Middle District of Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced a letter of resolution with RC Theatres Management LLLP, the owner and operator of Queensgate RC Theatres located in York, Pennsylvania.  The agreement was reached under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the United States Department of Justice received a complaint that the Queensgate RC Theatre was not accessible to individuals with visual impairments, namely the movie theater did not have descriptive audio headsets.  After an investigation with the owner’s cooperation, the United States Attorney’s Office determined that the Queensgate RC Theatre failed to have the required descriptive audio headset for the visually impaired complainant.

Soon after RC Theatres received notice of the complaint, it took steps to come into compliance with the ADA by purchasing audio descriptive devices and by training employees on the use of the devices at this location.  RC Theatres will continue to annually train theater employees.  RC Theatres will also provide notice about the availability of these devices on their webpage. 

“Owners of movie theaters must ensure that viewings of films comply with all requirements of the ADA, and that they provide equal access for all people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler. “RC Theatres quickly and cooperatively worked to address the ADA violations discovered during our investigation, which will enable visually impaired patrons to enjoy movies at the Queensgate location.”

Federal law requires public accommodations, including movie theaters, to provide individuals with disabilities equal access to facilities. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to undertake investigations and periodic reviews of covered establishments. For more information on the ADA, visit www.ADA.gov. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/. Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing usapam.civil.rights@usdoj.gov. 

This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler.

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HARRISBURG –The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that four previously deported aliens were indicted separately on July 21, 2021, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States. These matters arose in counties throughout the District including York, Franklin, and Huntingdon Counties.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Guadalupe Diaz-Hernandez, age 30, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in October 2013.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after October 2013 and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Junior Gonzalez-Nane, age 43, was previously deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic in February 2010.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after February 2010 and was found in the United States in Huntington County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Diaz-Hernandez and Gonzalez-Nane face a maximum penalty of 2 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

Efrain Cabrera-Cabrera, age 34, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in July 2010.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after July 2010 and was found in the United States in Franklin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. When encountered, he, as an illegal alien, was in possession of a firearm.

Cabrera-Cabrera faces a maximum penalty of 12 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 

Anthony Rodriguez-Ortiz, age 33, was charged with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien, felon in possession of a firearm, and illegal alien in possession of a firearm.  Rodriguez-Ortiz was previously deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic in December 2013.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after December 2013 and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. When encountered, he, as an illegal alien and convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm.

Rodriguez-Ortiz faces a maximum penalty of 40 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 

The cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Joanne M. Sanderson is prosecuting the cases.

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

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

Diaz-Hernandez faces a maximum penalty of 2 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ethan Ashong, age 28, of Fishkill, New York, was indicted on July 20, 2021, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Ashong conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine between January 2021 and July 2021 and distributed over 50 grams of methamphetamine on multiple occasions between March 8, 2021 and July 15, 2021.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 40 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Linda Grubb, age 74, of Hesston, Pennsylvania, pled guilty on July 21, 2021, to wire fraud for her role in a pandemic relief funds fraud scheme.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Grubb and her coconspirators manipulated a variety of pandemic relief programs to fraudulently obtain over $400,000. Specifically, the coconspirators made applications for pandemic related small business loans and pandemic unemployment assistance, sometimes using stolen identifying information. The loans and unemployment payments were deposited into Grubb’s bank account in Huntingdon County. Grubb allowed her bank account to be used and then assisted her coconspirators by wiring the funds to bank accounts they identified.

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

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

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 21, 2021, Kenneth harr, age 51, of McConnelsburg, was indicted by a federal grand jury for production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. 

According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Harr produced, received and possessed child pornography images using a computer or cell phone between March 2018 and June 2021, in Fulton County. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Miovas, Jr. is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for the highest offense charged in the indictment is 30 years’ imprisonment, a lifetime term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment for the production of child pornography charge and a five year mandatory minimum sentence for the receipt of child pornography charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jonathan Clark Baird, age 45, of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced on July 19, 2021, to one year of probation by Chief United States District Court Judge John E. Jones, III, for conspiracy to defraud the Food and Drug Administration.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Baird was an attorney licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky focusing on steroid and nutritional supplements law. Baird conspired with two Internet-based businesses, Total Trading LLC and L and P, LLC, from December 2011 to on or about December 2014, to defraud the United States. In particular, Baird agreed to use his knowledge of steroid laws, nutritional supplement laws and the FDA’s regulatory and enforcement practices to instruct these companies on the methods to use to interfere and obstruct the United States Food and Drug Administration enforcement and regulatory oversight, including instructing his co-conspirators on the steps to be taken to fraudulently conceal the true nature of their illegal sale of prescription drugs from the FDA.

Baird’s coconspirators, Paul Leix and co-defendant, Dominic Pileggi, were involved in a business, L&P Trading, which used the internet to market and distribute peptides (a type of amino acid), along with other bodybuilding chemicals, to individuals seeking to enhance their physiques. Leix and Pileggi marketed these products on their website while providing a disclaimer that the substances were not for human consumption and use (for research purposes only). Customers who visited the website seeking these products for bodybuilding purposes would falsely attest that they were buying the chemicals for research purposes. By marketing the products to the online bodybuilding community, Leix and Pileggi knew that purchasers would use the products for personal consumption rather than research. The “research only” disclaimer was a ruse to circumvent the regulatory authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). L&P Trading advertised on body-building billboards and sites and Leix and Pileggi were not properly licensed or had the required approvals to manufacture, sell or prescribe these products.  Leix and Pileggi also sold these drugs and their chemical components to other illegal distributors and manufacturers, including Total Trading, LLC, a company owned and operated by co- conspirator Thomas Keightly, located in Lebanon County. Keightly, in turn, sold directly to end users in the same manner as Leix and Pileggi.

Paul Leix was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment and Thomas Keightly was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit money laundering and delivery of altered or misbranded drugs by fraud. Pileggi was sentenced to time-served for conspiracy to commit money laundering and introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce. 

“Selling unapproved prescription drugs in the U.S. marketplace is illegal and puts consumers’ health at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark S. McCormack, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “We remain fully committed to disrupting and dismantling illegal drug distribution networks that take steps to avoid FDA regulatory scrutiny at the expense of public health and safety.”

The cases were investigated by the Food and Drug Administration and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Terz prosecuted the cases.

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A federal jury convicted a veteran detective for the Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Police Department, who was also a task force officer with the FBI and a member of the Cumberland County Drug Task Force, today of bribery, drug distribution and making false statements.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Christopher Collare, 53, of Blythewood, South Carolina, used his official position to obtain sex from two women in exchange for agreeing to take actions in prosecutions. Specifically, in 2015, Collare agreed to accept sex in exchange for not appearing at an evidentiary hearing so that a criminal charge would be dismissed. In 2018, Collare agreed to accept sexual favors in exchange for taking steps to help reduce a potential sentence. Collare distributed heroin in 2016. He also lied in November 2015 on a federal form he completed during the process of becoming an FBI task force officer, and he made multiple false statements in an interview with federal agents in May 2018.

Collare was convicted of federal program bribery, bribery by a federal official, distribution of heroin, and six counts of false statements. Collare was taken into custody following the verdict. His sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for federal program bribery, 15 years in prison for bribery by a federal official, 20 years in prison for distribution of heroin and five years in prison for false statements. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Russell W. Cunningham of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General investigated the case. 

Trial Attorney James I. Pearce of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlo D. Marchioli and Phillip J. Caraballo are prosecuting the case.

HARRISBURG – Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Russell W. Cunningham of the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s Washington Field Office announce that a federal jury convicted a veteran detective for the Carlisle, Pennsylvania Police Department, who was also a task force officer with the FBI and a member of the Cumberland County Drug Task Force, today of bribery, drug distribution, and making false statements.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Christopher Collare, 53, of Blythewood, South Carolina, used his official position to obtain sex from two women in exchange for agreeing to take actions in prosecutions. Specifically, in 2015, Collare agreed to accept sex in exchange for not appearing at an evidentiary hearing so that a criminal charge would be dismissed. In 2018, Collare agreed to accept sexual favors in exchange for taking steps to help reduce a potential sentence.  Collare distributed heroin in 2016. He also lied in November 2015 on a federal form he completed during the process of becoming an FBI task force officer, and he made multiple false statements in an interview with federal agents in May 2018.

Collare was convicted of federal program bribery, bribery by a federal official, distribution of heroin, and six counts of false statements. Collare was taken into custody following the verdict. His sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for federal program bribery, 15 years in prison for bribery by a federal official, 20 years in prison for distribution of heroin, and five years in prison for false statements. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

“The defendant victimized numerous vulnerable women and in the course of doing so, betrayed the trust placed in him by the public and multiple law enforcement agencies, said Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler.  “His actions not only violated federal law, but also had a negative impact on cases he investigated.  Today’s verdict reflects our office’s commitment to ensuring that those who abuse their official positions for their own benefit are held accountable.  I want to thank all the prosecutors and law enforcement agents who worked tirelessly to make sure justice was served in this case.”    

"Christopher Collare's actions were antithetical to the oath he swore to serve and protect," said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. "He’s tarnished the badge he wore and failed his colleagues and the community he served. We in law enforcement must be held to the highest of ethical standards, and those falling short, like Collare, need to be booted from the ranks and held accountable. The public needs to know we mean it when we say that no one is above the law."

The FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.  Trial Attorney James I. Pearce of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlo D. Marchioli and Phillip J. Caraballo are prosecuting the case.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Hughes, age 38, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted on July 13, 2021, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Hughes possessed with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine on May 12, 2021, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The indictment also alleges that Hughes possessed a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on July 13, 2021, Corbin Kauffman, age 32, of Lehighton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 18 months’ imprisonment for interstate transmission of threats to injure the person of another.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Kauffman pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal information and admitted that he posted a threatening image on a social media website on March 13, 2019.  Kauffman posted a digitally-created image of his own arm and hand aiming an AR-15 rifle at a congregation of praying Jewish men, gathered in a synagogue.  The threatening image came in the wake of the October 27, 2018 mass-shooting at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where 11 died and several more were wounded.  On the same day he posted his own threatening image, Kauffman also shared a video of the Tree of Life shooting, as well as another post in support of the shooter.  That same day, Kauffman also posted multiple references to “hate crimes” and a photograph of vandalism he committed by defacing a display case at the Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Center in Ocean City, Maryland, with white supremacist and anti-Semitic stickers.

Kauffman used various aliases online to post hundreds of anti-Semitic, anti-black, and anti-Muslim messages, images, and videos.  Several of these posts, like the one charged in the information, included threats to various religious and racial groups.  Other posts expressed a desire to commit genocide and “hate crimes,” and called for or depicted images of the killing of Jewish people, black people, and Muslim people.  Kauffman also posted videos combining footage of a mass shooting at a Christchurch, New Zealand mosque with various audio tracks to celebrate the shooting, including video game sound effects and music.

In imposing the sentence, Judge Mariani found that Kauffman had made several threats, and that he intentionally selected the targets of his threats based on their race, religion, or ethnicity.

“While the disturbing and violent images and messages Kauffman posted online were abhorrent, that does not mean they were all criminal. Even abhorrent speech is protected by the First Amendment right to free speech,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brandler.  “But when the speech crosses the line into threats, particularly threats directed at vulnerable communities, we will not tolerate that behavior.  Vulnerable communities are entitled to feel safe in living their lives and exercising their own rights.  Under federal law, when you target a person or a group because of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation, that is a hate crime.  And we take hate crimes very seriously in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.”

The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Crystal Hughes, age 37, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to one year of probation for making false statements in order to purchase a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Bandler, Hughes pleaded guilty to making false statements on April 30, 2020, to a Luzerne County federally licensed firearms dealer in order to purchase a pistol. The false statement related to the fact that she was not buying the pistol for herself, but on behalf of another person.  

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Kingston Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Lewis Kramer, age 36, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was convicted on July 7, 2021, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for production of child pornography and attempted witness tampering.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, during the two-day bench trial, the Government presented evidence that Kramer produced images and videos of child pornography between March 1, 2019 and March 27, 2020.  Also, on January 22, 2021, Kramer sent a letter to the victim’s mother threatening to have her arrested and put in jail.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Gallagher are prosecuting the case.

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

Kramer faces a mandatory minimum 15-year sentence. And the maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ahmyr Younger, age 19, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal complaint June 30, 2021, with illegal possession of a firearm.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the complaint alleges that on June 30, 2021 in Luzerne County, Younger illegally possessed a 9mm handgun after having been previously convicted of a felony.

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

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

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Collazo, age 34, formerly of Girardville, Schuylkill County, pleaded guilty on July 1, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Collazo admitted to possessing highly pure crystal methamphetamine for further distribution in the Schuylkill County area between December 2018 and February 2019. 

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

Judge Mariani ordered that a presentence report be completed for Collazo.  Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rudolph Ford, age 32, formerly of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on July 1, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Ford admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute highly pure crystal methamphetamine, as well as heroin, in Luzerne, Lackawanna and Schuylkill Counties between January 2017 and December 2018.   Ford was one of five individuals indicted by a grand jury in December 2018 for methamphetamine trafficking in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Judge Mariani ordered that a presentence report be completed.  Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

Previously, Amanda Boyle, age 37, of Sweet Valley, Luzerne County, was sentenced by Judge Mariani to nine years in prison for her role in this same drug trafficking conspiracy.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Kingston Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.  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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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

The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to twenty years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1,000,000 fine.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs.  For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tyler Kegolis, age 34, formerly of Frackville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on June 30, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to distribution of crystal methamphetamine.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Kegolis admitted to distributing highly pure crystal methamphetamine in the Schuylkill County area between December 2018 and February 2019. 

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

Judge Mannion ordered that a presentence report be completed for Kegolis.  Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ronald McKenna, age 41, of Monroe County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 30, 2021, to 36 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for drug trafficking and firearms charges.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, McKenna pleaded guilty to distributing between 80 and 100 grams of heroin (which is the equivalent of 3,200 to 4,000 individual doses) and accepting a firearm in exchange for heroin. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni 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 prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

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SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Wilver Veras, a/k/a “Gavi,” age 31, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment to be followed by five years on supervised release on June 29, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for conspiring to possess and distribute methamphetamine.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Veras previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess and distribute 50 grams and more of actual methamphetamine throughout Hazleton and other parts of Luzerne County.  Veras’s involvement in the charged conspiracy began in January 2018 and ended with his arrest in September 2018.

The case was investigated jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski prosecuted the case.

This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sierra Benninger, age 26, of Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 29, 2021, to time served of 8 ½ months by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for providing false statements to purchase a firearm.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Benninger pleaded guilty and admitted that she provided false statements to purchase a Taurus 9mm handgun, which she was prohibited from possessing as a person who used and was addicted to a controlled substance. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Fausto Hernandez, age 43, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to distributing a “designer drug” which is a controlled substance analog.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Hernandez admitted to distributing a “designer drug” known as “4-choroethcathinone,” a controlled substance analog which mimics the effects of other drugs, in the Monroe County area in June and July 2019.  

Under federal law, such “designer drugs” are controlled substance analogues, which are chemically similar to controlled substances in Schedule I or II, to the extent they are intended for human consumption, and are treated as controlled substances.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

Judge Mariani ordered that a presentence report be completed for Hernandez.  Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Reginald Hopkins, age 44, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 23, 2021, for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on January 15, 2021, in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Hopkins sold  a detectable amount of cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.”  Additionally, the indictment alleges that on February 11, 2021, Hopkins was in possession of three firearms (an Astra Constable 9mm handgun, a Hi-Point CF380 .380 handgun and a S&W M&P 9 Shield 9mm handgun) after previously having been convicted of a felony offense.  Hopkins was also in possession of 9 mm and .380 caliber ammunition.

The matter was investigated by the Harrisburg Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit and the Community Policing Unit, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Miovas, Jr. is prosecuting the case.   

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.

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

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

The maximum penalty for the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for the distribution of a controlled substance offense is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of at least 6 years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $2,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Samantha Blume, age 30, formerly of Frackville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Blume admitted to aiding and abetting the distribution of highly-pure crystal methamphetamine in the Schuylkill County area in February 2019.  Blume and her then boyfriend, Shaquane Scott, age 31, also of Frackville, were indicted by a grand jury in September 2019 for methamphetamine trafficking. 

On June 23, 2021, Judge Mannion sentenced Shaquane Scott to six years’ imprisonment for methamphetamine trafficking.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

Judge Mannion ordered that a presentence report be completed for Blume.  Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.

The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.  The maximum sentence under federal law is up to forty years in in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs.  For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Shane Kelly Torpey, age 37, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 23, 2021, to 140 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for using the internet to attempt to entice a 12-year-old minor female to engage in prohibited sexual activity.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on January 27, 2020, after communicating online with the minor victim and, later, with a law enforcement officer posing as the victim, Torpey traveled from the Philadelphia area to a park in Kingston, PA in an attempt to coax the minor victim into engaging in prohibited sexual activity with him.  Torpey was arrested on scene. 

At sentencing, Judge Mannion also ordered Torpey to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on June 23, 2021, Charles Gibson, Jr., age 42, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for conspiring to distribute heroin, crack cocaine, and fentanyl.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Gibson pleaded guilty to being the head of a drug trafficking organization that distributed kilograms of crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl in the Luzerne County region from March 2015 through March 2017.  Members of the drug trafficking organization possessed firearms and engaged in acts of violence.

Gibson was charged in June 2017 with 14 other individuals.  All of his co-defendants pleaded guilty and were sentenced:

• Victoria Kraynak, of Luzerne, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment;
• Kassandra Martin of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
• Joshua Lenchick of Luzerne, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
• Kristyna Shotwell of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment;
• Tanay Jones of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to a time served sentence of 19 days’ imprisonment;
• William Waring of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
• John Maybank of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 53 months’ imprisonment;
• Siobhan Daniels, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment;
• Luis Nevarez, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
• Adonis Smith, of New London, Connecticut, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment;
• Cara Dubaskas, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to a time served sentence of 7 months;
• Chad Eckrote, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 3 years of probation;
• Adam Gottstein, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment; and
• Amanda Romano, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and by the Kingston Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case also 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 was further part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on June 23, 2021, Robert Andrewsh, Jr., age 26, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for methamphetamine trafficking.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Andrewsh pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute between 150 and 500 grams of high-purity methamphetamine in November and December 2019.  Andrewsh also admitted that he possessed firearms in connection with his offense.

The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Scranton Police Department, and the City of Carbondale Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

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HARRISBURG – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Luis Minier, a/k/a “Cito,” age 26, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 22, 2021, to 10 years’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for conspiring to distribute over a kilogram of heroin (one kilogram of heroin is the equivalent of approximately 40,000 individual doses) and five kilograms of cocaine.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the investigation began with an overdose death in the City of York on December 2, 2017.  Investigators connected the death to heroin laced with fentanyl sold by codefendant Lamar Johnson. They further determined that Minier was bringing kilogram quantities of heroin and cocaine into York on a weekly basis from September 2017 until December 2017.  Police arrested and seized over 700 grams of heroin and a kilogram of cocaine during police searches in December 2017.

Codefendants indicted in this case include:

• Brandon L. Orr, a/k/a “B Or,” age 27, of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking charges in June 2021, and is awaiting sentencing;
• Lamar Johnson, age 32 of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking charges in June 2021, and is awaiting sentencing; and
• Javiel Snellings, age 26, of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking charges and  was sentenced March 31, 2021 to two years of probation.

The case was investigated by the Capitol Safe Streets Task Force, which included representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the York County Drug Task Force, and Springettsbury Township Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case. 

This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of 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 part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shaquane Scott, age 31, of Frackville, Schuylkill County, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to six years’ imprisonment for distribution of crystal methamphetamine.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Scott previously pled guilty and admitted to distributing between 50 and 150 grams of highly-pure crystal methamphetamine in the Schuylkill County area over a several-week period in February and March 2019.  Scott and his girlfriend, Samantha Blume, age 28, also of Frackville, were indicted by a grand jury in September 2019 for methamphetamine trafficking.  The charges against Blume are still pending.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Walter Valdivia, Jr., age 38, of Matamoras, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 21, 2021, to 33 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for possession of a shotgun with a barrel length of less than 18 inches.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Valdivia was encountered by law enforcement officers when they served a search warrant in Matamoras, Pennsylvania on April 29, 2020, in an unrelated investigation.  Valdivia was sitting on a couch in the living room of the residence and reached behind the couch.  Agents located a sawed-off shotgun and a bag that contained shotgun shells behind the couch.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in cooperation with the Pike County (Pennsylvania) Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James R. Bell, age 30, of Newark, New Jersey was sentenced on June 21, 2021, to 240 months’ imprisonment to be followed by four years on supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for conspiring to distribute controlled substances resulting in death.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Bell previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and heroin within the Middle District of Pennsylvania, which resulted in the death of a 22-year old Monroe County man in April of 2018.

The matter was investigated jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Scranton, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski 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 and fentanyl.  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 part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joshua Tanner, age 36, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 21, 2021, by United States  District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 36 months’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Tanner facilitated the trade of a firearm to a drug trafficker, Ronald McKenna, in exchange for heroin, during which he possessed the firearm.  Tanner had previously been convicted of a felony offense, which made it a felony for him to possess a firearm.  McKenna previously pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and firearms charges and is awaiting sentencing.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stroud Area Regional Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.

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

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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

# # #

On Monday June 7th, 2021, the Parsons Primitive Methodist Church located on Austin Avenue, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was vandalized by unidentified individuals. Damage to the Church was extensive and included desecration of a bible, desecration of an American flag, and the discharge of two fire extinguishers throughout the building. This activity is not only abhorrent but also potentially constitutes a serious federal crime. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the FBI's Scranton office are in regular contact with local authorities. If, in the course of the local investigation, information comes to light of a potential federal violation, the FBI is prepared to investigate and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is prepared to prosecute.  Anyone with information or who may have captured security footage relevant to this incident is asked to contact the Wilkes-Barre Police Department at 570-208-4218 or the Wilkes-Barre Detective Division at 570-208-4222.

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SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Manual Luna-Batista, 39, of Hazleton, Luzerne County was sentenced on Thursday, June 10, 2021 to 130 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for conspiring to possess and distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Luna-Batista previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess and distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl and at least 50 grams actual methamphetamine throughout Luzerne County.  Luna-Batista’s involvement in the charged conspiracy began in October of 2017 through February 2018.

Judge Mariani also ordered Luna-Batista to serve five years on supervised release following his prison sentence.

Luna-Batista was first indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2018, as a result of an investigation jointly conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski 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 and fentanyl.  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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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on June 10, 2021, Naim Taylor, age 23, and Antwan Dozier, age 23, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams, or more, of heroin (one hundred grams of heroin is equivalent to 4,000 individual doses.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the 7-count indictment alleges that Taylor and Dozier conspired from in or around July 2020 through the date of the indictment to distribute heroin to a network of drug sellers and users in the Lewisburg, Bloomsburg, and Williamsport regions.  In addition, the indictment charges Taylor and Dozier with distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin on separate dates in 2020 and 2021.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 40 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Robert Semenza, Jr., age 47, of Old Forge, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information with federal program bribery.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that Semenza, the President of the Old Forge Borough Council, solicited, demanded, and accepted cash payments in exchange for performing and promising to perform official acts, between January 2019 and February 2020.  In particular, the official acts were in connection with a civil litigation filed by Old Forge Borough against a local business owner, in a dispute over Old Forge zoning ordinances.  Semenza allegedly agreed, in exchange for cash payments, to vote on the local business owner’s behalf in matters before the Old Forge Borough Council, to advocate on behalf of the local business owner with the Old Forge Borough Council, the Old Forge Borough Solicitor, and Old Forge zoning officials, and to propose a favorable resolution for the civil litigation to the Old Forge Borough Council and Solicitor, among other things.       

“When public officials use their office to line their pockets rather than serve the public it not only constitutes a serious crime but also breeds cynicism and undermines the electorate’s faith in government,” stated Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler. “Our office and the FBI’s public corruption task force are committed to rooting out all public corruption in the Middle District and will commit all necessary resources to that task.”

The case was investigated by the Scranton Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Public Corruption Task Force, which consists of members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and federal agents from the FBI and Internal Revenue Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Anthony McCoy, a/k/a “Hard Times,” age 36, of New Jersey, was sentenced on June 8, 2021, by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 132 months’ imprisonment for drug trafficking.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, McCoy pleaded guilty to a heroin trafficking conspiracy, and admitted that he was responsible for the distribution and possession with intent to distribute between 1 kilogram and 3 kilograms of heroin between August 2016 and February 2018.  One kilogram of heroin is the equivalent of approximately 40,000 individual doses. After serving his term of imprisonment, McCoy must serve an additional four years under supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of 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 part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Scott Levy, age 58, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was charged on June 7, 2021, in a criminal information with bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering in connection with federal loans he obtained on behalf of the Hershey Road Family Restaurant, a Harrisburg-area restaurant Levy owned and operated until closing the business at the end of July 2020. 

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the criminal information alleges that in Spring 2020, Levy applied on the restaurant’s behalf for $227,500 in loans that the federal government made available to support qualifying businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It also alleges that Levy spent the majority of those loan proceeds on personal expenditures and other non-qualifying goods and services, and transferred $125,000 of the proceeds to his mother who placed the cash in safe deposit boxes.

On November 24, 2020, Levy pled guilty to tax fraud and related offenses relating to the Hershey Road Family Restaurant.  Levy admitted that he failed to pay more than $230,000 in federal income and payroll taxes from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018, and agreed to make full restitution of this amount.  Sentencing in that case has been continued pending the resolution of the investigation into Levy’s new fraud and money laundering offenses. 

Both of Levy’s cases will be consolidated for purposes of sentencing, which is expected to take place later in 2021 in front of United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson.

Both of the cases against Levy were investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian T. Haugsby is prosecuting the case.

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

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

Levy faces a maximum penalty on up to 90 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $2,610,000, and a term of supervised release of up to five years on the charges in both of his cases.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offenses; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dana Container, Inc., (“Dana”), a company headquartered in Avenel, New Jersey, was sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. to pay a fine of $325,000 and to serve a two-year term of probation for willfully committing an OSHA violation that resulted in an employee’s death.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, in or about March of 2019, using the trade name “Dana Rail Care,” Dana contracted with another firm to clean crude oil residue from approximately 100 rail cars that were located at a rail yard in Pittston, Pennsylvania.  Under regulations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), an employee who is tasked by his or her employer to work in a confined space, like the interior of a rail car, must be protected in various ways.  Employers are required to test and monitor atmospheric conditions within the space to ensure that the atmosphere is non-hazardous and to purge, flush or ventilate the space as necessary to eliminate or control any atmospheric hazards, including oxygen concentrations below 19.5 percent.  Employers must also outfit any employee tasked with working in any atmosphere considered to be potentially hazardous with a particular type of OSHA-certified respirator. 

On May 31, 2019, a Dana employee entered one of the rail cars at the Pittston site in order to scrape crude oil from the walls of the car.  About 30 minutes later, the employee collapsed inside the car.  He later died on scene, with the cause of death ruled asphyxiation.  The atmosphere inside the car was determined to be oxygen-deficient and although Dana was aware of applicable OSHA regulations, the employee had not been outfitted with the proper OSHA-certified respirator.  At sentencing, Dana represented to the Court that it is no longer in the business of cleaning crude oil from rail cars.  Under the terms of its probation, Dana is required to make regular, monthly payments in satisfaction of the $325,000.00 fine, as well as to immediately report any future OSHA citations to the Court.   

“The death of the employee was a tragedy and could have been avoided if the company had followed the regulations for this type of dangerous activity,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler. “Our office and OSHA take these cases very seriously and willful violations of OSHA regulations will be aggressively prosecuted to deter this type of behavior and ensure that workers are protected. Our investigation continues as to any individuals who may have criminal responsibility for this tragic event.”  

This matter was investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Thomas McDonald, age 47, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information with a federal bribery violation.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that McDonald, while working as a police officer for the Scranton Police Department in April 2018, corruptly solicited for his own benefit, sex and sexual favors from Person #1, intending to be influenced in official actions of the Scranton Police Department and the City of Scranton.  

It is also alleged that McDonald’s related conduct also included felony bribery violations with respect to Persons #2 through #4.

“Law enforcement officers hold enormous power over the citizenry and we trust them to exercise that power ethically and with integrity,” stated Acting United states Attorney Bruce D. Brandler. “While most officers perform their duty in an exemplary fashion, we will not hesitate to prosecute those officers who break the law and undermine the administration of justice by engaging in the reprehensible behavior charged here. I want to thank all the law enforcement agents and the entire prosecution team for handling this sensitive matter professionally and expeditiously.” 

“The activities alleged today are a serious divergence from the oath Thomas McDonald took to faithfully serve and protect the city of Scranton,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “He betrayed the people of his community and all of us who wear a badge and believe no one is above the law. The FBI will continue to root out corrupt law enforcement officers, on behalf of the vast majority of officers who carry out their duties honestly and honorably.”

“The Pennsylvania State Police worked in collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough and comprehensive investigation,” said Major Randy Devine, commander of the Pennsylvania State Police Area III. “Corruption and bribery in any form are serious crimes. When public trust is violated by a municipal law enforcement agency, it is our duty to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.”

“I am as appalled and disappointed by this tragedy today as I was the day I first learned that a former member of our force grossly abused his authority, committing vile, repulsive acts,” said Scranton’s Police Chief, Superintendent Leonard Namiotka. “Mr. McDonald must pay the price for his crimes, like anyone else. If there is a bright spot, it is that since she came into office last year, Mayor Cognetti’s uniformed services agenda has included making significant improvements to our department’s internal processes and communications.  Accomplishing that should go a long way towards providing earlier warning of issues like this going forward.  But what may be most important right now is for Scrantonians to know that McDonald’s actions are not at all representative of our well-trained, caring and dedicated police personnel, a group of men and women whose actions each and every day are proof that they live by the credo of protecting and serving our community.”

McDonald was terminated from his position as a Scranton Police Officer in June 2020. 

The case was investigated by the Scranton Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Public Corruption Task Force, which consists of members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and federal agents from the FBI and Internal Revenue Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Olshefski is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Keith McConnell, age 43, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal information with perpetrating a wire fraud and money laundering scheme that sought $467,200.00 in COVID-19 relief funds guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). 

The PPP was designed to help small businesses facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Funded by the March 27, 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, PPP funds were offered in forgivable loans to small businesses for employee job retention and certain other expenses.  PPP loan amounts were determined by the number of employees and average monthly payroll costs. 

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the criminal information alleges that Keith McConnell submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications and forged documents on behalf of his Carlisle-area trucking company, KB Transportation LLC.  In both 2019 and 2020, KB Transportation LLC was not in business, had no employees, and had no payroll expenses.  On June 5, 2020, however, McConnell falsely certified that KB Transportation LLC employed twenty-six employees and had monthly payroll expenses totaling $124,800.00.  As a result of the fraud, McConnell received $312,000.00 in PPP loan proceeds.  Within weeks, McConnell and his co-conspirators spent the PPP funds on unauthorized expenditures including the purchase of a residential property, two vehicles, and stock market investments.  On January 20, 2021, McConnell used KB Transportation LLC to apply for a second PPP loan in the amount of $155,200.00, and again submitted false and fraudulent loan applications and documents.  The second PPP loan was never disbursed.     

“Covid relief fraud is a high priority for our office and the Department of Justice,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler. “These funds were meant to help small businesses survive the pandemic not for fraudsters to support an opulent lifestyle. Our Covid Relief Fraud Task Force will continue to investigate all credible allegations of covid fraud and prosecute any individuals who may have abused this program.”

“There are specific rules that dictate who is eligible to apply for PPP loans and how PPP loan proceeds can be used,” said Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation.  “My office will continue to investigate cases like this involving PPP loans to ensure everyone abides by these rules.”

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel S. Dalke.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for the most serious offense charged is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on June 3, 2021, Dyllan Rose, age 27, of Milan, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 348 months' imprisonment to be followed by a 10-year term of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann for producing child pornography. 

According to Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Rose sexually abused a 5-year-old child and sent images of the abuse over the internet. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on June 2, 2021, Donna L. Summerlin, age 62, of Fortville, Indiana, was convicted following a seven-day jury trial held before United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Summerlin was charged with accepting over $1.2 million from victims of cross-border advance-fee schemes.  Many of the identified victims were either elderly, deaf, or both.  In these schemes, victims were contacted through Facebook and told that they were winners of a “deaf lottery” or that they had been selected for special and exclusive government grants or other programs.  Summerlin herself is deaf and the trial used multiple sign language interpreters to interpret the witness testimony and court proceedings.

In order to claim their supposed prize, grant, or other financial reward, victims were directed to prepay expenses such as taxes and customs fees.  Victims were persuaded to do so with the false promise of a much larger payoff.  After making an initial payment, victims were directed to make additional larger payments.  In some cases, fraudsters were successful at getting multiple payments from victims, who never received any financial reward. 

Fraudsters contacting potential victims through Facebook, email, and text messages used fake names and photographs to disguise themselves.  These fraudsters also took over the accounts of victims so that they could lure their friends into sending money and to reassure them of the scheme’s legitimacy when victims had doubts about participating.  Victims were instructed to send these payments to Summerlin, who worked as a “money mule” or intermediary for these fraudsters for approximately four years, from 2012 to 2016. 

At trial, the Government showed that Summerlin received over $1.2 million from over 100 people across the country and, in some cases, other countries such as Canada and Australia.  Victims mailed Summerlin checks, cash, and money orders.  They also wired her funds through bank-to-bank electronic wire transfers and sent her money through Western Union and MoneyGram money transfers.  The victims included a deaf elderly couple that resided in this District during the time period of the conspiracy.  The Government showed that this couple sent Summerlin around $500,000, depleting their life savings.

After receiving these funds, Summerlin rapidly withdrew them from the more than 40 bank accounts she used for these activities.  Typically, she wired a portion of the funds to coconspirators in Nigeria and Great Britain.  She also made large cash withdrawals, which were used to send funds to coconspirators and for personal use.  Finally, she sent a large number of Western Union and MoneyGram money transfers to many of the same recipients in Nigeria and Great Britain.  Evidence at trial showed that Summerlin benefited financially from this scheme.

The jury returned a guilty verdict after approximately an hour of deliberation.  Summerlin was convicted of both counts in her indictment: one count of conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ravi Romel Sharma and Carlo D. Marchioli represented the United States at trial.  The case was previously handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea Schinnour and Kim Douglas Daniel. 

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

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on June 3, 2021, William Daquan Battle, age 28, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 18 months’ imprisonment followed by a 2-year term of supervised release, for passing counterfeit United States currency on numerous occasions.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on diverse dates in November and December of 2018, Battle passed or attempted to pass over $2,000 in counterfeit currency at Walmart Supercenters located in East Stroudsburg and Mount Pocono, PA.  Battle engaged in this conduct at a time when he was still serving a prior federal sentence for a handgun offense and was required to reside in a halfway house in Brooklyn, New York.  

The matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service (U.S.S.S.).  Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andrew Daniels, age 40, and Dontrace Blaine, age 34, inmates at United States Penitentiary Canaan, Waymart, Pennsylvania, were indicted on June 1, 2021, by a federal grand jury for assault and being in possession of a weapon in prison.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on November 8, 2020, Daniels and Blaine assaulted another individual with a sharp object and a combination lock wrapped in a bedsheet.

The matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 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.

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is ten years imprisonment.    Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offenses; the history and characteristics of the defendants; and the need to punish the defendants, protect the public and provide for the defendants’ educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the Justice Department announced the United States has reached a settlement agreement with the Hazleton Police Department (HPD) and the City of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to help people with limited English proficiency (LEP) communicate with the police.

The agreement resolves a Justice Department investigation of the HPD under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin by recipients of federal assistance, such as the HPD. The Justice Department initiated its review after receiving a complaint from the Community Justice Project on behalf of an LEP Hazleton resident who, on two separate occasions, within days of each other, had been forced to rely on his young son and then a co-worker to communicate with the police. HPD has since agreed to secure appropriate and reliable means of communicating with the City’s large Spanish-speaking community. 

"Timely and accurate communication between limited English proficient residents and police officers is essential to public safety,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen M. Clarke for the Civil Rights Division. "The changes required by this agreement will benefit crime victims and witnesses, but also help police officers do their jobs. We are pleased that Hazleton’s City and Police Department leadership support improvements to police policy and practices on language services."

“Our office is proud to have joined with the Civil Rights Division on this important case,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler. “Ensuring that all individuals can communicate with law enforcement officers benefits all involved and is fundamental to our democracy.”

Under the agreement, HPD will soon release a new standard operating procedure on language access that requires HPD officers to provide appropriate language assistance in any contacts with LEP community members. Over the next year, HPD and the City will take a number of additional steps, including providing Spanish and English language notices and complaint forms, assessing language skills of bilingual officers, and training staff on how and when to access interpreters and translations. 

Enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt, and information about limited English proficiency and Title VI is available at www.lep.gov. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/.  Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violations to Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler, the Civil Rights coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing usapam.civil.rights@usdoj.gov.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Willie Tyler, age 69, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to life in prison by Chief Judge John E. Jones III for witness tampering by murder and witness tampering by intimidation. He was ordered to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on June 4th, 2021, to commence serving his sentence.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Tyler participated in the brutal murder of a law enforcement confidential informant from the Carlisle area.  The victim was scheduled to testify in Cumberland County Court against David Tyler, the brother of the defendant, on the day of her murder.  Willie Tyler planned to murder the victim, along with four other individuals, who were convicted for their role in the murder in previous federal and state court proceedings.

Tyler was first tried in state court in 1994, and acquitted of the murder.  The case was then adopted for federal prosecution, and Tyler was convicted after a federal jury trial in 1996. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit overturned Tyler’s conviction, and he was convicted again following a re-trial in 2000.  In 2013, the Third Circuit overturned the 2000 conviction in light of a change in the law and remanded the case to the district court for a new trial.  Tyler was then tried and convicted for the third time in July 2017.  The jury returned its verdict after only two hours of deliberation following a four-day trial.

In February 2018, the district court vacated the jury’s verdict, concluding that there was insufficient evidence to support the convictions.  The government appealed, and in April 2020, the Third Circuit reversed the district court’s decision and remanded with instructions to reinstate the jury’s verdict and proceed to sentencing.  Tyler then petitioned the United States Supreme Court to review the Third Circuit’s decision but the Court denied his petition on May 17th, 2021.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police with cooperation from the Carlisle Police Department.  The case was previously prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorneys Gordon A. Zubrod and Chelsea Schinnour and Assistant United States Attorney Joseph J. Terz.  Assistant United States Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli handled the most recent appeal and sentencing.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brian Buglio, age 45, of Lattimer Mines, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information on May 27, 2021, with a civil rights violation.

According to Acting United States Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that Buglio, the Chief of Police for the West Hazleton Police Department, threatened a private citizen with criminal charges, in retaliation for social media posts created by the private citizen that were critical of Buglio and of the West Hazleton Police Department.

The case was investigated by the Scranton Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Public Corruption Task Force, which consists of members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and federal agents from the FBI and Internal Revenue Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on May 26, 2021, Herman Cabral, age 62, of Cranston, Rhode Island, was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for a wire fraud conspiracy offense.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Cabral was convicted of processing false invoices for nonexistent automobile repairs through his Providence, Rhode Island automobile repair shop, A Plus Collision Center.  Cabral pleaded guilty on July 23, 2019, to causing between $150,000 and $250,000 of fraudulent loss to the Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company. Judge Mannion also ordered Cabral to pay restitution of $211,644.03 to the victim of his crime.

Three of Cabral’s coconspirators were convicted and are awaiting sentencing:

1. Brian Larry, age 59, of Clark’s Summit, Pennsylvania, was convicted on May 10, 2021, following a jury trial, of mail fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and false statement offenses.  Larry was convicted of defrauding his former employer, the Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company, from approximately January 2014 through October 2018.  Larry also was convicted of stealing the personal information of warranty policy owners and providing it to his coconspirators, who created false invoices for nonexistent automobile repair work supposedly performed at various garages in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, including by forging the policy owners’ signatures on the paperwork.  The false and forged documentation was then sent to the warranty company, where Larry approved payment of the invoices.  During the course of the scheme, Larry and his coconspirators obtained approximately $400,000 paid out by the warranty company pursuant to the false invoices, including thousands of dollars in repair work for Larry’s personal vehicle that he charged to other policy owners.  The evidence at trial showed that Larry then falsified internal warranty company documents in an attempt to conceal his crimes.
2. Matthew Gershkoff, age 64, of North Providence, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud, and to aggravated identity theft, and is awaiting sentencing.  Gershkoff was convicted of preparing false invoices for nonexistent automobile repairs at multiple automobile repair shops located in Rhode Island and in Massachusetts, and for forging policy owners’ signatures.  Gershkoff pleaded guilty on May 18, 2020, to causing between $250,000 and $550,000 of fraudulent loss to the Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company, and has agreed to repay restitution.
3. Jason Pannone, age 39, of North Providence, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, and to aggravated identity theft, and is awaiting sentencing.  Pannone was convicted of processing false invoices for nonexistent automobile repairs through his Providence, Rhode Island automobile detailing shop, Platinum Auto Services, and through a North Attleboro, Massachusetts automobile repair shop, Ultra Auto Services.  Pannone pleaded guilty on March 23, 2021, to causing between $150,000 and $250,000 of fraudulent loss to the Wilkes-Barre based automobile warranty company, and he has agreed to repay over $128,000 in restitution.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip J. Caraballo and Jeffrey St John prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Justin Wagner, age 40, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment to be followed by 15 years on supervised release on May 24, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, for soliciting child pornography.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Wagner previously pleaded guilty to soliciting child pornography.  Wagner committed the offense on October 22, 2016.  Wagner also used his laptop computer to access hundreds of images and videos of child pornography and traded them with others on the internet.

Judge Wilson also ordered Wagner to pay a total of $30,000 restitution to six minor victims depicted in the images and videos of child pornography that he received and distributed.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Christian Haugsby prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shawn Howells, age 48, of Scranton, was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 10 years on supervised release on May 20, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for receiving and distributing child pornography.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Howells previously pleaded guilty to using his laptop computer to access images and videos of child pornography and traded them with others on the internet. Howells committed the offense between November 2016 and January 2017.

Judge Mariani deferred for 90 days a determination as to the amount of restitution Howells owes to the victims depicted in the images and videos of child pornography that he received and distributed. Howells was also ordered to undergo sex offender treatment and to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sean Scott, 43, of Schuylkill County, was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment to be followed by four years on supervised release on May 20, 2021 by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for conspiring to possess and distribute fentanyl.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Scott previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess and distribute at least 280 grams but less than 400 grams of fentanyl throughout Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties.  Scott’s involvement in the charged conspiracy began in May of 2017 through November 2017.

The matter was investigated jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski 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 and fentanyl.  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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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