Middle District of Pennsylvania

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jordan Capone, age 24, of Mt. Pocono, pleaded guilty on March 22, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to participating in a sex trafficking conspiracy that involved using threats and coercion to force women to engage in prostitution in the Monroe County area between 2011 and 2014.  Capone also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute the drug “molly,” a form of MDMA. 

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Capone admitted to being a member of the Black P-Stones, a street gang that engaged in sex trafficking and drug trafficking in the Stroudsburg area and the state of Maine. Members of the conspiracy advertised prostitutes on websites, transported the prostitutes, and rented hotel and motel rooms for the purpose of having the women engage in commercial sex acts with customers.

The prostitutes were threatened, physically assaulted, and provided drugs, including heroin, by members of the conspiracy to persuade them to engage or continue to engage in prostitution. Virtually all of the money earned by the prostitutes was turned over to the gang leaders, and the prostitutes were compensated with illegal drugs.  

Capone admitted to selling “molly” between 2013 and 2017.

Judge Mannion ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing for Capone will be scheduled at a later date.

Capone was indicted along with others by a federal grand jury, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, Maine State Police, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and local police in Monroe County. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis P. Sempa and Phillip Caraballo are 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 was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

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

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.

 

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Adam Gottstein, age 32, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, was  sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for conspiring to distribute heroin, crack cocaine, and fentanyl.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Gottstein pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances in Pennsylvania, between approximately September 2016 through February 2017.  Gottstein admitted to working as a drug dealer and in the conspiracy, to transporting drug from New York to Pennsylvania for redistribution, and to trafficking in excess of 280 grams of crack cocaine, fentanyl, and in excess of 400 grams of heroin, the latter of which is the equivalent of 16,000 potentially fatal doses of heroin.  Gottstein also admitted to possessing a firearm during the course of his offense, and to maintaining a drug house.

Gottstein was charged in June 2017 with 14 other individuals.  All of his co-defendants have pleaded guilty, with 11 others having already been sentenced:

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

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

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

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

 

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WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Clyde Eugene Snyder, age 71, of Mt. Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal Information on March 18, 2019, with conspiracy to distribute over 100,000 Schedule IV prescription pain pills using the United States mail.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the criminal information alleges that from April 2015 through April 11, 2017, Snyder and co-conspirators used the United States mail to distribute in excess of 100,000 Tramadol and Carisoprodol pain medication tablets to sellers and users of those controlled substances throughout the United States.  The criminal information further alleges that Snyder received multiple international parcels from Germany containing Tramadol and Carisoprodol tablets, and he used his residence in Mt. Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania to receive, store, and repackage the controlled tablets.  It’s further alleged that after repackaging the drugs, Snyder mailed the tablets in United States Postal Service Priority Mail parcels to conspirators at locations throughout the United States, including Maryland, Ohio, Kansas, Nebraska, Florida, Texas, Colorado, Washington, and Alaska.  Snyder and the conspirators communicated concerning shipments of Tramadol and Carisoprodol tablets using social media, including Facebook.

The Information charges Snyder with one count of conspiracy to distribute tablets containing the pain medications, Tramadol and Carisoprodol, listed under Schedule IV of the federal Controlled Substances Act.  

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as 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 under federal law for this offense is five (5) years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

 

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Chad Eckrote, age 26, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, received a probationary sentence of three years on March 19, 2019, by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for conspiring to distribute heroin, crack cocaine, and fentanyl.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Dubaskas pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances in Pennsylvania, from the summer of 2015 to the summer of 2016.  Eckrote admitted to working as a drug dealer and in the conspiracy, to transporting drugs from New York to Pennsylvania for redistribution, and to trafficking in excess of 22.4 grams of crack cocaine, fentanyl, and in excess of 80 grams of heroin, the latter of which is the equivalent of 3,200 potentially fatal doses of heroin.

Eckrote was charged in June 2017 with 14 other individuals.  All of his co-defendants have pleaded guilty, with 10 others having already been sentenced:

• Kassandra Martin of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment;
• Joshua Lenchick of Luzerne, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment;
• Kristyna Shotwell of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment;
• Tanay Jones of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to a time served sentence of 19 days of imprisonment;
• William Waring of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment;
• John Maybank of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 53 months of imprisonment;
• Siobhan Daniels, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment;
• Luis Nevarez, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment;
• Adonis Smith, of New London, Connecticut, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment; and
• Cara Dubaskas, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to a time served sentence of 7 months.

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program 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.

 

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Clayton Shinn, age 28, an inmate at United States Penitentiary, Canaan, in Waymart, Pennsylvania, to 30 months’ imprisonment on March 14, 2019, for assaulting another inmate resulting in serious bodily injury.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Shinn and co-defendant, Jeffrey Mattox, assaulted another inmate on October 4, 2016, by repeatedly striking, punching and kicking the inmate, resulting in serious bodily injury. 

Jeffrey Mattox pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons.  Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski prosecuted the case.

 

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Niegel Broadus, age 23, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary, Allenwood, was indicted on March 14, 2019, by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that on October 8, 2018, Broadus was found in possession of a homemade sharpened piece of plastic, commonly referred to as a “shank,” that was designed to be used as a weapon.

The charges stem from an investigation by officers at USP Allenwood and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  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 defendant is facing a maximum of five years of incarceration and a $250,000 fine.   Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Duncan, age 54, a prisoner at the Federal Correctional Institution, Allenwood, was indicted on March 14, 2019, by a federal grand jury for assaulting a federal correctional officer. 

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that on November 26, 2018, Duncan struck and caused physical contact with a correctional officer resulting in bodily injury.

The charges stem from an investigation by FCI Allenwood and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  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 defendant is facing a maximum of twenty years of incarceration and a $250,000 fine.   Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Zakhary Wayne Pryer, age 39, of Old Lycoming Township, Pennsylvania, was indicted on March 14, 2019, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Pryer distributed heroin and cocaine on five separate dates between October 12, 2018 and November 19, 2018.  The indictment also alleges that on November 20, 2018, Pryer possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and additional amounts of heroin, cocaine, marihuana, and phencyclidine (PCP).  The indictment also alleges that Pryer possessed three pistols in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.        

The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel is prosecuting the case.

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

 

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 15, 2019, Fredrick Brown, age 37, of Monroe County, Pennsylvania, was convicted on sex and drug trafficking charges after a four-day jury trial held before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.   

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the jury returned a verdict of guilty after approximately one and one half hours of deliberations.  The evidence showed that between 2011 and 2014, Brown trafficked multiple women as prostitutes through force, fraud, threats of force, and coercion.  Brown was also convicted of sex trafficking a 17-year-old minor.  Brown worked mainly out of a hotel in Bartonsville, Pennsylvania, along with other Monroe County hotels, and transported his victims across state lines for the purposes of prostitution.  Brown frequently used violent force and intimidation to compel his victims to engage in commercial sex acts. 

Brown was also convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute over 280 grams of cocaine base, or “crack,” and possession with intent to distribute crack.  The government presented additional evidence to show that Brown also gave his trafficking victims controlled substances such as Adderall, MDMA or “Molly,” and ecstasy to keep them awake and working to increase his profits.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jenny P. Roberts and Sean A. Camoni 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."

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 combined penalty under federal law for these offenses are 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.

 

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 14, 2019, United States District Court Judge James M. Munley sentenced Willis DeLaRosa-Baez, age 34, to 80 months’ imprisonment and a four-year term of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute heroin and crystal methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, DeLaRosa-Baez, his co-defendant, Daniel Silvestre-Ubri, and other individuals conspired to distribute heroin and crystal methamphetamine in Pennsylvania between February 4, 2016 and April 6, 2016.  DeLaRosa-Baez 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.

DeLaRosa-Baez, 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 June 22, 2016.  His co-defendant, Silvestre-Ubri, also has remained in custody since his arrest on March 22, 2018, pleaded guilty, and is awaiting sentencing.

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.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg indicted 17 individuals in two separate indictments on March 13, 2019, for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.   

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that the drug trafficking conspiracy entailed kilogram quantities of cocaine hydrochloride sent from Puerto Rico through the United States Postal Service to Pennsylvania and being purchased in California and transported to Pennsylvania. The cocaine hydrochloride was then distributed to co-conspirators for distribution to customers in Dauphin, Northumberland, and Union Counties. It is also alleged that heroin and fentanyl were obtained from known and unknown sources and distributed to co-conspirators for distribution. It is further alleged that co-conspirators maintained apartments in Milton, Pennsylvania for the purpose of packaging, storing, and distributing heroin and cocaine hydrochloride.

The first indictment charges the following defendants for offenses that took place between March 1, 2017 and March 13, 2019, in Dauphin and Northumberland Counties:

[1]       Kevin Caban Robles, age 29, of Harrisburg, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, more than one kilogram of heroin, and more than 40 grams of fentanyl; two counts of distribution of heroin; two counts of attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine;

[2]        Reymond Nieves Hernandez, age 31, of Milton, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride and more than one kilogram of heroin; two counts of attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride;

[3]        Ricarte Bristol Negron, a/k/a “Cando,” age 46, of Milton, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride and more than 100 grams of heroin; one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride;

[4]        Harold Maysonet Pagan, a/k/a “Chango,” age 25, of Milton, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride and more than 100 grams of heroin;

[5]        Jamie Morales Rivera, age 27, of Wisconson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride and an unspecified quantity of heroin; one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride;

[6]        Justo Melendez, a/k/a “Lobi,” age 38, of Milton, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute an unspecified quantity of cocaine hydrochloride;

[7]        Bradimir Aviles Hernandez, age 51, of Milton, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute unspecified quantity of cocaine hydrochloride;

[8]        Robert Pacheco, age 38, of Sunbury, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute an unspecified quantity of heroin.

The indictment also seeks forfeiture of approximately $149,990 in U.S. Currency seized from Alejandro Alvarez and Jose Garabito Mejia.

The second indictment charges the following defendants for offenses that took place between October 2016 and March 13, 2019, in Northumberland and Union Counties:

[1]        Jose Miguel Guzman Ruiz, age 36, of Lewisburg, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride and an unspecified quantity of heroin; one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; one count of distribution of cocaine;                    

[2]        Francisco Javier Ortiz Candelaria, a/k/a “Javi” a/k/a “Guavina,” age 34, of Milton, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride and an unspecified quantity of heroin; one count of distribution of heroin and cocaine; one count of distribution of heroin; one count of felon in possession of firearm; one count possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;

[3]        Ariel Diaz, a/k/a “A,” age 33, of Williamsport, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride; two counts of attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride;

[4]       Roberto Rodriguez Bristol, age 28, of Milton, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute an unspecified quantity of cocaine; one count of possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; one count of distribution of heroin and cocaine;

[5]        Tony Orlando Garcia a/k/a “Honda,” age 40, of Northumberland, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride; one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride;

[6]        Israel Gonzalez, Jr. a/k/a “Jigilo,” age 37, of Lewisburg, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride and an unspecified quantity of heroin; two counts of attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; one count of distribution of cocaine;

[7]        Yarelis Seda, age 24, of Lewisburg, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute mor than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride and an unspecified quantity of heroin; one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; one count of distribution of cocaine;

[8]       Kimberly Roman Rivera, age 33, of Lewisburg, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute unspecified quantity of cocaine hydrochloride and heroin;

[9]        Denny Fernandez-Molina, age 44, of Milton, PA, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute unspecified quantity of cocaine hydrochloride and heroin; four counts of distribution of cocaine.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Milton Police Department, the Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the Dauphin, Montour and Northumberland Counties Drug Taskforces, the Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Narcotics Investigations. The U.S. Marshal Service assisted in the arrests of the defendants.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daryl F. Bloom 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 was brought as 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 defendants range from 20 years to life imprisonment. (see attached) Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs.  For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

 

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Jay Jackson, age 59, formerly of Hershey, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 145 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo on multiple bankruptcy fraud, wire fraud, false statement, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering charges.  Judge Rambo also ordered Jackson to pay $1,567, 275 in restitution and $3,000 in special assessments.        

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Jackson pleaded guilty on November 3, 2017, to an Indictment charging him with twelve counts of wire fraud, five counts of bankruptcy fraud, nine counts of false bankruptcy declarations, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.  The Indictment alleged Jackson defrauded his creditors, the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of PA, and his wife by filing seven Chapter 13 and 11 bankruptcy petitions, five of which under Jackson’s name, and two under his wife’s name without her knowledge or consent. The petitions contained false information regarding Jackson’s income, assets, and employment, and were filed in order to postpone multiple Sheriff’s sales of his Hershey residence. Jackson filed the last two petitions on June 3, 2015, and January 19, 2017, under his wife’s name after the Bankruptcy Court barred Jackson from filing any further petitions for two years on May 28, 2015.

Thereafter, Jackson also pleaded guilty on March 13, 2018, to a two count Information charging him with wire fraud and money laundering. The Information alleged Jackson perpetrated a bogus business venture, loan fraud scheme between 2007 and 2017 that defrauded 22 victims out of approximately $1.7 million. According to the Information, Jackson registered a corporation by the name of INTEX Building Materials Group, Inc. (INTEX BMG) with the Pennsylvania Department of State in 2007, listing himself as the sole shareholder and Chief Executive Officer of the company. Jackson defrauded his victims by convincing them he had the backing of Brookstone Partners, a New York City capital investment company, to lend him millions of dollars to acquire companies that manufactured building products. Jackson induced his victims into giving him loans to pay for his personal expenses, including his children’s college tuition, while they awaited consummation of the deal with Brookstone. Jackson promised his victims huge returns on what were supposed to be short-term loans. Jackson also provided copies of what he claimed to be e-mails from Brookstone principals that falsely represented the INTEX BMG deal was real. 

In reality, INTEX BMG was a “paper” company that did not hold any significant assets, didn’t have any paid employees, and never generated any income. In order to deceive his victims, Jackson established bogus email accounts under the assumed identities of Brookstone principals and drafted fake e-mails from them.  Jackson provided his victims a variety of explanations as to why the INTEX BMG did not go “live” in order to lull them into not taking action against him.  Jackson would repeatedly blame the protracted delays upon the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), various state regulators and the Canadian government. Many of the victims of Jackson’s loan fraud scheme were from Central Pennsylvania. 

“Thieves and fraudsters use many different methods to separate honest citizens and businesses from their hard-earned money, most often for no other reason than simple greed,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “The brazen fraud in this case attempted to use the legal Bankruptcy process to continue to line his own pockets.  I commend the fine work of our partners at IRS-Criminal Investigations and the FBI for achieving some measure of justice for Jackson’s victims.”

"The bankruptcy system is based on debtors fully disclosing their assets and liabilities,” said Guy Ficco, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “When someone intentionally files a petition with the bankruptcy court that contains false information, they are engaging in criminal activity.  The Special Agents of IRS Criminal Investigation will continue working with our law enforcement partners on these types of cases to help preserve the integrity of the bankruptcy system."

"Michael Jay Jackson blatantly abused the bankruptcy process," said Michael T. Harpster, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. "By breaking the law in an attempt to hide, and hold on to, his assets, he's instead cost himself dearly, losing his very freedom. The FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who engage in such financial fraud."

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Offices of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel prosecuted the case.

 

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HARRISBURG – Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney David J. Freed today announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history, surpassing last year’s nationwide sweep. The cases during this sweep involved more than 260 defendants from around the globe who victimized more than two million Americans, most of them elderly.

• Omoefe Okoro, age 48, a citizen of Canada, was charged in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.  Okoro and others are alleged to have engaged in an attorney “collection scam” in Ontario, Canada, and elsewhere. In particular, Okoro and his co-conspirators are alleged to have conducted a scheme in which they contacted businesses and individuals, including elderly victims, and requested, among other things, to collect an outstanding debt.  The suspects, posing as the third party, then sent a counterfeit check to the victim for deposit and requested that the victim wire funds to an account overseas, typically in Japan, South Korea, or China.  Canada surrendered Okoro to the United States on Aug. 29, 2018. Okoro is currently scheduled for trial on May 6, 2019.

“Crimes against the elderly target some of the most vulnerable people in our society,” Attorney General William P. Barr said. “But thanks to the hard work of our agents and prosecutors, as well as our state and local partners, the Department of Justice is protecting our seniors from fraud. The Trump administration has placed a renewed focus on prosecuting those who prey on the elderly, and the results of today’s sweep make that clear. Today we are announcing the largest single law enforcement action against elder fraud in American history. This year’s sweep involves 13 percent more criminal defendants, 28 percent more in losses, and twice the number of fraud victims as last year’s sweep. I want to thank the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which led this effort, together with the Department’s Criminal Division, the more than 50 U.S. Attorneys’ offices, and the state and local partners who helped to make these results possible. Together, we are bringing justice and peace of mind to America's seniors.”

“Perpetrators of Elder Abuse and Elder Financial Fraud purposefully choose their victims, hoping that they will be unable or unwilling to ask for help, using ever more sophisticated methods to support their scams,” said U.S. Attorney Freed.  “We are proud to join our efforts today with those of our colleagues in Washington and throughout the nation, and to work with our state and local colleagues to bring federal resources to tackling this persistent problem.”

The Department took action in every federal district across the country, through the filing of criminal or civil cases or through consumer education efforts. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of millions of more dollars than last year, putting the total alleged losses at this year’s sweep at over three fourths of one billion dollars.

The charges are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. The Justice Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act. 

Do not remain silent if you were a victim of financial fraud, speak out and tell someone. Find the right reporting agency by going to Elder Abuse Resource Roadmaps: elderjustice.gov/roadmap or call the Victim Connect Hotline at 1-855-4Victim.

# # #

A fact-sheet with technical-support fraud case information can be found here.

A fact-sheet with cases on mass mailing fraud can be found here.

A fact-sheet with examples of a few elder fraud cases involving extradition in which the Office of International Affairs played a substantial role can be found here.

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 28, 2019, Gerald Pambianco, age 29, of Plains Township, Pennsylvania, and Derek Spaide, age 26, of Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to armed robbery of the Luzerne National Bank in Plains Township.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Pambianco and Spaide admitted to the armed bank robbery and brandishing firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence of the Luzerne National Bank in Plains Township on May 16, 2018.   Pambianco and Spaide traveled to the Luzerne National Bank, where Spaide placed a t-shirt over his face, entered the bank, pointed a rifle at a bank employee and demanded money.  Approximately $8,204 was taken in the robbery.  Spaide then entered a vehicle driven by Pambianco, who drove away from the bank and engaged in a high-speed vehicle chase with police.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Plains Township Police Department, and the Hanover Township Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.        

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

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 armed bank robbery charge under federal law is 25 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years, consecutive to any other sentence. 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 Joseph Kamosky, age 36, of Damascus, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of illegal firearm silencers.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that  Kamosky possessed three illegally-made firearm silencers on or about October 25, 2018, in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Scranton Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses 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.

 

# # #

Harrisburg—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has asked more than 300 doctors to review their opioid prescriptions patterns, as part of its ongoing effort to combat the opioid epidemic.  In a letter sent last week, U.S. Attorney David J. Freed informed each of the providers that their opioid prescribing patterns for Medicare Part D patients appears to be significantly different from peers within the same medical specialties.  The U.S. Attorney refers the prescribers to educational materials on the opioid crisis prepared by the U.S, Drug Enforcement Administration; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service; and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“Beyond criminal and civil enforcement efforts, I am committed to help educate prescribers regarding the dangers of excessive opioid use and the consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Freed.  “I strongly urge prescribers to utilize all resources available, including the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), to ensure that they are doing all they can to reduce serious prescription opioid abuse, while maintaining patient access to appropriate pain medications.”

A recent DEA report found that, in 2017, more than 5,450 people died in the Commonwealth from drug overdoses.   That equates to 43 deaths per 100,000 Pennsylvanians or nearly twice the national average of 22 overdose deaths per 100,000 persons.  Between 2015 and 2017 drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania increased 65 percent.  In 2017, 1,093 Pennsylvanians died due to a prescription opioid overdose and 2,065 people died from heroin overdoses.  The CDC notes that 3 out of 4 heroin users abused prescription opioids before turning to heroin.   

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has made no determination, at this time, that prescribers who receive these letters have violated the law.  Nor is the U.S. Attorney suggesting that the prescriptions written are not medically appropriate.  

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 4, 2019, Henry Morales, age 24, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab to conspiracy and burglary of a pharmacy, conspiracy and possession of stolen firearms, and possession of firearms as a convicted felon.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, on January 16, 2018, Morales and his three codefendants broke into the Medicine Shop in Lebanon and stole cough syrup and Viagra.  Approximately thirty minutes later, the defendants then broke into the Horseshoe Pike Gunshop in Palmyra by throwing a cinder block through a glass window and stole twelve firearms and an antique firearm.  

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Lebanon and Palmyra Police Departments.  Assistant United States Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting the case.        

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

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 these offenses is 55 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.

 

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Prince Edosa, age 54, formerly of Brooklyn, NY, and a dual citizen of both Nigeria and the United States, was sentenced on February 27, 2019, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to 63 months’ imprisonment for his role in international consumer fraud schemes.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Edosa pleaded guilty in May 2017 to conspiracy and mail fraud charges. Edosa and nine codefendants were indicted in January 2013, and charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.  The charges stemmed from the defendants’ perpetration of bogus sweepstakes winnings, advance fee and internet purchase schemes between 2002 and 2010 that defrauded hundreds of consumers across the United States. A substantial portion of the fraud proceeds was diverted to Canada, Nigeria, and Romania by the defendant and his conspirators. Edosa owned and operated three MoneyGram and two Western Union outlets in Brooklyn between 2004 and 2009, and used the MoneyGram and Western Union money transfer systems to launder the fraud victims’ proceeds. Edosa stipulated the losses sustained by 410 victims totaled $1,458,224. 

Edosa was a fugitive from justice for more than four years until his arrest in New York, NY in October 2017.  Three codefendants including his wife, Susan Osagiede, have been arrested, convicted and sentenced. Six other defendants remain fugitives.

Chief Judge Conner also ordered Edosa to pay $668,525 in restitution.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel 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.

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 Prince Edosa, age 54, formerly of Brooklyn, NY, and a dual citizen of both Nigeria and the United States, was sentenced on February 27, 2019, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to 63 months’ imprisonment for his role in international consumer fraud schemes.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Edosa pleaded guilty in May 2017 to conspiracy and mail fraud charges. Edosa and nine codefendants were indicted in January 2013, and charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.  The charges stemmed from the defendants’ perpetration of bogus sweepstakes winnings, advance fee and internet purchase schemes between 2002 and 2010 that defrauded hundreds of consumers across the United States. A substantial portion of the fraud proceeds was diverted to Canada, Nigeria, and Romania by the defendant and his conspirators. Edosa owned and operated three MoneyGram and two Western Union outlets in Brooklyn between 2004 and 2009, and used the MoneyGram and Western Union money transfer systems to launder the fraud victims’ proceeds. Edosa stipulated the losses sustained by 410 victims totaled $1,458,224. 

Edosa was a fugitive from justice for more than four years until his arrest in New York, NY in October 2017.  Three codefendants including his wife, Susan Osagiede, have been arrested, convicted and sentenced. Six other defendants remain fugitives.

Chief Judge Conner also ordered Edosa to pay $668,525 in restitution.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel 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.

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 Terrance Harden, age 27, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was indicted on February 27, 2019, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Harden possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine on May 31, 2018, in Harrisburg, and possessed a loaded 9mm handgun in furtherance of drug trafficking as a convicted felon.

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

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

 

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that five previously deported aliens were indicted separately on February 27, 2019, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States. These matters arose in counties throughout the District including Bradford, Columbia, Cumberland, Luzerne, and York.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Leovijildo Mitra-Hernandez, age 38, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in July 2008.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after July 2008, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Jose Luis Ochoa-Arevalo, age 38, of El Salvador, was previously deported from the United States to El Salvador in February 2008.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after February 2008, and was found in the United States in Columbia County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Jose Antonio Rascon-Romero, age 30, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in May 2012.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after May 2012, and was found in the United States in Bradford County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Miguel Diaz-Palma, age 45, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in October 2011.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after October 2011 and was found in the United States in Wilkes Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Tony Hernan Rengifo-Rosas, age 53, of Peru, was previously deported from the United States to Peru in September 2001.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after September 2001, and was found in the United States in Lemoyne, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

These cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).  Assistant United States Attorneys James T. Clancy and Joanne Hoffman are prosecuting the cases.

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

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

Defendants face a maximum penalty of two 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 Lawrence Stone, age 64, of Scranton, pleaded guilty on February 21, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to producing child pornography.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Stone admitted to persuading two minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of the conduct. Stone committed the offense between 2010 and 2014, in Lackawanna County.

Judge Mannion ordered a presentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.

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

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 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.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that James Mark Minichella, age 23, of Catawissa, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 19, 2019, by a federal grand jury for drug distribution resulting in death. The case was unsealed following the arrest of the defendant.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that on or about August 11, 2017, Minichella knowingly and intentionally distributed and possessed with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl causing the death of another person. 

The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Scranton, the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office, and the Wyoming County Detectives.  United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski 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.

In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute for drug distribution resulting in death is life imprisonment.  The maximum penalty for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance is 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

 

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that the Middle District of Pennsylvania collected $20.2 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2018.  Of this amount, $4 million was collected in criminal actions and $16 million was collected in civil actions.  The $20.2 million collected in FY 2018 represents approximately double the appropriated budget for the office.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Pennsylvania worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $1.1 million in cases pursued jointly by these offices.  Of this amount, $14,637 was collected in criminal actions and $1.1 million was collected in civil actions.

In November 2018, the Middle District of Pennsylvania received $70 million as part of the settlement in U.S. v. MoneyGram International, Inc. as a result of a Deferred Prosecution Agreement including a forfeiture settlement. MoneyGram will be charged by information for knowingly and intentionally aiding and abetting wire fraud and willfully failing to implement an effective anti-money laundering program. Forfeiture of the $70 million will be processed administratively by the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the district will be credited for an out of court forfeiture settlement. MoneyGram was involved in consumer fraud schemes perpetrated by corrupt MoneyGram agents and others.  In the fraud scams, which generally targeted the elderly and other vulnerable groups, perpetrators contacted victims in the United States and falsely posed as victim’s relatives in urgent need of money, falsely promised large cash prizes, or promised items for sale over the internet at deeply discounted prices.  The perpetrators required the victims to send funds through MoneyGram’s money transfer system.

As a whole, the Justice Department collected nearly $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2018.  The $14,839,821,650 in collections in FY 2018 represents is nearly seven times the appropriated $2.13 billion ($2,136,750,000) budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices.

“The men and women of the U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country work diligently, day in and day out, to see that the citizens of our nation receive justice.  The money that we are able to recover for victims and this country as a whole is a direct result of their hard work,” Director James A. Crowell, IV, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys.

“The men and women of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania are dedicated to the protection of our fellow law-abiding citizens, whether we are battling the scourge of drugs and violent crime or attacking scams designed to defraud government agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “I am pleased that our collection efforts both in the District and nationwide have far exceeded our cost to the taxpayers”.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims.  The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.  While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws.  In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Education.           

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Omar Santiago-Muniz, age 28, of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on February 21, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to production of child pornography.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Santiago-Muniz admitted that in June-July 2017, he enticed and persuaded two minors, ages 9 and 10, from Schuylkill County, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of such conduct, and that he used a cell phone and the internet to commit the crimes.

Judge Mariani ordered a presentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.

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

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 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.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Verkitus, age 56, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to unlawfully importing synthetic cannabinoids from China between November 2015 and September 2016.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Verkitus admitted to ordering via the internet and receiving parcels containing synthetic cannabinoids on a monthly basis. In September 2016, postal inspectors intercepted two parcels from Hong Kong and Guangdong, China, intended for Verkitus, and a subsequent court-authorized search revealed that the parcels contained synthetic cannabinoids. The parcels were labeled as “plastic accessories” and “car tools kits” to disguise their true contents.

Judge Mannion ordered a presentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Service, and Scranton Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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 has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 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 Al T. Hughes, age 60, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on February 7, 2019 before United States District Court Judge James M. Munley to tax evasion.

According to United States Attorney, David J. Freed, Hughes admitted to diverting approximately $892,000 in corporate receipts to his personal benefit, and failed to report the diverted receipts as income on his federal tax returns.  The resulting tax loss to the United States is approximately $231,000.  Hughes also admitted that he began diverting corporate receipts in 2009 and continued through 2014, and that he cashed hundreds of customer checks, intended for payment of funeral home services, at various financial institutions, including a check cashing service in Scranton.  Hughes diverted corporate receipts from four area funeral homes, including the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home, the Eagan-Hughes Funeral Home, the McGoff-Hughes Funeral Home, and the Davies & Jones Funeral Chapel.

The investigation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service – Scranton Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski 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.

In this case, the maximum penalty under federal law for the crime of tax evasion is 5 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 Anthony Michael Cobb, age 49, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania was sentenced on February 6, 2019, by United States District Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to 300 months’ imprisonment followed by a 6-year term of supervised release after his conviction on firearms possession and drug trafficking offenses. 

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, in April 2018, a federal jury convicted Cobb of three counts of unlawful possession of five separate firearms and of being a previously convicted felon who was not permitted to possess firearms.  The jury also found Cobb guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride (powder cocaine), cocaine base (crack cocaine), and heroin.

In imposing the 25-year sentence, Judge Rambo found Cobb to be an armed career criminal and a career offender.  She imposed the 25-year sentence on each of the six counts concurrently and also ordered the sentence to run concurrent with a 41- to 100-year sentence Cobb received in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas for conduct related to his federal charges.

The investigation was conducted by the Waynesboro Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys James T. Clancy and Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted 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 has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

The case also is 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 Jose Ramon De Leon-Pineda, age 34, of West Hazelton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 5, 2019, to 188 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani on drug trafficking charges.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Pineda had previously pled guilty to  conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 100 grams of heroin, over 28 grams of cocaine base, or “crack,” and a quantity of  powder cocaine.  One hundred grams of heroin is the equivalent of approximately 4,000 individual doses of heroin.  Pineda was the target of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation that has resulted in criminal charges against 16 individuals, 13 of whom have pled guilty so far.        

The government presented evidence to demonstrate that Pineda was the leader of a criminal organization involving more than five people, that Pineda had shot an unknown victim in a restaurant in Wilkes-Barre, and that he threatened at least one dealer who could not pay a debt.  Pineda also operated a stash house to store drugs and a gun in Wilkes-Barre.  Additionally, Pineda engaged in a six-on-one assault on another inmate while awaiting sentencing at Lackawanna County Prison. 

This sentence was the result of a multi-year investigation, in part driven by multiple wiretaps, conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Wilkes-Barre Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni 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 has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

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.

 

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stephani Taylor, age 26, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on February 1, 2019, to using a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Taylor admitted to stealing firearms and exchanging them for bundles of heroin between December 2016 and September 2017, in Luzerne County.

Taylor’s codefendant, Michael Wilson, pleaded guilty on January 30, 2019, to distributing heroin and unlawfully possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The case was investigated by special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Kingston Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.

Judge Mannion ordered a presentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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

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 is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine for using or possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment for the firearms charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

 

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nagy Mohamed Abdelhamed, age 68, of York, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones to health care fraud for his fraudulent receipt of Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamp) benefits.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Abdelhamed admitted he applied for Medicaid and SNAP benefits with the York County Assistance Office in August 2014 even though he owned a four bedroom residence in York, a gas station in York, a 2008 Mercedes Benz E350 automobile, received $1,124 a month in Social Security disability benefits, and held approximately $58,500 in eight different bank accounts.

On August 22, 2014, Abdelhamed sold his gas station for $172,883 and deposited $87,016 of the sales proceeds into a bank account.  Abdelhamed did not notify the York County Assistance Office of the sale or his receipt of the sales proceeds. Abdelhamed continued to receive Medicaid and SNAP benefits into 2018 and as a result, fraudulently obtained approximately $29,337 in benefits, including approximately $20,000 in Medicaid benefits.

Abdelhamad agreed the loss in the case was $29,337, and to make full restitution as ordered by the Court.

No date has yet been scheduled for sentencing pending preparation of a presentence report.

The matter was investigated by the Harrisburg Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Assistant U. S. 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 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 on January 8, 2019, United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Luis Santos, age 51, of New York, to 60 months’ imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Santos, his co-defendant, Rafael Lora, and other individuals conspired to import nearly a kilogram of cocaine from the Dominican Republic to Hazleton, Pennsylvania.  After being charged and released on pretrial supervision, Santos was arrested attempting to enter Canada bearing false identification documents.  He was charged and convicted in the Northern District of New York for that offense.

Santos was a citizen of the Dominican Republic and obtained permanent residency in the United States.  However, as a result of this conviction, he is subject to potential deportation.

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

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspectors, Customs and Border Patrol, and other state and local law enforcement agencies.  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 Adam Kamor, age 43, of Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information on February 1, 2019, with money laundering and tax evasion.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the information alleges that 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 allegedly embezzled approximately $1,384,000 from one of his clients, a non-profit organization.  Kamor allegedly used the embezzled funds for his own personal benefit.

The information also alleges that Kamor 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 allegedly filed false Form 1040 Individual Income Tax Returns for each of those tax years.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 25 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 Arthur Taylor, age 36, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on February 1, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy. 

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Taylor participated in a drug trafficking conspiracy that was responsible for distributing more than 100 grams of heroin (equivalent to more than 4,000 retail bags), marijuana, crack cocaine, percocet, and molly in the Poconos and in the state of Maine beginning in 2010 and for several years thereafter.

Taylor admitted to being a member of the Black P-Stones, a street gang whose male members were “beaten-in” to the gang and whose female members were” sexed-in” to the gang. Taylor and other P-Stones obtained heroin and other drugs from suppliers in New York and distributed them to others in Monroe County and in Maine. The P-Stones used females to transport the drugs to Maine. 

Judge Mannion ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing for Taylor will be scheduled at a later date.

Taylor was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2018, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, local and state police in Maine, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and local police in Monroe County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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 was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The offense also carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. 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 January 31, 2019, Timothy Scheitlin, age 43, of Madison Township, Pennsylvania, entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E.  Mannion to one count of theft of government funds.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Scheitlin was employed at the Tobyhanna Army Depot from on or about January 2014 until February 2017, and part of Scheitlin’s job duties included collecting monies from vending machines.  During the course of his employment, Scheitlin stole over $1,000 from the vending machines at the Tobyhanna Army Depot.

The case was investigated by the Army Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts 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.  At the time of the sentencing hearing, the Court will determine the amount of loss to Tobyhanna Army Depot. 

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 Michael Portanova, age 28, of West Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley for receiving child pornography.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Portanova previously admitted that he used his cell phone to receive images and videos of child pornography using a file-sharing network on the internet. Portanova committed the offense between August 2017 and October 30, 2017, in Luzerne County.

Portanova committed the offense after having been convicted of dissemination and possession of child pornography in Luzerne County in 2014.

Judge Munley also ordered Portanova to serve 10 years on supervised release following his prison sentence, pay a special assessment of $5,100, comply with the restrictions of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and receive sex offender treatment.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. 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."

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Wilson, age 25, of Hanover Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on January 30, 2019, to distributing heroin and unlawfully possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Wilson admitted to distributing heroin in Luzerne County for a five-to-six month time period in 2017, and to accepting firearms as payment for heroin and exchanging firearms with a heroin supplier between December 2016 and September 2017.

Judge Mannion ordered a presentence report to be completed. Sentencing in the case will be scheduled at a later date.

The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and Kingston Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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 has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

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 is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine for using or possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment for the firearms offense. Wilson faces up to 20 years in prison for the drug offense. Under federal law, the sentence imposed for the firearms offense must run consecutive to any other sentence. 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 William Terron, age 35, of Reading, Francheska Quinones, age 26, of Reading, Amanda Boyle, age 36, of Sweet Valley, Rudolph Ford, age 30, of Olyphant, and Adam Holcomb, age 35, of Shickshinny, Pennsylvania were indicted on December 11, 2018, by a federal grand jury for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The indictment was unsealed following the arrests of the defendants.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that defendants conspired to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, more than 100 grams of heroin, and more than 500 grams of cocaine in Schuylkill, Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties between January 2017 and the present.  One hundred grams of heroin is the equivalent of approximately 4,000 individual doses of heroin.

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Kingston Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

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

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 life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $10,000,000 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.

 

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that sixteen previously deported aliens were indicted separately on January 16 and 30, 2019, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States. These matters arose in counties throughout the District including Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lackawanna, Lebanon, and York.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Juan Conrado Gonzalez-Martinez, age 47, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico six times, the most recent being in August 2012.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States again sometime after August 2012, and was found in the United States in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Isaias Flores-Lagunes, age 30, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in October 2016.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after October 2016, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Teresa Cruz-Campos, age 51, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in December 2012.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after December 2012, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Oscar Virgen-Mejia, age 36, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in November 2018.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after November 2018, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Martin Cuellar-Perez, age 34, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in September 2009.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after September 2009, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Ermes Alexander Diaz-Nolasco, age 34, of El Salvador, was previously deported from the United States to El Salvador in November 2017.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after November 2017, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Adelmo Morales-Deleon, age 36, of Guatemala, was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala in May 2013.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after May 2013, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Antonio Diego Cerano, age 44, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2010.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2010, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Jesus Flores-Hernandez, age 27, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in May 2014.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after May 2014, and was found in the United States in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Estela Lento-Santiago, age 30, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in December 2018.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after December 2018, and was found in the United States in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Benito Ruiz-Quiroz, age 40, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2010.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2010, and was found in the United States in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Enoe Davila-Tenorio, age 43, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in February 2016.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after February 2016, and was found in the United States in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Apolonio Robles-Jimenez, age 60, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in July 2013.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after July 2013, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Pedro Meza-Martinez, age 30, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2010.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2010, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Jose Refugio Gonzalez-Bonilla, age 25, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in July 2013.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after July 2013, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Mario Ruiz-Ruiz, age 30, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2010.  He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after April 2010, and was found in the United States in Adams County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Under federal law, defendants face a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  

These cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).  Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the cases.

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

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

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

 

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jeffrey Abney, age 28, of Sugar Notch, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on January 10, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Abney admitted to distributing heroin and fentanyl in July 2018 in Luzerne County.  Investigators made a number of purchases of packets containing heroin laced with fentanyl from Abney, and then obtained a search warrant for Abney’s residence in Sugar Notch, where additional amounts of heroin and fentanyl were found.

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

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, who were assisted by the Kingston Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

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

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.        

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 up to 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.

 

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Bruce Evans, Sr., age 65, former Greenfield Township Sewer Authority Manager, and his son, Bruce Evans, Jr., age 37, both of Greenfield Township, Pennsylvania were indicted on January 8, 2019 by a federal grand jury for multiple violations of the Clean Water Act. Evans, Sr. is also charged with multiple counts of wire fraud.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Evans, Sr. was a Greenfield Township Supervisor, a Greenfield Township Sewer Authority Board Member, and Manager of the Greenfield Township Sewer Authority.  Evans, Jr. was an employee of both Greenfield Township and the Greenfield Township Sewer Authority.  It is alleged that on various dates between April 2013 and December 2017, Evans, Sr. and Evans, Jr. failed to operate and manage the municipality’s waste water treatment plant in accordance with regulations and limitations specified in a permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and the Environmental Protections Agency (EPA).  The permit required that the permittee at all times maintain in good working order, and properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems, which were installed and used by the permittee to achieve compliance with the terms and conditions of the permits.  It is also alleged that as a result of such failures, pollutants were discharged in violation of the permit. 

The indictment further alleges that Evans, Sr. engaged in a scheme to defraud the Greenfield Township Sewer Authority by fraudulently converting funds and property of the Sewer Authority for his own personal benefit and for the benefit of a family member, including unlawful payments for a personal cell phone, fueling of personal vehicles, educational expenses, and unlawful use of Greenfield Township Sewer Authority labor.

The charges stem from an investigation jointly conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski 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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

In this case, the Clean Water Act violations are punishable by up to 3 years’ imprisonment and a sliding scale for fines of $5,000 to $25,000 per violation, per day.  The maximum penalty under the Wire Fraud statute is 20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.  Each crime also carries a term of supervised release following 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.

 

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on January 23, 2019, United States District Court Judge Yvette Kane sentenced Quran Smallwood, age 24, of York, Pennsylvania to 72 months’ imprisonment for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Smallwood distributed approximately 2 grams of heroin on February 15, 2017, in York.  Two grams of heroin is the equivalent of approximately 80 individual doses of heroin.  Smallwood also admitted to possessing the 9mm Glock loaded with twenty 9mm caliber cartridges during and in relation to his drug trafficking activities.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the York County Drug Task Force, the York City Police Department, York County Adult Probation Department, and the York County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U. S. Attorney 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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.

 

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jamiell Sims, age 30, of Monroe County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 17, 2019, to 151 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for participating in a conspiracy that forced or coerced women to engage in prostitution in northeastern Pennsylvania, and for distributing heroin on four separate occasions in Monroe County.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Sims, who used the street name “Millz,” previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion between 2011 and June 2014, and to distributing heroin on four occasions between September 19, 2016 and October 6, 2016.

Sims’s conviction and sentence resulted from an investigation into the activities of a street gang known as the Black P-Stones. The Black P-Stones would “beat-in” male gang members to the gang and female members were “sexed-in” to the gang. The Black P-Stones obtained heroin in New York and distributed the heroin in Stroudsburg and locations in the state of Maine. Couriers were used to transport heroin from New York to Maine.

Females were “sexed-in” to the gang by being forced to engage in sex with male gang members; recruited and coerced to engage in prostitution; advertised as adult escorts on a website; provided with heroin and other drugs; and placed in various area hotels/motels to work as prostitutes. Male gang members used threats, force, drugs, and intimidation to coerce females to engage in prostitution.

Judge Mannion also ordered the defendant to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Sims must also comply with sex offender registration and notification requirements.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Maine State Police, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and local police in Monroe County.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.

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

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

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

 

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SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William Young, age 39, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 23, 2019 by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to five years’ imprisonment and three years on supervised release for his role in a Monroe County-based conspiracy that was responsible for distributing heroin and cocaine during a three-year time period.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Young previously pleaded guilty to committing the offense between 2012 and 2015. Young admitted to conspiring with others to obtain the drugs from a supplier in Patterson, New Jersey, then transport the drugs to Monroe County where they were sold to sub-distributors and customers. Young admitted to making at least five trips to Patterson to obtain multiple “bricks” of heroin. Each “brick” of heroin has 50 bags. The amount of heroin obtained by Young was equivalent to approximately 3,000-4,000 retail bags.

In imposing the sentence, Judge Munley noted the dangerous impact of heroin trafficking on the people of our communities.

Young was one of seven people charged by a federal grand jury in a superseding indictment in March 2015. The others charged—Eddie Pace, Shawnette Isaac, Daryl Trent, William Young, Catherine Abbey, Myron Owens, and Anton Woodson—all previously entered guilty pleas in the case. Owens was sentenced to 140 months in prison. Trent received a 90-month prison sentence. Woodson was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment. Isaac received a 30-month prison sentence. Abbey was sentenced to one year in prison. Pace is awaiting sentencing.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police from Monroe 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.

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.      

 

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Douglas DeHaven, age 35, of East Stroudsburg, Monroe County, pleaded guilty on January 11, 2019, before Senior United States District Court Judge James M. Munley to making false statements in connection with the purchases of multiple firearms.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, DeHaven admitted to providing false information to federally licensed firearms dealers regarding the purchases of fourteen firearms between January 5, 2018 and February 11, 2018.  Two of the firearms were purchased from Bella Mia Jewels in Tannersville, Monroe County; nine of the firearms were purchased from Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitters, in Brodheadsville, Monroe County; and three of the firearms were purchased from Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitters, in Stroudsburg, Monroe County. 

A sentencing date for DeHaven is scheduled for April 18, 2019. 

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

 

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Aaron Bangaroo, age 37, of Kingston, Luzerne County, pleaded guilty on January 24, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to  possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Bangaroo admitted to possessing heroin for further distribution in Luzerne County in July 2015, and to possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. Investigators made a number of purchases of packets containing heroin from Bangaroo, and then obtained a search warrant for Banagroo’s residence in Kingston, where additional amounts of heroin and two loaded firearms were found.

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

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

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

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.       

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.

Under federal law the firearms charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence.  The heroin trafficking charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 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.

 

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SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that Joel Hunsicker, age 38, of Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to serve two years on probation and pay restitution for his theft of government funds during a six-year time period.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Hunsicker previously admitted to the theft of $6,730 of government funds when he worked at the Scranton Lackawanna Human Development Agency from 2009 through 2015. Hunsicker admitted to converting to his own use funds supplied by the U.S. Department of Labor for incentive rewards for students participating in the Pennsylvania CareerLink Lackawanna County program. 

The case was investigated by the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tyree Eatmon, a/k/a “Ree,” age 30, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 21 years and eight months’ imprisonment on December 20, 2018, by United States District Court Judge Yvette Kane for racketeering and drug distribution conspiracies.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Eatmon was identified as a member of the “Southside” street gang and was involved in violent gang activity. Four other gang members from the “Southside” case were previously sentenced to life in prison.

At the sentencing hearing, the United States presented evidence of Eatmon’s involvement in the violent gang activity that was the subject of the two-month long trial that occurred in 2015. On September 2, 2012, Eatmon and his fellow gang members were involved in a melee in the parking lot of convenience store. During the melee, Eatmon and co-defendant Maurice Atkinson, a/k/a “Mo,” assaulted, kicked and stomped a member of a rival gang. During the altercation, multiple shots were fired striking an innocent bystander in the head, causing permanent damage.  Video footage of the assault and shooting was played at the trial.

The government noted that Eatmon was involved in other shootings and assaults during his years of involvement in the gang.          

Judge Kane noted that the violence associated with the gang was a “reign of terror” to community. The court compared Eatmon to the other four defendants on whom she imposed a life sentence. The judge found that Eatmon was not involved in murders and / or violent retaliations against witnesses. She also found that Eatmon served over 42 months of incarceration in state facilities for related conduct.

In November 2015, a jury convicted Eatmon of racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug trafficking after a seven-week trial.  It included over 100 witnesses called by the government, including York City Police officers and detectives, federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI and gang members who had previously pleaded guilty and featured the presentation of over 500 exhibits.  Among the exhibits were videos of violent incidents involving the Southside Gang, drugs, cash and property seized by police and ATF agents as part of the investigation. 

The jury also convicted the other 11 men who went to trial with Eatmon.

Overall, the jury found seven of the 12 men on trial guilty of racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute drugs, mainly cocaine base (crack) and cocaine, but including heroin in some instances.  Two others were found not guilty of the racketeering charge but were found guilty of the drug distribution conspiracy count of the indictment.  Three of the defendants were found not guilty of either of the conspiracy counts.  The jury found all 12 defendants guilty of possession of illegal drugs with the intent to distribute.  Two defendants were also charged and found guilty of, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to U.S. Attorney Freed, the principal defendants, specifically the most violent and those in leading roles, were found guilty of the racketeering conspiracy charges.

The individual defendants and the charges on which they were awaiting sentencing or were sentenced:

Rolando Cruz, Jr., “Mico,” age 32; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, drug possession with intent to deliver and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking (2 counts) was sentenced on October 3, 2017, to life in prison.

Marc Hernandez, a/k/a “Marky D,” age 32; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, drug possession with intent to deliver and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking (2 counts) was sentenced on October 25, 2017, to life in prison.

Douglas Kelly, a/k/a “Killer,” age 39, racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver was sentenced on December 12, 2017, to life in prison.

Maurice Atkinson, a/k/a “Mo,” age 30; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver was sentenced on February 12, 2018, to life in prison.

Roscoe Villega, a/k/a “P Shawn,” age 44; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Anthony Sistrunk, a/k/a “Kanye,” age 30; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to 30 years in prison.

Eugene Rice, a/k/a “B Mor,” age 29; drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver was sentenced to 200 months in prison on December 7, 2017,

Angel Schueg, a/k/a “Pocko,” age 28; drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver was sentenced to 165 months in prison on December 21, 2017,  

Richard Nolden, age 28; racketeering conspiracy was sentenced to 25 years in prison on December 21, 2017,

Jalik Frederick, a/k/a “Murder Cat,” age 22; drug possession with intent to deliver was sentenced to 33 months in prison on June 5, 2017,

Brandon Orr, a/k/a “B Or,” age 23; drug possession with intent to deliver was sentenced to 34 months in prison on November 10, 2016,

Jabree Williams, a/k/a “Minute,” age 24; drug possession with intent to deliver was sentenced to 60 months in prison on May 15, 2017. 

Southside gang members who pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy prior to the trial are and who are awaiting sentencing are:

James Abney, a/k/a “Doocs,” age 31;

Malik Sturdivant, a/k/a “Base,” age 25;

Jahkeem Abney, a/k/a “Foo,” age 27;

Ronald Payton, a/k/a “Ron Ron,” age 25;

Marquis Williams, a/k/a “Quis,” age 29; and

Quintez Hall, a/k/a “Q,” age 25.

The case included the participation and assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police, West York Borough Police Department, Spring Garden Township Police Department, the York County Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio, William Houser, and Joseph Terz prosecuted the case. 

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

 

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SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marquese Whitted, age 33, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo, to participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and methamphetamine in Schuylkill and Berks Counties.  

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Whitted admitted to conspiring with others to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin (which is equivalent to more than 4,000 retail bags of heroin) and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine during April through October of 2016.

Whitted was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2017, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Schuylkill County. 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.

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

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

 

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Ashley Perez, age 29, to 21 months’ imprisonment and a two-year term of supervised release on December 20, 2018, for conspiring to commit theft on federal land, and for committing aggravated identity theft.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Perez, her co-defendant, Lewis Davenport, and other individuals broke into unoccupied automobiles located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.  Perez admitted that she and her conspirators stole electronics, cellular phones, credit cards and other items from the automobiles, and used the stolen credit cards at various retail businesses in Pennsylvania.

In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Mariani emphasized Perez’s extensive criminal history, and the effects her crimes had on her victims.  Judge Mariani also imposed a $1,174.89 order of restitution as part of Perez’s sentence.

Perez’s co-defendant, Davenport, previously was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment.

The investigation was conducted by the National Park Service Rangers.  Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.

 

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