Middle District of Pennsylvania

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a man from Virginia was sentenced on March 31, 2017, by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to serve 111 months’ imprisonment for the armed robbery of the Econo Lodge in Scranton on February 13, 2016.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Kwa’shon Roane, age 24, of Gloucester, Virginia, previously pleaded guilty to the charges of interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Roane, was one of four individuals, including Rodney Whiting, age 23, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Tracy Whiting, age 24, of Newport News, Virginia, and Kelvin Robinson, age 24, of Newport News, Virginia, who were indicted by a grand jury in March 2016, for the armed robbery of the Econo Lodge.

Previously, Kelvin Robinson and Tracy Whiting were each sentenced to serve seven years’ imprisonment by Judge Mannion for charges related to the incident. Rodney Whiting has also entered a guilty plea and is awaiting sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Scranton Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, the Taylor Borough and Moosic Borough Police Departments, and numerous local law enforcement agencies.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted 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.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Michael Runco, age 56, of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal information with failing to pay the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employment taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks and filing a false personal income tax return omitting substantial personal income in 2010.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Runco operated Runco Transportation, Inc., a business that provided school bus transportation services under contract with Mid Valley School District, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. During 2006 through 2010, Runco Transportation, Inc. employed as many as 12 individuals. While federal employee employment taxes were withheld from employee paychecks, Runco allegedly failed to account for and pay these tax monies over to the IRS on behalf of his employees. Runco also received compensation from his company but failed to report this income on his 2010 personal income tax return. The total tax loss to the IRS is alleged to be approximately $78,578.

The criminal information was filed pursuant to a plea agreement, which is subject to approval by the court. The plea agreement requires Runco to cooperate fully with the IRS, and to pay all taxes owed together with interest and penalties as determined by the court.

The case was investigated by the Scranton Office of the IRS. Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley is prosecuting the case.

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

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

The combined maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is eight 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 Maurice L. Ross, age 34, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on March 29, 2017, by a federal grand jury with unlawful possession of a firearm and three armed robberies.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Ross robbed the Brookwood Mart, located in Harrisburg, by gunpoint on three separate occasions in December 2016. The indictment also alleges Ross was a convicted felon, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm. Ross was also charged with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Police Department. Assistant United States 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 each of the unlawful possession of firearm charges is 10 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for each of the armed robbery charges is 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for each charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence is life in prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on March 28, 2017, United States District Court Judge Robert Mariani sentenced Louis Angel Soto, age 27, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, to 87 months’ imprisonment for possessing with intent to distribute heroin, and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brander, Soto was arrested with heroin, marijuana, and a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol after a search warrant was executed at his home by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Soto was indicted by a grand jury on November 10, 2015, and pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on March 18, 2016. He has been in custody since his arrest.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, working in conjunction with the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob prosecuted 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.

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that two previously deported aliens were indicted separately on March 29, 2017, by a federal grand jury on illegal re-entry charges.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Cesar Mauricio Rodriguez-Flores, age 32, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico on five occasions from March 2011 through September 2016. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after September 2016, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania, after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Francisco Ramirez-Zamudio, age 35, of Mexico was previously deported from the United States to Mexico on four occasions from March 2011 through April 2013. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after April 2013, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

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

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for each defendant is two 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 Joann Palmatier, age 54, of Great Bend, Pennsylvania, was charged by felony criminal information with mail fraud.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that Palmatier was employed as a bookkeeper for a custom machine shop in Great Bend, responsible for managing the company’s finances, including paying vendor bills, taxes and payroll. Palmatier is accused of stealing approximately $95,000 of her employer’s money and, among other things, paying her own bills by mailing company checks to her creditors.

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

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley 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 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 Anthony Michael Cobb, age 47, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, was indicted on March 29, 2017, by a federal grand jury with unlawful possession of a firearm and three drug trafficking offenses.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Cobb was allegedly in possession of firearms illegally, and possessed heroin, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine with intent to distribute. The indictment also alleges Cobb was previously convicted of a felony offense, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Waynesboro Police Department with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.

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

This case 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 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 unlawful possession of firearm charge is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for each of the drug trafficking charges is 30 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 Karen E. Ramm, age 50, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, was indicted on March 29, 2017, by a federal grand jury for bank fraud.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Ramm was a branch manager and loan officer at Commerce Bank (now known as First National Bank of Pennsylvania, successor to Metro Bank) between 2000 and 2010. The indictment alleges that between 2001 and 2007, Ramm defrauded Commerce Bank by using her position to fraudulently originate approximately seven loans totaling $379,900 for a customer she knew personally. It is alleged that each loan contained false information regarding the borrower and it is also alleged that Ramm converted a portion of the loan proceeds to her own benefit.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the financial institution’s security and investigations staff. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Henry Okpalefe, age 49, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. The three-day bench trial was held before United States District Court Judge John E. Jones, III.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, between 2008 and 2010, Okpalefe and his co-conspirators stole over $23 million from hundreds of lawyers and law firms in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and nationwide. Under the guise of seeking legal representation, the conspirators contacted attorneys and law firms in the United States using fake email accounts. Once an attorney or law firm agreed to represent the purported client, the conspirators sent bank checks through the mail and instructed them to deposit the money into their IOLTA accounts. From there, the attorneys were provided with wire instructions and they wired their legitimate funds to Asian bank accounts. Before the counterfeit checks were returned as fraudulent, the money had already been withdrawn by co-conspirators in Asia and distributed to conspirators’ bank accounts in Nigeria and Canada. Okpalefe and his co-conspirators operated in Canada, Nigeria, Japan and South Korea.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The Toronto Strategic Partnership and the Toronto Police Service provided integral assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Schinnour and Kim Douglas Daniel.

The maximum penalty under federal law 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.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, Harrisburg Domicile, has reason to believe that this scheme is ongoing. The United States Postal Inspection Service encourages anyone receiving a check in the mail to be vigilant and to work closely with financial institutions to understand when a check has been verified as legitimate, even if funds are immediately made available upon deposit of the check. If you or someone you know has information about this please contact Inspector Rachel R. Heintz at 717-257-2342, 1425 Crooked Hill Road P.O. Box 60035, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17106-0035.

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Christian Gonzalez, age 23, and Anthony Ocasio, age 21, both of Scranton, Pennsylvania, were charged on March 28, 2017, in a superseding indictment by a federal grand jury for multiple counts of bank robbery.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the superseding indictment alleges that Gonzalez and Ocasio committed the following three bank robberies together:

• January 12, 2017, Citizens Savings Bank, Cedar Avenue, Scranton, approximately $2,000 stolen;

• December 27, 2016, NBT Bank, Wyoming Avenue, Kingston, approximately $2,550 stolen; and

• December 22, 2016, Fidelity Bank, Birney Avenue, Moosic (attempt).

Gonzalez alone is charged with the following bank robbery:

• December 5, 2016, NBT Bank, Keyser Avenue, Scranton, approximately $7,000 stolen.

This investigation is ongoing and being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Scranton Police Department. 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 offense is 80 years in prison for Gonzalez, 60 years in prison for Ocasio, 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 Thurman Stanley, age 40, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 27, 2017, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, to three counts of transporting women in interstate commerce for purposes of prostitution and one count of trafficking in heroin, “molly,” and crack cocaine.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Stanley admitted that between December 2013 and December 2015, he transported at least four women from Pennsylvania to New York, Iowa, and North Dakota for purposes of prostitution, and also provided illegal drugs to them.

Stanley faces up to 50 years in prison and nearly $2 million in fines. Judge Munley ordered a pre-sentence report to be completed. Sentencing is scheduled for June 28, 2017.

Stanley was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2016, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, Monroe County Detectives, and police in Bismarck, North Dakota. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for each prostitution offense is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty under federal law for the drug 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 Louis Elmy, age 53, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 23, 2017, by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to 72 months imprisonment on firearms and extortion charges.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Elmy pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and extortion in July 2016. Elmy is a former employee of the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, and a former President of the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board.

Between November 2013 and February 2016, Elmy, while acting in his official capacity as the work release counselor at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, extorted money and other items of value from work release inmates in exchange for affording them special privileges and unauthorized furloughs. In order to have documentation that appeared to be legitimate, Elmy created court orders and then physically cut and pasted a Luzerne County Judge’s signature from an older order onto the fraudulent order, and then photocopied the document in order to have a finished product for the file.

The drug trafficking crime involves the possession of and intent to distribute crack cocaine while in possession of a Hi-Point .380 caliber handgun.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Mannion also ordered that Elmy be supervised by a probation officer for two years following his release from prison.

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

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WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jolene Edwards, age 38, of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury with bank fraud, embezzlement by a bank employee, and interstate transportation of stolen property.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that while Edwards worked as a customer service representative and assistant branch manager at Jersey Shore State Bank (JSSB), Edwards embezzled and fraudulently converted $52,222 in funds from a customer’s certificate of deposit account. According to the indictment, instead of transferring the funds to a new certificate of deposit account at M&T Bank, Edwards used the funds to pay her credit card bills, repay personal loans, and to make purchases for family members. The scheme to embezzle and fraudulently convert the customer’s funds started in June 2012 and continued through March 2015.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel 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 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jonathan Haas, age 45, of Easton, Pennsylvania, the owner/operator of a former Utz Quality Foods, Inc. supplier, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Yvette Kane to 36 month’s imprisonment for his participation in a false invoice, kickback scheme that defrauded Utz Quality Foods, Inc. (Utz) out of approximately $1.4 million.

Judge Kane ordered Haas to pay $925,146 restitution to Utz and $500,000 restitution to Utz’s insurance carrier, Chubb Insurance, for a total of $1,425,146 in restitution. During the sentencing hearing, Haas submitted a check in the amount of $100,000 towards his restitution obligations.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Haas, the former owner of Haas Packaging and Design, Inc. in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Kevin Myers, age 38, formerly of Abbottstown, Pennsylvania, and the former Director of Purchasing for Utz, pleaded guilty in July 2016, to an information charging them with wire fraud.

Haas Packaging & Design supplied Utz with shelving and packaging products. The defendants defrauded Utz between January 2010 and August 2014, by Myers’ preparation of approximately 43 bogus purchase orders and ’ submission of approximately 83 false invoices for products Utz never received. After Myers approved ’ false invoices for payment, Haas would kick back a portion of the proceeds to Myers. According to a forensic audit commission by Utz, received approximately $1,425,765 from Utz and from that amount Haas paid Myers approximately $523,500.

Haas and Myers attempted to conceal some of the kickbacks Haas paid Myers as payments for fictional consulting services. The payments were made in the form of checks payable to “Myers Packaging Consulting,” a non-existent, paper company created by Myers.

Judge Kane sentenced Myers to 51 months’ imprisonment in November 2016. Judge Kane ordered Haas to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence on May 23, 2017.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Utz Quality Foods, Inc. cooperated with the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brenda Hilton, age 59, of Windsor, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on mail and wire fraud charges.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Hilton worked as a claims specialist responsible for managing and authorizing payments relating to workers’ compensation claims at an insurance company that provides commercial property-casualty insurance to companies throughout North America. The indictment alleges that in 2012, Hilton submitted three fraudulent claims of approximately $27,728 for processing. The fraudulent claims that Hilton submitted directed all payments be sent to Hilton’s home address. Two of the three checks were deposited into Hilton’s personal bank account.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Schinnour 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 for each count under federal law 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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HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Johnnie Spriggs, age 29, of Steelton, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to possess and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on November 12, 2015, a Rossie Arms, .357 caliber Magnum revolver handgun and over 100 grams of heroin were found in Spriggs’ Steelton residence. One hundred grams of heroin is the equivalent of approximately 4,000 individual doses of heroin.

The case was investigated by the Steelton Borough Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case.

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

This case 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.

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 up to 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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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Isidro Aguilar-Mendoza, age 43, 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, Aguilar-Mendoza was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in March 2004, December 2009, and May 2009. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after December 2009, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In 2009, he was convicted in the Southern District of Texas of illegal re-entry, an offense which subjects him to enhanced penalties in the current case.

This 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 Aguilar-Mendoza’s previous conviction, under federal law he faces a maximum penalty of 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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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Tackya Whyte, age 41, a Jamaican citizen residing in Richmond, Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury on conspiracy, mail fraud, and money laundering charges.

Whyte was arrested on February 6, 2017, in Richmond and ordered detained by United States Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab following a February 14, 2017, preliminary hearing in Harrisburg.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Whyte and unidentified fraudsters perpetrated a scheme to defraud senior citizens that were falsely told they had won a multi-million-dollar international sweepstakes prize. The indictment further alleges that the purported winners were directed to send Western Union and MoneyGram money transfers and money orders payable to Whyte, and others, to pre-pay taxes and other fictitious expenses in order to collect the non-existent cash prizes. The indictment also alleges that Whyte re-transferred the fraud proceeds to conspirators in Jamaica.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel is prosecuting the case.

The United States Attorney and United States Postal Inspectors remind all citizens that they should never make an advance payment of any kind on the promise of a sweepstakes prize, loan or grant.

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.

Mail fraud and money laundering are each punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering carry a five-year statutory maximum, 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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The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Timothy Madison, age 29, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Madison was in possession of heroin and two handguns, a 9mm Kel-Tec and .40 caliber EEA Witness, at his home on April 14, 2016.

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

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

This case 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 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 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 John Vercusky, age 39, a federal inmate, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani in Scranton, on March 21, 2017, to serve three months in prison for possessing contraband at the United States Penitentiary located in Schuylkill, Pennsylvania (“USP Schuylkill”).

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Vercusky was caught in possession of marijuana on October 25, 2015, while incarcerated at USP Schuylkill.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers from USP Schuylkill. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dexton Brunson, age 44, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Brunson with possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana and criminal conspiracy. The charges arise out of an incident that occurred on December 8, 2016, when Brunson’s home was searched by the Pennsylvania State Police and the United States Marshals Service that led to the discovery of cocaine and marijuana in his home.

The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Marshals Service and the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe 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 drug charge is a 20-year term of imprisonment. A term of supervised release following imprisonment must be imposed as well as a potential fine of $1 million dollars. 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 Joseph Andershonis, age 58, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 20, 2017, before United States Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick for failing to pay employment taxes.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Andershonis owned and operated Just Very Affordable, Inc., a Stroudsburg home renovation business, and failed to pay employment taxes from the first quarter of 2010 to the last quarter of 2012, resulting in a tax loss of more than $212,000.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob 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 is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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SCRANTON. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on March 16, 2017, United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Clyford Francois, age 38, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to 87 months’ imprisonment for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine, and for possessing two firearms in furtherance of his narcotics trafficking activities.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Francois was arrested with over 12 grams of cocaine and two loaded firearms, a Smith and Wesson 9mm and a Titan .25 caliber, during a routine traffic stop. Law enforcement officials also recovered $612. Francois admitted that he intended to sell the cocaine and that some of the money was from prior cocaine sales.

Francois was indicted by a grand jury on December 15, 2015, and pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on September 6, 2016. He has been in custody since his arrest.

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

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HARRISBURG-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Anthony Rowe, age 55, of Wilmington, Delaware, was convicted by a federal jury of distributing over 1,000 grams (one kilo) of heroin in Dauphin and Lycoming counties. The three-day trial was held before United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo in Harrisburg.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the jury returned with the guilty verdict after approximately thirty minutes of deliberation. The evidence showed that Rowe travelled from Philadelphia to Dauphin and Lycoming Counties between February and June 2016, and distributed over a kilo of heroin. One kilo of heroin is approximately equal to 40,000 retail bags of heroin.

Rowe was immediately detained following the verdict. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment.

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Dauphin County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Daryl F. Bloom and Chelsea Schinnour 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 this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $10,000,000 fine. The offense carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of ten 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 Stephon Davis, age 20, who resided in Maine at the time of his arrest, was sentenced Thursday to five years’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, for his role in a heroin trafficking conspiracy that stretched from Stroudsburg to New York to Maine.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Davis, who used the street name “Chicken,” previously admitted to conspiring with others to sell heroin between 2010 and 2015. Davis admitted distributing more than 100 grams of heroin during the conspiracy, which is approximately equivalent to more than 4,000 retail bags of heroin.

The indictment alleged that Davis and his co-defendants participated in a street gang known as the Black P-Stones, obtained heroin from suppliers in New York, and distributed the heroin in Stroudsburg and locations in Maine. According to the indictment, couriers were used to transport heroin to Maine, where Davis and others distributed it to customers.

Davis was indicted along with six other people by a federal grand jury in Scranton in September 2015, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, Maine State Police, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and local police in Monroe County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.

Judge Mannion ordered Davis to serve four years on supervised release following his prison sentence.

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.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Earl Lafayette Hall, III, age 35, of Arlington, Tennessee, and his wife, Renita Blunt, age 32, were convicted by a federal jury on conspiracy, mail fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft charges related to an unemployment compensation fraud scheme. The five-day trial was held before United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo in Harrisburg.

According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the jury returned with the guilty verdicts after approximately 2.5 hours of deliberation. Hall was convicted on 12 mail fraud counts, 10 money laundering counts, four aggravated identity theft counts, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Blunt was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft counts. The jury also directed Hall to forfeit the sum of $30,000 and Blunt to forfeit $1,026.

Hall and Blunt were accused of applying for Veteran’s unemployment compensation benefits under the Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Members Program, commonly known as “The UCX Program.” The UCX Program is a federally funded U.S. Department of Labor program administered by the States. The jury found that Hall assumed the identity of five individuals between 2013 and 2014 in order to receive benefits under the program. The jury also found that Blunt assumed the identity of one individual to receive benefits under the program.

"Earl Lafayette Hall III and Renita Blunt misused the identities of others to submit counterfeit forms and steal money intended for individuals who experience unemployment after serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who exploit the Unemployment Compensation for Ex-service Members Program,” stated Richard Deer, Special Agent in Charge, Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering & Fraud Investigations, U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Internal Audits Division, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation Benefits and Policy, and the Pennsylvania Department of the Treasury, Office of Unemployment Compensation Disbursements. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Douglas Daniel and Scott R. Ford 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 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 Tammie Sensenig, age 45, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty March 8, 2017, before United States Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson to a criminal information charging her with healthcare fraud.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Sensenig had previously been excluded from providing healthcare to Medicaid beneficiaries due to prior convictions related to Medicaid fraud. In order to obtain a position as a behavioral health consultant, Sensenig made false representations in order to hide her ineligible status. As a result, Medicaid paid approximately $84,500 for her services.

The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Medical Fraud Control Section and the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Schinnour 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 is 10 years, 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 Diego Rojas, age 42, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 7, 2017, before United States District Court Judge James M. Munley to making false claims against the government.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Rojas admitted to depositing more than 350 United States tax refund treasury checks, at least 250 which were identified as fraudulent, into the check cashing company he owned and operated, Dunmore Check Cashing. Additionally, Rojas admitted that the value of the checks was more than $1.6 million. In the plea agreement, Rojas agreed to make full restitution in the amount of $1,669,864 to the Internal Revenue Service.

The Department of Justice views the prosecution of Stolen Identity Refund Fraud, or “SIRF,” as vital. These schemes disrupt the orderly administration of the income tax system for hundreds of thousands of law abiding taxpayers nationwide and have cost the United States Treasury billions of dollars. SIRF crimes are often perpetrated by criminal enterprises with key individuals at all stages of the scheme: those who steal Social Security Numbers and other personal identifying information, those who file false returns with the Internal Revenue Service, those, including check cashers, who facilitate obtaining the refunds, and those who promote the schemes. These criminal enterprises exploit the highly automated systems for storing personal information, preparing and filing tax returns electronically, and generating income tax refunds quickly—often in the form of electronic payments. Everyone with a Social Security Number is potentially vulnerable to having his or her identity stolen. The IRS estimates that during the 2013 filing season alone, over 5 million tax returns were filed using stolen identities, claiming approximately $30 billion in refunds.

The charge that the defendant has pled guilty to in the present case is the result of ongoing investigations by the Scranton Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police, the Hazelton, Taylor, Dickson City, Dunmore and Olyphant Police Departments, and the Lackawanna and Luzerne County District Attorneys’ Offices. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob is prosecuting the case.

A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this charge is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine plus any restitution that the court orders. 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 Angela Lucke, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 8, 2017, before United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to unlawfully providing firearms to a convicted felon.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Lucke admitted to giving three guns to convicted heroin dealer, Ariel Varsanyi of New York. Lucke purchased the guns for Varsanyi because he was barred as a felon from buying guns himself.

Lucke previously pleaded guilty in Lackawanna County Court in July 2016, to a charge of falsely reporting the firearms as stolen from her residence, and was sentenced in October 2016, to two years’ probation.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dunmore Borough Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sean A. Camoni 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.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Andre Allen, age 25, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani on February 28, 2017, to 60 months’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Allen possessed four firearms in his apartment, two of which were stolen. Allen also possessed a variety of controlled substances including, heroin, cocaine and hydrocodone.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob 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.

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 three previously deported aliens were indicted separately by a federal grand jury on illegal re-entry charges.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Jose Alberto Juarez-Hernandez, age 32, of Guatemala, was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala in August 2010. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after August 2010, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Gregorio Perez-Canceco, age 31, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico on five occasions from November 2005 through July 2006. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after July 2006, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

Elvis Ivan Tzul-Lopez, age 36, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in March 2016 and October 2010. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after March 2016, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

The cases were investigated by the 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.

The maximum penalty under federal law for each defendant is two 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 Carol Sosik, age 55, of Shavertown, Pennsylvania, was charged in a one-count criminal information with misappropriation of postal funds from the U.S. Post Office in Dallas, Pennsylvania.

According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information charges Sosik with stealing approximately $4,600 from the Dallas Post Office between June 2014 and May 2016. Sosik was employed at the Dallas Post Office as a distribution window clerk, with responsibility for sales of postage stamps.

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

This case was investigated by the the Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brian LaChance, age 27, of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 3, 2017, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr, to using a facility of interstate commerce to attempt to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, LaChance admitted that in November 2015, he used the internet and a cell phone to attempt to entice and persuade a 15-year-old female to send him sexually explicit photographs of her.

The charge stems from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Army criminal investigators. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Sandy Lee Parks, age 61, of New Haven, Connecticut, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 156 months’ imprisonment for six bank robberies in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Parks previously pleaded guilty to all six counts in a criminal information charging the following bank robberies and armed bank robberies:

• Savings Institute Bank & Trust, Westerly, Rhode Island, on February 20, 2015;

• Coastway Credit Union, Warwick, Rhode Island, on June 16, 2015;

• Citizen’s Bank, Stonington, Connecticut, on June 24, 2015;

• People’s Security Bank, Duryea, Pennsylvania, on July 3, 2015;

• Wells Fargo Bank, Plymouth, Pennsylvania, on July 10, 2015; and

• First Niagra Bank, Trexlertown, Pennsylvania, on July 17, 2015.

Shortly after the First Niagra Bank robbery on July 17, 2015, officers from the Upper Macungie Police Department arrested Parks, who was driving the vehicle identified in surveillance footage as the getaway car. A search incident to arrest revealed a pellet gun and other evidence connecting him to the First Niagra robbery. Parks has been detained in federal custody since his arrest.

In addition to the 156-month term of imprisonment, Judge Mannion also ordered that Parks be placed on supervised release for a period of three years following the service of his sentence. Judge Mannion further ordered that Parks make restitution in the amount of $49,816, which represents the total amount of money stolen in the first five robberies. The amount of $8,140 stolen from First Niagra Bank was previously returned.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Duryea, Plymouth Township, Upper Macungie, Pittston, Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes-Barre Township, Plains Township, Jenkins Township, West Pittston, Edwardsville, Warwick, Rhode Island, Hanover, and Kingston Police Departments, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys John Gurganus and Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Shawn Isom, age 45, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment on February 27, 2017, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for trafficking in heroin.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Isom pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute between 80 and 100 grams of heroin (which is equivalent to approximately 3,000-4,000 retail bags of heroin) in Lackawanna County during September 2015. Isom committed the crime while on supervised release for a previous federal drug conspiracy.

Judge Mariani imposed a 50-month prison sentence for the heroin trafficking offense, and added a 20-month prison sentence for Isom’s supervised release violation. Isom was also ordered to serve six years on supervised release following his prison sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Scranton Police. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Ronald Drayton, age 48, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and Marcal Fraction, age 36, of Hudson, Pennsylvania, were sentenced on February 23, 2017, by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion. Judge Mannion sentenced Drayton to 57 months’ imprisonment and Fraction to 120 months’ imprisonment for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Drayton and Fraction were indicted along with seven co-conspirators in November 2014, and both pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy. All seven co-conspirators charged in the case have pleaded guilty.

The investigation revealed that Drayton distributed between 500 grams and two kilograms of cocaine and Fraction distributed between 100 and 200 grams of cocaine in Northeastern Pennsylvania between January 2013 and November 2014. The cocaine was shipped to Pennsylvania from Puerto Rico.

The case was investigated by the Scranton Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Edirso De Leon Frias, age 25, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, Nathaniel Murphy, age 41, and Roy Seabrook, age 43, both of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, were indicted on February 21, 2017, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.

The indictment was unsealed on February 24, 2017, following the arrests of defendants. The defendants were arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. and were ordered detained pending a detention hearing.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that De Leon Frias, Murphy, and Seabrook conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin. De Leon Frias was allegedly responsible for distributing over 100 grams of heroin (which is the equivalent of approximately 4,000 individual doses).

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Scott Capparell, age 46, of Drums, Pennsylvania, the former administrator of Heritage Mills Personal Care, Inc. (“HMPC”), was charged in a criminal information on February 23, 2017, with committing bank fraud.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Capparell worked from April 2013 through July 2016 as the administrator of HMPC, which provides personal care services to its residents. During that time period, it is alleged that Capparell diverted $394,517 worth of HMPC residents’ monthly rent checks to an account at PNC Bank under Capparell’s control, instead of to the HMPC account at Mid Penn Bank. Capparell allegedly withdrew all of the diverted funds for his use and the use of other unnamed individuals. To conceal the scheme, Capparell allegedly lied to HMPC owners and managers, and falsified HMPC’s books and records.

The government also filed a plea agreement which is subject to approval of the court. A date for Capparell’s initial appearance has not been set.

The investigation was conducted by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Alex Mgbolu, age 45, of Toronto, Canada, was sentenced February 23, 2017 to 60 months’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for conspiring to defraud hundreds of American citizens out of more than $2.1 million in an international mass marketing consumer fraud scheme. Chief Judge Conner also ordered Mgbolu to pay $1,372,602 in restitution.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Mgbolu, a former Western Union and MoneyGram agent, pleaded guilty in August 2016, to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.

Mgbolu conspired with Chima Nneji, William Nneji, and other unnamed individuals between July 2002 and May 2010, to commit the crimes. Mgbolu was extradited to the United States from Canada.

Mgbolui was the owner/operator of a Western Union agency called FA CAM Associates (FA CAM) and a MoneyGram agency also known as FA CAM. Both agencies were located in Toronto, Canada. Between July 2002 and May 2010, international mass marketing fraudsters allegedly instructed hundreds of consumer fraud victims across the United States to send Western Union and MoneyGram money transfers to Canada where the transfers were paid out by Mgbolu at FA CAM. Mgbolu concealed the fraudsters’ identity by entering false names and identification data into the Western Union and MoneyGram computer data bases. Analysts from the Toronto Police and U.S. Postal Inspection Service have determined that over 90% of the payee addresses and identification numbers entered at FA CAM were invalid. For his role in the scheme Mgbolu retained a portion of the money transfers before sending the balance of the proceeds on to the fraudsters.

As a Western Union agent, between July 2002 and April 2006, FA CAM paid out 213 money transfers totaling $453,119 that were reported by the senders as having been fraud induced. As a MoneyGram agent, FA CAM paid out 67 transfers totaling $149,723 between August 2006 and September 2007 that were reported by the senders as having been fraud induced.

After Western Union terminated FA CAM and MoneyGram restricted FA CAM’s ability to pay out money transfers, money transfer checks from other fraud-complicit MoneyGram Western Union agents in the greater Toronto area were deposited into FA CAM’s bank account. The deposit of fraudulently induced funds into what appears to be a legitimate business bank account and the subsequent reissuance of the proceeds via checks and wire transfers helps to launder the proceeds and conceal the identity of the fraudsters is known as “check pooling.”

Overall, between July 2002 and May 2010, FA CAM and the 13 complicit Western Union and MoneyGram agents paid out 907 money transfers totaling $2,127,410 that were reported by the senders as being fraud induced.

Codefendant Chima Nneji pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy charge before Judge Conner on July 21, 2016. Nneji was sentenced on December 7, 2016, to 45 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $381,729 in restitution.

The lower restitution amount is due in part to monies compensated to victims as part of the U.S. v. MoneyGram, deferred prosecution agreement in the Middle District of Pennsylvania which established a $100 million restitution fund in 2013 for MoneyGram customers that were victims of consumer fraud. A $586 million dollar restitution fund was also recently established for victims of consumer frauds who sent their monies through the Western Union money transfer system. Like the MoneyGram fund, the Western Union fund was established in January of this year as a result of a deferred prosecution agreement with the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the US Department of Justice.

Codefendant William Nneji remains a fugitive from justice.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the United States Postal Inspection Service, and assisted by the Toronto Police. Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel prosecuted the case.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Samuel Bozochovic, age 36, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury with stealing handguns from a gun store in Muncy, Pennsylvania, and possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute them.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Bozochovic allegedly broke into the R&J Welch gun store on February 8, 2017, and stole 11 handguns from the inventory. Five of the firearms were recovered during a search of Bozochovic’s apartment, but six are as yet unrecovered. Later the same day, Bozochovic was apprehended in the course of distributing heroin to another person and 48 heroin packets were recovered from him at that time.

Bozochovic was arrested on February 9, 2017, and brought before United States Magistrate Judge William I. Arbuckle, III where he was detained pending further proceedings.

“Stolen guns are quickly sold into the black market as a tool-of the-trade for criminals who frequently use them in violent acts. ATF will use our resources to protect the public by identifying and arresting thieves who divert guns into the hands of criminals, which then fuels violence in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or the stolen firearms is encouraged to call 1-800-ATF GUNS (1-800-283-4867).

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur 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.

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

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Marcello Whyte, age 33, of Middletown, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 22, 2017, by a federal grand jury on drug charges.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Whyte with possessing with the intent to distribute 250 grams of cocaine and traveling interstate for the purpose of drug trafficking. The charges arise out of an incident that occurred on March 16, 2016, when the defendant’s car was involved in a traffic stop conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police that led to the discovery of the cocaine in the defendant’s car.

The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office and the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Yamil Mediavilla-Diaz, age 30, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 22, 2017, by a federal grand jury on a firearms charge.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on August 19, 2016, in Harrisburg, Mediavilla-Diaz unlawfully possessed an AR-15 and ammunition as a previously convicted felon.

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

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jeffrey Scott Jones, age 36, of Orangeville, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking that resulted in death.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Jones sold a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to the victim on July 28, 2016, and the victim died as a result from the use of the drugs.

The case was investigated by the Scott Township Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur 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 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.

Jones faces a minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum penalty under federal law of life imprisonment, a term of three years’ supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1 million dollar 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 Francesco Leggio, age 26, of Plains, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 21, 2017, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Leggio possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana on March 28, 2016, in Plains, Pennsylvania. The indictment also alleges that Leggio possessed a Hi Point 9mm handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities and after being convicted of a felony. Leggio was further charged with witness tampering for attempting to influence the testimony of a witness.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Kingston Municipal, Wilkes Barre, Plains Township, and Forty Fort Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni 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 combined penalty under federal law for these offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jolene M. Edwards, age 38, of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, was charged on February 21, 2017, in a criminal information with interstate transportation of stolen property.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that while she worked as a customer service representative and assistant branch manager at Jersey Shore State Bank (JSSB), Edwards embezzled and fraudulently converted $52,222 in funds from a customer’s certificate of deposit account. According to the information, instead of transferring the funds to a new certificate of deposit account at M&T bank, Edwards used the funds to pay her credit card bills, repay personal loans, and to make purchases for family members. The scheme to embezzle and fraudulently convert the customer’s funds started in June 2012 and continued through March 2015.

The government also filed a plea agreement, which is subject to the approval of the court.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel is prosecuting the case.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Tracy Whiting, age 24, of Newport News, Virginia, was sentenced by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion to serve seven years in prison for the armed robbery of the Econo Lodge in Scranton on February 13, 2016.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Whiting previously pleaded guilty to the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Whiting was one of four individuals, including Kelvin Robinson, age 25, of Newport News, Virginia, Kwa’shon Roane, age 24, of Gloucester, Virginia, and Rodney Whiting, age 23, of Scranton, who were indicted by a grand jury in March 2016, for the armed robbery of the Econo Lodge.

Previously, in December 2016, Kelvin Robinson was sentenced by Judge Mannion to serve seven years in prison for charges related to the incident. Rodney Whiting and Kwa’shon Roane have also entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Scranton Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office and numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Taylor Borough and Moosic Borough Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara 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.

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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 Ronald J. Scheu, age 48, of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, to three years of probation, including an eight-month term of home confinement, for distributing explosives without a license. Judge Conaboy also fined Scheu $1,000.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Scheu pleaded guilty to distributing 119 M-class devices, 26 class 1.3 mortars, and one aerial shell, without the appropriate license or permit. Scheu admitted to maintaining a storage locker filled with hundreds of pounds of explosives, and to selling professional grade explosives. He also admitted to manufacturing flash powder and explosives at his residence.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and by the Carbon County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Derek Bowman, age 33, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 15, 2017, to 141 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge William J. Caldwell for the armed robbery of PNC bank in York, Pennsylvania, on January 9, 2016.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Bowman entered the PNC bank branch located on East Market Street, in York, with a sawed-off shotgun. He pointed the shotgun at a bank employee and demanded money from her drawer. He stole approximately $3,000 from the bank before fleeing the scene. Bowman was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police the next day and was found to be in possession of money and heroin. The shotgun was later recovered by Springettsbury Township Police.

This matter was investigated by the Springettsbury Township Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Schinnour prosecuted 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.

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SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Robert Benussi, III, age 26, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to participating in a conspiracy to distribute alpha-pvp, commonly known as “bath salts.”

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Benussi admitted to agreeing with others to distribute the drug to customers in the Luzerne County area during 2014 and 2015. The members of the conspiracy obtained the alpha-pvp from suppliers in China.

Benussi also admitted that he and others used force, threats, and intimidation in connection with the drug conspiracy.

Benussi was one of seven people charged by a grand jury in August 2016. That indictment was the fourth wave of arrests connected to alpha-pvp distribution in Luzerne County. In all, 18 people have been charged in the case since July 2013, including a Texas-based supplier of the bath salts. Benussi is the fourteenth defendant to plead guilty in the case.

Judge Munley ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed and scheduled sentencing in the case for May 19, 2017. Benussi is detained in prison pending sentencing.

“Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners will continue to use all resources at our disposal to detect and prevent the importation and distribution of dangerous chemicals and narcotics that continue to ravage our communities. The excellent investigative work in this case conducted by HSI Special Agents, our Task Force Officers from the Pennsylvania State Police, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspectors directly resulted in the today’s guilty plea,” said Marlon V. Miller, special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia, “These seizures and related arrests are another victory in ridding our communities of these poisons."

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspectors, the Drug Enforcement Administration, members of the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police from Luzerne County. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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 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 Michael J. Jackson, age 57, of Hershey, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 15, 2017, by a federal grand jury on wire fraud, bankruptcy fraud, false bankruptcy oaths and claims, and aggravated identity theft charges.

The indictment was unsealed today following Jackson’s initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab. Jackson was ordered detained pending his detention hearing scheduled for February 17, 2017.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Jackson perpetrated a scheme to defraud his creditors, the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and his wife between 2009 and 2017, by filing seven Chapter 13 and 11 bankruptcy petitions, five of which were filed under Jackson’s name and two of which were filed under his wife’s name without her knowledge, information or consent. The indictment also alleges the petitions contained false information regarding Jackson’s income, his assets, and his employment, and were merely filed in order to postpone a Sheriff’s Sale of his Hershey residence.

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

Wire Fraud is punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Bankruptcy Fraud and False Statements in Bankruptcy matters both carry a five-year statutory maximum.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

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

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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