Middle District of Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jose Dominguez, age 52, a resident of the Dominican Republic, was indicted by a federal grand jury with conspiracy to defraud the United States in relation to federal tobacco excise taxes.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Dominguez was owner of Victor Sinclair Cigars, a cigar manufacturer located in the Dominican Republic. The indictment alleges that beginning in 2009 through 2012, Dominguez conspired with an importer of large cigars based in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, to evade the excise taxes imposed on the importation of Victor Sinclair manufactured cigars. Dominguez and the importer allegedly used fraudulent invoices to collect federal excise taxes from cigar retailers in the United States. Dominguez conspired with the importer to collect approximately $3.8 million in excise taxes. Of this amount, Dominguez and his co-conspirators, only payed $2.1 million to the government. Dominguez and the importer obtained approximately $1.8 million as a result of the scheme.

The case was investigated by the Department of Treasury, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J. Terz is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Hiteshkumar Patel, age 51, a resident of South Abington Township, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 20, 2017, by a federal grand jury with multiple counts of mail and wire fraud, extortion and aggravated identity theft charges. Patel’s initial appearance is scheduled for June 29, 2017, before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr., in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that beginning in or about August 2015 through May 2016, Patel executed a scheme whereby individuals falsely represented themselves as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents, as well as individuals associated with an illegitimate online loan business. The victims were told that they had to immediately make a monetary payment in order to satisfy outstanding IRS tax debt and/or IRS penalty fees. Victims were told that there would be severe consequences if they did not immediately comply, such as federal agents knocking on their door, notification to employers, garnishment of wages, and even arrest.

Victims of the online loan fraud scheme were instructed that in order to receive the proceeds of their on-line loan application, they had to first make monetary payments associated with the processing of the application, such as fees for expediting the loan and insurance. Some victims of the loan fraud scheme were also told that outstanding IRS debt had to be satisfied before their loan application could be processed.

All of the victims were instructed to remit monetary payments to a number of different individuals via the U.S. Mail, Western Union, MoneyGram, and/or RIA (Walmart to Walmart). It is alleged that monetary payments were received by Patel, or by members of the unlawful telemarketing organization and unindicted co-conspirators. It is estimated that Patel and his coconspirators received hundreds of thousands of dollars from victims of the scheme.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and remains an ongoing investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jose M. Osorio, III, age 28, of York County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for crack cocaine trafficking and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a previously convicted felon.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Osorio distributed crack cocaine on September 22, 2016, in York, Pennsylvania. The indictment also alleges that on December 1, 2016, Osorio unlawfully possessed a .357 caliber revolver and ammunition as a previously convicted felon.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that United States District Judge Richard P. Conaboy sentenced Joel Fuller, age 46, currently a resident of Florida, to six months’ imprisonment and a two-year term of supervised release, for failing to remit employee payroll taxes to the IRS.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Fuller, formerly owned Mabro Marketing, Inc. and Integrity Travel Solutions LLC, two Hazleton, Pennsylvania-based businesses that provided time-share marketing services to prospective clients on behalf of vacation companies. From 2010 through 2013, Fuller’s businesses withheld federal income taxes from employees’ paychecks, including income taxes and Federal Insurance Contribution Act taxes, but failed to remit those taxes and the businesses’ portions of those taxes to the IRS. The taxes were instead used by Fuller to fund his lifestyle. The total amount of unremitted taxes from both businesses combined was $180,783.

Fuller also failed to pay $136,734 that he owed to the IRS for his own personal income tax returns, from years 2005 through 2013.

In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Conaboy highlighted the interest in deterring others from committing similar crimes. Judge Conaboy also imposed a restitution order requiring Fuller to pay $317,517 to the IRS.

The investigation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jasmine T. Wing, a resident of Hazleton, PA, was charged on June 16, 2017 in a criminal information with making false statements in the purchase of six firearms in Luzerne County.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Wing, age 25, falsely represented that she was the actual buyer of six firearms purchased from Bob’s Sporting Goods in Hazleton, PA, and from Dave’s Gun Shop in Drums, PA between September 19, 2014 and April 14, 2015. The firearms were:

1. a Glock 19 9mm;

2. a Glock 23 .40 caliber;

3. a Taurus PT745Pro .45acp;

4. an Extar EXP556 5.56;

5. a CAI/Romarm Micro Draco 7.62x39; and

6. a Ruger P91DC .40acp.

The CAI/Romarm Micro Draco is a semiautomatic firearm that is capable of accepting a large capacity magazine.

The government simultaneously filed a plea agreement with Wing to the alleged charge, which is subject to approval of the court. As part of the plea agreement, Wing stipulated that she knew that her offense would result in the transfer of firearms to a person prohibited from possessing them. A date for Wing’s arraignment has not been set.

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.

This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Judge A. Richard Caputo sentenced Davon Beckford, age 23, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on June 16, 2017, to a time-served sentence of 13 months of imprisonment, for conspiring to distribute heroin.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Beckford pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin in February and March 2016. Beckford was charged with five other individuals in May 2016. Beckford was subject to a sentencing enhancement because his offense involved the possession of a firearm.

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and by the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.

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 a former Mohegan Sun Vice President for Player Development was sentenced June 16, 2017 in federal court in Wilkes-Barre by Senior Judge A. Richard Caputo, to serve 32 months in prison on the charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Robert Pellegrini, age 51, of Mountain Top, pleaded guilty to a money laundering conspiracy in December 2016. According to the Indictment previously returned in this case, Pellegrini conspired with Rochelle Poszeluznyj, age 39, of Kingston, and Mark Heltzel, age 52, of Dallas, to defraud the Mohegan Sun Casino by engaging in a money laundering scheme involving the use of stolen names and PINs (personal identification numbers) that were tied to players’ loyalty club cards. It is alleged that while employed as a cocktail waitress at the casino, Poszeluznyj had access to the names and PINs of casino players as she served them beverages. Poszeluznyj stole the names and PINs of those players and provided them to Pellegrini, who then used the stolen information to create duplicate player club cards. Pellegrini then loaded the duplicate cards with “free play” credits and provided them to Heltzel to gamble with, primarily at poker slot machines. The scheme began in May 2014 and continued to April 2015, netting the defendants winnings in the approximate amount of $422,147.55.

Sentencing dates for Pellegrini’s co-defendants, Heltzel and Poszeluznyj, are pending.

In addition to the prison term, Senior Judge Caputo also ordered that Pellegrini be supervised by a probation officer for one year following his release from prison. He was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $420,147.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Judge Malachy Mannion sentenced Johnny Biggs, age 38, on June 15, 2017 to 57 months’ imprisonment for assault with a dangerous weapon. Biggs committed the assault while serving a term of 36 months for a violation of supervised release and drug trafficking.

According to United States Attorney Bruce Brandler, Biggs attacked another inmate on August 26, 2016, with a weapon fashioned from a padlock tied to a sock. The victim suffered multiple lacerations to his head, face, and back. The fight stemmed from a dispute between the two inmates’ prison gangs, rival sects of the Aryan Brotherhood. Judge Mannion ordered the latest prison term to run consecutive to Biggs’s current sentence.

The investigation was conducted by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers at USP Canaan. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean A. Camoni.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that United States District Judge A. Richard Caputo sentenced Jared S. Miller, age 28, of Sayre, Pennsylvania, to 84 months of imprisonment, after he pleaded guilty to transporting 47 stolen firearms and to conspiring to distribute heroin.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Miller admitted to conspiring with Aaron Vanderpool to transport 47 firearms from Pennsylvania to New York, after Vanderpool burglarized Fulmer’s Sporting Goods, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Wysox, Pennsylvania, on May 24, 2015. Miller admitted that he and Vanderpool traded the firearms in New York for heroin and cash, and distributed the heroin in Pennsylvania. Only three of the 48 total firearms stolen from Fulmer’s Sporting Goods have been recovered by law enforcement.

Miller also admitted to trafficking heroin in Pennsylvania from June 2012 through June 2015. In his plea agreement, he stipulated to trafficking between 400 and 700 grams of heroin, which is the equivalent of 16,000 to 28,000 potentially fatal doses of heroin.

As part of his sentence, Miller was ordered to pay $27,383.75 to the victims of his crimes.

Miller’s co-conspirator, Vanderpool, previously was sentenced to 77 months of incarceration for his role in the offenses. Two other individuals have been charged in relation to the Fulmer’s Sporting Goods burglary. Luis Mercado was charged in April 2017 and has entered a plea agreement to firearms and heroin trafficking offenses. Jose Espinosa was charged in April 2017 with firearms and heroin trafficking offenses, and awaits arraignment.

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and by the Pennsylvania State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.

This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.

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

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WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Troy Brown, age 40, was sentenced on June 12, 2017 by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann to serve 17 years’ imprisonment for his leadership role in a large-scale heroin distribution network operating between Williamsport and Bloomsburg.

According to United States Attorney, Bruce D. Brandler, Brown was responsible for the distribution of between 700 and 1,000 grams of heroin, or between 28,000 and 40,000 individual doses of heroin. In sentencing Brown, Judge Brann considered his multiple prior convictions for drug distribution felonies, his possession of firearms during the commission of the offense, and his position as a manager of criminal activity involving five or more participants. Brown and 26 co-conspirators have been charged in connection with this drug trafficking organization.

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.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to AUSA George Rocktashel for prosecution.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Honduran woman was charged with possession with intent to distribute approximately three kilograms of fentanyl.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on June 13, 2017, authorities encountered Osiris Ninet Bonilla-Mejia, a citizen of Honduras, sleeping in the back seat of a vehicle at the White Haven rest area located on Interstate 80, White Haven, Pennsylvania. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of approximately three kilograms of fentanyl.

“Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is commonly prescribed by doctors to soothe extreme pain in cancer patients. Because it is up to 100 times more potent than heroin and much cheaper to produce, it has been flooding communities across America resulting in skyrocketing fatal overdoses. It is so potent that an amount the size of a few grains of sand can kill you simply by touching it. Our office treats fentanyl cases extremely seriously and will prosecute those individuals who engage in this illicit activity to the fullest extent of the law” stated United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pennsylvania State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.

This case was brought as part of a district-wide initiative to combat the national heroin and opioid abuse epidemic. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative in the Middle District of Pennsylvania 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. Fentanyl and its analogs are potent, synthetic opioid pain medications that can be hundreds of times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl is often mixed with heroin or sold as heroin by individuals involved in illicit heroin trafficking. Unauthorized recreational use of Fentanyl has resulted in thousands of overdose deaths across the country during the last 15 years.

A criminal complaint is only an allegation. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Kyle Gordon, age 29, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to 75 months’ imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Possession of a Weapon in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, in the fall of 2014, Gordon, a man on state parole for burglary, obtained heroin from Baltimore, Maryland and distributed heroin out of a residence in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The Franklin County Drug Taskforce executed a search warrant at the residence where Gordon was staying in Franklin County and located 10 grams of heroin and a Ruger, 9mm, semi-automatic handgun inside.

This matter was investigated by officers and troopers comprising the Franklin County Drug Taskforce and special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Schinnour.

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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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on June 8, 2017, United States District Judge Sylvia Rambo sentenced Laquan Kellam, age 34, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to 181 months’ imprisonment, for trafficking crack cocaine and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, a jury convicted Kellam after a two-day trial of three counts of distributing crack cocaine, one count of possessing with the intent to distribute over 280 grams of crack cocaine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activities. Kellam distributed drugs in the Harrisburg area between June 20 and July 18, 2014.

Kellam has been in custody since the jury’s verdict.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Phillip J. Caraballo, Eric Pfisterer, and Meredith Taylor.

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and by the Harrisburg City Police Department.

This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.

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HARRISBURG – the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Matthew S. Norris, Hanover, PA, age 34, the owner and operator of Norris Enterprises, d/b/a Aerus Electrolux, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to serve three years’ imprisonment and pay $148,852 in restitution on bank fraud and money laundering charges.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Norris devised and executed a bank fraud scheme in 2011 that defrauded GE Bank out of $157,785. In 2011 Norris was the owner /operator of Aerus Electrolux, an authorized independent franchisee of Electrolux International, which was then located at 1125 York Street, in Hanover, PA. Norris executed the scheme by submitting credit applications under the names and personal identifiers of 25 of his customers to GE Bank without his customers’ knowledge or consent. By inflating their income on the electronic credit applications, Norris succeeded in obtaining lines of credit for his customers to purchase Electrolux products. Norris would then charge the accounts for fictional merchandise and, as a result, GE Bank would deposit the loan proceeds into his business account.

When the customers’ monthly credit card payments became due, Norris would make payments on their behalf without their knowledge from the proceeds of the scam. Monthly statements were never sent to the customers because, Norris listed his business address as their home address on their electronic credit applications.

The scheme was discovered in October of 2011 when an Electrolux executive became suspicious of Norris’ unusual sales transactions and initiated an onsite audit. When GE Bank learned what Norris had done, they immediately credited all amounts owed by the unwitting customers.

Judge Rambo also ordered Norris to serve three years of supervised release following his release from prison and ordered him to forfeit the sum of $157,782 to the United States. Judge Rambo directed Norris commence service of his three year sentence on July 26, 2017.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg offices of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Kim Douglas Daniel.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on June 8, 2017, United States District Court Judge Malachy Mannion sentenced Landy Then, age 25, of Pittson, Pennsylvania, to 18 months imprisonment for his role in a drug conspiracy.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, from February through March of 2016 Then conspired with other individuals to distribute approximately 200 grams of cocaine throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Then was indicted by a grand jury on October 25, 2016, and pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on December 8, 2016.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre Police Departments, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on June 8, 2017, United States District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy sentenced Robert Cartalemi, age 32, of Henryville, Pennsylvania to two years’ probation for possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids, a felony offense. Cartalemi pleaded guilty to a criminal information on March 2, 2017.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, investigators intercepted a package on October 15, 2014, addressed to Cartalemi from China containing multiple controlled substances, which he had ordered from a known steroid supplier. Investigators then delivered the package, which Cartalemi accepted, and executed a search warrant. Noting Cartalemi’s lack of any previous criminal history, his acceptance of responsibility for his conduct, and a finding that he does not pose a danger to the community, Judge Conaboy imposed a sentence of probation in lieu of imprisonment. As part of the sentence, the first three months will be served as home confinement. Cartalemi was also ordered to pay a fine of $2,000.

The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean A. Camoni.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Barbara H. Hafer, the former Treasurer of Pennsylvania, entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones, III, to making false statements to federal law enforcement agents in connection with a long-term FBI-IRS investigation of alleged pay-to-play activities involving Pennsylvania State government. Judge Jones accepted Hafer’s guilty plea and did not set a date for sentencing. Hafer was indicted on July 20, 2016, and was scheduled to stand trial on June 12, 2017.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Hafer was interviewed by federal law enforcement agents in May 2016, regarding her relationship with Richard W. Ireland, an individual that had financial relationships with businesses that provided asset management services to the Pennsylvania Treasury Department while Hafer served as Treasurer. After leaving office, Hafer operated a consulting firm known as Hafer and Associates, LLC, that entered into a contract with a business associated with Ireland. During Hafer’s interview, she denied receiving any money from Ireland or any businesses he was associated with and denied receiving any help from Ireland or any businesses he was associated with in connection with her operation of Hafer and Associates. Hafer admitted today that she lied to the federal agents during that interview because Ireland helped Hafer’s consulting business by causing $675,000 to be paid to Hafer and Associates between 2005 and 2007, an amount that was a substantial portion of Hafer and Associates’ revenue during that time period.

“Our system of justice depends on federal law enforcement agents receiving complete and accurate information from individuals who are being interviewed as part of a criminal investigation, particularly a high-profile public corruption investigation. Lying to federal agents is a serious crime and the United States Attorney’s Office treats these offenses accordingly. Today’s guilty plea will hopefully deter others from engaging in similar misconduct in the future,” stated United States Attorney Brandler. Brandler also congratulated the FBI and IRS agents who participated in this investigation and thanked them for their outstanding work.

“When public officials commit crimes, whether as part of their official duties or in their private lives, they are violating the public trust. Today’s guilty plea helps ensure that all Americans, including public officials, are held to the same standard.” said Greg Floyd, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office.

"Willfully lying to federal agents, besides being a federal offense, threatens the integrity of the justice system," said Michael Harpster, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. "The FBI can't properly pursue our investigative mandate – in this case, fighting public corruption – if the people we interview feel they can deceive us with impunity."

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service and is assigned to Senior Litigation Counsel Michael A. Consiglio and Assistant United States Attorneys William S. Houser, Phillip J. Caraballo and Carlo D. Marchioli.

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

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that two previously deported aliens were indicted separately by a federal grand jury with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Carlos Emmanuel Bran-Enriquez, age 30, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in May 2014. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after May 2014, and was found in the United States in Franklin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Under federal law, Bran-Enriquez faces a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

Carlos Bautista-Cruz, age 30, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in October 2012 and April 2010. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after October 2012, and was found in the United States in Adams County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In October 2012, he was convicted in the Western District of Pennsylvania of illegal re-entry, an offense which subjects him to enhanced penalties in the current case.

Because of Bautista-Cruz’s previous conviction, under federal law he faces a maximum penalty of ten years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

The cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell is prosecuting the cases.

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

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

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

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Harrisburg – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Doncarlos Urrutia, age 32, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that a .380 caliber Taurus handgun was found in Urrutia’s home on May 12, 2017. The indictment also alleges that Urrutia is a convicted felon, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.

The matter was investigated by the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, the Harrisburg Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Paris Wilder, age 30, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 6, 2017, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Wilder conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and cocaine from January 2015 to January 13, 2017, in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.

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

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

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rebecca Cramer, age 57, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania pled guilty today before United States District Judge John E. Jones, III, to social security fraud and theft of public funds.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Cramer pled guilty to a felony information alleging she collected over $22,000 in social security funds which were to be used for the benefit of her sister. Cramer’s sister passed away in February of 2015, and Cramer continued to collect the funds and fraudulently completed two annual reports to the Social Security Administration regarding her sister’s status.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting the case.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 25 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on June 6, 2017, United States District Court Judge Matthew Brann sentenced Lisa Belawske, age 53, of Canton, Pennsylvania, to a prison term of four months for misappropriation of postal funds by a postal employee. Belawske pleaded guilty to a criminal information on February 15, 2017.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Belawske acknowledged that she misappropriated over $12,000 in money orders and cash between October 2015 and June 2016, while employed at the Sylvania Post Office. In addition to the term of incarceration, Judge Brann ordered Belawske to pay full restitution.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dane Robert Pollock, age 33, a resident of McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, for sexual exploitation of children involving the production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Pollock took sexually explicit, nude photographs and videos of at least one female student who was under the age of 18 years of age in 2016.

United States Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson arraigned Pollock on these charges on June 1, 2017, and ordered Pollock detained until his trial date, August 7, 2017. This case is assigned to United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo.

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

If you have additional information about this case, please contact the FBI office in State College, Pennsylvania at (814) 234-0341.

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

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

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

Receiving child pornography carries a five year mandatory minimum prison sentence. Exploiting a child in order to create child pornography carries a penalty requiring a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment. The maximum penalty under federal law is 60 years of imprisonment, a lifetime term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Donell Williams, age 39, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pled guilty on May 30, 2017, before Chief United States District Judge Christopher C. Conner to armed bank robbery and possession of a loaded firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on August 31, 2016, Williams entered the AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union, in Enola, Pennsylvania, with a loaded firearm and demanded money from the credit union’s employees. Williams fled with under $1,500 before becoming involved in a high speed chase with speeds up to 123 mph. At the end of the chase, Williams exited the vehicle and fled on foot. After a short foot chase, Williams was arrested and the loaded firearm used during the robbery and the money were recovered. Williams is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.

This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Pennsboro Township Police Department. The City of Harrisburg Bureau of Police assisted in Williams’ arrest. Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom prosecuted the case.

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

The maximum penalty under federal law, for Count one is 25 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty under federal law, for Count two is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Count two carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of seven years. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carl R. Bonser, age 56, of Lehighton, Pennsylvania, pled guilty today before United States District Judge James M. Munley to making false claims against the government. Bonser is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1, 2017.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, from January 1, 2016 through October 31, 2016, Bronser, in his official capacity as Postmaster of the Orwigsburg Post Office, requested compensation for travel that never occurred, causing a loss of $6,500.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ignacio Beato, age 46, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, pled guilty today before United States District Judge James M. Munley to conspiracy to engage in monetary transactions through a financial institution, with funds that were the proceeds of wire fraud. Beato is scheduled to be sentenced on August 31, 2017.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Beato, who was a licensed realtor, falsely represented to potential purchasers that he was authorized to sell vacant conventional and Federal Housing Administration insured mortgaged properties in Hazleton, when in fact, he did not have such authority. Between December 2013 and March 2015, Beato accepted $751,082 from individuals who believed they were purchasing properties. Beato then fraudulently converted that money to his own personal use.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, the Housing and Urban Development Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that four inmates at the Allenwood Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Allenwood) were indicted separately by a federal grand jury for possessing contraband within a federal prison.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the following defendants, all inmates at FCC Allenwood at the time of the alleged incidents, were charged:

• Craig Pipps, age 43, charged with possession of a weapon (a 7.5 inch improvised knife) allegedly found in his boot on December 12, 2016, at the United States Penitentiary Allenwood (U.S.P. Allenwood);

• Zarqurous Sanders, age 32, charged with possession of a weapon (an 8 inch improvised knife) allegedly found on his person on December 11, 2016, at U.S.P. Allenwood;

• Ruben Esparza, age 37, charged with possession of heroin on June 27, 2015, at U.S.P. Allenwood; and

• Jeremy Harwell, age 30, charged with possession of a weapon (a 7 inch improvised knife) found on his person on December 18, 2016, at the Federal Correctional Institution Allenwood.

The investigations were conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Figgsganter and Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur are prosecuting the cases.

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

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

In this case, the maximum penalty for each offense is five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not necessarily an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jose Hernandez-Vasquez, age 57, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary Lewisburg, was indicted by a federal grand jury for first-degree murder.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the charges stem from an incident at the United States Penitentiary Lewisburg in October 2015, in which Hernandez-Vasquez allegedly strangled his cellmate with a bedsheet.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting the case.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is the death penalty or life in prison and a fine of $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not necessarily an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Eliverto Verdugo-Torres, age 27, of Mexico, was indicted by a federal grand jury with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Verdugo-Torres was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in September 2014 and January 2017. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after January 2017, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In January 2017, he was convicted in the Middle District of Pennsylvania of illegal re-entry, an offense which subjects him to enhanced penalties in the current case.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jemel X. Williams, age 34, of Macon, Georgia, was indicted for illegal possession of firearms and possession of stolen firearms.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on February 15, 2017, Williams was in possession of firearms (a Glock 19, 9mm, and a Glock 36, .45 caliber) that were shipped and transported in interstate commerce. It is also alleged that Williams was previously convicted of a felony offense prohibiting him from possessing firearms.

The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rashaad Schell, age 27, of Abington, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 24 months of probation with six months of in-home detention by United States District Judge John E Jones, III, for knowingly making false statements in order to obtain unemployment compensation.

Judge Jones also ordered Schell to repay $18,421 in restitution to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, from February 2012 through September 2013, Schell worked as a mail handler for the Abington Post Office while also obtaining unemployment compensation from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry in Harrisburg.

The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Schinnour prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that David K. Shaqfeh, age 49, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on May 18, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Christopher C. Conner to tampering with a witness. No date has been set for sentencing.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Shaqfeh solicited and encouraged an unidentified witness to give a false statement about supplemental rent payments Shaqfeh received during 2014 and 2015, for a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidized rental property in Levittown, Pennsylvania, to investigators from the HUD Office of Inspector General.

In the agreement to settle the False Claims Act violations, the United States alleged that Shaqfeh participated as a landlord in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) and solicited and received unauthorized side payments from a HCVP participant over and above the authorized rent. HCVP is a program whereby the HUD provides rental subsidies for eligible low-income tenants who locate acceptable rental units on the private market.

The settlement agreement resolves allegations that Shaqfeh submitted a request for tenancy approval to HUD for a HCVP tenant, which was not approved because the rent exceeded the maximum initial rent burden under HUD guidelines. Thereafter, Shaqfeh submitted another request for tenancy approval to HUD for the same HCVP participant with a lower rent amount, which was approved by HUD. However, Shaqfeh continued to collect additional side payments from the HCVP participant to make up for the lower lease amount. HUD’s payments to Shaqfeh were contingent upon his certification that he would only charge the amount of rent approved by HUD and not receive additional rent payments from the HCVP participant. Additionally, HUD would not have paid Shaqfeh on two other HUD contracts had it known he was charging an HCVP participant additional rent on another HUD contract. Shaqfeh has paid $171,831 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Kim Douglas Daniel and Melissa Swauger are prosecuting the case.

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Maurice Garvin, age 27, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on May 9, 2017, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges. The indictment was unsealed on May 22, 2017, following Garvin’s arrest.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Garvin distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute heroin on two occasions and cocaine on one occasion in April 2016, in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. All three instances are alleged to have occurred within 1,000 feet of a playground.

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

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

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

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

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

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Naaje Torres, age 24, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on May 9, 2017, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges. The indictment was unsealed May 22, 2017, following Torres’ arrest.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Torres distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute heroin on two dates in April and July 2016, in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. The indictment charges Torres with distribution of heroin within 1,000 feet of Stroudsburg School District property.

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

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

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Daniel E. Strachan, age 60, of Depew, New York, was charged in a one-count criminal information with illegal possession of wildlife.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that Strachan received several items of illegally transported wildlife through the mail. It is alleged that Strachan bartered for and bought various eagle parts and a bald eagle carcass in violation of the Lacey Act, which prohibits the sale and receipt of wildlife taken in violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

The United States also filed a plea agreement, which is subject to the approval of the Court, wherein it is indicated that Strachan intends to plead guilty to the charges when he appears in federal court.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Gustavo Mulato, age 25, of Mexico, was indicted by a federal grand jury with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Mulato was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2012, and twice in July 2012. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after July 2012, and was found in the United States in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In March 2012, he was convicted in the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas of resisting arrest, an offense which subjects him to enhanced penalties in the current case.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Donald Royce, age 40, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for tax preparation fraud charges.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Royce was a tax preparer in Scranton who defrauded a number of local residents in 2014. The indictment alleges that Royce prepared fraudulent tax returns for multiple taxpayers causing more than $250,000 in losses. Royce gave the taxpayers a client copy of their tax return, then made material fraudulent changes to the client copy, and submitted the false return to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for his financial benefit. The indictment further alleges that Royce took clients’ IRS payment checks and deposited them directly in to his own account without ever remitting the amount to the IRS, all without the taxpayers’ knowledge.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 23 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $2,250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shavouy Paisley, age 25, of Queens, New York, was sentenced today by United States District Judge William W. Caldwell to 17 months’ imprisonment for credit card fraud. Paisley was convicted after a jury trial in September 2016, for conspiracy to possess 15 or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Paisley and his co-defendants were arrested on September 28, 2014, in Cumberland County by Hampden Township Police Department after making several suspicious purchases at CVS and Rite Aid establishments located on the Carlisle Pike in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The Hampden Township Police Department seized more than 100 counterfeit Visa cards from the vehicle the three men had been traveling in, along with 25 cartons of cigarettes and multiple gift cards. During the investigation, the United States Secret Service determined the account numbers associated with the magnetic strips on the cards belonged to account holders from dozens of banks and institutions across the country. After reviewing bank records, the United States Secret Service identified more than a half a dozen retail establishments on the Carlisle Pike where the defendants attempted to or actually did make purchases using these unauthorized account numbers. The intended loss was $50,500 and the actual loss was $6,414.

Codefendant Rushane Kennedy pled guilty on September 12, 2016, and is awaiting sentencing. Vernal Moffat remains a fugitive.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Hampden Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith A. Taylor and Joseph J. Terz prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Levar Washington, age 37, an inmate at United States Penitentiary, Allenwood, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to 72 months’ imprisonment for assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Washington pled guilty on February 15, 2017, to charges that he attacked another inmate with a sharpened weapon commonly called a “shank.” The victim suffered between 13 and 15 lacerations to his back.

Judge Brann found that the violent nature of the crime together with Washington’s history of convictions for prior crimes of violence qualified Washington as a “career offender” under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, resulting in an enhanced sentence. The six-year prison term will run consecutive to the twenty-two-year sentence Washington is currently serving for conspiracy to levy war against the United States through terrorism and using and carrying a firearm in connection with crimes of violence. Washington had served approximately twelve years of that sentence at the time of the assault. His new sentence will not start to run until approximately 2025. Judge Brann further fined Washington $500 and imposed a special assessment of $100.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and USP Allenwood. Assistant United States Attorney Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Mark Komoroski, age 54, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, was indicted on May 10, 2017, for violating federal export laws and unlawfully possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon. The indictment was unsealed on May 11, 2017, following Komoroski’s arrest and initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that in February and March of 2016, Komoroski attempted to export two riflescopes to an individual in Russia without first obtaining the export licenses required by federal law. The indictment also alleges that Komoroski, a previously convicted felon, possessed over 25,000 rounds of ammunition.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Commerce. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli is prosecuting the case.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law is 20 years of imprisonment for the export offenses, 10 years of imprisonment for the ammunition offense, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Glenvert Green, age 25, of Washington D.C., was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann, for indecent exposure at the United States Penitentiary Allenwood where he was incarcerated in 2016.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Green approached a female corrections officer, exposed himself to her, and began making obscene gestures while continuing to move towards her.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. FiggsGanter and Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Milton Mosley, age 45, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for possession with intent to distribute crack, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Mosley was arrested by Harrisburg Police Officers on January 4, 2017, in the Allison Hill section of Harrisburg. The officers found crack on Mosley’s person and also found a .380 caliber Taurus handgun in his possession. The indictment also alleges that Mosley is a convicted felon, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.

The matter was investigated by the Harrisburg Police Department along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Elhadj Barry, age 32, a resident alien originally from Guinea, was indicted on May 9, 2017, by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to use fraudulent credit cards and failure to appear in court.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that in or about September 2008, Barry conspired with other individuals to obtain stolen credit card numbers. Those credit card numbers were then electronically loaded onto gift cards and used to make purchases at Toys R Us in Wyomissing and multiple Walmart stores. Barry also failed to appear at a jury trial scheduled for August 31, 2009. Barry was a fugitive until he was arrested on December 1, 2016.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Christopher Mark Heath, 38, a former deputy sheriff of the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, California, was convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 100 kilograms of

marijuana, conspiracy to launder drug proceeds and an additional drug trafficking count after a two-day jury trial in Harrisburg before U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane. Heath engaged in a conspiracy that trafficked hundreds of pounds of marijuana between Northern California, Florida and York County, Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the jury returned with a verdict of guilty after less than two hours of deliberation. Following the entry of the verdict, U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane remanded Heath to the custody of the U.S. Marshals, at the request of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Heath and his co-defendants, who previously pleaded guilty, participated in a conspiracy that began in approximately September 2014 and continued to January 7, 2016. During this time, Heath was a deputy sheriff in Yuba County, California, assigned as a narcotics investigator but has since resigned. Heath and his co-defendants grew marijuana on property in Oroville, CA, and shipped it through the United States Postal Service to several locations, including post office boxes in York and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as well as to a home address in the Hanover area. Money to purchase additional marijuana was mailed from the York County, PA area to Bangor, California.

In December 2015, Heath and his co-conspirators traveled from California to York County in two vehicles, transporting 89.5 kilograms of marijuana worth just under half a million dollars. Heath’s truck contained the entire quantity of marijuana as well as a loaded Glock firearm and his deputy sheriff’s badge. When Heath and his co-conspirators arrived to deliver the marijuana in York County, they were arrested by the York County Drug Task Force and Penn Township Police Department.

Heath has additional firearms charges pending in Butte County, California.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the York County Drug Task Force, Penn Township Police Department, the Butte County Sheriff’s Department (California), the United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith A. Taylor and Joseph J. Terz are prosecuting the case.

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

The maximum penalty for the offense of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking is life imprisonment and includes a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute 100 kilograms and more of marijuana is 40 years’ imprisonment and carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit money laundering is 20 years’ imprisonment. The count of manufacture, distribution and possession with intent to manufacture and distribute marijuana carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Derek Pelker, age 27, of Wernersville, Pennsylvania, pled guilty on May 8, 2017, before United States District Judge John E. Jones, III, to three counts of armed bank robbery, use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Pelker pled guilty to charges related to the armed bank robberies of the BB&T Bank in East Prospect, Pennsylvania on April 24, 2015; the National Penn Bank in Oley, Pennsylvania on May 19, 2015; and, the M&T Bank in Lebanon, Pennsylvania on April 5, 2016. The guilty plea was made pursuant to a plea agreement, subject to the approval of the court, that specified that Pelker will receive a 25-year term of imprisonment when he is sentenced.

Pelker is the eighth and final defendant to plead guilty in relation to these robberies:

• Andrew Ishman, age 31, Wrightsville, pled guilty to the East Prospect bank robbery on October 3, 2016;

• Ryan Miller, a/k/a “Otis,” age 25, Robinson Township, pled guilty to the East Prospect and Oley Bank robberies on April 24, 2015 and December 6, 2016;

• Keith Pelker, age 28, Wernersville, pled guilty to the Lebanon bank robbery on October 3, 2016;

• Shannon Gadzouris, age 24, Shillington, pled guilty to the Lebanon bank robbery on October 3, 2016;

• Kelsie Bair, age 28, and Lindsey School, age 27, both of Lebanon, pled guilty to accessory after the fact after they disposed of the weapon used in the Lebanon bank robbery off a pier in Ocean City, New Jersey. The weapon was ultimately recovered by the FBI scuba diving team; and

• William Papoutsis, Pelker’s uncle, age 35, of Reading, pled guilty to obstruction of justice in relation to these robberies.

   

All defendants are awaiting sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Capital City Violent Crimes Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police, the South Lebanon Township Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the Lebanon and York County District Attorney’s Offices. The Capital City Violent Crimes Task Force consists of representatives from the FBI’s Harrisburg Field Office and the Harrisburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott R. Ford and Daryl Bloom are prosecuting the case.

This case was also brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes.

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

The maximum penalty for the offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1,250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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HARRISBURG –The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lucas Obi, age 53, of Toronto, Canada, a former Western Union and MoneyGram agent, pled guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson to defrauding thousands of victims out of approximately $4.4 million via international mass marketing, consumer fraud schemes.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Obi was indicted in December 2012, and was extradited to the United States from Canada. Obi was not arraigned on his Indictment in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania until August 2016.

According to the indictment, Lucas Obi, A/K/A “Suleman Ajukwusualim, was the owner/operator of a Western Union and a MoneyGram agency, both of which were known as Canada Cash Express, Inc., and located at the same Toronto address. According to the indictment, Obi conspired with others between 1999 and 2010 to commit the wire fraud offense and was the leader of a group of fraud complicit MoneyGram and Western Union agents in the greater Toronto area. Obi was the group’s mentor and leader who taught others how to engage in mass marketing fraud and complicit money transfer agent activity. Obi trained the agents on how to process fraud induced money transfers and allowed them to keep a cut, 5% to 10%, for their role in the schemes. Obi also recruited persons to act as money transfer outlet owners on his behalf, gathered fraudulently induced money transfer checks from other fraud complicit agents, and deposited the checks with fictitious name endorsements into his bank accounts. Obi then distributed the fraud proceeds, less his cut, to numerous greater Toronto area fraudsters and money launderers.

The known total dollar loss associated with all fraud reported money transfers paid out at Canada Cash Express and Obi’s other fraud complicit check-pooling agents is $4,482,927. Pursuant to a deferred prosecution agreement with MoneyGram, a $100 million victim restitution fund was established for victims of Obi’s fraud. A $586 million restitution fund is also being established for victims who sent their money via Western Union pursuant to the recently filed, January 19, 2017, Western Union deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Justice Department.

Sentencing is tentatively scheduled for August 15, 2017.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Trade Commission, the Toronto Police Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, the Canada Competition Bureau, and the Ministry of Government Services. The Justice Department's Office of Internal Affiars provided assistance with the extradition of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel is prosecuting the case.

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for each count is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Travis Jerome Jones, age 47, of Marietta, Pennsylvania, was indicted on May 3, 2017, by a federal grand jury on charges of armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm.

The indictment was unsealed on May 5, 2017, and Jones is scheduled for arraignment on May 9, 2017, before United States Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Jones robbed an M&T Bank in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, on January 19, 2017, taking approximately $3,587. The indictment also alleges that Jones brandished a firearm (Hi-Point 9mm handgun) during the robbery and unlawfully possessed the firearm as a previously convicted felon.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Southwestern Regional Police Department in York County, and the Investigation Division of the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law is 25 years of imprisonment for the bank robbery, a lifetime term of imprisonment for the firearms offenses, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that three previously deported aliens were indicted separately on May 3, 2017, by a federal grand jury on illegal re-entry charges.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Jose Cruz-Ramirez, age 32, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico on four occasions, October 2010, twice in December 2010, and February 2011. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after February 2011, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Maynor Galiego-Mendoza, age 45, of Guatemala, was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala on two occasions, July 2009 and September 2010. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after September 2010, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Edwin Mauricio-Flores, age 35, of Honduras, was previously deported from the United States to Honduras on two occasions, October 2009 and October 2011. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after October 2011 and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Cruz-Ramirez, Galiego-Mendoza, and Mauricio-Flores face a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

The cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell is prosecuting the cases.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that William Chism, III, age 27, Richard Earl Davis, age 24, and Colby Syhur Grant, age 23, all from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, were indicted on May 3, 2017, by a federal grand jury on charges related to an illegal firearms trafficking operation.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Chism, (from October 28, 2016 to April 26, 2017), Davis and Grant (from April 13-26, 2017) with making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer in connection with the acquisition of firearms. The indictment also charges Grant with being an unlawful user of controlled substances in possession of firearms, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police Street Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for false statements to a firearms dealer is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine; for illegal possession with a firearm by a drug user is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine; for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking is lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine; and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substance is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1 million fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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A Pennsylvania biofuel producer and two of its officers have been indicted on conspiracy and false statements charges for participating in a scheme that generated over $10 million in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) renewable fuels credits (RIN credits) at Keystone Biofuels, Inc., a company that purported to produce and sell biodiesel for use as transportation fuel.

Ben Wootton, 52, of Enola, Pennsylvania; Race Miner, 48, of Buena Vista, Colorado; and Keystone Biofuels, Inc. were indicted by a grand jury in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania yesterday, announced U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood for the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Lynn for the Philadelphia Office of the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven L. McQueen of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office.

According to the indictment, Wootton and Miner were co-owners of Keystone Biofuels, Inc. located in Shiremanstown, Pennsylvania and later in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Wootton, serving as President of Keystone Biofuels and Miner, serving as Chief Executive Officer, are alleged to have participated in a scheme with other coconspirators to fraudulently claim RIN credits on non-qualifying renewable fuel. Although the credits required that the fuel pass standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the fuel produced by Keystone did not meet this standard, the grand jury alleges, and was placed into commerce despite being “off-spec.” The conspirators also allegedly generated fraudulent documentation and manipulated samples to be sent to laboratories for testing as part of their scheme. Keystone, Wootton and Miner also allegedly made false entries into an EPA tracking system in violation of the Clean Air Act.

The investigation was conducted by the EPA and FBI. Senior Litigation Counsel Howard P. Stewart for the Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section, Trial Attorney Adam Cullman, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur of the Middle District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting this case.

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

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statues and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The crime of conspiracy is punishable by up to five years in prison. The crime of False Statements is punishable by up to five years in prison. A fine of up to $250,000 for an individual and $500,000 for a corporation may also be imposed.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense, among other factors.