distribute cocaine.  

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that between December 2020 and December 2021, Pueyo-Malave conspired to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli is prosecuting the case. 

The total maximum penalty under federal law for this offense 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.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lucy Annette Alexander, age 37, of Maryland and Washington, DC, was sentenced yesterday to 46 months in prison to be followed by 60 months of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for bank fraud. Judge Wilson also ordered Alexander to pay restitution in the amount of $305,219.28. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Alexander previously pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud on May 2, 2023.  Alexander admitted that between August 2012 and 2021, she wrote hundreds of checks at retail store locations, including PetSmart, Sears, Dollar Tree, Weis Markets (or Weis Pharmacy), Food Lion, MOM’s Organic Market, Giant Food, Harris Teeter, The Home Depot, Sally Beauty, Advance Auto Parts, Costco, Barnes & Noble, Hobby Lobby, BJ’s Wholesale Club, CVS Pharmacy, Party City, SHOE SHOW, Bed Bath & Beyond, Roses Discount Store, and others. The bank accounts from which Alexander wrote these checks were already closed and therefore did not have adequate funds to cover purchases at the above retail stores.  In total, Alexander wrote over $300,000 in fraudulent checks during this time period.

In May 2020, Alexander also wrote and used seven checks from a Chase Bank account for a total of over $17,000, knowing that her account had insufficient funds to cover these checks. These checks were used to purchase goods at Weis Markets, Giant Food, and Roses Discount Store locations in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Damen Drakeford, age 30, of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, was sentenced on March 7, 2024, by United States District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to 84 months’ imprisonment for committing multiple bank robberies.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Drakeford previously entered a guilty plea and admitted to committing four bank robberies in July 2023: two in Pennsylvania and two New in Jersey.

Specifically, Drakeford admitted to robbing the following institutions:

            - Fulton Bank, Netcong, New Jersey, on July 7, 2023;

            - Provident Bank, Fair Lawn, New Jersey, on July 11, 2023;

            - Fidelity Bank, Upper Mount Bethel Township, Pennsylvania, on July 11, 2023; and

            - M&T Bank, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on July 14, 2023.

 A total of $32,988 was taken in the robberies.  After the M&T Bank robbery in Stroudsburg, Drakeford was apprehended by members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department, after he led the police on a high-speed vehicle chase, crashed his vehicle, and ran into the nearby woods where he was arrested by the police.

The charges against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Stroud Area Regional Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.  Members of the Fair Lawn and Netcong Police Departments in New Jersey, and the New Jersey State Police, also assisted with the investigation. 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.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stephen Okamoto, age 35, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday on charges of distribution and possession of child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on November 13, 2023, in Lebanon County, Okamoto distributed images and video of child    pornography.  The indictment further alleges that Okamoto possessed images of child pornography on February 8, 2024.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Derry Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera 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 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.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the completion of a joint federal and state operation designed to target areas of high rates of violent crime and opioid overdoses within the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania area of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the United States Attorney’s Office in coordination with the DEA, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, and the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department conducted Operation Overdrive – a law enforcement initiative designed to disrupt violent crime and drug trafficking within specified areas of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Extensive research of 2023 data of violent crime and opioid overdose incidents within Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania identified two specific zones within the city in which a high number of violent crimes occurred together with frequent opioid poisoning.  These two zones were identified to be the most violent areas of the city with a combined 39% of violent crimes occurring during the calendar year.  The two zones also contained a higher rate of opioid overdoses, with 35% of such incidents occurring within Wilkes-Barre.

Law enforcement agents from federal, state, and local agencies coordinated efforts over a six-month period beginning in September 2023, to target drug trafficking organizations operating within Wilkes-Barre, with an eye on disrupting, dismantling, and arresting targets operating within the two zones identified by data analysis.  The Scranton, Pennsylvania office of the DEA in coordination with the DEA Long Island (New York) District Office executed three federal search warrants associated with the leader of a targeted drug trafficking organization operating in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and Long Island, New York. These searches resulted in the arrest of four individuals, and the seizure of 7.6 kilograms of fentanyl; 100 counterfeit pills; 3 pounds of highly pure crystal methamphetamine; 100 grams of crack cocaine; and two firearms. In addition to this highly successful investigation Operation Overdrive enforcement operations resulted in the arrest of four additional unrelated drug traffickers and the seizure of more than four kilograms of fentanyl; 540 grams of crack cocaine; 640 grams of cocaine; more than a kilogram of highly pure crystal methamphetamine; and five additional firearms.

As these efforts were underway, the United States Marshals Service ran Operation Washout, a parallel initiative to locate and arrest violent fugitives hiding in Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested 43 fugitives.  All these individuals were violent offenders with open arrest warrants. One of these individuals has since been indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton for drug trafficking and firearms possession discovered at the time of his arrest.  Another fugitive arrested during the operation is under federal investigation for similar crimes. Of the arrests made by the United States Marshals Service five were wanted for homicide crimes; five for firearms related crimes (separate from the homicide fugitives); nine for narcotics crimes; and six for sex related felonies.  The United States Marshals Service also seized six firearms; ½ kilogram of fentanyl; 27 grams of heroin; 74 grams of cocaine/crack cocaine; and more than 350 grams of highly pure crystal methamphetamine during the arrests.

The results of this law enforcement coordination have shown significant signs of lowering drug related violence and opioid poisonings in Wilkes-Barre. For example, from January 2023 through February 2023, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department reported 15 violent crime incidents (33 violent crimes per 100,000 persons) and 20 opioid poisonings (45 per 100,000 persons). Comparatively, from January 2024 through February 2024, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department reported 11 violent crime incidents (24 violent crimes per 100,000 persons) and eight opioid poisonings (18 opioid poisonings per 100,000 persons). More specifically, Zone 1 had 0 violent crime incidents and two opioid poisonings while Zone 2 had one violent crime incident and 0 opioid poisonings. That’s a 100 percent decrease of violent crime in Zone 1 and a 50 percent decrease in opioid poisonings, while Zone 2 showed a 67 percent decrease in violent crime and a 100 percent decrease in opioid poisonings.

“The goal of Operation Overdrive was to disrupt drug-trafficking organizations that pose the greatest threats to our communities,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Philadelphia Field Division.  “The joint work of the DEA, Pennsylvania State Police, Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, and Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department did exactly that – together they prevented the distribution of over 531,000 potentially lethal doses of fentanyl in the Wilkes-Barre area.   I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their support of this initiative and the U.S. Marshals Service for their concurrent efforts in arresting violent fugitives across Luzerne County.” 

"Operation Washout has successfully targeted and apprehended dangerous fugitives, removing threats from our streets,” said U.S. Marshal William Pugh. “Working in parallel with Operation Overdrive exemplifies law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding our communities."

“The City of Wilkes-Barre and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department appreciate the efforts of the DEA, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Chief Joseph Coffay, Wilkes-Barre Police Department. “This successful operation could not have been achieved without the combined efforts of local, state and federal authorities.”

Operation Overdrive is an initiative by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in coordination with the Pennsylvania State Police, the Wilkes-Barre City Police, and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Operation Washout is an initiative by the United States Marshals Service in coordination with the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Parole Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley is the Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and represented the United States Attorney on the two related law enforcement operations.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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.

These criminal cases were 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.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Roy Niles, age 59, of Nineveh, New York, was sentenced on February 29, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to 144 months’ imprisonment on the charge of conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Niles previously pleaded guilty and admitted to conspiring with another individual to distribute between 1.5 kilograms and 5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in the Susquehanna County area in March 2020.  The charge stems from an incident in March 2020, in which Niles arranged to purchase several pounds of crystal methamphetamine from another individual in Susquehanna County.  After the methamphetamine was received by Niles, the Pennsylvania State Police moved in and attempted to arrest him.  Niles fled from the police and led police on a high-speed chase from Pennsylvania into New York.  Niles was later apprehended.

The charge against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pennsylvania State Police.  The New York State Police also provided assistance during the investigation.  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.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dario George, age 32, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy Mannion, to 78 months’ imprisonment of the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, George previously pleaded guilty and admitted to distributing between 280 grams and 400 grams of fentanyl in the Luzerne County area in 2021 and 2022. The charge stems from an investigation in which investigators made four purchases of fentanyl from George and then, on May 19, 2022, obtained a search warrant for George’s residence in Nanticoke.  A search of that residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 30,000 individual bags of fentanyl and additional amounts of heroin and cocaine, $8098 in U.S. currency, and drug packaging materials.

The charges against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Xyvaion Lawrence, age 23, a federal inmate incarcerated at FCI Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for possession of contraband in prison.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in November of 2022, a correctional officer observed Lawrence in possession of a 6-inch homemade knife, commonly referred to as a “shank,” hidden in the waistband of his pants.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Special Investigative Services of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Josiah DeJesus, age 22, of Bronx, NY, was sentenced on February 29, 2024 by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani to 80 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for his role as the lead or coordinating courier in a Dominican Republic-based “grandparents” fraud scheme that preyed upon elderly American victims from states across the country.    

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, from approximately June 2020 to October 2020, along with a group of other men from Bronx, NY, that he recruited, DeJesus regularly traveled from New York City to locations in Pennsylvania to retrieve UPS and Fed Ex packages containing thousands of dollars in cash.  These packages were sent by elderly victims, who were induced to send the money based upon false claims that their grandchildren had been arrested and charged with serious crimes and, consequently, were in immediate need of money.  These false claims were made to the elderly victims in phone calls that they received from oversees co-conspirators in the Dominican Republic, who posed either as the victims’ grandchildren or as attorneys representing the victims’ grandchildren.  At his sentencing, DeJesus was ordered to pay $366,303.28 in restitution to the victims of the scheme.   

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation –Philadelphia Division, and its state and local law enforcement partners in Berks County, PA.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Richard Rader, age 61, a resident of New Galilee, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for attempted online enticement of a minor. 

According to the United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between June 20, 2022, and July 8, 2022, Rader used the internet and an electronic device to attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a person who he believed to be a 12-year-old child to engage in sexual conduct and to produce images of child pornography.  During that period, on two occasions, Rader transmitted obscene photographs of himself to the purported child.    

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations – Philadelphia Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case.

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.

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HARRISBURG, PA —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dr. Peter J. Baddick, III has agreed to pay the United States $60,000.00 to resolve civil liability for alleged violations of the False Claims Act.

According to the United States Attorney, Gerard M. Karam, between April 2015 and December 2015, Dr. Baddick prescribed the opioid medication Subsys to patients who did not have a cancer diagnosis without a legitimate medical purpose outside the usual course of professional practice. Dr. Baddick then billed Medicaid and Tricare for the visits associated with the prescription of Subsys to these patients.  A civil action was filed in April of 2022 and is docketed as United States v. Dr. Peter J. Baddick, III.; Civ. No. 3: 22-512 (M.D. Pa.)

“This office is dedicated to combatting fraud and abuse impacting taxpayer-funded programs,” said United States Attorney Karam.  “We use every tool at our disposal to do so, and this resolution reflects that commitment.”

This Settlement Agreement is neither an admission of liability by Dr. Baddick nor a concession by the United States that its claims are not well founded.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Office of the Inspector General for the Defense Health Agency. The investigation was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys, B. Craig Black and Tamara Haken, and the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit within the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Charles Epps, age 27, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on February 28, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to the charge of possession of contraband in prison.  Epps was then sentenced by Judge Mariani to serve an additional six months in prison.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Epps, formerly of Washington D.C., admitted to possessing a dangerous prison-made weapon, commonly known as a “shank.”  The charge stems from an incident in May 2023, in which staff at FCI Schuylkill found Epps 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 is prosecuting the case.

 At the time of the incident at FCI Schuylkill, Epps was serving a sentence from Washington D.C. for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm. That sentence does not expire until 2025.  The sentence imposed by Judge Mariani for the charge of possession of contraband in prison will run consecutively to the Washington D.C. sentence.

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SCRANTON - United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office held an event at the Wilkes-Barre Area High School to promote the Department of Justice’s United Against Hate initiative.  The event, which included federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, focused on educating students on how to identify, report, and prevent hate crimes. 

In its auditorium and broadcasted to over 2,800 students, the Wilkes-Barre Area High School hosted subject matter experts from the United States Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office; the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Mayor of Wilkes-Barre, the Luzerne County District Attorney, and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department.  Presenters highlighted differences between hate crimes versus hate incidents and provided options for responding to hate incidents when situations do not constitute a federal or state crime. Presenters also distinguished unlawful conduct from protected First Amendment activity, including identifying protected speech versus speech that advocates violence or encourages people to commit hate crimes.

U.S. Attorney Karam previously hosted meetings in November 2022, in the Harrisburg area with an audience of various law enforcement agencies and community leaders from across the mid-state; in March 2023, at Scranton High School for students and community leaders; in December 2023, in Harrisburg and Scranton with Jewish faith leaders; and, January 2024, with Central York High School for students. Also, scheduled this month, U.S. Attorney Karam will meet with Islamic faith leaders.

“We are committed to reach young people, our future leaders, to ensure they understand the difference between speech that is protected under the First Amendment and crimes that threaten not just one individual but groups of people because of what they look like, who they love, and what faith they practice,” said U.S. Attorney Karam.  “The United Against Hate initiative continues to bring our communities together in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement 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.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Chris Weaver, age 50, of Spruce Creek, Pennsylvania, was charged on February 21, 2024, in a criminal information with receiving child pornography.

According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the information charges Weaver with being in receipt of child pornography between July 1, 2020 and January 31, 2023, in Huntingdon County.

The case was investigated by the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) 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 offense is 20 years imprisonment, a lifetime term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and a special assessment.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. 

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ewhnik Proctor, age 26, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 7, 2024, by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that, on separate dates in 2022, Proctor distributed a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and possessed a firearm while he was prohibited by law from doing so. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.  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 35 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.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is alerting the public about a nationwide scam to trick unsuspecting individuals into paying cryptocurrency to lift non-existent arrest warrants.  

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, targets of the scam have received forged court documentation stating that they are being investigated for Payroll Protection Program (PPP) fraud and are the subject of an arrest warrant.  The documents often claim to have been sent on behalf of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch.  Additional documents sent by scammers advise the recipient that to lift the arrest warrant, the recipient must make a payment through a cryptocurrency kiosk.  The documents contain detailed instructions on how to use a cryptocurrency kiosk to send payment.

The United States Attorney’s Office is warning the public that these solicitations are unapproved and illegitimate.  If you receive solicitations to lift an arrest warrant in exchange for cryptocurrency payments, you should not respond or follow those instructions.  Please report these scams to law enforcement by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721, or by submission to the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.  You also may report the scam to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at: https://www.ic3.gov/.

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.

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NOTE: This press release has been updated to reflect the removal of the names of uncharged entities.

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Capozza, age 42, of Newington, Connecticut, was sentenced yesterday to 210 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for the online enticement of a minor and production of child pornography.

Capozza previously pleaded guilty to one count of online enticement of a minor and one count of production of child pornography.  Between July 23, 2020, and December 31, 2020, Capozza used Snapchat to persuade, induce, and entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, including to engage in sexual intercourse with Capozza and to travel with him to Connecticut and Massachusetts for the purposes of continuing their illegal sexual activity together.  On or about August 23, 2020, Capozza persuaded, induced, and enticed the same minor victim to make several pornographic videos and then send those videos to him via Snapchat.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Omaha, Nebraska Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Connecticut and Nebraska.  Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON - United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office organized an anti-gang program yesterday for over 2,000 Scranton School District students grades 7-12.  The event focused on educating students on the perils of gang membership. 

In its auditorium and broadcasted to all their classrooms, the Scranton School District hosted subject matter experts from the United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.  

Presenters focused on the myth of gang membership and the destruction that follows the “big lie” - that gangs provide protection, family, and loyalty.  The presenters highlighted the tools that law enforcement have at its disposal to prosecute those who join a bad association knowing of its criminal objectives.  Those tools include federal RICO and VICAR statutes which carry substantial penalties.  Students were also advised about the many resources available to them to escape violence and danger, and were encouraged that if they see something – say something. The goal seeks to keep students, their family, and our communities as safe as possible and to prevent harm.

“As our schools have seen an increase in gang activity and recruitment, and thus it is an important priority to educate students on the risks and consequences of joining a gang,” said U.S. Attorney Karam.  “Our goal is to bring that awareness to students, and we are grateful to have strong partnerships with the school district and our law enforcement partners to support this objective.”

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Robert M. Reynolds, age 69, of Newfoundland, Pennsylvania, was charged in an information with wire fraud.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the information alleges that from May 2020 to August 2021, Reynolds aided and abetted another in submitting a fraudulent application and weekly certifications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.  The application and weekly certifications allegedly claimed that Reynolds was unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, had earnings for each quarter of 2019, and was available to accept employment if offered a job, when in fact, he was a retiree.  Reynolds allegedly obtained approximately $36,000 in PUA benefits as a result of the scheme.

The PUA program was created by the March 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.

In May 2023, the United States Attorney’s Office unsealed charges against a related defendant, Christopher J. Miller, formerly of Newfoundland, Pennsylvania.  Miller was charged with 54 combined counts of wire fraud, bank fraud false statements, identity theft, and unlawful monetary transactions, for allegedly obtaining over $1,500,000 in pandemic stimulus funds for himself and for others.  Miller was arrested, detained, and pleaded guilty.  He awaits sentencing.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and by the Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalties under federal law are 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.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anderson Ortiz, age 24, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to 129 months in prison for drug trafficking and firearms charges. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the sentencing was the latest sentence imposed of the eight people charged in the indictment for running a drug trafficking conspiracy from 2018 to 2020. Members of the conspiracy were affiliated with a music group named “Never Forget Loyalty” or “NFL.” As a part of their drug trafficking operation, the “NFL” posted videos on YouTube which were filmed in various Harrisburg locales, including the drug involved premises of 1621 Market Street. In the videos, members of the group brandished various weapons, flashed cash, and displayed drugs. In a yearlong investigation, ATF and the local law enforcement conducted a series searches. During these searches, police recovered part of “NFL’s” arsenal, including a machine gun, assault rifles, and various weapons with extended magazines.  

After resolving various sentencing issues, Judge Conner sentenced Anderson Ortiz to the top of the sentencing guideline range. Ortiz had previously entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to traffic drugs and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  

All defendants have entered guilty pleas to drug trafficking and/or firearms offenses. Judge Conner sentenced the defendants as follows:

• Kaleaf Brown, age 28 of Harrisburg, was sentenced to 140 months in prison;
• Qushawn Brown, age 32 of Harrisburg, was sentenced to 137 months in prison;
• Tyquann Langston, age 28 of Harrisburg, was sentenced to 120 months in prison;
• Adieas Johnson, age 35 of Harrisburg, was sentenced to 120 months in prison;
• Donza Brown, age 60 of Harrisburg, was sentenced to 37 months in prison; and,
• Jaionne Miller, age 23 of Harrisburg, was sentenced to 37 months in prison.

Co-defendant Wesley Garner entered a guilty plea to weapons and drug trafficking offenses. He is awaiting sentencing.

The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Consiglio 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.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Martin Evers, age 66, of Pike County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 264 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for unlawfully prescribing oxycodone, fentanyl, and methadone to three patients, including a Monroe County woman who died as a result of using the drugs.  In addition to the prison term, Judge Mariani ordered that Evers pay a fine in the amount of $50,000 and be supervised by a probation officer for three years following his release from prison. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Evers was convicted by a jury on December 5, 2022.  Jurors deliberated for just two hours before finding Evers guilty on all 71 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, as charged in the superseding indictment.  The counts involved the unlawful distribution of oxycodone, fentanyl and methadone, all Schedule II controlled substances, and diazepam, a Schedule IV controlled substance.  One of the counts for which Evers was convicted involved the unlawful distribution of oxycodone and fentanyl that resulted in the death of a 48-year old Monroe County woman on February 11, 2019.

During the three-week trial, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented the testimony from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - Diversion Division, six pharmacists who refused to fill prescriptions issued by Evers, a Walmart Global Investigations witness who offered testimony related to Walmart’s issuance of a nationwide ban for filling all narcotic prescriptions issued by Evers, an expert on pain medicine, an expert toxicologist, an expert pathologist, a Pennsylvania State Police Officer, and a witness from the Monroe County Coroner’s Office.

During the time charged in the superseding indictment, Evers was an employee of the Bon Secours Charity Health System and practiced as a primary care physician in Milford, Pennsylvania.  He was licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and authorized to prescribe controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes and in the usual course of professional practice.  Evers is no longer licensed to practice medicine.

The jury found that Evers repeatedly prescribed oxycodone, fentanyl, and methadone outside the usual course of professional practice and not for legitimate medical purposes and as a result, addiction and death occurred. 

After the jury’s verdict on December 5, 2022, Judge Mariani ordered Evers detained.

The two-year long investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its Diversion Division, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Jenny Roberts prosecuted the case.

This case was prosecuted as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and other opioids. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin and opioid 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 opioid trafficking offenses.

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 this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dawn Trotta, age 52, of Covington Township, Pennsylvania, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment or disposal of objects of cultural heritage, and interstate transportation of stolen property, a federal Felony. 

On February 9, 2024, Trotta admitted in court to the Honorable District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, that from on or about August of 1999 and continuing through in or about April of 2019, in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, that she intentionally conspired with others commit engage in a scheme to steal major artwork and objects of cultural heritage, and to move the stolen property in interstate commerce.    

Eight other individuals have been charged in the same conspiracy.  Thomas Trotta, age 48, of Moscow, Pennsylvania, Frank Tassiello, age 51, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Daryl Rinker, age 50, of Thornhurst, Pennsylvania, and Ralph Parry, age 45, of Covington Township, Pennsylvania, were all charged by felony information and have already pleaded guilty.

On June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Nicholas Dombek, age 53, of Thornhurst, Pennsylvania, Damien Boland, age 47, of Moscow, Pennsylvania, Alfred Atsus, age 47, of Covington Township, Pennsylvania, and Joseph Atsus, age 49, of Roaring Brook, Pennsylvania, with conspiracy and the substantive counts of theft of major artwork and the concealment or disposal of objects of cultural heritage.  Dombek was further charged with a substantive count of interstate transportation of stolen property.  They are presently pending trial.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment and informations charge the nine individuals with conspiring over a period of 20 years to break into multiple museums and other institutions and steal priceless works of art, sports memorabilia, and other objects. Those objects include the following:

• A Christy Matthewson jersey and two contracts signed by Matthewson stolen in 1999 from Keystone College in Factoryville, Pennsylvania;
• “Le Grande Passion” by Andy Warhol and “Springs Winter” stolen in 2005 from the Everhart Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania;
• Nine (9) World Series rings, seven (7) other championship rings, and two (2) MVP plaques all belonging to Yogi Berra, worth over $1,000,000 stolen in 2014 from the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center in Little Falls, New Jersey;
• Six (6) championship belts, including four belonging to Carmen Basillio and two belonging to Tony Zale stolen in 2015 from the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York;
• The Hickok Belt and MVP Trophy belonging to Roger Maris, stolen in 2016 from the Roger Maris Museum in Fargo, North Dakota;
• The U.S. Amateur Trophy and a Hickok Belt awarded to Ben Hogan, stolen in 2012 from the USGA Golf Museum & Library;
• Fourteen (14) trophies and other awards worth over $300,000 stolen in 2012 from the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York;
• Five (5) trophies worth over $400,000, including the 1903 Belmont Stakes Trophy, stolen in 2013 from the National Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York;
• Eleven (11) trophies, including 4 belonging to Art Wall, Jr. stolen in 2011 from the Scranton Country Club located in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania;
• Three antique firearms worth a combined $1,000,000 stolen in 2006 from Space Farms: Zoo & Museum in Wantage, New Jersey;
• An 1903/1904 Tiffany Lamp stolen in 2010 from the Lackawanna Historical Society in Scranton, Pennsylvania,
• “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Crospey, worth approximately $500,000, stolen in 2011 from Ringwood Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey;
• Two antique firearms worth over $300,000, stolen in 2011 from Ringwood Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey;
• $400,000 worth of gold nuggets stolen in 2011 from the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg, New Jersey;
• Various gems, minerals, and other items stolen in 2017 from the Franklin Mineral Museum in Franklin, New Jersey;
• An antique shotgun worth over $30,000 stolen in 2018 from Space Farms: Zoo & Museum in Wantage, New Jersey;
• Various jewelry, rings, and other items from various antique and jewelry stores in New York, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.

The indictment and informations further allege that after stealing the above-described items, the conspirators would transport the stolen goods back to northeastern Pennsylvania, often the residence of Dombek, and melt the memorabilia down into easily transportable metal discs or bars.  The conspirators would then sell the raw metal to fences in the New York City area for hundreds or thousands of dollars, significantly less than the stolen items would be worth at fair market value.

The indictment and informations further allege that Dombek burnt the painting “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Crospey, valued at approximately $500,000, to avoid the painting being recovered by investigators and used as evidence against the members of the conspiracy.  The whereabouts of many of the other paintings and stolen objects are currently unknown. 

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, the New Jersey State Police, the New York State Police, the New Jersey State Park Police, the Newport Police Department (Rhode Island), the Fargo Police Department (North Dakota), the Chester Police Department (New York), the Exeter Borough Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Scranton Police Department, the Franklin Police Department (New Jersey), the Village of Goshen Police Department (New York), the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, D.C.), the West Milord Township Police Department (New Jersey), the Montclair Police Department (New Jersey), the Saratoga Springs Police Department (New York), the Canastota Police Department (New York), the South Abington Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Bernards Township Police Department (New Jersey), the Salisbury Township Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Montclair State University Police Department (New Jersey) the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office (Pennsylvania), the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office (New Jersey), the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (New Jersey), the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (New York), the Madison County District Attorney’s Office (New York), and multiple other local law enforcement agencies from across the country.   Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan is prosecuting the case.

Sentencing for Dawn Trotta is not yet scheduled.  Trotta faces a maximum penalty of imprisonment for a term of five years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Lorenzo Scott, age 50, formerly of Rayville, Louisiana, and   an inmate at the United States Penitentiary (USP) at Lewisburg, was convicted of assault with intent to commit murder and assault resulting in serious bodily injury following a three-day jury trial before Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann in Williamsport.  

 According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Scott was an inmate at USP Lewisburg on March 25, 2015, when he physically assaulted his cellmate and repeatedly struck, stomped, and inflicted blunt force trauma to the cellmate’s head resulting in severe, life- threatening injuries.  A corrections officer at USP Lewisburg, who was conducting rounds at 4:00 a.m., observed Scott stomping on the cellmate’s head as the cellmate lay on the floor of the cell in a puddle of blood. The cellmate died approximately two years and two months after the assault from the injuries inflicted by Scott. 

The indictment in this case originally charged Lorenzo Scott with murder. However, the charge of murder was withdrawn by the government due to existing federal caselaw regarding the “year-and-a-day-rule,” which bars a prosecution for murder in cases in which the victim dies more than a year and a day after the infliction of the wound causing the victim’s death.

During the trial, Scott testified and admitted that, without provocation, he assaulted and intended to kill his victim.

A bill has been introduced in Congress which would abolish the year-and-a-day-rule in federal murder cases.

The case was investigated by the FBI-Williamsport Division and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Special Investigations Section (SIS). Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara and Kyle A. Moreno prosecuted the case.

The charges of assault with intent to commit murder and assault resulting in serious bodily injury each carry a maximum sentence under federal law of up to 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs.  For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gilberto Rodriguez Jr., age 46, of Long Island, NY, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges. 

According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that between October 17, 2022 and March 20, 2023, Rodriguez distributed a quantity of fentanyl on three separate occasions, in York County.  The indictment further alleges on two separate occasions during that same time frame, Rodriguez distributed approximately 50 grams and more of methamphetamine. Finally, the indictment alleges that on March 20, 2023, Rodriguez possessed a quantity of fentanyl with the intent to distribute the controlled substance. 

The case was investigated by the York County Detective Bureau, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Monroe is prosecuting the case.  

The maximum penalty for the offenses is life imprisonment, a life term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $20,000,000 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 and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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

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HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Zedan RaShwan, age 25, formerly of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, to 28 months of imprisonment, for wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft offenses.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, RaShwan pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to use the stolen identities and DEA registration numbers of healthcare providers to order fraudulent prescriptions at various pharmacies.  RaShwan and his coconspirators obtained and distributed those prescription medications, which included the controlled substances and prescription medications Promethazine with Codeine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, and Clonazepam.  RaShwan has been in custody since pleading guilty on March 1, 2023.

The case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of the Inspector General, and by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG, PA —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Penn State Health (PSH), a multi-hospital health system, has agreed to pay $11,712,336 to resolve allegations of civil liability for submitting claims to Medicare for Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) services that violated Medicare rules and regulations. 

According to the U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Penn State Health voluntarily disclosed that, between December 2015 and November 2022, PSH submitted claims to Medicare for Annual Wellness Visit services that were not supported by the medical record. After PSH discovered the problems, PSH took prompt corrective action and disclosed the matter to the United States Attorney’s Office. 

This matter was handled by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Counsel to the Inspector General (OCIG), and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Haken of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Thomas Keister, age 68, of Schuylkill County, PA, was indicted on charges of distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Keister distributed, received, and possessed child pornography from March 2021 to October 2023, in Schuylkill County. 

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations - Allentown.  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 are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Alfredo Sandoval-Madrigal, age 50, was sentenced on January 30, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, to nine months’ imprisonment on the charge of illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Sandoval-Madrigal was last deported from the United States to Mexico in June 2018.  He re-entered the United States again sometime after June 2018 without first obtaining legal permission to do so. Sandoval-Madrigal was encountered in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, on June 12, 2023. 

The matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).  Assistant United States Attorney David C. Williams prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 1, 2024, United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson sentenced James Henderson Bryant III, age 46, of Westminster, Maryland, to 14 years’ imprisonment for bank robbery.  Judge Wilson also ordered Bryant to serve five years on supervised release after the conclusion of his prison sentence and ordered him to pay BB&T and Citizens Banks restitution of more than $26,000.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in July 2021, a little more than two months after being released from nearly 13 years in state prison, Bryant stole more than $3,000 from a BB&T Bank branch in Hanover, Pennsylvania using a demand note.  In August 2021, Bryant robbed two different BB&T Bank branches in Gettysburg, and Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, threatening tellers that he had a firearm before fleeing with cash.  In September 2021, Bryant robbed a Citizens Bank branch in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, this time brandishing what looked like a handgun at three tellers before stealing more than $6,200.  Bryant was arrested on October 5, 2021, minutes after robbing a Citizens Bank branch in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, while brandishing what appeared to be a firearm.  Days following Bryant’s arrest, he assaulted a corrections officer while being transported to a local hospital for medical care, for which charges remain pending.  According to court records, Bryant was charged federally with bank robbery in December 2021, and pleaded guilty in January 2023.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance provided by the Pennsylvania State Police, Penn Township Police Department, Gettysburg Police Department, York Area Regional Police Department, Carroll Township Police Department, and the Carlisle Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Christian T. Haugsby prosecuted the case.         

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 1, 2024, United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Luis Polanco-Lopez, age 29, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, to 42 months’ imprisonment for distribution of fentanyl.  Judge Mannion also ordered Polanco-Lopez to serve three years on supervised release after the conclusion of his prison sentence.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, during the spring of 2022, Polanco-Lopez sold 1000, and on a second occasion 500, counterfeit prescription pills during controlled purchase operations conducted by law enforcement agents. The counterfeit prescription medication contained fentanyl, a dangerous and potentially lethal opioid. In all, Polanco-Lopez sold a total of 7.063 grams of pure fentanyl in the counterfeit pills, which is 3,531 doses of potentially fatal fentanyl.

The matter was investigated by the DEA with assistance provided by the Kingston, Pennsylvania Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of opioids. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin and fentanyl 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.

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.

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Williamsport– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Robert John Palmer, an inmate at United States Penitentiary at Allenwood, was sentenced on January 30, 2024, to 21 months’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann, for possession of contraband in prison.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Palmer was found in possession of an inmate-made weapon; specifically, a 5 and ¾ -inch piece of plastic sharpened to a point, commonly referred to as a “shank.”

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Thomas Waters, age 37, of Florence, South Carolina, was convicted following a jury trial of three counts of assaulting a federal officer.  The trial, held before United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, spanned three days, and the jury deliberated for approximately two hours before returning its verdict.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Waters, a federal inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Canaan located in Waymart, Pennsylvania, assaulted three federal corrections officers which resulted in bodily injury.  The evidence at trial showed that on January 18, 2023, while being counseled for a rule violation, Waters repeatedly struck a corrections officer in the head with his fists.  During the assault, Waters disarmed the officer of his service baton and used it to strike the officer in the head.  The officer suffered lacerations and bruising to his head and face and a hematoma to his shoulder.  When additional corrections officers responded to assist, Waters bit two corrections officers in the arm and finger respectively.  All three officers sustained bodily injury and required medical treatment at local hospitals.  Following the incident, Waters boasted about the assaults to prison officials and on a recorded telephone call. 

The case was investigated by the FBI-Scranton Division and the Special Investigations Section for the Bureau of Prisons.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffery St John and Tatum Wilson are prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for each 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.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Matthew Moss, age 37, of Warminster, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 31, 2024, by U.S. District Court Jennifer P. Wilson, to 151 months’ imprisonment on the charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Moss previously pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing approximately 273 grams of methamphetamine for distribution in the York County area in 2021.  The charge stems from an investigation in which investigators purchased 140 grams of methamphetamine from Moss in November 2021 in York County. During investigators’ attempt to arrest Moss, Moss fled, leading law enforcement on a vehicular and foot chase. During Moss’s arrest, investigators recovered an additional 133 grams of 96-percent-pure methamphetamine from Moss’s vehicle.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Springettsbury Township Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David C. Williams and Johnny Baer.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kim Forney, age 50, of York County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 30, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 168 months in prison for trafficking methamphetamine with a gun.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Forney was indicted for her role in a methamphetamine trafficking ring operated out of her home in Windsor, Pennsylvania. Police seized methamphetamine, weapons, thousands in cash and other materials related to the drug trafficking operation during a July 22, 2020, search of her home.  Forney was charged with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine with Cody Mitzel, Christa Tabor, Craig Smith, and Sheridan Lee Boothe. Forney previously entered guilty pleas to trafficking 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, and to possessing a gun recovered from her home.

Cody Mitzel entered a guilty plea to methamphetamine trafficking and was previously sentenced by Judge Wilson to approximately 36 months in prison.  Craig Smith pled guilty to methamphetamine trafficking and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2024. Sheridan Lee Boothe pled guilty to methamphetamine trafficking and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2024. Christa Tabor is wanted.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Consiglio 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.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Javier Guzman, age 52, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 30, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to 70 months’ imprisonment on the charge of possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Guzman previously pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing between 50 and 200 grams of high-quality crystal methamphetamine for distribution in the Schuylkill County area in 2022.  The charge stems from an investigation in which investigators made multiple purchases of high-quality crystal methamphetamine from Guzman in March 2022 in Schuylkill County.

The charge against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force. 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.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania (UJS Courts) has agreed to pay $100,000.00 to resolve a federal lawsuit bought by the United States under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-12134 (ADA).  The United States brought this action against the UJS, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and the Blair, Jefferson, Lackawanna, and Northumberland County Courts of Common Pleas to vindicate the rights of individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) who have been subjected to discriminatory written and unwritten policies and practices in at least eleven UJS Courts, restricting their ability to take medication administered by their health care providers to treat their disability.

“The battle against the opioid epidemic requires not only the vigorous prosecution of those who traffic in and profit from drugs like heroin and fentanyl, but also requires ensuring individuals with opioid use disorder can take their medically prescribed treatment,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam of the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “This agreement with the Commonwealth will help ensure that individuals participating in Pennsylvania’s courts who have opioid use disorder will be allowed to follow their providers’ course of treatment, which may include medication that dramatically reduces opioid overdose deaths.  This office will enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act to protect all individuals with disabilities, and this includes our citizens in recovery from addiction.”

Under the settlement agreement, the UJS Courts will compensate six victims of the courts’ discriminatory policies: two from Jefferson County Court, two from Blair County Court, one from Northumberland County Drug Court, and one from Lackawanna County Court.  The courts made each individual choose between taking their prescribed medication or face incarceration or termination from the court’s respective treatment program.  By forgoing their medication, the individuals faced painful withdrawal symptoms and the risk of relapse, overdose, and death. 

Additionally, under the agreement, the UJS Courts will provide training to all Commonwealth court criminal judges and treatment court professionals on the ADA and OUD medication.  Three of the named county courts will adopt an anti-discrimination policy related to OUD medication that is attached as an exhibit to the agreement.  The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania will post the policy on their webpage and encourage all other county courts to adopt the same policy.  And, finally, all of the defendants will report to the United States on their efforts to comply with the agreement, including detailing any complaints regarding access to OUD medication submitted to any UJS Courts during the agreement’s two-year term.

“People with opioid use disorder caught up in the criminal justice system should be supported in seeking out treatments that can help them attain recovery,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under this agreement, the UJS courts that categorically restricted the use of opioid treatment medication are required to allow people with opioid use disorder to take the proven medications that put them on a path toward recovery and rehabilitation. These courts are also required to implement new policies and training procedures to prevent disability discrimination in the future. We are pleased to reach this significant resolution, and we will continue to enforce federal civil rights laws like the ADA to ensure people with disabilities are protected from discrimination.”

“My office is dedicated to fighting the opioid epidemic with every tool that we have,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “That includes enforcing the ADA to remove discriminatory barriers to treatment for OUD. All too often, people taking medication to treat their OUD are subjected to discrimination based on unfounded stigma associated with these medications. It is a violation of the ADA to deny someone access to programs and services simply because they are taking medication their doctors have prescribed to get and keep their OUD in remission. My office will hold entities that violate the ADA’s anti-discrimination protections accountable.”

The partnership of the Middle and Eastern Districts of Pennsylvania in conjunction with the Justice Department demonstrates our ongoing efforts to combat discrimination against individuals with OUD.  The Justice Department previously issued public guidance and filed statements of interest on the ADA’s protections for those with OUD.  It has entered into multiple settlements with jails and prisons to increase access to OUD medication, including recent agreements in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; Eastern Kentucky; and Massachusetts.  It has undertaken enforcement efforts to combat discrimination against individuals with OUD in court supervision programs in Massachusetts.  It has also entered numerous settlements to address discriminatory barriers to treatment for OUD outside of the criminal justice context, including barriers related to employment, professional licensing, social services, and healthcare.

Attorneys Kevin Kijewski, David Knight, and Adam Lewis of the Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section handled this matter in collaboration with Middle District of Pennsylvania Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler, Civil Rights Coordinator, and Eastern District of Pennsylvania Assistant United States Attorney Lauren DeBruicker, Deputy Civil Chief for Civil Rights.

For more information about the Justice Department’s work to address discrimination against individuals with opioid use disorder, please visit: https://www.ada.gov/topics/opioid-use-disorder/.  For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov.  Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at 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. 

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brandon Williams, age 35, of Mercer County, New Jersey, was sentenced on January 31, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to 16 months’ imprisonment on the charge of passing counterfeit federal reserve notes.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Williams previously pleaded guilty and admitted to passing $1,400 in counterfeit bills at the Michaels store in Dickson City, on April 20, 2022, and to passing $750 in counterfeit bills later that same day at the CVS Pharmacy located on Green Ridge Street in Scranton.  On April 23, 2022, Williams passed $280 in counterfeit bills at the Walmart in Montoursville, $160 in counterfeit bills at the Weis Market in Montoursville and attempted to pass additional counterfeit bills at the Dollar Tree in Bloomsburg but was unsuccessful.

The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the United States Secret Service, the Dickson City Police Department, the Scranton Police Department, the Montoursville Police Department, and the Hemlock Township Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kenneth W. Harr, age 54, formerly of McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to serve 20 years’ imprisonment, 15 years of supervised released, and to pay $5,100 in financial penalties based upon his previously entered guilty plea to producing images containing the sexual exploitation of a child.   

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in June 2021, the victim disclosed to her pastor that Harr had been sexually abusing her since 2016, when she was 14 years old. The abuse was reported to law enforcement authorities and the investigation corroborated the allegations and numerous images of child sexual abuse were found on Harr’s cellphone.

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 Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Miovas.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal jury convicted two Chambersburg men for their roles in a drug trafficking ring that distributed fentanyl, oxycodone, and cocaine. A delivery of fentanyl killed one of the customers and sickened others.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the jury convicted Bruce David Darby, age 45, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, of drug trafficking, firearms, and money laundering charges. Darby was also convicted of delivering pills that killed one of his customers in August of 2019.  The jury also convicted Malik Bonds, age 42, of Chambersburg, of being a part of Darby’s conspiracy and with delivering cocaine.  U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner presided over the trial.    

The jury heard evidence of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s investigation of Darby and his drug trafficking crew. Darby brought oxycodone pills from New York City and resold them in the Chambersburg area from 2018 to 2019. The jury heard evidence that police monitored Darby’s telephone calls, during which Darby described himself as “the biggest pill dealer in Chambersburg.”

“These two defendants prioritized monetary profits over the lives of everyone they distributed to,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said. “The jury was told about a loss of life and a serious injury directly caused by this trafficking operation, but we may never know the full scope of devastation caused by these predatory dealers. The collaborative work of law enforcement was essential to stop the flow of deadly substances that put this community at grave risk.”

“The FBI remains committed to keeping our communities safe from predators like Bruce David Darby and Malik Bonds,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, FBI Philadelphia's Special Agent in Charge.  Darby’s actions and that of his co-conspirator are particularly heinous given that they trafficked in dangerous narcotics and lethal fentanyl.  Today’s conviction sends the message to drug organizations and gang members that if you traffic in illegal drugs, the FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will bring you to justice."

The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Franklin County Drug Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Smulktis and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Consiglio are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of opioids.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin and fentanyl 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.

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.

As a result of his conviction, Darby faces a mandatory sentence of at least 25 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  Bonds faces a maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Tyrell Lockhart, age 26, a federal inmate incarcerated at FCI Schuylkill, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for his of possession of contraband in prison.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in July of 2023, a corrections officer observed inmate Lockhart in his cell where, pursuant to a search, the officer discovered that Lockhart was concealing a homemade knife, commonly referred to as a “shank.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Special Investigative Services of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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