Middle District of Pennsylvania

WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Abel Huertas, age 28, of Shamokin, Pennsylvania was sentenced by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann on a drug-trafficking charge to 57 months of imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release and 30 hours of community service.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Huertas distributed 50 grams and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Northumberland County during May of 2022.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Northumberland County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Bloomsburg Police Department, the Sunbury Police Department, the Shamokin Police Department, and the Coal Township Police Department. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Geroge J. Rocktashel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Pedro Villot-Ortiz, age 26, a resident of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on July 25, 2025, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police executed a search warrant at Villot-Ortiz’s residence in Shanandoah, Pennsylvania.  Investigators seized methamphetamine and cocaine that Villot-Ortiz intended to sell to his drug customers.  He was on probation at the time of this conduct and followed two earlier drug trafficking convictions.  

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—Allentown Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Shenandoah Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson. 

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Roberto Febus, age 35, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was sentenced by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann to 78 months of imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Febus conspired with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Northumberland County in May 2022. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mayovanet Fermin, age 26, and Frnsheska Fermin, age 25, of Yonkers, New York, were indicted on August 19, 2025, by a federal grand jury on 68 counts of fraud, including conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft. The case was unsealed following defendants’ arraignment on October 3, 2025.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that from January of 2020 through July of 2021, the Fermins obtained and shared lists of victims’ personal identifying information (PII) to create and submit fraudulent federal income tax returns, economic impact payment applications, and pandemic unemployment assistance benefits.  The indictment alleges over $400,000 in fraudulently obtained payments as a result of the scheme.

The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for the most serious offense charged is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Nester, age 55, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 20, 2025, to 144 months’ imprisonment and a term of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Nester previously pled guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute approximately 30 grams of fentanyl and possessing a Glock pistol in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.  The pistol and fentanyl were found during the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s home in June of 2024.  Nester also possessed additional fentanyl on his person and in his vehicle.

The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pocono Mountain Regional Police, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jazmyn Warshawsky, age 26, of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 19, 2025, to 36 months’ imprisonment and a term of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick, for attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Warshawsky had earlier pled guilty to attempting to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.  As part of her guilty plea, Warshawsky admitted that on or about May 26, 2023, in Lackawanna County, Warshawsky received and possessed a United States Postal Service mail package that she believed contained a large quantity of controlled substances.  Investigators observed the defendant take possession of the package, bring the package to her co-defendant’s home in Luzerne County, where investigators later seized the package, among other controlled substances.  As part of that seizure, investigators recovered over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine and nearly 4 kilograms of marihuana.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Gerard Donahue prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jonny Contreras, age 36, of Pike County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of possession of an unregistered firearm.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on or about January 14, 2025, Contreras possessed an AR-15 style rifle with a barrel of less than 16 inches in length that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law.

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) and the Pike County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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

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HARRISBURG -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Favio Efrain Rodas-Cardona, age 31, a citizen of Guatemala, was indicted on November 5, 2025, by a federal grand jury on the charge of illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Mendoza-Hernandez illegally reentered the United States and was found in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, on April 16, 2025. Rodas-Cardona was removed from the United States through Texas and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley K. McGraw is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).          

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

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

This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

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HARRISBURG-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Gertrudis Mendoza-Hernandez, age 34, a citizen of Guatemala, who unlawfully resided in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on the charge of illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Mendoza-Hernandez illegally reentered the United States and was found in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, on November 6, 2025. Mendoza-Hernandez was removed from the United States on September 14, 2023, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley K. McGraw is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).       

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

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nymele John Morgan, age 49, Anthony Reyes-Pabon, age 26, Laura Diane Snyder, age 42, Trumaine Assad Weaver, age 26, Tyshawn Lorne Jones, age 28, Moises Arroyo-Guerra, age 35, Justice Tireese Andrews, age 31, Robert Oren Bates, age 38, Jockzan Rodriguez, age 40, Alexia Ricohla Lambert, age 27, and Margarita Pabon-Torres, age 51, all residing in or around Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, were charged in a superseding indictment as part of a drug-trafficking conspiracy in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.

According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the superseding indictment alleges that from on or about September 1, 2023, and continuing until on or about May 30, 2025, the defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine.  The superseding indictment further charges Weaver, Bates, and Morgan with having possessed a firearm as a prohibited person and in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.  The superseding indictment also charges Reyes-Pabon and Pabon-Torres with using and maintaining a premises to further the drug trafficking activities.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Dauphin County Violent Crimes Unit, and East Pennsboro Township Police.  Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The maximum penalties for each defendant upon conviction is life imprisonment, as well as a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brian R. Cleland, age 72, pleaded guilty on November 17, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments in the amount of approximately $46.4 million. Cleland is the third defendant to plead guilty in connection with this case, following the guilty pleas of Bruce Jin in January 2025 and Carlos A. Grijalva in May 2025. In April 2025, Cleland and Grijalva were charged in a superseding indictment with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and other offenses, after charges were originally filed against all three defendants in August 2023.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Cleland admitted that, from 2021 to early 2022, he, Grijalva, and Jin, along with other unnamed coconspirators, agreed to launder state unemployment compensation funds that they knew had been obtained through fraud. Cleland also admitted that he and the others entered into a series of agreements that made it appear as if they were operating legitimate businesses selling masks and other COVID19 personal protective equipment while knowing that funds obtained and laundered through their companies were derived from fraudulently obtained state unemployment compensation (“UC”) benefits.

Cleland also admitted to knowing that bank accounts of identity theft victims were unlawfully created and accessed across the United States and that fraudulent UC claims were generated and paid to these accounts. Cleland also admitted to knowing that this fraudulent activity was being conducted by fraudsters located in China. Through this pattern of financial activity, tens of millions of dollars of fraudulent UC payments were issued to accounts by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and other state treasuries around the United States.

Cleland also admitted that he and Grijalva then provided the bank account information of these identity theft victims to payment processing companies to generate ACH payments to accounts controlled by him and Grijalva. This bank account information, including account numbers and routing numbers, was from an individual in China, known in the superseding indictment as “COCONSPIRATOR 2.”

Cleland admitted that he and Grijalva transferred over $46 million through this pattern of unlawful activity and that he and Grijalva discussed, on a number of occasions, that the supposed sale of COVID-19-related PPE would be their cover story for it. They also used code language to hide the true nature of their financial activity. For example, they used the term “call center” to refer to the people conducting the fraudulent activity from China and “product” to refer to the fraudulent commercial activity that they conducted with those overseas criminal actors.

After that, Cleland and Grijalva, using a number of different bank accounts, transferred over $30 million to companies controlled by Bruce Jin, as well as transferring additional funds to an individual known as “COCONSPIRATOR 1” in the superseding indictment. Cleland admitted that he and Grijalva made transfers to Jin knowing that Jin would, in turn, transfer at least a portion of these funds to parties located in China.

Cleland also admitted that he and Grijalva each made an estimated $2.2 million dollars in personal profit from the scheme. Together, their profit represents approximately 10% of the funds that they were responsible for transferring.

Cleland agreed to certain property forfeitures as part of his plea agreement, including approximately $46.4 million in US currency, as well as the contents of several bank accounts and real properties located in Hawaii and California that were purchased using funds traceable to the charged offenses. One of these properties, located in California, was purchased in the name of one of Grijalva’s family members.

All three named defendants are now scheduled to be sentenced in 2026. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ravi Romel Sharma and K. Wesley Mishoe and Trial Attorney Patrick B. Gushue of the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Section, Bank Integrity Unit, are prosecuting the case. 

The U.S. Attorney General previously established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

The maximum penalty for conspiracy to launder monetary instruments is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Foster, age 31, a resident of Moscow, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 14, 2025, to over 17 years in prison by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for attempted production of child pornography.

According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, between December 23, 2022, and December 27, 2023, Foster communicated with a 12-year-old child and a 13-year-old child via X-Box, video calls, and various social media platforms.  Over the course of a year, Foster directed the children to take and remit sexually explicit images of themselves in exchange for “V-Bucks,” an in-game currency utilized to purchase tokens in the video game Fortnite.  On December 27, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Foster’s residence and electronic devices, including computers, cellular telephones, and a gaming device belonging to Foster were seized and analyzed. In total, thousands of images of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos of the 12-year-old child engaging in sexually explicit conduct were recovered from Foster’s devices.

Foster admitted to communicating with the child victims and requesting sexually explicit images from them.  Upon receiving the requested images and videos, he admitted to distributing the material on the dark web.     

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Philadelphia Division, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ivan Nicholas Baez, age 46, of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 23, 2025, to over 21 years in prison by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley on child pornography charges.  

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in May 2024, the Pennsylvania State Police obtained a search warrant to seize and download the contents of Baez’s cell phone.  The search of the phone revealed approximately 150 images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Some of the images were created on the cell phone and depicted Baez engaging in sexual acts with minors as young as approximately 10-years-old.  Baez was a caretaker to one of the minors. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case. 

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

 This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown.  Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

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SCRANTON, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Julian Beavers, age 39, an inmate at United States Penitentiary- Canaan, was sentenced on November 14, 2025, to five years’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for attempting to provide fentanyl, marijuana and xylazine to other inmates. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on April 13, 2023, while sorting incoming mail, correctional officers at USP Canaan, Waymart, Pennsylvania, intercepted a large manilla envelope containing papers soaked in fentanyl, marijuana and xylazine ultimately destined for Beavers. Investigation revealed that Beavers conspired with other individuals outside of the facility to have the drugs packaged and shipped into the prison for his own personal use and for distribution. Beavers was at USP Canaan serving a 130 month sentence imposed by a District Court Judge in the United States District Court in Buffalo, New York for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl.  The 60 month sentence was imposed to run consecutive to his New York sentence.   

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dereese Williams, age 32, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 13, 2025, by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary to 105 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Williams previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.  On September 30, 2021, Williams sped away from the Pennsylvania State Police who attempted a traffic stop. Williams eventually crashed his car and fled.  Police arrested Williams and searched the car and found a Phoenix Arms .22 caliber pistol and a Masada 9mm pistol. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Consiglio prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Casher, age 40, of Tioga, Pennsylvania was sentenced on October 16, 2025, to 10 years in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for child enticement.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Casher entered a guilty plea in June 2025, to enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct.  Casher had contact with a Minnesota woman in 2023 and attempted to arrange a meeting with the woman’s 12-year-old daughter to have sexual relations with her. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur prosecuted the case.

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

This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown.  Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on October 14, 2025, Anton Panin, age 43, a Russian citizen, who unlawfully resided in south Florida, was sentenced by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary to 46 months in prison for running an extensive and long-running prostitution enterprise. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Panin previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport and entice individuals to engage in prostitution.  The evidence established that Panin operated a prostitution enterprise called XO Companions (or XOC) from at least 2016 until his arrest in 2023.  Panin and others recruited women in Russia and other Eastern European countries to travel to the United States to work as prostitutes for XO Companions.  Once in the United States, XO Companions workers traveled throughout the country to meet with clients in major cities.  At Panin’s direction, XO Companions workers transferred a significant portion of the prostitution proceeds to him.  Additionally, Panin operated a password-protected website through which clients could view schedules, view services offered, reserve time, and provide reviews. 

Following his criminal sentence, he will be transferred to ICE custody for removal proceedings.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case. 

This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown.  Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that three former police officers of the Mt. Carmel Borough Police Department were sentenced to prison on October 30, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann. Former Lt. David Donkockik, age 53, of Catawissa, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to seven years in prison. Former Patrol Officer Jonathan McHugh, age 36, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to six years in prison. Former Patrol Officer Kyle Schauer, age 36, of Catawissa, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to four years in prison.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Donkockik, McHugh, and Schauer were sentenced for their participation in a conspiracy to violate the civil rights of those they arrested from 2018 to 2021. Each of the former police officers previously entered guilty pleas to the crime of conspiracy to use excessive force against those they arrested and to cover up the same.

During 22 different arrests, the defendants kicked, punched, choked, and otherwise used excessive force against those they were arresting.  In those arrests, they caused bodily injuries to their victims.

McHugh, Donkochik, and Schauer also took steps to ensure that video of the arrests was not captured by police cameras, or if footage that incriminated them was captured, took steps to ensure that footage was not preserved. They falsely reported that arrestees acted in a manner requiring violence and then charged arrestees with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and related offenses to conceal their own use of violence.

When imposing the sentence, Chief Judge Brann highlighted the violence and brutality those officers employed on many arrestees. The Judge noted the efforts the officers took to cover up their violence by charging the victims with crimes they had not committed. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo Marchioli and Michael Consiglio are prosecuting the case.    

This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown.  Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Justo Melendez-Morales, age 45, from Milton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 15, 2025, to 41 months’ imprisonment and six years of supervised release by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann after pleading guilty to distribution of cocaine.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on or about February 26, 2025 through May 9, 2025, Melendez-Morales sold and possessed approximately 38 grams of cocaine in his Milton apartment, which he maintained as a premises for drug trafficking.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).   

This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown.  Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations 

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Diego Edgardo Aleman-Lozano, age 25, a Mexican national, was sentenced on October 2, 2025, to 24 months in prison to be followed by one year on supervised release by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for possession of a firearm by an alien.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Aleman-Lozano was pulled over by Pennsylvania State Police in 2021 for violations of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code. State Troopers saw a 5.56 caliber green-tipped rifle cartridge on the front passenger seat. Because Aleman-Lozano was an alien on a nonimmigrant visa and was therefore not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the car. Upon executing the warrant, Troopers recovered a 9mm polymer semiautomatic pistol with no serial number.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This matter was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.

This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown.  Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Stout, age 49, a resident of Hughesville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 23, 2025, to 30 years’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann, for production of child pornography.

According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, between July 28, 2024 and July 29, 2024, Stout communicated with a 14-year-old child via Instagram.  Over a twenty-four-hour period, Stout directed the child to take and remit sexually explicit images of herself.  On August 23, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Stout’s residence and three cellular telephones belonging to Stout were seized and analyzed.  In total, hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos of the 14-year-old child engaging in sexually explicit conduct were recovered from Stout’s devices.

Forensic review confirmed that in addition to communicating with the 14-year-old child, Stout communicated with multiple minors via Snapchat.  The conversations were graphic, sexually explicit, and revolved around the production of child sexual abuse material.  In addition to producing sexually explicit images and videos of children, Stout distributed child sexual abuse material to others via the encrypted Telegram application.

Stout admitted to communicating with minors online and requesting sexually explicit images from them.  Further, to gain their trust, he acknowledged that he would often pose as a juvenile male. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Philadelphia Division, the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office, and the Hughesville Borough Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case.

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

This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown.  Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Damien Boland, age 50, of Covington Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 13, 2025, to 108 months’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release, and to pay restitution in the amount of $2,049,420.15, by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for conspiracy, theft of major artwork and concealment/disposal of major artwork.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, a jury found Boland guilty of all eleven counts following a nearly month-long trial earlier this year.  The jury found that, along with his co-defendants and other co-conspirators, Boland was responsible for stealing the following:

• “Le Grande Passion” by Andy Warhol and “Springs Winter” purportedly by Jackson Pollock stolen in 2005 from the Everhart Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania;
• Six championship belts, including four belonging to Carmen Basillio and two belonging to Tony Zale stolen in 2015 from the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York;
• The Hickok Belt and MVP Trophy belonging to Roger Maris, stolen in 2016 from the Roger Maris Museum in Fargo, North Dakota;
• The U.S. Amateur Trophy and a Hickok Belt awarded to Ben Hogan, stolen in 2012 from the USGA Golf Museum & Library;
• Fourteen trophies and other awards worth approximately $300,000 stolen in 2012 from the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York;
• Five trophies worth over $350,000, including the 1903 Belmont Stakes Trophy, stolen in 2013 from the National Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York;
• Three antique firearms stolen in 2006 from Space Farms: Zoo & Museum in Wantage, New Jersey;
• An 1903/1904 Tiffany Lamp stolen in 2010 from the Lackawanna Historical Society in Scranton, Pennsylvania;
• “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Crospey, worth approximately $120,000, stolen in 2011 from Ringwood Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey; and
• Antique firearms worth over $150,000, stolen in 2011 from Ringwood Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey.

Boland committed the above thefts as part of a larger, eight-person conspiracy.  After a month-long trial held earlier this year co-conspirators Nicholas Dombek, age 55, of Thornhurst, Pennsylvania and Joseph Atsus, age 51, of Roaring Brook, Pennsylvania were convicted alongside Boland of conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property, as well as multiple related substantive offenses. They are presently pending sentencing.

Three additional co-conspirators pled guilty pursuant to felony informations and were sentenced by Judge Mannion earlier this year. They include:

• Thomas Trotta, age 50, of Dunmore Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment for theft of major artwork;
• Dawn Trotta, age 53, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania who was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property;
• Frank Tassiello, age 52, of Taylor, Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property; and
• Ralph Parry, age 47, of Springbrook Township, Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to three years of probation as well as a period of home-confinement for conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property.

After stealing the above-described items, the conspirators would transport the stolen goods back to Northeastern Pennsylvania, often to the residence of Dombek, and melt the memorabilia down into easily transportable metal discs or bars.  The conspirators would then sell the raw metal to fences in the New York City area for hundreds or a few thousands of dollars, significantly less than the sports memorabilia would be worth at fair market value.

Dombek burnt the painting “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Crospey, valued at approximately $125,000, to avoid the painting being recovered by investigators and used as evidence against the members of the conspiracy. The whereabouts of many of the other paintings and stolen objects are currently unknown, however, several antique firearms stolen from the Space Farms: Zoo and Museum and the Ringwood Manor Museum, both in New Jersey, were recovered by investigators, including an antique gun which Boland had earlier hidden at a relative’s house in a different state.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, the New Jersey State Police, the New York State Police, the New Jersey State Park Police, the Newport Police Department (Rhode Island), the Fargo Police Department (North Dakota), the Chester Police Department (New York), the Exeter Borough Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Scranton Police Department, the Franklin Police Department (New Jersey), the Village of Goshen Police Department (New York), the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, D.C.), the West Milord Township Police Department (New Jersey), the Montclair Police Department (New Jersey), the Saratoga Springs Police Department (New York), the Canastota Police Department (New York), the South Abington Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Bernards Township Police Department (New Jersey), the Salisbury Township Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Montclair State University Police Department (New Jersey) the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office (Pennsylvania), the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office (New Jersey), the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (New Jersey), the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (New York), and multiple other local law enforcement agencies from across the country.  Assistant United States Attorneys James M. Buchanan and Jenny Roberts prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Johnny Quinones, age 32, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 29, 2025, by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 17.5 years in prison for his role in straw purchasing firearms and attempted murder.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Quinones conspired with three other individuals to purchase firearms for felons and persons under indictment. Quinones was prohibited by law from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions. Quinones was convicted on October 18, 2023, of straw purchasing a gun, possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon and conspiracy.

On August 11, 2020, Harrisburg Police responded to a shooting victim in the City of Harrisburg where a victim was shot in the head. They eventually focused on Johnny Quinones, a felon. The investigation ultimately revealed that Taashaun Mansfield was buying guns for felons. Mansfield bought seven guns in a two-month period, and each time he lied on the forms about who was going to get the guns. All the guns ended up in the possession of people prohibited by law from possessing the guns.

The following coconspirators pleaded guilty to weapons offenses and were sentenced:

• Taashaun Mansfield was sentenced to 37 months in prison;
• Michael Windham was sentenced to 46 months in prison; and
• Antonio Godbolt was sentenced to 33 months in prison.

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown.  Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Edelicio Castillo-Ramos, age 34, a citizen of Mexico, received a time-served sentence of nearly four months in prison after pleading guilty to illegal reentry on October 15, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann.  Castillo-Ramos was transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) custody for immediate deportation.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Castillo-Ramos faced one count of Illegal Reentry following his arrest in Clinton County on June 20, 2025, after previously being removed from the United States.  Castillo-Ramos had been removed from the United States on July 12, 2012, through Calexico, California, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations.  Assistant United States Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown.  Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Victor Manuel Mazariegos-Palacios, age 46, citizen of Guatemala, pled guilty to illegal reentry into the United States and was sentenced on October 15, 2025, to time-served, approximately four months in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on or about February 8, 2023, Mazariegos-Palacios was found in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, after previously having been removed from the United States. Mazariegos-Palacios was removed from the United States in 2006 and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so. Mazariegos-Palacios will be deported to his native country.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan Martin prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown.  Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

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WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tysheem Dunlap, age 28, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania was sentenced on October 28, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to 22 years in prison for a drug delivery resulting in death.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Dunlap was convicted by a jury in May 2025 of three counts of drug delivery (fentanyl) resulting in death or serious bodily injury, and two counts of distribution of cocaine.  The charges resulted from Dunlap distributing drugs on August 20, 2022, that were used by four individuals in Bloomsburg, PA, who believed they were using cocaine. The drugs distributed by Dunlap contained fentanyl, however, and resulted in the death of one individual and the non-fatal overdose of two others who were revived by paramedics.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bloomsburg Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur and Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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 matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown.  Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the National Security Division of the Department of Justice announced today that Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, 27, of Ontario, Canada, pleaded guilty to offenses related to a 2020 attack on correctional officers at the United State Penitentiary Allenwood.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, Bahnasawy was an inmate at USP Allenwood who, on December 7, 2020, attacked two corrections officers using a weapon made from part of a steel desk in his cell.  Bahnasawy stabbed one officer in the head and face, and, when a second responded to assist, Bahnasawy stabbed her in the hand.  

The first officer eventually lost his right eye as a result of the attack.  When Bahnasawy was restrained, a note was found in his sock that read, “This is a terrorist attack for the Islamic State.”  A pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) was also found taped to the inside of a locker door in Bahnasawy’s prison cell.  Today, Bahnasawy pleaded guilty to multiple counts of assault, assault with intent to commit murder and possession of contraband inside a prison, as well as providing material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. 

At the time of the attacks at USP Allenwood, Bahnasawy was serving a sentence for his role in plotting a mass-casualty terrorist attack in New York City on behalf of ISIS.  Bahnasawy, a then-20-year-old Canadian citizen and resident, plotted with Talha Haroon and Russell Salic to conduct bombings and shootings in heavily populated areas of New York City during the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan in 2016, all in the name of ISIS.   

An undercover FBI agent (UC) infiltrated the co-conspirators’ terrorist plot, posing as an ISIS supporter prepared to join in the attacks.  The FBI arrested Bahnasawy in May 2016 after he traveled from Canada to the New York City area in preparation for the attacks, and he has been in custody since that time.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur and Counterterrorism Section Trial Attorney Jessica L. Joyce prosecuted this case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 130 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brian D. Miller, former Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, has been appointed United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania effective October 27, 2025.  Mr. Miller was appointed by order of United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi.  Mr. Miller’s interim appointment is for 120 days or until a Presidential appointment is made, whichever occurs first.  In September 2025, President Trump nominated Mr. Miller to be the Middle District of Pennsylvania’s United States Attorney, and his nomination is pending the Senate confirmation process. 

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

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

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

He replaces former Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, who is now occupying the First Assistant U.S. Attorney position within the office.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kaylee Ann Widmer, age 25, of Thornhurst, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on September 23, 2025, to 21 years’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone and 40 grams and more of fentanyl resulting in death.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between January 2022 and February 2023, Widmer and her boyfriend, Christopher Potter, and others conspired to distribute controlled substances throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. Widmer supplied fentanyl to her co-conspirator Santino Bellucci, who on December 18, 2022, sold a person fentanyl which caused the individual’s death. At the time of the incident, Widmer was receiving large amounts of fentanyl from individuals residing in the Hazleton, PA area throughout the conspiracy.    

Senior Judge Mariani previously sentenced both co-conspirators Santino Bellucci, age 28, of Dickson City, PA, and Christopher Potter, age 30, of Scranton, PA, to 21 years’ imprisonment.   

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dunmore Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny Roberts prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).   

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

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WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that multiple inmates of the Federal Correctional Center Allenwood, Allenwood, Pennsylvania, were indicted yesterday on assault, conspiracy and weapons charges.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on June 2, 2023, at FCC Allenwood, Darwin Abudeye-Perez, Alex Ferrufino, Miguel Lopez, Ronald Montano-Ramirez, Miguel Abrego, Cristian Rios-Jarquin, Juan Villalobos, David Nolasco-Soriano, Guadalupe Sanchez-Cruz, Erick Aguilar-Motino, Jose Garcia-Bonilla, Jose Garcia, Jose Torres-Garcia, Henry Guittierez-Andrade, William Espinoza, and Walter Ejcalon-Xalcut conspired to assault a group of other inmates with dangerous weapons, including locks and other heavy objects attached to strings, belts and socks.  In addition to a conspiracy charge, these inmates face individual counts of assault. The indictment also charges Jose Garcia, William Espinoz, Guadalupe Sanchez-Crus, Erick Aguilar-Motino and Darwin Abudeye-Perez of possessing prohibited objects (weapons) inside a prison facility. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Richard Burke, age 76, of Milan, Pennsylvania, plead guilty on September 24, 2025, before Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to a criminal information charging him with wire fraud.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, from April 2005 until March 7, 2022, Burke withdrew $350,634.23 of his deceased mother’s Social Security Retirement, Survivors and Disability (RSDI) benefits and Veterans Affairs death pension benefit payments from her bank account. Burke’s mother died in 2005, and no other individual was entitled to the benefits designated to her.  Burke used his deceased mother’s bank card to make regular cash withdrawals over the years following her benefits deposits, never notifying the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) nor the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that she died.

This case was investigated by the SSA and VA, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.

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

Burke’s sentencing is not yet scheduled.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Urena-Capellan, age 40, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a drug trafficking offense.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges Urena-Capellan with attempted possession with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of fentanyl in Franklin County, on July 30, 2025.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Karen McGinnis, age 46, of Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick to embezzling public funds. McGinnis was charged by criminal information on September 8, 2025. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, from March 2023 to January 2025, McGinnis was the tax collector for Fairview Township responsible for collecting property taxes from the residents of Fairview Township, including taxes payable to the Township, Luzerne County, and the Crestwood School District. During that timeframe, McGinnis embezzled more than $400,000 in property taxes and converted them to her own personal use. Both Luzerne County and the Crestwood School District received more than $10,000 from the federal government via grants and other programs during this timeframe. 

McGinnis resigned as tax collector in March 2025. McGinnis agreed not to seek public office for the longer of three years or any term of probation imposed, and she agreed to make full restitution of the money she embezzled as part of her sentence. 

“The role of IRS-Criminal Investigation becomes even more important in embezzlement and fraud cases due to the complex financial transactions that can take time to unravel,” stated Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle A. Moreno is prosecuting the case.

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Vincent Guntur, age 34, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, and Angelica Jones, age 65, of Hauppauge, New York, both pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion to one count of failure to remit employment taxes.  Both Guntur and Jones were charged by criminal information on September 9, 2025.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, from approximately 2018 through the third quarter of 2024, Guntur and Jones owned and operated four companies, Mega & G Inc., Yoagen LLC, Phoenix 89 LLC, and Starlight & Sun Inc., and engaged in the business of temporary employee staffing, that is, leasing temporary employees to other companies, such as food services companies. As individuals who exercised control over the companies’ financial affairs, both Guntur and Jones were persons responsible for collecting, accounting for, and paying over to the Internal Revenue Service employment taxes for their companies’ employees. Guntur and Jones, however, willfully failed to collect, account for, and pay more than $1.3 million in employment taxes due and owing to the IRS during that timeframe. 

Both Guntur and Jones agreed to make full restitution of the employment taxes due and owing to the IRS as part of their sentence.

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

The case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle A. Moreno prosecuted the case.

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sabeeh Daquan Goldwire, age 28, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for distribution of methamphetamine.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Goldwire pleaded guilty on June 24, 2025, to distributing methamphetamine.  Goldwire sold methamphetamine in Williamsport on seven occasions between February 28, 2024, and July 29, 2024, within 1,000 feet of public housing.  Following an investigation, it was found that Goldwire was part of a drug distribution ring.  The evidence included a FaceTime message from Goldwire to a buyer that he would be bringing “ice,” a street name for methamphetamine, from Philadelphia to Williamsport. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jerome Anthony Oliver a/k/a “Daddy,” age 53, from Kansas City, Missouri, was indicted by a federal grand jury for sex trafficking a minor and related offenses.  

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that between November 1, 2024 and April 28, 2025, Oliver sex trafficked a minor by force, fraud, and coercion. The indictment further alleges on April 28, 2025, Oliver transported a minor and a second victim in interstate commerce with the intent for the victims to engage in prostitution.  Pennsylvania State troopers arrested Oliver on that day, and he is currently in state custody on related charges.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for the crimes charged in the Indictment is a lifetime term of imprisonment, with a minimum of 15 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ryan Medar, age 38, of Jenkins Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 134 months’ imprisonment and four years of supervised release by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani for one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and 50 grams and more of methamphetamine.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Medar previously pled guilty to conspiring with his co-defendants Jamie Smicherko, Patrick Russin, Carlos Laurel, and others to distribute controlled substances in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, between October of 2023 to April of 2024.  Medar was responsible for distributing cocaine and over 50 grams of methamphetamine. During the investigation, law enforcement officers utilized a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine and a pistol from Medar.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), the Kingston Police Department, the Plains Township Police Depart, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Pittston Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.

This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted, and the President signed in June 2022.  The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brandon Christopher Heck, age 25, a resident of Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr., for production of child pornography.

According to the Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between July 26, 2023, and July 27, 2023, Heck communicated with a 7-year-old child via the Likee application.  Over a twenty-four-hour period, Heck, who posed as a 14-year-old boy, directed the child to take and remit sexually explicit images of herself. A subsequent forensic review of Heck’s cellular device confirmed that in addition to producing child pornography, Heck distributed child pornography via Telegram throughout 2024. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Philadelphia Division.  Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Troy Lamont Rishell, age 48, a resident of York, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal information for threatening a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, between February 28, 2025, and May 20, 2025, Rishell left a series of voicemails with the District Office of a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, with intent to intimidate the Representative while the victim was engaged in the performance of the victim’s official duties.

This case was investigated by the United States Capitol Police and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Rishell faces a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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Williamsport-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eric Rodriguez, age 32, an inmate in FCI Allenwood, was sentenced yesterday to 21 months’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for possessing contraband in prison.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury after being found in possession of a razor blade with a handle made from electrical tape during a random pat search. Rodriguez pleaded guilty to possessing contraband in prison before being sentenced.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Miguel Molina-Echavarria, age 40, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday to time-served (nearly 4 months in prison) by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. for illegally reentering the country after having previously been removed. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Molina-Echavarria was indicted by a federal grand jury after being arrested for Driving Under the Influence and related charges in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on May 18, 2025. Molina-Echavarria had previously been removed from the United States pursuant to a court order in 2024. Molina-Echavarria pleaded guilty to illegal reentry before being sentenced.

The case was investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis P. Sempa and Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).           

Molina-Echavarria still faces pending state charges in Franklin County, and an ICE detainer is lodged against him for deportation proceedings.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Leon-Avalos, age 32, of Mexico, was indicted on September 10, 2025, by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States after committing an aggravated felony.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Leon-Avalos was convicted of Aggravated Assault and Attempted Indecent Assault in Dauphin County’s Court of Common Pleas in January 2015. It further alleges Leon-Avalos was removed from the United States on January 6, 2016, through Brownsville, Texas, and then found on or about August 26, 2025, in Dauphin County without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country.

This case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen W. Dukes is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Renato Jardines-Santiago, age 37, of Mexico, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of Illegal Reentry.    

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about August 25, 2025, Jardines-Santiago was found in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, after previously having been removed from the United States. The indictment also alleges that Jardines-Santiago had been removed from the United States through San Ysidro, California, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so. He was previously prosecuted in 2019 for illegally reentering the United States after having been removed. 

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mohammed Zeidan, a/k/a “Mo,” age 36, of East Greenville, Pennsylvania, was convicted on September 5, 2024, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, and firearms conspiracy following a four-day trial before Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Zeidan was friends with members of the Schuylkill County chapter of the Infamous Ryders Motorcycle Club, of which co-defendant Steven Wong was the president. Wong used his position to recruit members of the motorcycle club and other associates to participate in a series of brutal home-invasion armed robberies in Schuylkill and Berks County in the summer and fall of 2020.  Zeidan agreed to participate in an August 29, 2020, home-invasion robbery with three other co-conspirators in which Zeidan and two others entered the home of a street-level drug dealer while wearing masks and armed with firearms and knives and rob the victims of drugs and drug proceeds. One of the firearms used was a fully automatic homemade AR-15 style assault rifle.  Zeidan did not personally carry a firearm during the robbery but tried to break down the backdoor of the residence and impersonated a police officer in order to convince the potential victims to come downstairs. Instead, the victims jumped out of the second-floor window, injuring themselves.  Zeidan and his fellow co-conspirators then ran from the home without stealing anything of value.

Zeidan was later blamed by the other conspirators for the failure of the August 29, 2020, attempted robbery.  Members of the conspiracy later committed additional armed home-invasion robberies in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, and Shillington, Pennsylvania.  Zeidan’s fellow co-conspirators, including Wong, have all been convicted and are currently awaiting sentencing.

The charges stem from an investigation involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Mahanoy City Police Department, the Schuylkill Haven Police Department, the Pottsville Police Department, the Shillington Police Department, the Reading Police Department, and the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James Buchanan and Sarah Lloyd.

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

In this case, the maximum penalty is twenty years’ imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Joseph Nieves, age 32, of Pittston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on September 4, 2025, to 105 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. for possession with intent to distribute five grams of fentanyl.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, in October of 2024, members of the Pittston City Police Department used a confidential informant to purchase fentanyl from Nieves on multiple occasions.  On November 1, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Nieves’ home and seized fentanyl, drug trafficking paraphernalia, $1,274 in cash, and body armor from the residence. This is Nieves’ fifth drug trafficking conviction. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittston City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.

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

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Cody Duncan, age 37, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 130 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary for enticing a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity.  Judge Neary also ordered Duncan to serve 10 years on supervised release after he finishes serving his prison term.

According to the Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Duncan pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor on November 13, 2024.  Starting in August 2022, Duncan began communicating online with a 13-year-old girl in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, and sent her gifts, including cellphones that she would use to communicate with him.  Duncan subsequently traveled to Pennsylvania in April 2023 and had sex with the minor in a local hotel. 

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

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Hector Alvarez, age 37, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on February 3, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted surveillance at a residence located in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, and observed Alvarez leave the location carrying a grocery bag. Officers followed Avarez as he drove away and witnessed him throw the grocery bag into a garbage can from the window of his car. Officers retrieved the bag and observed empty vacuum sealed bags consistent with packaging kilogram quantities of methamphetamine. Officers attempted to pull Alvarez over, but Alvarez ignored emergency alerts and drove to his residence located on McKinley Street, in Hazleton. Alvarez fled from his vehicle but was eventually caught and arrested by police after a short foot pursuit. Officers located a box Alvarez discarded during his flight which contained 600 glassine packets of fentanyl. 

Officers seized additional glassine packets of fentanyl stamped with the same symbols of the fentanyl from Alvarez’s vehicle. Officers also searched the Hazle Township residence and seized 26 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, 90 grams of fentanyl, and 37 grams of cocaine base (crack).

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Luzerne Cunty Drug Task Force, and the Hazleton City Police Department. Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus prosecuted the case.

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

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Zachary O’Meara, age 28, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary Canaan, was sentenced on September 3, 2025, to 45 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley, for assault with a dangerous weapon.  

According to the Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, on September 24, 2024, O’Meara stabbed another inmate multiple times in the head with an inmate-manufactured weapon.  The victim sustained six lacerations to the back of his head and one laceration to his right temple that required surgical sutures.  The weapon, commonly referred to as a “shank,” was recovered by prison officials following the assault.  The weapon measured five inches in length and was constructed of melted plastic with a sharpened metal tip on one end. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—Scranton Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson prosecuted the case. 

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Boyd Damgaard, age 37, of Dauphin, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 29 years’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary for producing child pornography.  Judge Neary also ordered Damgaard to serve 15 years on supervised release after he is released from prison.

According to the Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between April and June 2020, Damgaard contacted two adolescent girls aged 14 and 15 via online platforms and, after learning the girls’ ages, engaged in illegal sexual activity with them.  Damgaard created videos and other digital images of his sexual acts with one of the victims and enticed both victims to send him sexually explicit images via online messaging platforms.

On September 25, 2024, Damgaard pleaded guilty to producing child pornography. and as part of a plea agreement admitted to committing all the offenses charged in the federal indictment, including producing, receiving, and possessing child pornography, and coercing and enticing minors to engage in illicit sexual activity.             

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

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

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Justis Shea, age 32, of Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 130 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley for one count of possession with intent to deliver controlled substances and one count of felon in possession of a firearm, with the sentences to run concurrent to each other.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Shea previously pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and a synthetic cannabinoid, commonly referred to as K2, in a Luzerne County hotel room in June of 2024.  As part of that plea, Shea also admitted to possessing, on or about July 2, 2024, a stolen Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle, which had previously been shipped in interstate commerce, knowing that he had previously been convicted of a felony. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), the Kingston Police Department, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Pittston Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.

This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted, and the President signed in June 2022.  The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.

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

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