Middle District of Pennsylvania

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Arnaldo Caban-Soto, age 29, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to 36 months’ imprisonment and a 3-year term of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute cocaine.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on November 13, 2021, Caban-Soto was surveilled to a residence in Scranton, where he took possession of a package that authorities suspected contained a significant quantity of illegal drugs.  Following a motor vehicle stop, Caban-Soto was detained while a search warrant was obtained for the package.  Inside the package, authorities located approximately 3 Kilograms of cocaine.  Further investigation revealed that the package was shipped to Northeastern Pennsylvania from Puerto Rico, and that Caban-Soto’s role in the drug trafficking conspiracy was to transport the cocaine to a location in New York where it would be packaged for further distribution.   

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Scranton Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dexter Yard, age 34, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on August 17, 2021, in Luzerne County, Yard distributed fentanyl and cocaine, possessed methamphetamine for further distribution, possessed a .38 Special handgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Yard is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

The investigation was conducted by the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun

violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Under federal law, for the drug charges, Yard faces a maximum sentence of twenty years, a term of supervised release and a fine. For the firearms charges, Yard faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, a maximum sentence of life, a term of supervised release and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Steven D. Brinson, age 32, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on diverse dates in December 2021 and January and March 2022, Brinson possessed firearms, including a non-serialized AR-style “ghost gun,” and ammunition, despite having a prior felony conviction.   

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Gallagher are prosecuting the case.

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 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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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stephen M. Smith, age 42, of Bushkill, Pennsylvania, was charged on November 9, 2022, by criminal information with possession of fentanyl at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on August 29, 2022, Smith was stopped in his vehicle by Park Rangers at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and was found to be illegally in possession of packets of fentanyl.

The charge against Smith resulted from an investigation conducted by Park Rangers from the National Park Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

Under federal law, the maximum penalty for possession of controlled substances on federal property is up to one year in prison.  The charge also carries a minimum fine of $1000.  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.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jordan Anderson, age 27, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary, Canaan, Pennsylvania, was indicted on November 15, 2022, by a federal grand jury for assaulting another inmate and possessing contraband in prison.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on May 10, 2022, Anderson assaulted another inmate with a sharpened piece of metal commonly known as a “shank.” 

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

The maximum penalty under federal law is 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 and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Gontaryk, age 47, of Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, to 18 months of imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.  Judge Wilson also ordered Gontaryk to pay $9,919.61 in restitution.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Gontaryk stole $9,919.61 worth of construction materials belonging to the United States from the site of the U.S. Courthouse being constructed in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on October 11, 2021.  The following day, he sold copper and brass construction materials that he had stolen at a metal scrapyard located in Pottsville, PA.

Gontaryk also faces an additional pending charge for stealing and retaining construction materials from the courthouse construction site in March 2022.  Gontaryk has pleaded not guilty to that offense and is awaiting trial. 

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case.

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 on November 10, 2022, United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Keith Parson, age 50, of Stroudsburg, PA, to 24 months’ imprisonment and a 3-year term of supervised release, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, from approximately November 2020 until November 2021, in Monroe County, Parson distributed street level quantities of a substance containing heroin and fentanyl, including from his residence in Stroudsburg.  On November 10, 2021, a search warrant was executed at Parson’s residence and authorities located approximately 5 grams of a substance containing heroin and fentanyl, along with packaging materials and other items consistent with both drug use and distribution.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and its state and local law enforcement partners in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.

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

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on November 3, 2022, United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Douglas Richard Spencer, age 40, of Moscow, Pennsylvania, to 132 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on June 9, 2021, in Lackawanna County, Spencer possessed with intent to distribute approximately 190 grams of actual methamphetamine.  Additionally, Spencer, a previously convicted felon, unlawfully possessed five firearms, including an un-serialized 9mm “ghost gun,” all of which were seized pursuant to a residential search warrant.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).  Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun

violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Danielle Condron, age 35, of White Haven, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to two years’ probation by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for conspiracy to deal in explosive materials without a license.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Condron previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.  As part of her guilty plea, Condron admitted that between June 2017 and September of 2018, Condron, along with her two co-defendants, agreed to sell commercial grade fireworks without a license under Chapter 40 of Title 18 of the United States Code.  In total, the conspiracy was responsible for distributing more than 250 pounds of explosives in the form of commercial grade fireworks. 

Condron’s co-defendants, Glen Matra and Kevin Condron, are presently pending trial.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Connecticut State Police, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.  Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan is prosecuting the case.

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

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WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Aaron Walter Gray, age 37, of Ashland, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 93 months’ imprisonment by United States Chief District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann for drug trafficking and firearm offenses.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Gray previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.  In June of 2020, Gray failed to appear in Schuylkill County Court for previous drug and firearm charges and an arrest warrant was issued.

In April of 2021, members of the Pennsylvania State Police Fugitive Task Force and United States Marshals executed an arrest warrant for Gray at an Airbnb rental property in Snyder County, Pennsylvania. Gray was found in possession of fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, a Glock 21 .45 caliber pistol, various pistol magazines and pistol ammunition, small quantities of other controlled substances, and over $7,000 in cash. 

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office, the Snyder County District Attorney’s Office, the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force, and the Frackville Borough Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun

violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of opioids. 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 Farias Aquino-Vargas, age 43, of Mexico, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of illegal reentry. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Aquino-Vargas was removed from the United States on December 7, 2020, through Brownsville, Texas, and it is alleged that he reentered the United States without first obtaining legal permission to do so.  The indictment also alleges that on September 12, 2022, Aquino-Vargas was encountered in York, Pennsylvania.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 2 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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JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Cairnbrook, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Vicky Wagoner, age 40, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, from on or about November 9, 2021, Wagner did possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for April 6, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wagoner.

WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Devon T. Buck, age 34, of Cogan Station, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 1, 2022, by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann to two years of probation and a $3,000 fine for attempting to evade income taxes. Chief Judge Brann also ordered Buck to pay restitution in the amount of $203,324 to the IRS.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Buck operated a landscaping business called DCL Landscaping and for the calendar years 2015 through 2019, Buck attempted to evade $203,324 in federal income taxes.  Buck prepared and delivered business invoices to DCL customers requesting that they make checks for landscaping services payable to Buck personally, instead of DCL, Buck asked customers to not place the DCL name on their checks, and he provided DCL invoices to customers which included an instruction to make their payments payable to Buck individually.  From 2015 through 2019, Buck diverted approximately $677,877 of DCL receipts by cashing customer checks rather than depositing them into a business bank account, and he deposited only $240,749 of customer payments into the DCL business bank account during that period.  He provided fraudulent business summaries to his tax return preparer for use in preparing IRS Form 1040 income tax returns and Schedule C statements of business receipts and expenses, which falsely underreported DCL gross receipts and evaded the payment of federal income taxes.   

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel prosecuted the case.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Matthew W. Mensinger, age 49, of Berwick, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States Chief District Judge Matthew W. Brann, to 12 months of imprisonment for perpetrating a scheme to obtain bank loans through false statements. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Mensinger was the Chief Lending Officer of a Berwick, Pennsylvania-based financial institution.  Between approximately November 2011 and June 2020, Mensinger persuaded family members and business owners to obtain approximately $690,000 in loans from his financial institution, by submitting false loan applications purportedly for small business purposes and home mortgages.  Mensinger, in turn, authorized and facilitated the loan approvals in his position as a financial institution officer.  In fact, however, the individuals provided the money to Mensinger, who did not qualify to obtain the loans in his own right, and who promised that he would repay the loans.

In addition to Mensinger’s sentence of imprisonment, Chief Judge Brann also ordered him to perform 30 hours of community service, and to pay the remaining restitution owed to the financial institution, of over $290,000.

The case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Waschko’s Pharmacy, located in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay the United States $210,000 in civil penalties for allegedly failing to comply with recordkeeping requirements of the Controlled Substances Act. 

The Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. sections 801 et seq. (CSA), was passed to combat illegal distribution and abuse of controlled substances, including prescription medications.  The CSA’s recordkeeping and prescribing requirements are designed to prevent the diversion of controlled substances for illegal purposes.  The CSA is enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division, whose mission is to prevent, detect, and investigate the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals and listed chemicals from legitimate sources while ensuring adequate and uninterrupted supply for legitimate medical, commercial, and scientific needs.  Under the CSA, entities registered with the DEA who purchase, distribute, dispense, transfer, or sell controlled substances must comply with inventory and documentation requirements, and are subject to compliance audits. 

Regulations promulgated under the CSA require that each DEA registrant, including pharmacies, both maintain complete and accurate records of each substance manufactured, received, sold, delivered, dispensed, or otherwise disposed of by the registrant and promptly report any thefts or significant losses.  These requirements play a vital role in ensuring the appropriate handling, accounting, and distribution of controlled substances.  Violations of the record-keeping requirements subject DEA registrants to civil monetary penalties. 

The present civil investigation stemmed from a report alleging actual diversion.  A DEA inspection revealed that, between August 2019 and August 2021, Waschko’s Pharmacy failed to keep complete, timely, and accurate inventories and records regarding the receipt and dispensing of Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances, including but not limited to oxycodone, amphetamine salts, buprenorphine/naloxone, and alprazolam.  As a result of Waschko’s Pharmacy’s alleged actions and inactions, thousands of doses of controlled substances went unaccounted for.  Waschko’s Pharmacy cooperated with the investigators and has since been placed under new ownership and hired a new pharmacist-in-charge.  This settlement addresses the independent obligation of Waschko’s Pharmacy to ensure it has systems in place adequate to prevent improper dispensing, as required by 21 U.S.C. §§ 827, 842, and associated regulations.

“The requirements to keep complete and accurate records at the pharmacy level are not merely a bookkeeping practice; rather, they are crucial measures intended and designed to keep our communities safe from the diversion and potential abuse of prescription drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Karam. “Our office is committed to working collaboratively with our agency counterparts to ensure pharmacies in this district are doing their part to address the national opioid crisis, and I commend the owners of Waschko’s Pharmacy for realizing the seriousness of these requirements, recognizing gaps in their practices, and putting measures in place to protect their legitimate dispensing from diversion in the future.”  

“Pharmacies are entrusted with the proper dispensing and safeguarding of powerful prescription drugs such as oxycodone, buprenorphine, and naloxone.  With that responsibility comes the expectation that pharmacies can properly account for these same drugs,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “Civil settlements like this one are a tool for insuring compliance with the requirements of the Controlled Substances Act and to prevent the loss of these drugs.”

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

This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division.  The investigation was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Harlan W. Glasser and the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit within the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on October 24, 2022, Waylon Hutcheson, age 22, of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Hutcheson pleaded guilty on October 26, 2021, to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and receipt or possession of a firearm made in violation of the National Firearms Act. The sentence is a result of an investigation into the sale of drugs from Hutcheson’s home. Following “controlled purchases” of marijuana from Hutcheson, a warrant was executed, and he was found in possession of marijuana, oxycodone, THC, U.S. Currency, and drug trafficking paraphernalia. Police also recovered three self-made 9mm handguns with no serial numbers, a .22 caliber long rifle, three silencers, and a 30-round magazine. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer prosecuted the case.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dary T. Son, age 36, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to failing to collect and pay over employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, from June 2015 through August 2019, Son, the owner of a Pennsylvania-based temporary staffing company, DS Agency, failed to collect and pay on behalf of her employees approximately $591,822.99 in taxes owed to the IRS.  She also failed to pay to the IRS an equivalent amount that she owed as their employer. 

From 2015 to 2019, DS Agency received and cashed checks from Son Associates for providing workers in the total amount of over $7.7 million.  Rather than depositing these payments in a bank account, Dary Son cashed these checks at a check cashing business in Harrisburg, from 2015 to mid-2017.  Starting in 2018, Dary Son regularly made trips to a check cashing business in Philadelphia, where Dary Son cashed about $3 million in checks in less than a year.

The workers employed by Dary Son and her family member’s companies, worked regularly at several food manufacturing facilities in and around the Middle District of Pennsylvania.  Several of them were transported to their work sites by Dary Son, and they were generally paid in cash. 

Dary Son never withheld any federal, Social Security, Medicare, or state taxes from her employees’ income.  She likewise did not pay her employer portion of these taxes.  As a result, she is responsible for $1,183,646.25 in unpaid federal taxes, which she has agreed to pay in restitution as part of her plea agreement.

The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigations Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Saqueena Williams, a/k/a "Queenie," age 46, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 27, 2022, to 20 years' imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for cocaine trafficking and weapons offenses.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in November 2021, a jury convicted Williams of drug trafficking and possessing guns in furtherance of drug trafficking. On February 1, 2018, law enforcement officers seized drugs and guns during a court authorized search of her home and other properties associated with Williams and her coconspirator, Nyree Letterlough, age 51, of Harrisburg. 

Williams, the operator of Queenies Café, was convicted after a week-long jury trial of running a drug trafficking conspiracy from 2012 to 2018. The jury found that Williams trafficked in excess of five kilograms of cocaine, and that she possessed guns in furtherance of her drug trafficking operation.

Williams also surrendered her interests in Queenies Café, located in Harrisburg, as well as the liquor license and other properties.

Her coconspirator, Letterlough was also convicted at the above referenced trial and was sentenced on August 29, 2022, to 111 months’ imprisonment.  Letterlough surrendered her interests in Grams Grill, located in Harrisburg, and another real estate property.

At Williams’ sentencing, Judge Conner resolved issues pertaining to the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines after hearing argument from the parties. The sentence of 20 years in prison imposed by Judge Conner was within the sentencing guideline range and the applicable mandatory minimum sentence required by law.

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

The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Harrisburg Police Bureau, and numerous other law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Consiglio and Samuel Dalke prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jean Hernandez, age 33, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 57 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for a drug trafficking offense.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Hernandez previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. As part of his guilty plea, Hernandez admitted to that in between April and May of 2021, he had knowingly received multiple mail packages each containing approximately two kilograms of cocaine at his Scranton residence, with the intent that the cocaine would later be distributed.

In addition to the fifty-seven-month imprisonment sentence, Judge Mannion ordered Hernandez to serve four years of supervised release upon his release from prison.

The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Scranton Police Department, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Askia Riddick, age 25, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for passing counterfeit federal reserve notes. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Riddick passed a total of $1,800 in counterfeit federal reserve notes at the Mohegan Sun Casino and the Mt. Airy Casino between November and December of 2021. 

Judge Mannion also ordered that Riddick serve two years of supervised release upon his release from custody, and that Riddick pay $1000 in restitution for related conduct to the Wind Creek Casino located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

The matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the New Jersey State Police, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office (NJ), and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James Buchanan prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Askia Riddick, age 25, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for passing counterfeit federal reserve notes. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Riddick passed a total of $1,800 in counterfeit federal reserve notes at the Mohegan Sun Casino and the Mt. Airy Casino between November and December of 2021. 

Judge Mannion also ordered that Riddick serve two years of supervised release upon his release from custody, and that Riddick pay $1000 in restitution for related conduct to the Wind Creek Casino located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

The matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the New Jersey State Police, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office (NJ), and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James Buchanan prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jonathan Orlando Fontanez, age 37, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday October 26, 2022, to 40 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for conspiracy and possessing with intent to distribute in excess of 5 kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Fontanez was part of a drug trafficking organization distributing large quantities of cocaine, and fentanyl tablets disguised as 30 milligram oxycodone pills. On September 22, 2021, a federal search warrant executed on Fontanez’s residence, as well as search warrants served on other locations related to the drug trafficking organization, resulted in the seizure of nearly $100,000 in cash, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills and more than 10 kilograms of cocaine.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted the case.

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jonathan Livers, age 35, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced this week, to 26 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for distributing heroin.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Livers was part of a drug trafficking organization that was trafficking quantities of heroin acquired from New York City and brought to Allentown, Pennsylvania.  After arriving in Allentown, members of the drug trafficking organization sold the heroin in and around Allentown as well as areas in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Livers was responsible for distributing between 40 and 60 grams of heroin.

Codefendants of Livers received the following sentences:

• Robert Birch, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams and more of heroin, and was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment followed by four years supervised release;

• Jessica Schafer, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, and was sentenced to two years’ probation with a condition requiring 6 months’ home confinement;

• Deovonie Birch, a/k/a Deovonie Johnson, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, and was sentenced to time-served (31 months and 12 days) imprisonment followed by three years supervised release with a condition requiring six months of home confinement; and,

• Dysheim Birch, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, and was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted the case.

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Gontaryk, age 47, of Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on one count of theft of government property.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that between March 6, 2022 and March 14, 2022, Gontaryk stole and then retained construction materials belonging to the United States from the site of the U.S. Courthouse being constructed near the intersection of Reily Street and North 6th Street in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Gontaryk was previously indicted in January 2022 for committing a similar offense—stealing construction materials from the U.S. Courthouse construction site—on October 11, 2021.  He pleaded guilty to the October 2021 offense in May 2022, and he is currently awaiting sentencing. 

In March 2022, Gontaryk’s bail was revoked, and he was ordered to be detained after being arrested for committing the new offense.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for theft of government property is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  The defendant may also face an enhanced penalty because this offense was committed while he was on pretrial release for the earlier charge.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

SCRANTON - United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam announced today that Criminal Division Chief Bruce D. Brandler, Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA) Michael Consiglio, Geoffrey MacArthur, and James Buchanan will lead the efforts of this Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. 

Criminal Chief Brandler has been appointed to oversee and lead the District’s Election Day Program.  AUSAs Consiglio, Buchanan, and MacArthur will serve as the District Election Officers (DEO) for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in our Harrisburg, Scranton, and Williamsport Offices. In that capacity they are responsible for overseeing the handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Karam.  “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.  The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.  The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).  

United States Attorney Karam stated that: “The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.  Fair elections depend in large part on the assistance of the American electorate.  It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, our DEOs will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. AUSA/DEO Consiglio can be reached by the public at the Harrisburg Office number: 717-221-4482; AUSA/DEO Buchanan can be reached at the Scranton Office number: 570-348-2800; and AUSA/DEO MacArthur can be reached at the Williamsport Office number: 570-326-1935.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 215-418-4000.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

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SCRANTON –The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Gregory Dehart, age 32, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 18 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 2 years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for firearms offenses.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Dehart previously entered a plea of guilty to conspiring to make false statements during the purchase of 29 firearms. From December 22, 2019, to January 11, 2021, Dehart conspired with two other individuals to lie to employees at three Lackawanna County federally licensed firearms dealers, J & G Sport Center in Throop, Roll Call, LLC, in Scranton, PA, and Dick’s Sporting Goods in Dickson City, PA, as well as Piestrak’s Gun Shop, located in Luzerne County, in order to purchase a total of 29 firearms.  Dehart was not the actual buyer of any of the firearms and he and his co-defendant purchased the firearms on behalf of others.  Following the purchase of the firearms, Dehart would then transport the firearms to the actual buyers, who paid Dehart for the price of the firearms and a fee to making the purchases on their behalf.  Of the 29 purchased firearms, three have been recovered in connection to criminal offenses in Baltimore, Maryland, and New York City.  

Dehart was indicted with the following codefendants:

• Samantha Piasecki, was sentenced on June 8, 2022, to time served (137 days) to be followed by one-year supervised release for making false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms, aid and abet; and,

• Mitchell Bethea, pleaded guilty on May 20, 2022, to making false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms, aid and abet and is awaiting sentencing.

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, the Scranton Police Department, and the Newport Township Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Gallagher prosecuted the case.

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Muse, age 44, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced on October 26, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to five years’ imprisonment for armed bank robbery.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Muse previously entered a guilty plea before Judge Mannion and admitted to committing an armed robbery of the ESSA Bank, located in Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County, on September 16, 2021.  During the robbery Muse pointed what appeared to be a firearm (later discovered to be an air pistol) at the bank tellers. Muse stole approximately $9,031 in the robbery. 

The charge resulted from an investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.

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

###

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Corwin Cordell Garrett, age 46, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 24 months in prison to be followed by 6 years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for distributing heroin.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Garrett was intercepted during a DEA wire investigation communicating with coconspirators regarding drug trafficking of heroin in the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania area.  Garrett also sold heroin to a confidential informant who was working with agents as part of the investigation. Garrett was responsible for distributing between 80 and 100 grams of heroin.

Garrett was indicted with the following codefendants:

• John Hawk, a/k/a “Righteous,” was sentenced on July 26, 2022, to time-served to be followed by six years supervised release for aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute heroin;

• Al-Salaam I. Hale, a/k/a “Billz,” pleaded guilty on April 14, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams of heroin and distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin and is awaiting sentencing; and,

• Alsherik Ramadam Moate, pleaded guilty on May 14, 2021, to distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin and is awaiting sentencing.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted the case.

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sally Schrom, age 67, of Mountville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to two years of probation for stealing government funds.  The probation term includes six months of home detention, and Schrom was also ordered to pay $59,587 in restitution.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Schrom previously admitted that following her aunt’s death in April 2017, Schrom unlawfully received and used federal military retirement benefits and federal civilian retirement benefits that were paid to her aunt through November 2019.  The benefits totaled over $73,000.  The government previously reclaimed approximately $13,000 in benefits that Schrom unlawfully obtained.

The case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Defense Finance Accounting Service, and the Manheim Township Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jayson Thompson, age 31, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 26, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to a time served (14 months) period of incarceration for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Thompson previously admitted that on September 10, 2021, in Luzerne County, he was in possession of a loaded Taurus G2S .40 caliber pistol, knowing that he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Thompson also admitted that the Taurus pistol had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. Thompson had been in custody since his arrest on September 10, 2021.

The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kingston Police Department, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles:

fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on October 24, 2022, Cordae Jones, age 34, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for a firearm offense.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on March 26, 2022, Jones pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. In April 2019, Jones was arrested for an outstanding warrant. A search warrant was executed, and crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm were located in the home. As a previously convicted felon, Jones was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Police Bureau and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer prosecuted the case.

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

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jaime Ryan Chorba, age 46, of Archbald, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 26, 2022, by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 180 months of imprisonment for producing child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Chorba previously admitted that on April 1, 2016, he used his cell phone to produce a video of a minor child engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  Chorba was a physical education teacher with Valley View School District, Archbald, Pennsylvania from August 30, 2004 through July 26, 2021. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Philadelphia Division and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jason T. Cawley, age 44, owner of J. Cawley Moving, located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 25, 2022, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 2 years’ probation, including 6 months of home confinement with electronic monitoring, for failing to collect and pay over several years’ worth of required federal payroll taxes.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, for a five year period from 2015 to 2019, Cawley willfully failed to account for and pay over to the IRS required federal payroll taxes in the total amount of $398,726.61. Although he withheld the funds from his employees’ pay, Cawley consistently failed to pay the monies over to the IRS, as required.  Cawley also failed to file the required quarterly Forms 941 with the IRS.

At sentencing, Cawley was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $245,388.91, which constitutes the balance of the unpaid taxes.       

The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case. 

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nicole Botterbusch, age 32, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 60 months in prison for trafficking methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on July 2, 2020, Botterbusch was stopped in a vehicle in York County, with over 400 grams of methamphetamine. She was in the car with her codefendant, Jeremy Michael Kohler.

Both Kohler and Botterbusch previously entered guilty pleas to drug trafficking. Kohler was previously sentenced by Judge Wilson to 130 months in prison for trafficking methamphetamine.

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Antonio Godbolt, age 37, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was sentenced yesterday to 33 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for firearms offenses.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Antonio Godbolt pleaded guilty to conspiring with three other individuals to purchase firearms for felons and persons under indictment. Godbolt was prohibited by law from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions, but he arranged for Taashaun Mansfield, age 21, of Harrisburg, to purchase a firearm for him. Mansfield also purchased six other firearms for felons.

Mansfield pleaded guilty to weapons offenses and was sentenced to 37 months in prison. Michael Windham, age 22, of Harrisburg, also pleaded guilty to weapons offenses and was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment.  Johnny Quinones, age 35, of Harrisburg, is awaiting trial.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with the Harrisburg Bureau of Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.

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

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 Wallace Smith, age 32, of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jolie Brown, age 40, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Andres Garcia-Grajeda, age 33, of New Oxford, Pennsylvania, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for drug trafficking. 

Smith was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment, Brown was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment, and Garcia-Grajeda was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment. Defendants previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms and more of cocaine and 400 grams and more of fentanyl.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on April 11, 2021, Smith,  Brown, and Garcia-Grajeda were arrested outside the Hampton Inn in Hanover, Pennsylvania.  At the time of the arrests, Smith was wheeling a luggage cart holding bags which contained over 81 kilograms of cocaine and 5 kilograms of fentanyl from his hotel room into Grajeda’s vehicle.  A search of Brown’s hotel room discovered over $823,000 in drug proceeds.  Smith and Brown had driven the drugs to Adams County from California in a tractor trailer and were dropping them off to Grajeda for distribution.    

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

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

The convictions were the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Behe and Scott Ford prosecuted the case. 

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Yasin Abdul-Mattin, age 50, of Scranton, pleaded guilty on October 20, 2022, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to the charge of convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Abdul-Mattin is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. During his guilty plea, Abdul-Mattin admitted that on January 20, 2022, he possessed a loaded 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition. The charges stem from an incident in which members of the Scranton Police Department conducted a traffic stop of Abdul-Mattin’s vehicle on Luzerne Street in Scranton and found him in possession of that loaded 12-gauge shotgun.  

The charges against Abdul-Mattin resulted from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Gallagher are prosecuting the case.

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

Under federal law, for the firearms charge, Abdul-Mattin faces a maximum sentence of ten years, a term of supervised release and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Leonard Hart, age 50, of Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to obtaining by fraud and misapplying money from Lincoln Charter School (LCS) in York, Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, LCS is a recipient of federal program funds because it receives grants funded by the U.S Department of Education—primarily Title I funding, which is financial assistance for schools with high numbers of children from low-income backgrounds.

From 2013 until November 2021, Hart was LCS’s Principal and CEO.  LCS offers a program by which employees are able to receive partial tuition reimbursement for furthering their education. Hart misrepresented that he was pursuing a Ph.D. and submitted numerous requests for reimbursement for courses that he falsely claimed he was taking from a few universities. He also falsified records to support these claims for tuition reimbursement and pressured a lower-level employee of the school and former LCS student to assist him in creating a forged diploma.

Hart admitted to submitting to LCS nearly 20 false and fraudulent reimbursement requests between 2018 and 2020.  Hart also agreed to pay $55,311 in restitution, representing the total amount of funds he received through fraudulent reimbursement requests.              

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Magdiel Perez-Bartolon, age 24, of Mexico, was indicted by a federal grand jury on illegal reentry charges. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Perez-Bartolon was removed from the United States on November 28, 2009, through Nogales, Arizona.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after that date, and was located in the United States on September 29, 2022, in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime M. Keating is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 2 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 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 John Williams, age 42, of Kingston, Luzerne County, pleaded guilty on October 19, 2022, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to the charge of conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Williams admitted to conspiring with his co-defendant, Lee Crawford, age 59, of Wilkes-Barre, and with others, to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl in the Luzerne County area between July 2020 and February 2021. Williams and Crawford were indicted by a grand jury in March 2021. The charges against Crawford are still pending.

The charges against the defendants resulted from an investigation conducted by the Kingston Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

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

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

Under federal law, Williams faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, up to a maximum sentence of forty years in prison, 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. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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 today that Rishi Budhadev, age 37, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Budhadev admitted to receiving a series of fraudulent MoneyGram money transfers from several individuals he did not know in October 2015.  He also admitted to receiving in October 2015 a fraudulent deposit for $9,000 in his checking account from a person he did not know.  He admitted to receiving each of these transfers at the request of a coconspirator located in India. 

In each of these transactions, Budhadev admitted believing that the funds being transmitted to him had very likely been obtained through fraud.  He admitted consciously using deliberate efforts to avoid confirming the fraudulent nature of these transactions, despite his concerns that they were fraudulent.

Budhadev admitted to using the proceeds of the fraudulent MoneyGram money transfers to purchase iPhones, which he delivered to the same coconspirator located in India in February 2016.  He also admitted to personally withdrawing the $9,000 in cash from his bank account the same day that it was deposited and later delivering the cash to the same coconspirator in India around February 2016.

The government’s investigation determined that, Budhadev, working with other unnamed co-conspirators, defrauded victims using common advance-fee mass marketing scams. During a roughly two-month time period from October 2015 to December 2015, the government found that Budhadev received around 500 MoneyGram money orders worth over $500,000, including about 300 MoneyGram money orders worth over $407,000 from more than 250 senders that he picked up from seven different Walmart stores.  In addition, Budhadev received a number of large cash deposits in his bank accounts, which he quickly withdrew.  The government’s investigation also determined that around 50 people who sent funds to Budhadev subsequently identified themselves as victims of various scams, including investment scams, romance scams, person-in-need scams, internet purchase scams, IRS tax scams, and loan scams. 

Budhadev admitted to receiving a subset of these transactions in connection with his guilty plea.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gilroy Stewart, age 52, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to 51 months’ imprisonment on the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Stewart previously entered a guilty plea before Judge Mariani and admitted to possessing twenty kilograms of cocaine for further distribution.  The charge stems from an incident on August 28, 2018, in which members of the Pennsylvania State Police made a traffic stop of a vehicle on Interstate Route 80 in Carbon County, Pennsylvania.  Stewart was the sole occupant of the vehicle.  A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of twenty kilograms of cocaine found in a hidden compartment inside the vehicle.

The investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.

This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles:

fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Turbi, age 36, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and firearm offenses.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that between December of 2021 and October 12, 2022, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, Turbi conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, over 500 grams of methamphetamine, over 500 grams of cocaine, and a quantity of marijuana.  The indictment also alleges that on October 12, 2022, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Turbi possessed with the intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana, as well as a 9mm pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

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

The matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Hazleton Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. United States Attorney James M. Buchanan is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is life imprisonment and a fine of $10,000,000.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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 Brinayah Clark, age 18, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kendall Rawls, age 22, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Nazeer Amir Shamsud-Din, age 22, of Snellville, Georgia, and Jaquan Underwood, age 21, of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of passing counterfeit federal reserve notes. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on September 10, 2022, the defendants passed $1,200 in counterfeit bills at the Walmart in Dickson City, Pennsylvania, $500 in counterfeit bills at the Aldi grocery store in Dickson City, and $1,100 in counterfeit bills at the Walmart in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The indictment further alleges that from February of 2022 until September 10, 2022, the defendants conspired to pass counterfeit federal reserve notes, including incidents at four other stores in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, and incidents at other retail stores throughout the state.

The matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Dickson City Police Department, the Pittston Police Department, the Taylor Borough Police Department, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James Buchanan is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Robert Maverick Vargo, age 25, of Berwick, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of threatening the President of the United States, interstate communications with a threat, and influencing a federal official by threat. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on October 11, 2022, United States Congressman Bennie Thompson’s office received a letter from Vargo at the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington DC, containing threats to kill Representative Thompson, his family, President Joseph Biden, and U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani alluding to “Anthrax,” and containing what appeared to be a white powder.

Representative Thompson is serving his fifteenth term as the Congressman representing the second Congressional District in Mississippi.  Representative Thompson is the Chairman of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol.

The letter specifically referenced Congressman Thompson’s role with the January 6 Select Committee and states “Im going to kill you! I will make you feel the rest of our pain & suffering.  There is nowhere or nobody who can keep you from me.  I am going to kill you & those you love.  I promise you that I will keep my promise until the day of my death.” The letter goes on to state, “You & Joe Biden soon will face death for the wrongs you’ve done to US.”

Investigation by the U.S. Capitol Police Hazardous Material Response Team determined that the white powder accompanying the threats did not pose an immediate public safety hazard.  It was determined through the investigation that the threatening letter and substance was sent by Vargo from the Luzerne County Correctional Facility in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

The case is being investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police, Protective Service Bureau and the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

The total maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 25 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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SCRANTON – United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam announced that the Department of Justice has awarded $554,355 to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Funding will support community efforts to address gun crime and serious violence in the district. The grants to Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency are just a few of the awards being made to state and local agencies across the country. Funds are administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, which is part of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.

Launched two decades ago as an evidence-based and community-oriented response to serious gun crime, Project Safe Neighborhoods, known as PSN, is a key component of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, outlined by Deputy Attorney General Monaco in May 2021. The PSN approach is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.

“The Justice Department’s grants provide resources for our state and local law partners to help protect individuals and communities from violent crime,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department is taking a comprehensive approach, recognizing that we cannot simply arrest our way out of this problem—the resources in these grants will help our state and local partners reduce gun violence through increased community trust and investments in community-based initiatives like violence intervention programs.”

“These funds will continue to help reduce violence in our communities across the Middle District of Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney Karam. “We remain focused on prioritizing our violent crime reduction efforts through the PSN initiative, including prevention and treatment to stop incidents before they start.”

PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies and community organizations. The programs’ emphasis on community engagement, prevention and intervention measures, focused and strategic enforcement, and measurement and accountability has helped achieve overall reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides, in neighborhoods where PSN strategies have been implemented.

“Over its two-decade history, Project Safe Neighborhoods has evolved to meet the complex challenges of community violence by enlisting the insights and expertise of local partners and by relying on the latest evidence,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “We are proud to support our U.S. Attorneys and their allies in their critical work to curb violent crime and build the mutual trust necessary to ensure lasting success.”

The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about awards under PSN and other OJP grants can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law.  More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on October 17, 2022, William F. Showers, age 37, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 100 months of imprisonment and a 5-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, from July through December 2021, Showers conspired with others to distribute over 200 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine, including over 50 grams of actual or pure methamphetamine. During the course of the investigation, an undercover agent purchased methamphetamine directly from the defendant at locations in Berks and Schuylkill Counties.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).  Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Luis Manuel Quesada Rodriguez, age 32, Alex Rivera Ramos, age 30, and Pedro Diaz, age 27, all from York, Pennsylvania, were each sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 120 months’ imprisonment for trafficking cocaine. 

According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between December 2015 and March 2020, the defendants coordinated and received parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine sent from Puerto Rico through the U.S. Mail, and then distributed the cocaine in and around York.  Each of the three defendants, along with a fourth co-defendant, Carlos Joel Nieves Ortega, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute between 5 and 15 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride.  As part of the investigation, the government disrupted the organization’s cocaine shipments and seized 7.5 kilograms of cocaine along with $16,895 in drug proceeds.  

Co-defendant Carlos Joel Nieves Ortega, age 37, of York, was previously sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment for his involvement in the cocaine trafficking conspiracy, and co-defendant Jose Colon Declet, age 36, of York, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment. 

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel S. Dalke and Daryl F. Bloom prosecuted the case.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Alnaldo Perez-Rodriguez, age 36, of Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, pleaded guilty on October 13, 2022, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. 

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Perez-Rodriguez admitted to possessing a loaded Walther .380 caliber pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  The charge stems from an incident on December 3, 2021, in Shenandoah, in which State Parole Agents, members of the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force and members of the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force arrested Perez-Rodriguez for a violation of the conditions of his state parole.  Perez-Rodriguez was found in possession of a loaded Walther .380 caliber pistol, an additional 35 rounds of .380 caliber ammunition, packets of fentanyl for distribution, packages of methamphetamine for distribution, and $875 in U.S. currency. 

The investigation was conducted by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force, State Parole Agents, and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles:

fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Huong Van Thai, age 60, and Tim Duong, age 51, both of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, were indicted on October 5, 2022, by a federal grand jury for conspiring to defraud the United States by failing to withhold and pay employment taxes, as well as other related offenses. The case was unsealed following the arrest of Thai and Duong.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Thai and Duong owned BCS, Inc., a company located in Harrisburg that provided temporary workers to other businesses.  The indictment further alleges that Thai and Duong avoided their responsibility to withhold and pay employment taxes by often paying employees in cash and submitting false forms to the Internal Revenue Service.

The case was investigated by the internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is five 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 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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