Middle District of Pennsylvania

WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Bressi, age 47, of Danville, Pennsylvania, Terry Harris, age 45, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Damonico Henderson, age 54, of Elyria, Ohio, were indicted by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking charges.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Bressi, Harris and Henderson conspired to manufacture, distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl, carfentanil, and other fentanyl analogue substances between 2015 and June 2019.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur 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.

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

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 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.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jennifer Annette Bush, age 44, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 25, 2019, by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking charges.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Bush distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute both cocaine and heroin/fentanyl on diverse dates in late 2017, 2018 and early 2019.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John 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.

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

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 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.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Patricia Cook, age 61, of Scranton, was sentenced on June 26, 2019, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to one year in prison and three years on supervised release for distributing heroin and cocaine.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Cook previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin and distribution of cocaine. Cook distributed less than 10 grams of heroin and less than 50 grams of cocaine to another person on April 7, 2015.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, Pike County Detectives, and Scranton Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jenny P. Roberts and Francis P. Sempa 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 was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Derek Yashinsky, age 29, of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 26, 2019, by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to 28 months’ imprisonment followed by two years on supervised release, for his role in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the defendant previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. Yashinsky admitted to distributing heroin and transporting other drug traffickers to Patterson, New Jersey, and Hazleton to obtain large quantities of heroin on multiple occasions. Yashinsky was involved in transporting and distributing between 400 grams and 700 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to between than 16,000 and 28,000 retail bags of heroin. Yashinsky was one of 11 people charged in the investigation.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Schuylkill County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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 was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on June 24, 2019, United States District Court Judge James Munley sentenced Adam Kamor, age 44, to seven years of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, for committing money laundering and tax evasion.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Kamor worked as a Certified Public Accountant and operated the accounting business Decker Accounting LLC in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.  From October 2014 to January 2018, Kamor embezzled approximately $1,384,000 from one of his clients, a non-profit organization, by shifting the funds through a series of accounts under his control.  Kamor used the embezzled funds for his own personal benefit, primarily to gamble at the Mohegan Sun Pocono casino.        

Kamor also failed to report a total of $804,365.73 in income between tax years 2014 ($110,607.08), 2015 ($315,224.71), and 2016 ($378,533.94).  Kamor filed false Form 1040 Individual Income Tax Returns for each of those tax years.

The United States seized $32,443 of the remaining embezzled funds, which will be returned to the victim of Kamor’s crimes.  Judge Munley ordered Kamor to pay additional restitution of $1,353,244.56 to his victim, and $241,623 to the IRS, to satisfy his outstanding tax obligation.  In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Munley highlighted the serious nature of the offense, and interests in sending a deterrent message to like-minded criminals.

“Not only did this defendant willfully fail in his duty as a citizen to pay his fair share, he further enriched himself by stealing from an organization that existed for the benefit of others,” said U.S. Attorney Freed.  “We were able to aggressively prosecute this white collar criminal because of the hard work and dedication of our partners at IRS Criminal Investigation.  If tax cheats in the Middle District of Pennsylvania are not on notice, then they are not paying attention.”

“Money laundering is tax evasion in progress,” stated Special Agent in Charge Guy Ficco of the IRS’s Criminal Investigations Division. “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to unraveling complex financial transactions and money laundering schemes where individuals attempt to conceal the true source of their money. Rest assured that IRS-CI will continue to protect the integrity of the tax system by ensuring everyone pays the right amount of tax.”

The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Luis Antonio Zayas, age 48, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was convicted on June 21, 2019, for drug distribution resulting in death after a four-day trial before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the jury returned with the guilty verdict in less than an hour of deliberation.  The evidence showed that Zayas sold what he believed to be heroin to the victim on July 6, 2016.  In reality, the drug was 100 percent fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid painkiller.  The victim, who was 33 weeks pregnant at the time, overdosed and died.  Toxicology results showed that both the mother and unborn fetus died from lethal levels of fentanyl in their systems.  Zayas arranged the drug deal with the victim via text messages and proclaimed at one point that he had “damm good shit….good enough to get way higher than intended lol.” 

As a result of the conviction, Zayas faces up to life imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Scranton, and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Jenny Roberts 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.

his 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.

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tyler Lameo, age 27, of Effort, Pennsylvania, was charged on June 18, 2019, in a criminal information with the illegal possession of a machinegun.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the information alleges that Lameo possessed a Glock 19 9mm bearing an auto sear from April 20, 2018 through December 18, 2018.  The information also seeks forfeiture of several firearms, ammunition, and firearms components, including:

• Glock 19 9mm bearing an auto sear;
• Beretta Model ARX160 bearing a suppressor;
• Iver Johnson Model Champion 12-gauge shotgun bearing a shortened barrel;
• Chiappa Firearms Model SR-556 9mm bearing a shortened barrel;
• Sten 9mm bearing a shortened barrel;
• Partial bump stock; and
• Miscellaneous suppressor components.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo 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.

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.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Thomas Coss, age 37, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 17, 2019, to 17 months’ imprisonment by Senior U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo, for possessing illegal drugs and contraband inside the Lackawanna County Prison.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Coss previously pleaded guilty to possessing contraband in prison. Coss admitted that between July 2015 and April 2016, while an inmate at the prison, he obtained, possessed and attempted to obtain suboxone and tobacco that were smuggled into the prison by others on several occasions. To date, four people have been charged in connection with the investigation.

Judge Caputo imposed the 17-month sentence to run consecutive to a sentence Coss is currently serving in state prison for an unrelated crime. Judge Caputo also ordered Coss to serve two years on supervised release following his prison sentence.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Steve Weaver, age 35, of Harvey’s Lake, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 6, 2019, by a federal grand jury for multiple counts of illegal firearms possession. The indictment remained under seal until Weaver was arrested by ATF agents on June 17, 2019.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that between March 18, 2019 and May 9, 2019, in Luzerne County, Weaver, a user of illegal drugs was in possession of firearms and ammunition, possessed a stolen firearm, and made false statements in connection with the purchase of a firearm. The charges stem from an incident in which law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant at Weaver’s residence in Harvey’s Lake and seized 10 firearms and approximately 1,493 rounds of ammunition. 

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Kingston Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

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.  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 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.

The maximum penalty for the firearms offenses is ten years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release, 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Raul Cotto-Rivera, age 41, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 11, 2019, to 262 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane for drug trafficking offenses.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Cotto-Rivera was convicted in March 2018, after a three-day jury trial, of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams and more of heroin and 500 grams and more of cocaine hydrochloride, distribution of heroin (3 counts), possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine hydrochloride, distribution of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine hydrochloride and marijuana,

The charges stemmed from a number of controlled buys of heroin that were made by and through Cotto-Rivera in September and October of 2015.  In October 2015, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant and located approximately $20,000 in United States currency, a drug ledger, drug packaging material and distribution quantities of cocaine and heroin all in the defendant’s home.  While on release, Cotto-Rivera continued to sell drugs and was engaged in the distribution of marijuana from his store.  A second search warrant executed in February 2017, located distribution quantities of marijuana and cocaine, drug packaging materials and a loaded stolen firearm.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the York County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police, the York Area Regional Police Department, the West Manchester Township Police Department, the York County Sheriff’s Office, the Springettsbury Township Police Department, and the York County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Daryl F. Bloom and Carl Marchioli 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 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.

# # #

WILKES-BARRE - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Johnny Fletcher, age 41, formerly of South Carolina and currently an inmate at the United States Penitentiary Canaan, pleaded guilty on June 12, 2019, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo, to assault on a correctional officer and was immediately sentenced to serve an additional 15 months in prison.  

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Fletcher admitted to punching a correctional officer on February 5, 2019, after Fletcher set off a metal detector and refused to submit to a search by the correctional officer. 

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

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Navarro-Velez, age 33, of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on June 6, 2019, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the defendant admitted to participating in the conspiracy during 2014 and 2015. Navarro-Velez admitted that he and others in the conspiracy distributed between one and three kilograms of heroin, which is approximately equivalent to between 40,000 and 120,000 retail bags of heroin.

Judge Munley ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for September 9, 2019.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Shenandoah Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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.

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 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 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.

# # #

WILKES-BARRE - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joseph Morales, age 27, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 12, 2019, by Senior U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo to eleven years’ imprisonment and ten years on supervised release for his role in a Monroe County-based heroin and cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Morales previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute between 700 grams and one kilogram of heroin (which is equivalent to 28,000 to 40,000 individual doses of heroin), as well as between 840 grams and 2.8 kilograms of crack cocaine, in the Monroe County area between May and July 2015.  Morales was one of eleven individuals indicted by a grand jury in July 2015 and charged with conspiring to distribute heroin, powder cocaine and crack cocaine in the Monroe County area.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted 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.

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

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

# # #

WILKES-BARRE - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sherquille Ernest, age 26, of Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on June 12, 2019, before U.S. District Court Senior Judge A. Richard Caputo to the charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine.  

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Morales admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute between 20 and 40 grams of heroin (which is equivalent to 800 to1,600 individual doses of heroin), as well as between 28 and 112 grams of crack cocaine, in the Monroe County area between May and July 2015.  Ernest was one of eleven individuals indicted by a grand jury in July 2015, and charged with conspiring to distribute heroin, powder cocaine and crack cocaine in the Monroe County area.

Judge Caputo ordered a presentence report to be completed.  Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.         

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara 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 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 mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.  The maximum penalty under federal law is up to forty 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Donald Jackson, age 33, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 12, 2019, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Jackson distributed cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, possessed with intent to distribute marijuana and methamphetamine, and illegally possessed a Ruger 9mm pistol in furtherance of drug trafficking and as a previously convicted felon. 

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Mobile Street Crimes Unit with assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy 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. 

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

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.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the drug trafficking offenses is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  The maximum sentence for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  The maximum sentence for possessing a as a convicted felon is 10 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.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on June 11, 2019, David Alzugaray-Lugones, age 50, a Cuban refugee from Weatherly, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for drug trafficking offenses.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Alzugaray-Lugones was convicted following a 13-day jury trial of conspiring to distribute 15 grams of heroin from June 2, 2015 and June 8, 2015, and for distributing five grams of heroin on June 8, 2015.  Alzugaray-Lugones also attempted to obstruct justice by authoring a letter sent to law enforcement, in which he claimed responsibility for C-4 explosives crimes committed by one of his co-conspirators.

Alzugaray-Lugones’s codefendants, Roberto Torner and Liza Robles, also were convicted at trial of various heroin trafficking, firearms, and explosives charges.  Torner and Robles both are awaiting sentencing.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Weatherly Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Assistant United States Attorneys Phillip Caraballo and Todd 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.

The 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony W. Redd, age 63, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 12, 2019, by a federal grand jury on mail fraud and money laundering charges.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Redd was a “Money Mule” and participated in a scheme to defraud individuals out of money by making them believe they were eligible for cash and other prizes.  As part of the scheme, Redd is alleged to have caused the mailing of legitimate postal money orders from Mechanicsburg to his address in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and to have converted the known proceeds of the scheme to cash or to have sent the proceeds through Western Union or MoneyGram to Costa Rica.  The 12-count indictment charged Redd with five separate counts of mail fraud, engaging in a mail fraud and money laundering conspiracy, and both domestic and international money laundering.  The indictment also includes a notice of the Government’s intent to seize and forfeit more than $280,000 involved in the scheme.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.

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.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the conspiracy offense is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  The maximum sentence for each of the mail fraud and money laundering counts is 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.

# # #

WILKES-BARRE - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Matthew Morales, age 25, of Pocono Summit, Monroe County, was sentenced June 6, 2019, by Senior U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo to six years’ imprisonment and four years on supervised release for his role in a Monroe County-based heroin and cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Morales previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute between 10 and 40 grams of heroin (which is equivalent to 400 to 1600 individual doses of heroin), as well as between 28 and 112 grams of crack cocaine, in the Monroe County area between May and July 2015.  Morales was one of eleven individuals indicted by a grand jury in July 2015 and charged with conspiring to distribute heroin, powder  cocaine and crack cocaine in the Monroe County area.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted 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.

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

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

###

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that a Luzerne County man pleaded guilty on June 6, 2019, in United States District Court in Scranton, before United States District Court Judge James M. Munley, to drug distribution resulting in death.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Michael F. Bogdon, age 26 of Kingston, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, knowingly and intentionally distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a controlled substance, fentanyl, a Schedule II Controlled Substance, causing the death of another person. 

The deadly distribution occurred on or about December 12, 2017 and resulted in the death of an 18-year old woman. 

The charges stemmed from a joint investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Scranton, and the Kingston Police Department.  Prosecution is assigned to United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.

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.

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.

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.  In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute for drug distribution resulting in death is life imprisonment and $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 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Santino Rey Texidor, age 29, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pled guilty yesterday to drug trafficking charges before Magistrate Judge Susan Schwab.  Sentencing was deferred pending the preparation of a presentence report.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Texidor pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute over 50 grams of cocaine in Harrisburg in 2015.

This case was part of a joint investigation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Narcotics Investigations and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Robert Smulktis and Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Bloom. 

“In the Middle District of Pennsylvania, we are particularly proud of the strong working partnerships that we enjoy with state and local law enforcement.  This combined investigation including prosecution assistance from the PA Office of Attorney General once again shows that there are no boundaries when the goal is to remove illegal drugs from our communities and keep our streets safe,” said United States Attorney David J. Freed.

“As Attorney General, I am committed to keeping Pennsylvanians safe and getting dangerous drugs off their streets,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “The defendant was peddling large quantities of cocaine into our communities, threatening the safety of the people of Dauphin County. I’m proud of the strong collaboration between my Office and our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office which resulted in today’s guilty plea.”

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 40 years of imprisonment, a mandatory four year term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $5,000,000 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.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that a Columbia County man pleaded guilty on June 3, 2019 in United States District Court in Williamsport, before United States District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann, to drug distribution resulting in death.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, James Mark Minichella, age 23 of Catawissa, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, knowingly and intentionally distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a controlled substance, heroin, a Schedule I Controlled Substance, and fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, causing the death of another person. 

The deadly distribution occurred on or about August 11, 2017 and resulted in the death of a 20-year old man. 

The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Scranton, and the Pennsylvania State Police - Troop N, Bloomsburg.  Prosecution is assigned to United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.

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.

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.

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.  In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute for drug distribution resulting in death is life imprisonment and $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 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.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joshua Truesdale, age 37, and James Brooks, age 34, inmate as United States Penitentiary Canaan (USP Canaan) in Waymart, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury on June 4, 2019. for conspiracy and assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that on August 13, 2018, Truesdale and Brooks conspired and attacked another inmate with a sharpened piece of metal and plastic, commonly referred to as a “shank.” 

The investigation was conducted by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers at USP Canaan.  Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin 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 both conspiracy and assault with a deadly weapon is 10 years of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The maximum penalty for possession of contraband is 5 years of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Laurie Ehrhart, age 48, of New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania was sentenced yesterday by Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to 6 months home confinement and 2 years probation for helping her former husband defraud a disabled veteran out of $316,360.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Laurie Ehrhart pleaded guilty on December 7, 2018, to one count of Health Care Fraud. Ehrhart’s former husband, Jason Ehrhart, also pleaded guilty to Health Care Fraud and was sentenced on April 15, 2019, by Judge Conner to 19 months’ incarceration. The charges against the couple related to their misappropriation of Michael Ehrhart’s veteran’s disability benefits.

While serving in the U.S. Army in 1985, Michael Ehrhart, a former resident of Perry County, Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.   In 1998 Michael Ehrhart began receiving disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Michael was eventually hospitalized on a permanent basis at the VA hospital in Lebanon, Pennsylvania in November of 2004 and began receiving disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2006.   

In August of 2006 Michael was deemed by the VA to be incompetent to handle his own financial affairs.  As a result, on October 2, 2006, Michael’s brother, Jason Ehrhart, applied to serve as Michael’s VA Fiduciary and Legal Custodian.  Under the terms of a Fiduciary Agreement, Jason Ehrhart agreed to use all of Michael’s VA disability benefits exclusively for Michael’s benefit. The agreement warned Jason that the funds were not for his personal use. The Fiduciary Agreement also required Jason Ehrhart to submit an annual accounting to the VA with respect to the amount of money received and spent on Michael’s behalf.

While Jason Ehrhart served as Michael’s VA Fiduciary and Legal Custodian, all of Michael’s VA benefits, plus most of his Social Security disability checks, were deposited into a checking account Jason opened at The Orrstown Bank.  Altogether, $476,260 in federal benefits ($422,828 in VA disability, $48,187 in Social Security disability, and $5,244 in VA clothing allowance) were deposited into the account between January 2009 and August 2016.

However, during that same time period $316,360 of the $476,260 was misappropriated by Jason and Laurie Ehrhart and converted to their own use Checks totaling $218,832 ($96,202 payable to Jason and $122,630 payable to Laurie), were drawn against the account.  Of the $218,832, $157,742 was deposited into Jason and Laurie Ehrhart’s joint checking account at the Juniata Valley Bank (JVB) and at least $23,496 was converted to cash.  Thereafter, the funds in the joint JVB account were employed by Jason and Laurie Ehrhart to pay personal expenses. 

Checks totaling $7,174 were also made payable to Jason and Laurie Ehrhart’s two minor children.  Jason Ehrhart would instruct the children to take the checks to the bank, cash them, and surrender the cash to him.

Checks totaling $19,890 were also made payable to another couple who were Jason and Laurie Ehrhart’s best friends.  Jason Ehrhart regularly treated the couple and their children to dinners out and at least two, all-expense paid vacations to Disney World in Florida.  Jason also purchased two automobiles for the family and paid for the wife’s dental work.

To conceal his embezzlements, Jason Ehrhart submitted eight false annual accountings to the VA in which he falsely claimed he spent $402,408 on Michael’s behalf.  The itemized expenditures in the annual accountings were grossly inflated. For example, Jason Ehrhart claimed he paid the mortgage on the veteran’s residence ($1,631 per month) plus Michael’s share of the mortgage on his mother’s residence ($881) after she died in May 2011.  However, the lenders for both properties obtained default judgments and both properties were eventually foreclosed and sold.

Jason Ehrhart also falsely claimed in the annual accountings that he spent thousands on miscellaneous expenditures for the veteran, including storage unit rentals, vehicle maintenance bills, state and local taxes, life and auto insurance, and credit card bills.  However, in 2016 the veteran’s specially equipped wheelchair van, for which Jason Ehrhart claimed he spent approximately $32,395 on maintenance, was found broken down and abandoned along a Perry County roadside. Laurie Ehrhart admitted she helped Jason complete the 8 false annual accountings in her handwriting.

Michael Ehrhart died at the Lebanon VA Hospital on July 30, 2018. As part of their sentences Judge Conner ordered Laurie and Jason Ehrhart to pay $316,360 restitution to Michael’s son, his only known heir.

The Department of Veteran Affairs Office of Inspector General, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel prosecuted the case.      

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Turhan Jessamy, age 30, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary Canaan (USP Canaan), was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 4, 2019, for assault and possession of a weapon.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that on July 25, 2018, Jessamy assaulted another inmate with a sharpened piece of metal and plastic commonly referred to as a “shank.”

The investigation was conducted by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers at USP Canaan.  Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin 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 assault with a dangerous weapon is 10 years of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The maximum penalty for possession of contraband is 5 years of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. 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.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on June 5, 2019, United States District Court Judge James M. Munley sentenced Patrick Owusu, age 42, a citizen of Ghana, to a time served sentence of approximately 40 months, for hindering his removal from the United States.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, in 2012, an Immigration Judge ordered Owusu to return to his home country of Ghana after he was convicted of several serious criminal offenses while residing in the United States.  On March 31, 2014 and May 28, 2014, immigration officials attempted to remove Owusu from the United States, but he resisted and refused to board the plane.

Owusu has remained in custody since being charged in December 2015.  He is to be deported back to Ghana following this sentence.

The case was investigated by officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on June 4, 2019, United States District Court Judge James M. Munley sentenced Daniel Silvestre-Ubri, age 40, to 120 months of imprisonment and a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute heroin and crystal methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Silvestre-Ubri, his co-defendant and brother, Willis DeLaRosa-Baez, and other individuals conspired to distribute heroin and crystal methamphetamine in Pennsylvania between February 4, 2016 and April 6, 2016.  Silvestre-Ubri admitted to supplying other drug dealers with narcotics, and to trafficking in excess of 2.6 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 3 kilograms of heroin, the latter of which is the equivalent of 120,000 potentially fatal doses of heroin.

Silvestre-Ubri, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, entered the United States illegally and will be deported upon the conclusion of his sentence.  He was indicted on May 17, 2016, and has remained in custody since his arrest on March 8, 2018.  His co-defendant, DeLaRosa, was convicted and sentenced to 80 months of imprisonment.  DeLaRosa also is expected to be deported upon the conclusion of his sentence.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police.  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 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Wendi E. Detter, age 46, of Lititz, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Court Judge John E. Jones III, to 18 months’ imprisonment to be followed by two years of supervised release for wire fraud.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Detter previously admitted to embezzling more than $100,000 from YCP, Inc., a construction and excavation business headquartered in York County.  Detter was president and part owner of YCP, Inc.  She used her position and her access to the company’s financial accounts to write herself checks for her own personal use and financial gain.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph J. Terz and Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Franklin Gonzalez, age 23, who resided in Hazleton and is a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced yesterday to 37 months’ imprisonment by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, for participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed heroin in the Schuylkill County area between 2012 and May 2016.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the defendant previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to more than 4,000 retail bags of heroin.   

Judge Munley also ordered Gonzalez to serve four years on supervised release following his prison sentence. Gonzalez is also subject to being deported to the Dominican Republic.

The mater was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Schuylkill County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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 was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

# # #

WILKES-BARRE - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jace Bradley, age 58, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, entered a guilty plea on May 30, 2019, and was immediately sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo to 18 months’ imprisonment and four years supervised release for his role in a Monroe County-based cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Bradley pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute between 500 grams and two kilograms of cocaine, in the Monroe County area between May and July 2015.  Bradley was one of eleven individuals indicted by a grand jury in July 2015 and charged with conspiring to distribute powder cocaine, crack cocaine and/or heroin in the Monroe County area. 

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted 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.

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on May 31, 2019, United States District Court Judge James M. Munley sentenced Jasmine Wing, age 27, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to two years of probation and 50 hours of community service, for making false statements in the purchase of firearms.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Jasmine Wing purchased six firearms while making false representations that she was the actual buyer, when in fact her father, Theodore Wing, and his co-conspirators selected, paid for, and took possession of the firearms.  The firearms were purchased from Bob’s Sporting Goods in Hazleton, PA, and from Dave’s Gun Shop in Drums, PA, between September 19, 2014 and April 14, 2015.  The firearms were:

• Glock 19 9mm;
• Glock 23 .40 caliber;
• Taurus PT745Pro .45acp;
• Extar EXP556 5.56;
• CAI/Romarm Micro Draco 7.62x39 (a semiautomatic firearm that is capable of accepting a large capacity magazine); and
• Ruger P91DC .40acp.

Two of the firearms subsequently were recovered in law enforcement operations, including one that had been used in a shooting in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, in February 2015.

Theodore Wing was previously convicted of aiding and abetting the making false statements in the purchase of firearms and on April 24, 2019, was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the cases.

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.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner sentenced Timothy B. Riley and John T. Oiler for their roles in a money laundering conspiracy involving $800,000 in drug proceeds following their separate guilty pleas.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, both Riley and Oiler pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to launder proceeds of a nation-wide drug trafficking organization.  Riley, age 48 of Philadelphia, was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment followed by one year of supervised release, and to forfeit up to $800,000.  Riley retired from his position as a Narcotics Agent with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Narcotics Investigations shortly after his criminal conduct in this case began.  Oiler, age 49 of Georgia, was sentenced to serve 30 months’ imprisonment followed by one year of supervised release and to forfeit up to $800,000.  The third co-conspirator, Michael Sean Riley, pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

Michael Riley arranged with John T. Oiler to rent a storage unit in Baltimore and travel to Pennsylvania to take possession of more than $800,000 of cash drug proceeds Michael Riley skimmed from a larger load of cash.  Oiler took the vast majority of those proceeds and stored them in the rented unit in Baltimore.  Michael Riley then contacted his cousin, Timothy Riley, then a Narcotics Agent of the PA Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics Investigations Mobile Street Crimes Unit, and turned over the rest of the cash proceeds to him and other agents from the Mobile Street Crimes Unit.  Michael Riley paid Timothy Riley three cash payments totaling $48,000 which Timothy Riley subsequently laundered.  Oiler and Michael Riley each netted about $400,000 of the proceeds and each conducted numerous financial transactions with the cash drug proceeds.

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.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, with the full assistance of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case. 

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Randazzo, age 46, of Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on May 23, 2019, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, to conspiracy to import into the United States from China alpha-pvp, commonly known as “bath salts.”  

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Randazzo admitted to participating in the conspiracy between March 2014 and January 2016. Randazzo was one of seven people indicted by a grand jury in August 2016. That indictment was the fourth indictment resulting from the lengthy investigation into “bath salts” importation and trafficking. In all, 18 people were charged as a result of the investigation, including a Texas-based couple who shipped “bath salts” to customers throughout the United States, including Pennsylvania.

Todd Morgans, of West Pittston, a major local supplier of “bath salts,” was previously sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment. David Folweiler, a Luzerne County sub-distributor, was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment. One of the Texas-based suppliers, Treiu Thuy Duong, received a 70-month prison sentence. Alan Folweiler received a 63-month sentence. Frank Brennan was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment.

The investigation has resulted in the seizure and forfeiture of several firearms, thousands of dollars in cash, hundreds of silver coins, real property and bank accounts valued at more than $750,000.

Judge Munley ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for August 26, 2019.  

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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 maximum penalty under federal law for this offenses is 20 years’ 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.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andres Santos, age 37, of Hazelton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on May 21, 2019, by a federal grand jury for theft of government property, specifically, theft of welfare benefits to which he was not entitled, as well as for charges of social security fraud, false claim of United States citizenship and aggravated identity theft.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, in Luzerne County, Santos used the social security account number and other identification information of another person and misrepresented his citizenship status in order to obtain Medicaid Medical Assistance benefits and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in an amount over $1000.00 each, to which he was not entitled

The matter was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations Division and the Pennsylvania Office of the State Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John 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 12 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.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a criminal information was filed on May 21, 2019, charging Brenda Cruise, age 48, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, with conspiring with others to provide contraband, including illegal drugs, to inmates at the Lackawanna County Prison.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the criminal information alleges that Cruise conspired with others to provide marijuana, suboxone, synthetic marijuana (“spice”), and tobacco to inmates at the prison between February 2018 and December 2018.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Cruise is the fourth person to be charged as a result of the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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.

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 is five years’ 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.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lawrence Stone, age 64, formerly of East Stroudsburg, Nanticoke, and Scranton, Pennsylvania, a former Master Clinician and Case Manager at Scranton Counseling Center, was sentenced on May 23, 2019, to 15 years’ imprisonment to be followed by five years on supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for producing child pornography.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Stone previously admitted to persuading two minor victims (ages 13 and 14) to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of the conduct. Stone committed the offense between 2010 and 2014, when he was employed at the Scranton Counseling Center.

Judge Mannion also ordered Stone to receive sex offender treatment and to comply with all provisions of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.        

Stone was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2018, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Scranton Police. 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."

# # #

HARRISBURG—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Maria Lyter, age 60, of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 20, 2019, by Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to four months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release for bank embezzlement.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Lyter admitted to embezzling approximately $8,300 from the Hummelstown bank while employed at that bank in March 2016.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlo D. Marchioli and Joseph J. Terz prosecuted the case.

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Saul Rivkin, age 55, of Chester County, Pennsyvlania, was charged in a criminal information on May 23, 2019, with fleeing from National Park Service Rangers.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Rivkin fled from Rangers in the Delaware Valley Water Gap Recreation Area on October 21, 2018, in an automobile. 

Another individual involved in the incident, Jeffrey J. Steigelmann III, pleaded guilty on May 14, 2019 to fleeing from National Park Service Rangers.  Steigelmann is awaiting sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the National Park Service Rangers and other state and local law enforcement officials.  Assistant United States 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 the charge is a two-year term 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. 

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that that Dominican authorities have extradited Jose Rafael Hidalgo, age 43, formerly of New Jersey, to face a 1999 indictment for drug trafficking.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, an indictment returned on August 24, 1999 alleges that Hidalgo conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine.  Hidalgo was arrested on August 25, 1999, and, after entering an agreement with the United States to plead guilty, he was granted conditional release.  At some point between October 12, 1999, and February 2000, while residing in New Jersey under supervised pre-trial release, Hidalgo removed an electronic monitoring device and absconded. 

On February 22, 2000, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania issued an arrest warrant for Hidalgo.  The United States Marshals Service took charge of the investigation to locate and apprehend Hidalgo, and, in 2016, confirmed that Hidalgo was living in the Dominican Republic.  The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania initiated extradition procedures in conjunction with the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs and the U.S. State Department, leading to Hidalgo’s arrest by Dominican law enforcement authorities on January 17, 2019.  Extradition was granted on March 25, 2019, and the U.S. Marshals returned Hidalgo to the United States where he appeared before a federal Magistrate Judge for an initial appearance on May 20, 2019.

“The U.S. Marshals are to be commended for their dogged determination in tracking this fugitive down,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “This extradition is the result of solid police work and a refusal to give up the hunt, even twenty years later, which is exactly what we’ve come to expect from the Marshals Service.”

“The fugitive task force know no boundaries with respect to investigating fugitives who leave the United States,” said U.S. Marshal Martin J. Pane. “After being on the run for over nineteen years the arrest of Hidalgo is a testament to our dedication to ensure all who flee from justice are located and given their day in court.”  

The original drug trafficking case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting 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.

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 a life term 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Johnson, age 51, of York, Pennsylvania, was convicted on May 16, 2019, for Hobbs Act robbery and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence after a two-day jury trial before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo.

According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, Johnson and his co-conspirator robbed and shot the victim in the head on Girard Avenue, York, on January 9, 2016.  During the investigation, law enforcement officers recovered the gun used to shoot the victim, a stolen Smith and Wesson 9mm caliber semiautomatic pistol, from Johnson’s co-conspirator during her arrest on January 13, 2016.

Testimony established that the victim remained in a comatose state for at least four months following the shooting.  The victim required three brain surgeries and other life-saving medical interventions to repair the damage caused by Johnson and his co-conspirator. 

Based on Johnson’s conviction for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, he will be subject to an enhanced penalty requiring a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, which must be served consecutively to any sentence Judge Rambo imposes on the Hobbs Act robbery conviction. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the York City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys William A. Behe and Meredith A. Taylor 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.

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 is lifetime 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.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Bomboy, age 59, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on May 14, 2019, by a federal grand jury for conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Bomboy participated in a conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in the Scranton area between February and April 2019.  The indictment also charges Bomboy with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the Scranton Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  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.

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.

The maximum penalty for the charge under federal law is up to forty years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $5,000,000 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.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stephani Taylor, age 27, of Shickshinny, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to three years’ imprisonment to be followed by two years of supervised release for unlawfully possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Taylor previously admitted to trading ten firearms for heroin between December 2016 and September 2017.

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Kingston Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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 was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Wilson, age 26, of Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 90 Months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release for distributing heroin and unlawfully possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Wilson previously admitted to distributing heroin between December 2016 and September 14, 2017, and possessing firearms in connection with his heroin trafficking. Wilson distributed between 40 grams and 60 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to between 1,800 and 3,000 retail bags of heroin.

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Kingston Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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 was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shakim Varick, age 37, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 14, 2019, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to 30 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release for unlawfully possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Varick previously admitted to possessing a firearm along with heroin and crack cocaine that he intended to distribute in the city of Wilkes-Barre in March 2015.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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 was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Akbar Muhammad, age 42, of New York, was indicted on May 14, 2019, by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin, and two counts of interstate prostitution.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Muhammad, who used the street name “Biz,” participated in the conspiracy to distribute heroin from 2015 to the present, and transported prostitutes from Pennsylvania to New York and from New York to Pennsylvania between October 2016 and 2017.  

The indictment stems from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Stroud Area Regional Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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.

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

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.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the drug conspiracy charge is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The drug charge also carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. The maximum sentence for the prostitution offenses is 10 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 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that the former owner/operator of a Harrisburg based dental and vision claims processing business, Michael Timothy Buchanan, age 68, of Fishers, Indiana, pleaded  guilty on May 14, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, to one count of Health Care Fraud.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Buchanan admitted to defrauding a trust fund established by the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) out of $1,493,629. Buchanan executed a scheme to defraud the Pennsylvania Faculty Health and Welfare Fund (The Fund) between 2007 and 2017 by his submission of false, inflated invoices for the services his company, Actuaries, Consultants and Administrators, Inc. (ACA), provided The Fund in connection with the processing of dental and vision claims submitted by members of the APSCUF Union.

The Fund paid ACA $5.20 for each vision claim it processed and $8.10 for each dental claim it processed. Buchanan routinely and artificially inflated the number of claims it allegedly processed for The Fund between 2007 and 2017 that resulted in a $1,493,629 overpayment to ACA. 

Upon the conclusion of the guilty plea proceeding, Judge Rambo released Buchanan on his own recognizance pending preparation of a presentence report.  No date has yet been scheduled for sentencing.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the FBI and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel 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 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.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment on May 14, 2019, charging Phillip Finn, Jr, age 48, of Plains Township, Pennsylvania, with attempted witness tampering. 

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the second superseding indictment alleges that on January 31, 2019, Finn instructed a witness to tell law enforcement that he/she does not remember certain events with the intent to cause the witness to withhold testimony during Finn’s trial.    

On July 11, 2017, Finn was indicted on charges of stalking, interstate communications and malicious damage to federal property by fire.  The indictment alleged that between March 3, 2017 and March 6, 2017, Finn used Facebook, Google and his cell phone to engage in a course of conduct, to harass and intimidate two Luzerne County Children and Youth Services employees.  On October 2, 2018, an additional count of Interstate Communications and the charge of use of fire to commit a felony were filed against Finn.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

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.

The combined maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Court Judge Yvette Kane sentenced Jacob Eddie Junior Pena, age 24, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release for a firearm offense.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Pena admitted to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on December 1, 2017, in Harrisburg.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of Harrisburg Police.  Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy 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.

# # #

HARRISBURG - U.S. Attorney David J. Freed recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019.

In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed,

declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice. 

“For more than 20 years as a prosecutor, I have had the daily privilege to witness the sacrifice, dedication, loyalty and commitment of the men and women serving our communities as police,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “From the most high profile murder case to a lost dog or stolen bicycle, our police are there when we need them.  No questions asked.  As the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, I want to acknowledge the work performed by federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, who often face uncertain and dangerous situations without expectation of thanks – because it is their sworn duty.  We want them to know they have our unwavering support and appreciation.”

According to statistics reported to the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2018, an increase from 94 officers in 2017.

Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2018 https://ucr.fbi.gov/leoka/2018/ released this week by the FBI.

The names of all 106 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2019. No tickets are required and everyone is welcome. For additional information, please call 202-737-3400.

One Middle District of Pennsylvania officer was added this year: Alex I. Sable, York City Police Officer.

The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2019.      

For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Donald Barlow, age 58, of Bedford, Virginia and his son, Matthew Barlow, age 28, an inmate at Allenwood Low Security Correctional Institution (LSCI), was charged by criminal information on May 9, 2019, with conspiracy to smuggle Oxycodone pills into LSCI in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. 

According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, the criminal information alleges that from June 2014 through August 30, 2014, Donald Barlow and Matthew Barlow made coded references during prison electronic mail exchanges while making plans to smuggle 9.6 Oxycodone pills into the prison hidden inside balloons. Donald Barlow traveled from Virginia to LSCI and delivered, and attempted to deliver the Oxycodone pills to Matthew Barlow in the prison visiting room.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the investigative staff at the LSCI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel prosecuted the case.

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.

The maximum penalty under federal law included 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.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Josiah Ferrebee, age 22, of Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on May 9, 2019, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, to production and attempted to production of child pornography.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Ferrebee admitted to persuading a 14-year-old female from the state of Michigan to take sexually explicit images of herself and send them to him via the internet. Ferrebee also admitted that after he persuaded the minor to take and send some initial images to him, he threatened to post those images online unless she sent him more sexually explicit images of herself, which she did. Ferrebee committed the crime—what some have termed “sextortion”—in January 2016.

Judge Munley ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for August 12, 2019. 

The matter was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis P. Sempa and Jenny P. Roberts are 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 "resources."                   

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 30 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 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 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.

# # #