Middle District of Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Troy Darnell McFall, age 54, of Harrisburg, PA, was sentenced to 33 months in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for failure to register as a sex offender.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, McFall was convicted of Aggravated Indecent Assault, Unlawful Contact with a Minor, Indecent Assault, and Corruption of Minors in Pennsylvania state court in 2005. As a result, he was required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).  From December through July 2025, McFall traveled in interstate commerce without updating his sex-offender registration.     

The United States Marshals Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera 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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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Robert Hiler, age 54, of Harrisburg, PA, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and seven years of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for failure to register as a sex offender.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Hiler was convicted of indecent assault, indecent exposure, and corruption of minors in 1995. As a result, he was required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). From at least June of 2019 until January of 2025, Hiler failed to register after traveling in interstate commerce, moving from Pennsylvania to California. 

The United States Marshals Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera 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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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Reginald Hopkins, age 49, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 20 years in prison and five years of supervised release following his conviction after a trial by jury for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition as an armed career criminal. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the case involved the execution of a search warrant on February 19, 2021, at Hopkins’ apartment, resulting in the seizure of three firearms (an Astra Constable 9mm handgun, a Hi-Point CF380 .380 handgun, and a S&W M&P 9 Shield 9mm handgun), several magazines, and 9mm and .380 ammunition. One of the magazines was a high-capacity drum magazine that was loaded with 39 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Hopkins was home alone when law enforcement executed the search warrant, and the firearms were sitting in plain sight next to his bed and near a chair in the living area.

The Harrisburg Police Bureau’s Street Crimes Unit and the Community Policing Unit, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the matter. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera and Deputy Criminal Chief Michael Consiglio prosecuted the case. 

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mark Thompson, age 51, of Ashland, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 21 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani for one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Thompson previously admitted that beginning in January of 2025, and continuing to on or about April 25, 2025, in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Thompson conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine.

The FBI, the Shenandoah Police Department, and the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nigel Criss, age 27, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Rafael Otero Nieves, age 41, of Baltimore, Maryland, were sentenced on July 21, 2026, to 54 months’ imprisonment and 84 months’ imprisonment, respectively, by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Criss, Otero, and eight additional co-conspirators conspired with each other and others to transport stolen motor vehicles interstate and to receive, possess, conceal, store, sell, and dispose of stolen motor vehicles that had been transported interstate.

Criss, Otero, and their co-conspirators took the stolen vehicles—typically high-end, “muscle” type cars—across state lines to “car meetups” and “street takeovers,” at which the co-conspirators would take over a parking lot, intersection, road, or portion of a highway. The vehicles were then shown off in person at the meetups and on social media and driven in a reckless and dangerous manner, such as drifting and “burning out” the vehicles. 

The co-conspirators stole numerous vehicles across multiple states. For example, on October 3, 2023, Criss, Otero, and other co-conspirators traveled to a car dealership in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, to steal two 2017 Cadillac CTS-V’s, a 2016 Cadillac CTS-V, two 2019 Cadillac CTS-V’s, a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro, a 2019 Chevrolet Camaro, and a 2019 Chevrolet Corvette.

Ten co-conspirators were charged in this case. Several have been sentenced as follows, while the remaining defendants are pending sentence following guilty pleas:

• Nigel Criss, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—54 months’ imprisonment;
• Ian Quintana Torres, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—pending sentence;
• Shamar Morris, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—12 months’ imprisonment;
• Jumaane Wright, of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania—deceased;
• Raymond Steward, of Camden County, New Jersey—6 months’ imprisonment;
• Rafael Otero Nieves, of Baltimore County, Maryland—84 months’ imprisonment;
• Jose Otero Nieves, of Baltimore County, Maryland—pending sentence; 
• Jesus Terrero, of Baltimore County, Maryland—pending sentence;
• Tyler Hoagland, of Howard County, Maryland—18 months’ imprisonment, and; 
• Robert Jones, of Prince George’s County, Maryland—pending sentence. 

In imposing the sentences, Chief Judge Brann noted the sheer volume of vehicles stolen by Criss and Otero—more than two dozen each—and the supervisory roles each defendant played in the wide-ranging, multi-state conspiracy.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police, Central and Eastern Auto Theft Task Forces investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno prosecuted the case.

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WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Hua Zhen Dong, a citizen of the Republic of China, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of assaulting federal officers. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on July 9, 2026, Herrera was found by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers in State College, PA.  An investigation showed that there was an immigration warrant for Dong’s arrest at that time. Dong refused to comply with the officers’ investigation and kicked, bit and scratched them as she resisted arrest. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 8 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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 that Okeoghene Patrick Udugba, age 45, of Frisco, Texas, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of Money Laundering and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Mail Fraud. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Udugba and others orchestrated overlapping romance and business email compromise schemes.  As part of the scheme, Udugba and others utilized social media and dating websites to meet and establish purported romantic relationships with persons in multiple states.  Those persons were groomed and ultimately used by Udugba and others as money mules to receive and cash fraudulently obtained checks. 

To obtain the checks, members of the conspiracy sent emails from “spoofed” addresses in Nigeria, claiming to be representatives of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).  The spoofed emails directed that FWS grant funds be used to pay fabricated invoices, which falsely represented that the money mules were contractors and consultants of FWS who had performed work on grant-eligible projects. As a result of the fraudulent emails and invoices, FWS’s grant administrator issued payments in excess of $300,000.   

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Department of Interior Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Department of Interior (DOI) Office of Inspector General (OIG) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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 today that Jesse White, age 48, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the complaint alleges that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received reports via their CyberTipline on June 19, 2026, which were flagged as child pornography and White was identified as the producer of such files. On July 21, 2026, the FBI executed a federal search warrant at White’s residence and seized multiple computers and hard drives and conducted a preliminary on-site review of the devices. It is alleged that one hard drive contained numerous files containing images of child pornography depicting minors between the estimated ages of seven to 15 years old engaged in sexually explicit activity.  It is further alleged that in a separate drive, agents found approximately 100 files depicting child pornography. 

The FBI investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Christian Haugsby 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 the crimes charged in the Complaint is 30 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  A sentence following the 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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A California man was arrested yesterday after a grand jury sitting in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania returned an indictment charging him with conspiracy, mail fraud and money laundering. 

According to the indictment, Christopher Slater was part of a multi-state conspiracy to defraud the United States of more than $52.7 million by filing hundreds of false tax returns claiming Paid Sick and Family Leave Credit (SFLC) and Employee Retention Credit (ERC) credits. Congress authorized the SFLC tax credit to reimburse businesses for wages paid to employees who were on sick or family leave and could not work because of COVID-19. Congress authorized the ERC to incentivize businesses to keep employees on their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“This indictment alleges that Christopher Slater orchestrated a multi-state fraud scheme that sought more than $50 million in taxpayer-funded pandemic relief funds,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “This brazen fraud is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The Fraud Division will continue to hold anyone accountable who steals from American taxpayers and abuses programs intended to provide relief during a national crisis.” 

Slater allegedly conspired with others to recruit business owners, use their information to file false tax returns and then launder the proceeds of the fraud. In total, Slater allegedly caused at least 290 false tax returns to be filed for 35 businesses claiming over $52.7 million in COVID-19 tax credits, of which the IRS paid out over $32.2 million.  

The indictment also charged Mark Keagel, of York, Pennsylvania, with money laundering, conspiracy and theft of government property. Keagel owned two defunct businesses whose information he allegedly passed on to one of Slater’s co-conspirators. According to the indictment, Slater’s associates filed false tax returns on behalf of Keagel’s businesses. In response, the IRS mailed approximately $3.6 million in fraudulent Treasury checks to Keagel, who then allegedly laundered those proceeds.  

If convicted, Slater faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each of the seven mail fraud and mail fraud conspiracy counts. Slater and Keagel also face a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison for each of the money laundering and money laundering conspiracy counts. Keagel faces a sentence of up to ten years in prison for each count of theft of government property.  

Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller of the Middle District of Pennsylvania the announcement.  

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. 

Assistant Deputy Chief Ezra Spiro of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma of the Middle District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller announced that a California man was arrested on Monday after a grand jury sitting in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania returned an indictment charging him with conspiracy, mail fraud and money laundering.

According to the indictment, Christopher Slater was part of a multi-state conspiracy to defraud the United States of more than $52.7 million by filing hundreds of false tax returns claiming Paid Sick and Family Leave Credit (SFLC) and Employee Retention Credit (ERC) credits. Congress authorized the SFLC tax credit to reimburse businesses for wages paid to employees who were on sick or family leave and could not work because of COVID-19. Congress authorized the ERC to incentivize businesses to keep employees on their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Slater allegedly conspired with others to recruit business owners, use their information to file false tax returns and then launder the proceeds of the fraud. In total, Slater allegedly caused at least 280 false tax returns to be filed for 35 businesses claiming over $52.7 million in COVID-19 tax credits, of which the IRS paid out over $32.2 million. 

The indictment also charged Mark Keagel, of York, Pennsylvania, with money laundering, conspiracy and theft of government property. Keagel owned two defunct businesses whose information he allegedly passed on to one of Slater’s co-conspirators. According to the indictment, Slater’s associates filed false tax returns on behalf of Keagel’s businesses. In response, the IRS mailed approximately $3.6 million in fraudulent Treasury checks to Keagel, who then allegedly laundered those proceeds. 

“This indictment alleges that Christopher Slater orchestrated a multi-state fraud scheme that sought more than $50 million in taxpayer-funded pandemic relief funds,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. 

“This brazen fraud is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The Fraud Division will continue to hold anyone accountable who steals from American taxpayers and abuses programs intended to provide relief during a national crisis.”

“This indictment shows our Office’s longstanding commitment to prosecuting fraudsters and protecting our tax dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller.” “This Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop these schemes and protect taxpayers hard earned money.”

“IRS-Criminal Investigation is committed to protecting the integrity of our financial system by disrupting complex financial crimes and pursuing those responsible, stated Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office.”

If convicted, Slater faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each of the seven mail fraud and mail fraud conspiracy counts. Slater and Keagel also face a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison for each of the money laundering and money laundering conspiracy counts. Keagel faces a sentence of up to ten years in prison for each count of theft of government property. 

Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller of the Middle District of Pennsylvania made the announcement. 

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Assistant Deputy Chief Ezra Spiro of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma of the Middle District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. 

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brett Michael Smith, age 35, of Hillsborough County, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to 121 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for receipt of child pornography. 

According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, pursuant to a federal search warrant, FBI agents seized and analyzed Smith’s cell phone and computers. The forensic analysis uncovered approximately 20,000 images and 4,500 videos of child pornography including videos that depict sadistic imagery and the sexual abuse of multiple children including infants. A review of Smith’s Internet search history showed that he searched for child pornography on multiple occasions beginning in November 2020 and continuing through March 13, 2025.     

The investigation was conducted by FBI – Philadelphia Division, Allentown RAC, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (Tampa, Florida), the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (Largo, Florida), and the Minersville Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson 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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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Omar Barron, age 49, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to imprisonment for 12 months plus one day by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary, for failing to account for and pay employment taxes. 

According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Barron owns Miracle Steel, Inc., a structural steel business located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.  In 2024, Barron was charged with failing to account for and pay over employment taxes on behalf of Miracle Steel for 2018 and 2019 and two quarters of 2020.  As part of a guilty plea, Barron admitted to failing to pay over $980,784.95 in employment taxes during his commission of the offense.  As part of the sentence, Judge Neary ordered Barron pay the full outstanding tax liability as restitution.

“Business owners have a responsibility to withhold income taxes for their employees and then remit those taxes to the Internal Revenue Service,” stated Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office.

The investigation was conducted by IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Terz. 

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Lee White, age 39, of Abbottstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for receiving child pornography.  Judge Wilson also ordered White to pay victims restitution in the amount of $133,500, and to pay assessments totaling $17,100. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, law enforcement began investigating White in 2023 after learning that he had been communicating with underage girls on Instagram and soliciting sexually explicit images from them.  Following the execution of a search warrant at White’s home in November 2023, law enforcement seized computer devices that contained tens of thousands of images and videos depicting child pornography, which White received via the internet.            

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christian T. Haugsby. 

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Caleb McRoberts, age 33, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for failing to register as a sex offender after relocating to Ohio.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that from December of 2023 and continuing to the present, despite being required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), McRoberts failed to register his new address upon relocating to Ohio, as required by SORNA.   

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) investigated the case. 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 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced a civil settlement with Roll R Way, a skating center with three locations in York, Chambersburg, and Donora, to ensure equal access under Title III under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). 

 According to U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller, the U.S. Attorney’s Office received several complaints that families with children with Type 1 Diabetes were refused entry into Roll R Way skating center.  On separate occasions, each family wanted to enter with their child’s diabetes treatment supplies, which included a small amount of food and drink to regulate the child’s low blood sugar.  Management of the skating center refused the families entry because of its “no outside food or drink” policy.  The failure to accommodate prevented access to the business for these families and a policy without exception prevents other families with children with diabetes, food allergies, or other dietary restrictions from full and equal enjoyment of the goods and services of the skating center in violation of the ADA. 

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Roll R Way must revise its “no outside food or drink policy” to include a reasonable accommodation for those patrons with diabetes and dietary restrictions. Roll R Way will train their employees on the new accommodation policy and provide notice to the public to request an accommodation if needed.  Roll R Way will also pay $500.00 to each complainant family. 

Title III of the ADA prohibits public accommodations, like family amusement centers, from excluding people with disabilities from enjoying goods, services, privileges, facilities, and advantages provided.  For more information regarding the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat discrimination, please visit ADA.gov.  To learn more about the obligations of public accommodations under federal disability rights statutes, call the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301, 800-514-0383 (TTY).  Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violation to the office’s Civil Rights Coordinator by calling 717-614-4911 or email usapam.civil.rights@usdoj.gov.

The settlement agreement was reached to avoid the costs and burdens of litigation and does not represent an admission of liability by Roll R Way.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Butler represented the government during the investigation and settlement. 

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Vincent Shaffer, age 46, a resident of Berwick, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 180 months’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann, for receipt of child pornography. 

According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on December 7, 2023, FBI agents served a federal search warrant at Shaffer’s residence in Berwick, Columbia County, Pennsylvania.  Pursuant to the warrant, agents seized and later analyzed his cell phone. The forensic analysis uncovered approximately 54 images and videos of child pornography including a video exceeding one hour in duration that depicts the sexual abuse of multiple children including infants. 

The investigation was conducted by FBI – Philadelphia Division, Williamsport RAC.  Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson 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 Dimitris Smith, Jr., age 48, of Whitehall, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 1, 2026, to life imprisonment by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for distributing fentanyl resulting in death. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Smith distributed a deadly dose of fentanyl on December 11, 2023, in East Stroudsburg, Monroe County.  A 38 year old female died after ingesting the fentanyl. Between March 14, 2024, and April 1, 2024, Smith also distributed fentanyl and cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer. During this time period Smith was on federal supervised release from a prior drug trafficking conviction.  On January 26, 2026, Senior United States Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Smith to 2 years imprisonment, to be served consecutive to the sentence on this case, for the supervised release violation. This is Smith’s third federal drug trafficking conviction. 

During the five-day trial, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented testimony of 32 witnesses, including experts in forensic pathology, forensic toxicology, serology DNA profiling, forensic chemistry and historical cell site data. Witness testimony, the victim’s cell phone data and text messages, DNA evidence seized at the crime scene, and CashApp payment records were among the evidence presented that proved Smith was the dealer who supplied the fentanyl that killed the victim. 

The FBI and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jenny P. Roberts and Patrick Bannon prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Shirley, age 33, of Enola, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on child exploitation charges. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges Shirley attempted to coerce and entice a minor to produce child pornography between June and July of 2025. The indictment also alleges Shirley produced child pornography in February 2026 depicting a separate minor than previously alleged. The indictment further alleges Shirley possessed child pornography involving a prepubescent minor on June 11, 2026. 

Shirley had his arraignment and initial appearance on the indictment on July 1, 2026. He is currently in custody pending trial. 

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen W. Dukes 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 the charges alleged is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The production of child pornography offense also carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years imprisonment. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eli Valentine Calero, age 44, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and John Charles Ehrhard, Jr., age 57, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, were found guilty following a five-day jury trial on drug trafficking and firearms charges. 

 According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, a jury found Calero and Erhard guilty of conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine between 2024 and 2025.  The jury also found Calero guilty of possessing with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and Ehrhard guilty of five counts of distributing methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a prohibited person. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Deputy Criminal Chief Jenny P. Roberts and First Assistant John Gurganus prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The defendants are facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. 

# # #

Note: A copy of the non-prosecution agreement and statement of facts can be found here.

HARRISBURG — U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller announced that EagleBank, a community bank with operations in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and its parent entity, Eagle Bancorp Inc. (collectively, EagleBank), entered into a non-prosecution agreement today and agreed to pay over $9.7 million to resolve the Justice Department’s investigation into violations of the Bank Secrecy Act. 

“It is simply unacceptable for financial institutions to permit fraud under their noses,” said U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “Our office is determined to investigate corporate crimes and fight financial fraud. We thank our partners for working with us.”

“For more than a decade, EagleBank knowingly allowed favored clients to operate a check kiting scheme, even as compliance personnel repeatedly tried to stop it,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Financial institutions are the first line of defense against financial crimes and must be gatekeepers, not gateways, for criminal activity. As this resolution makes clear, when banks deliberately allow unlawful conduct to persist, the Criminal Division will ensure they are held accountable.” 

“EagleBank’s failure to stop major fraud weakened the financial system and enabled criminal activity,” said Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “The FBI will continue working with partners to hold institutions accountable and protect the public.”

According to the non-prosecution agreement, EagleBank admits that between 2010 and 2021, it willfully failed to establish an anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) program, in violation of the Bank Secrecy Act. In one instance, the bank admits that it allowed two customers, a son and his father, to operate a check kiting scheme for more than a decade through accounts at EagleBank. Check kiting is a form of fraud in which an accountholder writes a check for an amount greater than the amount available in the account and deposits that check into an account at a different bank, with the intent that the second bank will credit the funds to the second account before discovering the check was not supported by sufficient funds. Fraudsters frequently continue to write bad checks, often in a circular pattern amongst banks, to nominally cover overdrafts by continuing to take advantage of the delay in processing checks.

In this case, the father was a friend and business partner of EagleBank’s former chairman and CEO, who resigned in 2019. Over the course of the scheme, senior bank executives repeatedly overrode the efforts of compliance personnel to close the accounts and end the illicit conduct. EagleBank’s facilitation of this scheme resulted in a loss of almost $6.3 million to another financial institution. 

Under the terms of the non-prosecution agreement, EagleBank agreed to pay the United States a fine of $9,057,821.62 and forfeiture of $736,515. The forfeiture amount consists of EagleBank’s proceeds from overdraft fees on the accounts involved in the check kiting scheme. EagleBank has further agreed to take additional remedial measures to strengthen its AML/CFT program, to cooperate with the Department’s investigation, and to report any violations of federal criminal law to the Department.

The FBI investigated the case. 

This case is being prosecuted by Chief Michael P. Grady of the Bank Integrity Unit of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. 

The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.

MNF’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.

###

Note: A copy of the non-prosecution agreement and statement of facts can be found here.

EagleBank, a community bank with operations in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and its parent entity, Eagle Bancorp Inc. (collectively, EagleBank), entered into a non-prosecution agreement today and agreed to pay over $9.7 million to resolve the Justice Department’s investigation into violations of the Bank Secrecy Act.

“For more than a decade, EagleBank knowingly allowed favored clients to operate a check kiting scheme, even as compliance personnel repeatedly tried to stop it,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Financial institutions are the first line of defense against financial crimes and must be gatekeepers, not gateways, for criminal activity. As this resolution makes clear, when banks deliberately allow unlawful conduct to persist, the Criminal Division will ensure they are held accountable.” 

“It is simply unacceptable for financial institutions to permit fraud under their noses,” said U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “Our office is determined to investigate corporate crimes and fight financial fraud. We thank our partners for working with us.”

“EagleBank’s failure to stop major fraud weakened the financial system and enabled criminal activity,” said Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “The FBI will continue working with partners to hold institutions accountable and protect the public.”

According to the non-prosecution agreement, EagleBank admits that between 2010 and 2021, it willfully failed to establish an anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) program, in violation of the Bank Secrecy Act. In one instance, the bank admits that it allowed two customers, a son and his father, to operate a check kiting scheme for more than a decade through accounts at EagleBank. Check kiting is a form of fraud in which an accountholder writes a check for an amount greater than the amount available in the account and deposits that check into an account at a different bank, with the intent that the second bank will credit the funds to the second account before discovering the check was not supported by sufficient funds. Fraudsters frequently continue to write bad checks, often in a circular pattern amongst banks, to nominally cover overdrafts by continuing to take advantage of the delay in processing checks.

In this case, the father was a friend and business partner of EagleBank’s former chairman and CEO, who resigned in 2019. Over the course of the scheme, senior bank executives repeatedly overrode the efforts of compliance personnel to close the accounts and end the illicit conduct. EagleBank’s facilitation of this scheme resulted in a loss of almost $6.3 million to another financial institution. 

Under the terms of the non-prosecution agreement, EagleBank agreed to pay the United States a fine of $9,057,821.62 and forfeiture of $736,515. The forfeiture amount consists of EagleBank’s proceeds from overdraft fees on the accounts involved in the check kiting scheme. EagleBank has further agreed to take additional remedial measures to strengthen its AML/CFT program, to cooperate with the Department’s investigation, and to report any violations of federal criminal law to the Department.

The FBI investigated the case. 

This case is being prosecuted by Chief Michael P. Grady of the Bank Integrity Unit of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. 

The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.

MNF’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Alfredo Cardona Padilla, age 48, Ceferino Charles Hernandez, age 49, both of Reading, Pennsylvania, and Paul Gerald Simmons, age 51, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were charged by indictment with robbery and firearm offenses. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on or about March 18, 2024, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Padilla, Hernandez, and Simmons conspired to and did unlawfully take and obtain United States currency that belonged to a company operating in Pennsylvania as a skill-game operator. The indictment further alleges that the company’s property was taken from two employees against their will by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury. The indictment also alleges that, during and in relation to the robbery, the defendants brandished firearms.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Chambersburg Police Department, Reading Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalties under federal law are life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and special assessment. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Fernando Rivas, age 46, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was indicted on June 24, 2026, by a federal grand jury on the charge of illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Rivas illegally reentered the United States and was found in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, on June 11, 2026.  Rivas was removed from the United States through Alexandria, Louisiana, on April 7, 2015, after a conviction for an aggravated felony. 

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evelyn M. Stoner is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF York comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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.

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carlos Torres, age 60, of Connecticut, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for failing to register as a sex offender upon relocating to Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania from Connecticut.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that from October 2025 and continuing to June 9, 2026, despite being required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), upon relocating to Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, from Connecticut, Torres failed to register his address as required by SORNA.   

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) investigated the matter. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin 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 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dawn Herlocher, age 48, of Loganton, Pennsylvania was charged by a federal grand jury with 40 counts of violating federal tax laws.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Herlocher was the sole owner, operator, and member of two employee leasing and staffing companies.  For each company, dating back to the tax quarter ending on June 30, 2020, and through the tax quarter ending on March 31, 2025, Herlocher failed to account for and pay over the trust fund taxes due and owing to the Internal Revenue Service, on behalf of the companies’ employees.

The Internal Revenue Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

Upon conviction on all counts in the Indictment, the maximum combined penalties are 200 years imprisonment, as well as a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Morris W. Reese, age 65, of Centre County, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on one charge of conspiracy to produce child pornography. 

 According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Reese conspired with others to produce child pornography from November 2024 to November of 2025. 

The FBI, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Centre County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin 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 is up to thirty years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Darrell Crose, age 47, of Williamsport, PA, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to 18 months in federal prison on a charge of failure to register as a sex offender.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, from at least January 2025 until October 28, 2025, Crose was required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act and did not do so after traveling in interstate commerce, moving from Michigan back to Pennsylvania. He has a lifetime requirement to register and must report any change in residency.

This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Festino, age 66, of Old Forge, Pennsylvania, pled guilty on June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge Julia K. Munley to money laundering. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, beginning in or about December 2024 and continuing through July 2025, Festino, a former field engineer employed by a multi-national telecommunications company, devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain telecommunications equipment owned by his employer and resell the property to third-party buyers.  Festino advertised the sale of stolen equipment via the internet, including on eBay.  In total, Festino received approximately $434,550 in his personal bank accounts from the sales of stolen equipment.  During the scheme, Festino conducted a series of financial transactions involving the fraudulently obtained funds, including withdrawing large sums of cash and purchasing a new vehicle for $41,000.  Festino’s former employer estimates that the value of the stolen equipment is approximately $2.2 million. 

The matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case.

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

###

Criminal Information is Part of Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown

Harrisburg - Today, United States Attorney Brian D. Miller announced criminal charges alleging fraud involving Medicare and Medicaid funds. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. 

Kerry Ann Elliott Beaubrun, 43, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was charged by Criminal Information with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.  It is alleged that her scheme entailed defrauding Entity #1 by stealing and appropriating checks intended to be sent by Entity #1 to various payees, including those for which funds were derived from federal health care programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, for a loss of over $300,000 dollars. As alleged in the Information, Beaubrun unjustly enriched herself by endorsing checks to herself that were meant for others, defrauding multiple banks and utilizing funds for her own personal expenses. 

The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti of the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

The charges announced today by U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.   

Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including: 

• Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
• 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
• Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
• 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.

The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.

Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

Defendant Illegally Entered U.S. in 2023 After Allegedly Helping to Steal Millions in Gold Bars from Toronto Airport

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Durante King-Mclean, 27, of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, was sentenced to 160 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for conspiring with others to illegally traffic in firearms. 

King-Mclean pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to illegally traffic firearms on May 14, 2025.  The charges stem from a Sept. 2, 2023, traffic stop by the Pennsylvania State Police in Franklin County of a rental vehicle operated by King-Mclean who was the only occupant of the vehicle. During the stop King-Mclean fled on foot and was apprehended after a brief foot chase. A subsequent search of the rental vehicle led to the recovery of 65 handguns in the vehicle’s trunk that were all individually concealed in socks. Of the 65 handguns that were recovered, two were fully automatic, 11 were stolen, and one had an obliterated serial number. 

King-Mclean had been in communication with his co-conspirators from April of 2023 until his arrest on September 2, 2023, and had been staying at an Airbnb in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, until he rented the vehicle at the end of August 2023 and headed north towards Canada with the illegally purchased handguns. Sometime after his arrest and incarceration on Sept. 2, 2023, King-Mclean was charged by Canadian authorities for his alleged participation in the April 17, 2023, heist of millions of dollars in gold bars and foreign currency from the Air Canada cargo terminal at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. It was shortly after this heist that King-Mclean illegally entered the United States where he remained until his arrest on Sept. 2, 2023, as he was headed back to Canada with the 65 handguns.

“Firearms trafficking is a serious crime that puts guns in the hands of the criminals that terrorize our communities in the United States and Canada,” said Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Eric J. DeGree for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Philadelphia Field Division. “King-Mclean’s lengthy sentence reflects the seriousness of his crime and shows the heavy penalties perpetrators can expect. This case also demonstrates the strength of our cooperation with our local and international law enforcement partners to protect our communities from violent gun crime.”

“Trafficking dozens of illegal firearms across our border is a serious offense with far-reaching consequences. The conviction of Durante King-Mclean underscores the serious threat posed by firearms traffickers, whose actions fuel violence in communities both here and in Canada,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) Philadelphia Nathan Abel. “HSI is steadfast in its commitment to work with our federal, state, and international partners to dismantle cross-border criminal networks and ensure that individuals like King-Mclean are held fully accountable for their crimes.”

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. 

The ATF Harrisburg Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and HSI investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney William A. Behe for the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Mahon, IV, age 66, of Shavertown, Pennsylvania, was found guilty by a federal jury on June 18, 2026, of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Mahon was the former Executive Vice President of Tammac Holdings, a Wilkes-Barre company that specialized in the origination of mortgages for manufactured housing.  After originating loans, Tammac would sell loan portfolios to banks and investors while continuing to service the loans.  From 2008 through 2021, Mahon and other employees of Tammac suppressed delinquency rates on loan portfolios by falsifying payments to loans and also repossessed properties without remitting the proceeds to banks and investors. Tammac executives also provided false records to auditors, banks and investors, and misrepresented the status of their loan portfolios when Tammac was sold to an investment firm in 2019.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph J. Terz and Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.

Mahon faces a maximum of 60 years of imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and a term of supervised release.  A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.          

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kareem Martin, 38, an inmate in USP Allenwood, was indicted on June 11, 2026, by a federal grand jury for possessing a weapon in prison.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment charges Martin with one count of possessing contraband in prison. Martin was allegedly in possession of an inmate-manufactured knife, six inches in length.  

The Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Edward Garlock, 59, an inmate in FCI Allenwood, Medium, was indicted on June 11, 2026, by a federal grand jury for possessing a weapon in prison and assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment charges Garlock with one count of possessing contraband in prison, and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon.  Garlock was allegedly in possession of a lanyard with a lock attached, which he allegedly used to assault another inmate.  

The Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.

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

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mark Villareal, 44, an inmate in FCI Allenwood, was indicted on June 11, 2026, by a federal grand jury for possessing a weapon in prison and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment charges Villareal with one count of possessing contraband in prison, and one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.  Villareal was allegedly in possession of an inmate-manufactured knife which he allegedly used to assault another inmate.  

The Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joseph Angelo Valderrama, age 38, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on March 22, 2026, Valderrama possessed an AR-15 style pistol and rounds of ammunition in Luzerne County knowing he had previously been convicted of a felony offense that prohibited him from possessing a firearm. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 15 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Andrew Chester Moyer, age 48, of Minersville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Moyer distributed and received child pornography between April 27, 2026 and April 30, 2026 while in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania and possessed child pornography on May 6, 2026. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation—Allentown Resident Agency and Minersville Borough Police Department investigated the case.  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 of imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that George Welch, age 59, of Montrose, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of production of child pornography. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on April 26, 2026, in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, Welch produced child pornography. 

Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Susquehanna County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case.  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 the crimes charged in the Indictment is 30 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher J. Cordes, age 31, of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on Friday, June 5, 2026, by United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr., to 330 months, or 27.5 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, attempted receipt of and possession of child pornography, creation of an animal crush video, and production of child pornography. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, while employed as a Tamaqua Police Officer for the Tamaqua Police Department in 2023 and 2024, Cordes communicated with at least one minor victim on a social media platform, whom he solicited to create sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. Additionally, Cordes used social media to solicit the receipt of child pornography from others. Cordes also created and then sent a video to at least one minor victim, and others, depicting himself engaged in sexual activity with animals. When Cordes was arrested, he was in possession of child pornography. 

“As a former police officer, Cordes understood the trust our communities place in those who wear a badge, and violated that trust in the most disturbing way,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Nathan Abel. “This sentence reflects the persistent work of HSI special agents and our partners at the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to uncover his conduct, support the victims, and ensure he will never again have the opportunity to exploit a child.”

“This case involved truly disturbing conduct that has no place in a civilized society, and we thank our federal partners for collaboration that ultimately removed a predator from the community for multiple decades,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti 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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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gerry Lasain Hardy, age 43, of New York City, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for failing to register as a sex offender after relocating to New York City.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that from June 2024 and continuing to March 2026, despite being required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), upon relocating to New York, Hardy failed to register his address as required by SORNA.     

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) investigated the case. 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 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shaitq Crum, age 27, Nasir Shelton, age 24, Alphonse Bartiromo, age 18, and Brendan Shadle, age 23, of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury on machinegun trafficking and firearms charges. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Crum, Shelton, Bartiromo, and Shadle conspired to possess and transfer machineguns and machinegun conversion devices. A machinegun conversion device is gun part designed and intended to convert a firearm into a machinegun, allowing it to function as a fully automatic weapon. The indictment alleges the co-conspirators dealt in two types of machinegun conversion devices, that is, what are known as “Glock switches” and “auto-sears.”

The indictment further alleges that the co-conspirators obtained machineguns from multiple sources before selling them for profit, as well as manufacturing machinegun conversion devices themselves using a 3D printer. The indictment also charges several firearms trafficking offenses involving various firearms including an AR-15 pistol with an obliterated serial number and multiple privately made firearms, commonly referred to as “ghost guns.”

 “According to the charges, these defendants were responsible for manufacturing and distributing weapons and conversion devices capable of fueling significant violence in our communities,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Those who manufacture and traffic in these weapons and devices are contributing directly to the cycle of violent crime, and they will be pursued aggressively. I want to thank the women and men of the Steamtown Safe Streets Task Force and all of our law enforcement partners whose dedication and professionalism made today’s announcement possible. Your efforts are making our communities safer.”

“Firearms trafficking puts guns into the hands of the criminals who strike our communities,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “In this case those firearms included weapons designed to prevent their tracing, an illegal machinegun, and dangerous machinegun conversion devices that switch handguns into automatic fire weapons. Working with our law enforcement partners and using ATF’s unique capabilities, we helped expose this dangerous enterprise and will continue to work together to keep our Commonwealth’s communities safe from the dangers of firearms trafficking.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The indictment charges 21 counts of firearms offenses. The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses ranges from 5 to 15 years of imprisonment per count, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jeffrey Stormer, age 64, of State College, PA, was sentenced yesterday to 97 months of imprisonment to be followed by ten years of supervised release on charges of distribution and possession of child pornography. Stormer was also ordered to pay $9,000 of total restitution to child victims depicted in the images. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Stormer pleaded guilty on December 22, 2025, to charges of distributing child pornography on January 5, 2023, and possessing child pornography from April 2022 to February 2023.  Following an investigation, a search warrant was executed at Stormer’s residence, and several electronic devices were seized. A forensic analysis of the devices revealed that Stormer had “shareable folders” on one of his computers depicting child pornography that was transmitted on an online platform over 900 times.  These files included approximately 8,000 images and 250 videos of minor children posed in sexually explicit positions or engaged in sexual acts.

The Department of Homeland Security investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Shippensburg Police Department Detective, Matthew S. Pleisse, age 36, of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on May 6, 2026, by a federal grand jury on child pornography charges. The case was unsealed following Pleisse’s detention hearing.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges Pleisse received, attempted to receive, and possessed child pornography on several dates between July 2024 and April 2025. It is alleged that Pleisse utilized cryptocurrency to purchase child pornography from the darknet and possessed child pornography depicting prepubescent minors. 

“Homeland Security Investigations remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting vulnerable children and holding offenders accountable,” said HSI Philadelphia Acting Special Agent in Charge Nathan Abel. “The indictment alleges that Pleisse utilized cryptocurrency to purchase and possess child sexual abuse material, actions that are reprehensible and illegal. HSI will continue to pursue those who exploit children online and work tirelessly to bring them to justice.”

During Pleisse’s detention hearing on May 19, 2026, Chief Magistrate Judge Daryl F. Bloom ordered Pleisse to be detained pending trial. 

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen W. Dukes 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 Attorney's 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 each charge is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. This offense also carries a mandatory minimum term of five years imprisonment. A sentence following the 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.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Keith Fox, Jr., age 48, was found guilty of possessing methamphetamine for the purposes of distribution and illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on May 20, 2026, following a three-day trial, a jury found Fox guilty of possessing over 500 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine for distribution and of possessing three firearms and ammunition illegally due to a prior felony conviction.

The government presented evidence that on August 22, 2024, after several months of investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Fox’s Scranton residence.  They discovered an automated pill press and multiple other items used to manufacture illicit pills. They also seized over 1000 pills containing methamphetamine and other controlled substances, methamphetamine powder, a large amount of ammunition and three handguns, including one with an obliterated serial number. 

Sentencing is scheduled for August 14, 2026, before District Court Judge Joseph Saporito, Jr.  Fox is facing a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General- Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts and Senior Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michelle Hardik prosecuted the case. 

# # #

SCRANTON, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rasheeda Kelly, age 47, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 21, 2026, to 122 months’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Julia K. Munley for attempted possession of methamphetamine for distribution. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in February 2025, Kelly conspired with another individual to have a package containing 4.4 kilograms of methamphetamine delivered to her house for purposes of distribution. The package was intercepted by law enforcement, and a search warrant was executed at Kelly’s residence in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County. Law enforcement seized a dozen firearms, one of which had been reported stolen, from her residence.  At the time, Kelly had been previously convicted of offenses which prohibited her from possessing firearms.    

Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Narcotics Investigations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.

###

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Eliezer Pagan, age 39, of Vallejo, California; Ramon Antonio Pagan-Acosta, age 30, of York, Pennsylvania; and, Florivette Santiago-Rivera, age 29, of York, Pennsylvania, were charged by indictment with firearm offenses.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that between on or about October 26, 2023, and April 9, 2025, the defendants conspired to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, transfer firearms to an out-of-state resident, and make false statements during the purchase of firearms.  The Indictment further alleges that Pagan made at least 29 Cash App transfers to Pagan-Acosta and Santiago-Rivera’s Cash App accounts. The Cash App transfers allegedly ranged in amounts from $120 to $2,000 and totaled approximately $19,024. In turn, Pagan-Acosta allegedly purchased approximately 33 firearms from licensed firearms dealers in Pennsylvania counties, including Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, and York.  And Santago-Rivera allegedly purchased six firearms. When purchasing the firearms, the indictment alleges that Pagan-Acosta and Santiago-Rivera falsely identified themselves on ATF Forms 4473 as the true buyers or transferees.  Moreover, Pagan-Acosta allegedly shipped at least five packages of varying weights from Pennsylvania to Pagan, in California, under the name of a person who did not reside at the same address.

Pagan and Pagan-Acosta are additionally charged in the indictment with conspiracy to straw purchase firearms, conspiracy to traffic firearms, and engaging in business of dealing in firearms without a license.  Finally, all defendants are charged in the indictment with making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.                 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalties for Pagan and Pagan-Acosta are 50 years imprisonment, as well as a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. The maximum penalties for Santiago-Rivera are 15 years’ imprisonment, as well as a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment.  A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jhaquil Moore, a/k/a “Twizz,” age 30, of Hughestown, Pennsylvania, and Keith Hayes, age 34, of Jenkins Township, Pennsylvania, were indicted on May 19, 2026, by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking offenses.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that between on or about February 1, 2026, and May 12, 2026, Moore and Hayes conspired to distribute quantities of cocaine in Luzerne County, and elsewhere. The indictment further alleges that on six occasions between February 2025 and April 2026, Moore and Hayes distributed quantities of cocaine within Luzerne County.  The indictment further alleges that on May 12, 2026, Hayes possessed a stolen Glock 43x pistol, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in prison.

The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Kingston Police Department, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is imprisonment for twenty years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Colon, age 52, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, was sentenced on May 19, 2026, to 300 months in prison by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for three counts of production of child pornography and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Colon communicated with multiple minor victims who he then enticed into creating images of themselves engaged in sexually explicit activity and then directed the children to send those images to him via cellphone. At the time that the Department of Homeland Security executed a search warrant for Colon’s cellular devices in 2024, Colon, who was a convicted felon and prohibited possessor, was additionally in possession of multiple illegal firearms, including a stolen handgun.

“Homeland Security Investigations remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting children from those who seek to exploit their vulnerability for personal gain,” said HSI Philadelphia Acting Special Agent in Charge Nathan Abel.  “This sentence is a result of HSI’s relentless pursuit to prosecute predators who manipulate and coerce minors into illegal acts, and we will use every resource at our disposal to bring them to justice. Most importantly, our efforts in this case provided an opportunity to rescue five young victims and ensure they are no longer subject to this abuse. The safety and well-being of our nation’s children will always be our top priority.”

The Department of Homeland Security and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Levi Stoner, age 20, of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on child pornography and online enticement charges. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that between September 26, 2025, and December 5, 2025, Stoner enticed a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing videos of that conduct.  It is also alleged that Stoner received images over the internet depicting child pornography of the minor child. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Christian Haugsby 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 total maximum penalties for the charged offenses include imprisonment for up to life, a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life following imprisonment, and fines of $750,000. A sentence following the 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.

# # #

On May 18, 2026, Mr. Brian D. Miller was confirmed as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. This marks his third confirmation in a leadership position. Mr. Miller stated, "I appreciate the confidence the Senate and the district judges have placed in me. Most of all, I am grateful to President Trump, Acting Attorney General Blanche, and Senator McCormick for selecting me to serve as United States Attorney. It is an incredible honor, and I am privileged to work alongside so many dedicated and talented professionals. I will do my utmost to keep the citizens of the Middle District safe and to assist President Trump in making America safe again.”

Mr. Miller was originally appointed by United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi on October 27, 2025, for 120 days. On February 24, 2026, the District Court appointed Mr. Miller as United States Attorney until the vacancy was filled by the President.

Previously, Mr. Miller was confirmed by the United States Senate to be the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery on June 2, 2020. Mr. Miller’s prior positions include Senior Associate White House Counsel; Inspector General of the United States General Services Administration (Senate confirmed on July 22, 2005); Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General; Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia; Special Counsel on Health Care Fraud for the Deputy Attorney General; and Counsel to the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. He has also served as Acting General Counsel of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2025.

As a federal prosecutor, Mr. Miller litigated civil and criminal cases involving terrorism and terrorist financing, drug-related conspiracies and murder, and the False Claims Act. As an inspector general, Mr. Miller is known for his investigation of a lavish GSA conference in Las Vegas.

Mr. Miller was honored to receive the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award, the EOUSA Director’s Award for Superior Performance as an AUSA, and the David M. Walker Excellence in Government Performance and Accountability Award, which recognizes and honors government audit professionals who have made sustained contributions to improve government performance and accountability through their leadership in transforming government organizations.

Mr. Miller received his bachelor’s degree from Temple University and his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. He resides in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kanyhi Roberson, age 32, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to four months of imprisonment for providing contraband to a federal prison inmate.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in August 2022, Roberson was visiting an acquaintance at the Federal Correctional Complex – Allenwood.  During the visit, Roberson prepared a food item for the inmate and passed it to him with several napkins, which the inmate then placed against his face. Corrections officers found this behavior suspicious and searched the inmate, finding 75 strips of Suboxone (a Schedule III narcotic) in his cheek.   Roberson previously entered a guilty plea in this case in December 2025.

The Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.   

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