Middle District of Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that owners of a cemetery business in Pennsylvania and Ohio were sentenced October 18, 2016 by United States District Court Judge John E. Jones, III in Harrisburg for tax evasion charges.

Judge Jones sentenced both Theodore Martin, age 51, and his wife, Arminda Martin, age 44, both of Ravenna, Ohio (formerly of York County, Pennsylvania), to one year and one day in federal prison.  Judge Jones also ordered the Martins to pay the Internal Revenue Service restitution in the amount of $304,837.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Theodore and Arminda Martin operated three cemeteries, including Suburban Memorial Gardens in Dover, Pennsylvania, and Grandview Memorial Park and Fairview Memorial Park in Ohio.  The Martins failed to report to the Internal Revenue Service $786,533 they received from the operations of the cemeteries located in Ohio during the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J. Terz.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Canaan was sentenced today, by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, to serve an additional 18 months in prison on the charge of assaulting a federal corrections officer.  

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Orlando Garcia-Mata, age 24, formerly of Texas, previously admitted to throwing a punch at a corrections officer at the United States Penitentiary at Canaan.  The incident occurred on March 22, 2016.  Garcia-Mata is presently serving a sentence of 46 months in prison on the charge of unlawfully being found in the United States after having been previously deported. The sentence Garcia-Mata received today will be served in addition to that sentence.

Garcia-Mata was indicted by a grand jury in Scranton in April 2016.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara    

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg indicted Joann Wingate on September 28, 2016, for wire fraud, submitting false documents, and aggravated identity theft as part of a scheme to defraud carried out between 2012 and 2014.  The Indictment was unsealed following the arrest of Wingate by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General. 

According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Wingate, a 58-year-old resident of Carlisle, used the identity of a licensed physician to administer physical examinations to holders of commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) after her chiropractor’s license was suspended in October 2014.  Wingate also fraudulently claimed to be a medical doctor in order to serve as a medical review officer for drug tests for CDL holders, when in fact she was never authorized to administer drug testing. 

The Indictment alleges that in 2013 and 2014 Wingate fraudulently advertised her medical services at rest stops and gas stations in the Carlisle area; entered into a business agreement with a Carlisle trucking firm to handle the firm’s driver drug and alcohol program requirements, collected urine samples and caused them to be returned to medical laboratories while representing herself to be a medical review officer, completed medical examinations and transmitted false documents to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) develops and publishes standards to test license commercial motor vehicle drivers.  Commercial driver’s licenses issued by states, including Pennsylvania, must meet standards established by DOT.  Commercial vehicle drivers must pass standard examinations prior to obtaining a license and at regular intervals and must possess a valid certificate completed by a licensed medical examiner.  CDL holders are also subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing by a qualified medical review officer.

The Indictment alleges that Wingate’s scheme defrauded CDL holders and the Carlisle-based trucking firm and caused false documents to be generated and submitted in connection with the DOT’s commercial motor vehicle safety program.

The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott Ford.     

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a criminal information was filed today charging a New York man who was staying in northeastern Pennsylvania at the time of his arrest, with attempted sex trafficking of a minor.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the defendant Adrian Smith, age 21, is accused in the information of participating in the attempted sex trafficking of three female minors in Scranton during August 2016.

The charge stems from an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from Scranton Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Smith faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.  

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

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

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 20-year-old Maine resident pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, to participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy that stretched from Stroudsburg to New York to the state of Maine.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the defendant, Stephon Davis, who used the street name “Chicken,” admitted to conspiring with others to sell heroin between 2010 and 2015. Davis admitted responsibility for distributing more than 100 grams of heroin during the conspiracy, which is approximately equivalent to more than 3,300 retail bags of heroin.

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.

The indictment alleges 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 the state of Maine. According to the indictment, couriers were used to transport heroin to Maine, where Davis and others distributed it to customers.

Davis faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Judge Mannion will schedule sentencing after completion of a pre-sentence investigation and report.

 Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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. 

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

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SCRANTON.  The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that United States District Judge Malachy Mannion sentenced Thomas Abreu, Jr., age 35, to 93 months in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute heroin, and for possessing three stolen firearms in the course of his narcotics trafficking activities.

According to United States Attorney Bruce Brandler, Abreu, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was found on July 26, 2015 in a Wilkes-Barre motel with heroin and three stolen firearms.  Some of the heroin was packaged for distribution, and law enforcement officials also recovered drug packaging paraphernalia, a firearm holster, and $8,449 in cash.  Abreu admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute between 60 and 80 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to 2,400 to 3,200 bags of heroin.

Abreu was indicted by a grand jury on January 9, 2016, and pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on June 21, 2016.  He has been in custody since July 26, 2015.

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

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

This case also was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic of 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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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gina Paglianite, age 48, of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment for selling cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin.   

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Paglianite had previously pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack) in Luzerne County between 2011 and July 9, 2013.  She also pleaded guilty to a separate count charging that she distributed heroin in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on November 21, 2014.   

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.

In addition to the 57-month imprisonment sentence, Judge Mariani also ordered Paglianite to serve a three-year term of supervised release following service of her prison sentence. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.       

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Shaun L. Graves, age 33, a resident of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 13 by Senior United States District Court Judge William W. Caldwell in Harrisburg, to 100 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Graves was arrested by Harrisburg police officers on October 16, 2014 and found to be in possession of a loaded Bersa .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol bearing an obliterated serial number in his boot. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited for possessing firearms.

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.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel.     

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Keith Hillard, age 49, a resident of Harrisburg, was sentenced on October 12, 2016 by United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo, to 33 months’ imprisonment for charges involving the unlawful distribution of prescription drugs.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Hillard pled guilty to unlawful distribution of 100 tablets of Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, on August 21, 2015. 

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Dauphin County Drug Task Force, and the Harrisburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe prosecuted the case.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Woodring, age 50, and Christina Woodring, age 34, a Centre Hall, Pennsylvania couple, pleaded guilty today before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to firearms and explosives charges.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, James Woodring was arrested on May 20, 2016, shortly after an explosion at the couple’s Centre Hall residence, and charged by criminal complaint with similar offenses premised on the same conduct.  Both Woodrings were indicted on May 24, 2016 by a federal grand jury in Scranton, with conspiring to manufacture and deal explosives from May 1 through 18, 2016, and associated offenses.

The Woodrings conspired to purchase and transport commercial grade fireworks, to increase the fireworks’ power and volatility, and to sell them, all without a license to do so.   James Woodring also was charged with possessing a stolen semi-automatic pistol, a shotgun, a semiautomatic, large-capacity rifle and a rifle.  As a previously convicted felon, Woodring is prohibited from possessing the firearms.

James Woodring, pleaded guilty to one count of manufacturing explosives, and to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms.  In his plea agreement, James agreed that his offense involved 250 to 500 pounds of explosives and to forfeit the firearms seized from the residence.

Christina Woodring, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to manufacture and deal in explosives. 

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Enforcement, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Centre Hall Police Department, and the Springettsbury Township Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.

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

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

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WILKES-BARRE - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that as part of “National Community Policing Week” a “neighborhood walk” in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, took place today.  One of the top priorities of the Department of Justice is strengthening relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities we serve and protect.  Community policing – public safety efforts built on resilient bonds of mutual trust and respect between law enforcement officers and neighborhood residents – is an essential component of law enforcement work. One way to build trust and legitimacy is for law enforcement officers to engage and collaborate with local residents and community organizations to identify areas of concern and coordinate solutions to community problems. 

Participants in today’s “neighborhood walk” in Wilkes-Barre were representatives from various federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, along with members of the NAACP. Included were representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, the Wilkes-Barre Mayor’s Office, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, and the United States Marshals Service.

“Events such as today’s neighborhood walk demonstrate that all levels of law enforcement and community members can come together to address crime in our neighborhoods,” said Gary Tuggle, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Philadelphia Field Division.  “Strengthening bonds with the community is an important part of the DEA’s mission to raise awareness about the current prescription opioid and heroin epidemic that is ravishing our communities.”

“United with the community we serve, through trust and confidence, we can work as one to root out those who oppose peaceful and safe neighborhoods. The community should know that ATF’s highest priority is reducing and preventing gun violence on our streets. Together, with open dialogue and citizen contributions, we can have stronger bonds with a shared purpose of fighting violent crime and to make certain that where we live and work is a safe place.” Said ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi.

“To keep our communities safe, we need everyone on board,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster. “The FBI is committed to our productive partnerships with law enforcement at every level, and to promoting strong relationships with the citizens we all serve. Events like this support our common cause.”  

On November 2015, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with federal, state and local partners announced a renewed strategy for reducing and preventing violent crime and drug activity in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, focusing on the Harrisburg, York, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport areas.  The program, known as “Violent Crime Reduction Partnership,” identifies communities which are most in need of anti-violence and anti-drug solutions and targets high-priority offenders in those communities for aggressive prosecution.  Today’s event in Wilkes-Barre is meant to demonstrate to the community our awareness of the problems they face, to demonstrate that law enforcement is working together to fight crime in these areas, and most important, to solicit and encourage input from local residents and community organizations for solutions to these problems.

As part of the promoting the dialogue between law enforcement and the community, each federal, state and local law enforcement agency has a “tipline” where local residents can report suspicious activity to the police:

U.S. Marshal Service - tips for fugitives call 1-800-336-0102 or usms.wanted@usdoj.gov

FBI – call 215-418-4000 or https://tips.fbi.gov/

ATF - call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (283-8477) or anonymous tips can be reported to ATF via the Reportit® App (download at Google Play or the Apple App Store)

DEA - “Submit A Tip” at https://www.dea.gov/ops/submit.php

Pennsylvania State Police - PA Crime Stoppers - 1-800-4PA-TIPS; Drug Trafficking Tip Line - 1-877-PA-NODRUGS; Terrorism/Fugitive Tip Line - 1-888-292-1919 

Wilkes-Barre Police Department - http://wbcrimeline.com

In addition, prosecutors and police officers are available to meet with the public in schools, township meetings and other appropriate venues to discuss topics of mutual concern.  For example, on September 19, 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs held a well-attended symposium on heroin and prescription drug abuse at Central Penn College in Summerdale, Pennsylvania.  Events such as this serve not only to educate the public on public health and safety matters but also to promote a strong relationship between law enforcement and the community.

On October 6, 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with our federal, state and local partners, held a similar “neighborhood walk” in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Our offices are committed to continuing the process of building strong bonds of trust and respect between law enforcement and the public they serve.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Robert Meader, age 31, of Liverpool, New York, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani in Scranton on October 7, 2016 to 51 months’ imprisonment for robbing two banks.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on May 16, 2016, Meader pleaded guilty to the crimes before Judge Mariani. During the guilty plea hearing, Meader admitted to committing the following two bank robberies:

• the robbery of $14,147 from the NBT Bank, Great Bend, Pennsylvania, on October 13, 2015; and

• the robbery of $5,721 NBT Bank, Albany, New York, on January 6, 2016.

Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police arrested Meader without incident in Liverpool, New York, on January 12, 2016.   Since his arrest, he has been held at the Lackawanna County Jail in Scranton, Pennsylvania.  In addition to the 51 months’ imprisonment sentence, Judge Mariani ordered Meader to make full restitution to the banks in the amount of $19,988, and to serve a three year term of supervised release following his imprisonment.   

The case was jointly investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, New York.   Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case. 

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Senior United States District Judge James M. Munley sentenced Crystal Serfass, age 32, of Junedale, Carbon County, Pennsylvania on October 7, 2016, to 90 months’ imprisonment for her role as getaway driver in the armed robberies of four banks and the armed robbery of a store.  

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on May 4, 2016, Serfass pleaded guilty to the offenses in Federal Court in Scranton.  During the guilty plea hearing, Serfass admitted to all charges contained in a five-count Criminal Information which alleges that she helped plan and acted as the getaway driver for David Weaver, age 42, in committing the following armed robberies:

• Jim Thorpe National Bank, Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania, on September 17, 2013;

   

• National Penn Bank, Drums, Pennsylvania, on August 8, 2014;

   

• Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania, on November 18, 2014;

   

• ESSA Bank and Trust, Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, on December 26, 2014;

   

• Dollar General, Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, on November 16, 2014.

   

During each of the robberies, codefendant Weaver brandished a firearm to intimidate the employees.  Judge Munley sentenced Weaver to 121 months’ imprisonment on October 5, 2016.   

Judge Munley ordered that Crystal Serfass and Weaver make full restitution of $22,046 which represented the amount of money taken during the robberies. 

The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher G. Lee, age 67, a resident of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann in Williamsport to 216 months’ (18 years) imprisonment for production, receipt and possession of child pornography as well as obstruction of justice. 

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Lee was convicted by a jury in March 2016 for producing and receiving child pornography after approximately two hours of deliberation.  The jury of six men and six women also convicted Lee of possessing images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent children under the age of 12 years old.   Finally, after hearing Lee attempt to have his cousin assist him in having his cellular telephone that was in the custody of the FBI “wiped remotely” in multiple recorded phone calls, the jury convicted Lee of obstruction of justice. Lee is a former Harris Township Supervisor and the ex-director of the Boal Mansion Museum in Boalsburg, PA.  

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the State College Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith A. Taylor and Francis P. Sempa.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that as part of “National Community Policing Week” a “neighborhood walk” in the Midtown area of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, took place last night.  One of the top priorities of the Department of Justice is strengthening relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities we serve and protect.  Community policing – public safety efforts built on resilient bonds of mutual trust and respect between law enforcement officers and neighborhood residents – is an essential component of law enforcement work. One way to build trust and legitimacy is for law enforcement officers to engage and collaborate with local residents and community organizations to identify areas of concern and coordinate solutions to community problems. 

Participants in the “neighborhood walk” in Midtown Harrisburg were representatives from various federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, along with members of the “Friends of Midtown Community Organization.”  Included were representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office, the Harrisburg Mayor’s Office, the Harrisburg Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, and the United States Marshals Service.

“As the newly appointed United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, one of my key priorities is supporting and promoting strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities we serve and protect.  The “neighborhood walk” in midtown Harrisburg is a demonstration of my commitment to that goal.”

“Events such as last night’s neighborhood walk demonstrate that all levels of law enforcement and community members can come together to address crime in our neighborhoods,” said Gary Tuggle, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Philadelphia Field Division.  “Strengthening bonds with the community is an important part of the DEA’s mission to raise awareness about the current prescription opioid and heroin epidemic that is ravishing our communities.”

“United with the community we serve, through trust and confidence, we can work as one to root out those who oppose peaceful and safe neighborhoods. The community should know that ATF’s highest priority is reducing and preventing gun violence on our streets. Together, with open dialogue and citizen contributions, we can have stronger bonds with a shared purpose of fighting violent crime and to make certain that where we live and work is a safe place.” Said ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi.

“To keep our communities safe, we need everyone on board,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster. “The FBI is committed to our productive partnerships with law enforcement at every level, and to promoting strong relationships with the citizens we all serve. Events like this support our common cause.”  

On November 2015, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with federal, state and local partners announced a renewed strategy for reducing and preventing violent crime and drug activity in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, focusing on the Harrisburg, York, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport areas.  The program, known as “Violent Crime Reduction Partnership,” identifies communities which are most in need of anti-violence and anti-drug solutions and targets high-priority offenders in those communities for aggressive prosecution.  The event last night in midtown Harrisburg was meant to demonstrate to the community our awareness of the problems they face, to demonstrate that law enforcement is working together to fight crime in these areas, and most important, to solicit and encourage input from local residents and community organizations for solutions to these problems.

As part of the promoting the dialogue between law enforcement and the community, each federal, state and local law enforcement agency has a “tipline” where local residents can report suspicious activity to the police:

U.S. Marshal Service - tips for fugitives call 1-800-336-0102 or usms.wanted@usdoj.gov

FBI – call 215-418-4000 or https://tips.fbi.gov/

ATF - call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (283-8477) or anonymous tips can be reported to ATF via the Reportit® App (download at Google Play or the Apple App Store)

DEA - “Submit A Tip” at https://www.dea.gov/ops/submit.php

Pennsylvania State Police - PA Crime Stoppers - 1-800-4PA-TIPS; Drug Trafficking Tip Line - 1-877-PA-NODRUGS; Terrorism/Fugitive Tip Line - 1-888-292-1919 

Harrisburg Police Bureau - https://dauphin.crimewatchpa.com/hbgpd/3271/submit-tip

In addition, prosecutors and police officers are available to meet with the public in schools, township meetings and other appropriate venues to discuss topics of mutual concern.  For example, on September 19, 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs held a well-attended symposium on heroin and prescription drug abuse at Central Penn College in Summerdale, Pennsylvania.  Events such as this serve not only to educate the public on public health and safety matters but also to promote a strong relationship between law enforcement and the community.

On October 7, 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with our federal, state and local partners, will hold a similar “neighborhood walk” in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Our offices are committed to continuing the process of building strong bonds of trust and respect between law enforcement and the public they serve.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Virginia man pleaded guilty on October 4, 2016 in United States District Court in Scranton, before United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to a firearms charge filed in connection with the armed robbery of the Econo Lodge in Scranton on February 13, 2016.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Kelvin Robinson, age 24, of Newport News, Virginia, admitted to the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.   Robinson was one of four individuals, including Tracy Whiting, age 24, 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.

The charges against the remaining defendants are currently still pending.

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 and numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Taylor Borough and Moosic Borough Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara

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.

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.

Kelvin Robinson faces a mandatory penalty of at least seven years in prison for the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

The maximum penalty under federal law is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment and a fine.   According to 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 Janice M. Matrician, age 50, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania has been charged with acquiring narcotics by fraud or misrepresentation in connection to an incident at the Veterans Administration Hospital located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on May 22, 2015.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Matrician, a Nurse employed by the Veterans Administration Hospital, is charged with obtaining narcotics by fraud or misrepresentation.  Matrician is alleged to have stolen narcotics by representing in the hospital’s computerized automated distribution system that she had disposed of them, when in fact she was keeping the drugs for her own personal use.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 22-year-old Maine resident pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, to participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy that stretched from Stroudsburg to New York to the state of Maine.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the defendant, Ricquell Lindo, who used the street name “Snaxx,” admitted to conspiring with others to sell heroin between 2010 and 2015. Lindo admitted responsibility for distributing between 100 grams and 700 grams of heroin during the conspiracy, which is approximately equivalent to between 3,300 and 21,000 retail bags of heroin.

Lindo was indicted along with six other people by a federal grand jury in Scranton in September 2015, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, Maine State Police, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and local police in Monroe County.

The indictment alleges that Lindo 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 the state of Maine. According to the indictment, couriers were used to transport heroin to Maine, where Lindo and others distributed it to customers.

Lindo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Judge Mannion will schedule sentencing after completion of a pre-sentence investigation and report.

 Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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. 

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Senior United States District Judge James M. Munley sentenced David Weaver, age 42, of Junedale, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, to 121 months’ imprisonment for the armed robberies of four banks and the armed robbery of a store.  

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on May 4, 2016, Weaver pleaded guilty to the following armed robberies:

• Jim Thorpe National Bank, Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania, on September 17, 2013;
• National Penn Bank, Drums, Pennsylvania, on August 8, 2014;
• Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania, on November 18, 2014;
• ESSA Bank and Trust, Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, on December 26, 2014;
• Dollar General, Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, on November 16, 2014.

   

During each of the robberies, Weaver brandished a firearm to intimidate the employees.  A codefendant, Crystal Serfass, pleaded guilty to helping plan the robberies and acting as a driver for each of the crimes. She is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7, 2016.   

Judge Munley ordered that Weaver make full restitution of $22,046 which represented the amount of money taken during the robberies. 

The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Hazleton man pleaded guilty on October 4, 2016 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick in Scranton, to conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute Tramadol, Ambien, Xanex, and other Schedule IV drugs.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the defendant, Azim Hosein, age 45, admitted to regularly receiving parcels of Schedule IV pills at his residence in Hazleton, and providing them to a co-conspirator who distributed them to customers. The illegal conduct occurred between November 2014 and January 29, 2016. The drugs were obtained from suppliers in India.

Hosein was charged in a criminal information filed by the United States Attorney’s Office in August 2016. The charge stemmed from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Postal Inspectors, and Hazleton Police.

Judge Mehalchick ordered a presentence investigation to be completed. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy will schedule sentencing after the pre-sentence investigation is completed. Hosein faces a potential maximum sentence of five years in prison.

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Antoine Paris Davis, age 39, a resident of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was convicted on Friday of conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.  The jury also found Davis was responsible for the distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin.  The four-day trial was held before U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann in Williamsport.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, from June 2014 through January 2015, Davis conspired with co-defendant, Rasheem Jarbar Ruley, age 24, a resident of Williamsport, to distribute heroin and cocaine to drug users and sellers in Williamsport and distributed and possessed those substances with the intent to distribute on four separate occasions.  Ruley and Davis stored heroin and cocaine at their residence on Tinsman Avenue in Williamsport, including a large bag containing over 100 grams of heroin (136 small bags of heroin packaged for sale), 16 bags of cocaine, and digital scales. Pennsylvania State Police investigators also found approximately $1,300 in cash drug proceeds, digital scales used to weigh drugs, plastic bags, wax packets, and rubber bands used to package heroin and cocaine for distribution. 

Davis is in custody.  Ruley entered a guilty plea on September 8, 2016 before Judge Brann for conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.  Ruley also pled guilty to distributing cocaine to an undercover Pennsylvania State Police trooper on June 3, June 10, and June 16, 2015.  Ruley is currently awaiting sentencing.

This matter was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Williamsport Bureau of Police, the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office, the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney George Rocktashel.

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.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Bruce D. Brandler, former Chief of the Criminal Division, has been appointed United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania effective October 2, 2016.  Mr. Brandler was appointed by order of Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, upon the resignation and retirement of former United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, which became effective on October 1, 2016.  Mr. Brandler’s appointment is for one hundred twenty days or until a Presidential appointment is made, whichever occurs first.

Mr. Brandler began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, where he served from 1981 until 1985.  Upon leaving the District Attorney’s Office, he became the Deputy Chief and then the Chief Investigative Counsel of the New York State Senate Committee on Investigations, Taxation and Government Operations from 1985 to 1986.

Mr. Brandler was appointed an Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in 1986 and was promoted to the position of Senior Litigation Counsel in 1992.  In 2014, he became the Chief of the Criminal Division and has served in that capacity until his appointment as United States Attorney.

Some of the notable cases Mr. Brandler prosecuted as an Assistant United States Attorney and Senior Litigation Counsel included a tax evasion case against former Luzerne County Judge Arthur Dalessandro; a perjury case against former State Representative Frank Serafini; a bribery/extortion case against former Lackawanna County Commissioners Robert Cordaro and Anthony Munchak; an illegal campaign contribution and fraud case against Renato Mariani, the former President of Empire Sanitary Landfill, Inc.; a disadvantaged business enterprise fraud case against Joseph Nagle, the former President of Schuylkill Products, Inc.; an accounting fraud case against Paul Polishan, the former Chief Financial Officer for the Leslie Fay Companies, Inc.; and an environmental crimes case against Chemical Waste Management, Inc. for illegal dumping activities at a Superfund site in Lackawanna County.

Mr. Brandler graduated from Stony Brook University in 1978 and received a B.A. in Political Science with honors, and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.  He received his law degree in 1981 from the Boston University School of Law.  He resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Hazleton man pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani in Scranton, to trafficking in large quantities of heroin in January 2016.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the defendant, Ryan Hunsinger, age 27, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute in excess of 100 grams of heroin. Hunsinger admitted to traveling to Philadelphia where he obtained more than 700 grams of heroin. Agents and police seized more than 19,000 bags of heroin from Hunsinger’s vehicle on January 18, 2016, near Hazleton.

Hunsinger was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in February 2016, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Hazleton Police.

Judge Mariani ordered a presentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled after the pre-sentence investigation is completed. Hunsinger is detained in prison pending sentencing. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that United States District Court Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner in Harrisburg sentenced Felix Rodriguez-Pabon, age 25, Berks County, PA, to 87 months and Yefries Guillan-Herrera, age 24, Berks County, to 57 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine hydrochloride.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, eleven defendants were originally indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg in July 2015 and a Superseding Information was filed in June 2016. 

The charges stem from an investigation in which the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Lebanon County intercepted packages sent from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to the United States between June and October 2014.  The packages contained kilogram quantities of heroin and cocaine hydrochloride concealed inside xbox consoles and projectors. 

On September 28, 2016, Chief Judge Conner also sentenced Wilson Herrera, age 22, Berks County, to 10 years in federal prison and Wilfreddy Perez, age 24, Lebanon, to 35 months in federal prison and on August 24, 2016, Glauco Kelvin Celedonio-Smith, age 20, of Lebanon, was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The remaining co-defendants are awaiting sentencing. 

"This investigation is an excellent example of how federal, state and local law enforcement were able to successfully dismantle a major narcotics smuggling organization," said Brian Michael, acting special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. "HSI will continue to utilize its broad authorities to aggressively target and dismantle groups that are dispensing poison within our communities."

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.

The investigation was conducted by HSI, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Berks County District Attorney’s Office Detective Unit and the U.S. Customs & Border Protection.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Halifax man pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge William W. Caldwell, to a two count felony information, charging him with receipt of images depicting the sexual exploitation of children.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, David Allen Hoffman, age 68, received images depicting the sexual abuse of children from an international company.  After obtaining a warrant, federal law enforcement officers searched the defendant’s home in August 2016 and located hundreds of images and movies containing child pornography Hoffman received in 2011. 

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Bloom. 

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

Indictments 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 Counts 1 and 2 is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine.   Counts 1 and 2 both carry a mandatory term of imprisonment of 5 years’ imprisonment.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dominick Pugliese, age 55, Shippensburg, PA, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Yvette Kane in Harrisburg to 235 months (19.5 years) in federal prison on heroin trafficking and firearms charges.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Pugliese was charged in August 2015 and pled guilty in May 2016 to conspiring with others to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin since August 2014 and possession of a firearm, specifically, a 22 caliber rifle, in relation to a drug trafficking crime.  Pugliese admitted to distributing at least one kilogram of heroin that would have resulted in the sale of close to 34,000 individual packets of heroin on the street.

Pugliese’s co-defendants Ryan Naugle, Dominick Burton and Jason Corman are awaiting sentencing.  Pugliese’s wife, Delorie Pugliese, is awaiting trial.  

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.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Franklin County Drug Task Force, the Cumberland County Drug Task Force, and the Cumberland County Probation Office. Prosecution of the case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Grand Jury in Harrisburg indicted a Dauphin County man charging him with armed bank robbery, possession of a loaded firearm during a crime of violence and being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. 

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, on August 31, 2016, Donell Williams, age 39, allegedly robbed the AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union, Enola, Pennsylvania.  Approximately $1,500 was taken.  Williams was later taken into custody.  Williams is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.

This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a districtwide 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.

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

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 Count 1 is 25 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine.  The maximum penalty under federal law, for Count 2 is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine.  Count 2 carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of seven years. The maximum penalty under federal law, for Count 3 is 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Kauffman, Jr., age 36, Maugansville, Maryland pleaded guilty today before United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo in Harrisburg to stealing $22,062 from a union local at the Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Kauffman was charged with mail fraud on September 7, 2016.  The Information, which was filed pursuant to a plea agreement with the government, alleged that Kauffman stole $22,062 between September 2013 and July 2014 from the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) Local Lodge 1442.   

Local 1442 is a small union, with approximately 47 members who work at the Letterkenny Army Depot.  Kauffman was President of Local 1442 from September 2013 and January 2015. Kauffman embezzled the $22,062 by writing 24 checks drawn against a union bank account that were payable to himself and by disguising the checks as payments for legitimate Local 1442 expenses. The fraud was discovered in January 2015 following an audit of the union’s finances.

The mail fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and $250,000 fine. No date has yet been set for sentencing pending preparation of a pre-sentence report

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s, Office of Labor Management in Philadelphia and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel.

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sunalen Arzuaga, age 35, formerly of Harrisburg, currently residing in Brunswich, Ga., was sentenced today to one year in federal prison by United States Middle District Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner in Harrisburg for a tax fraud scheme.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Arzuaga pleaded guilty in November 2015 for her role in submitting false and fraudulent tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service.

Between the years 2008 and 2011, Arzuaga made numerous false representations in the preparation of income tax returns for herself and for others in order to maximize refund amounts.  The fraudulent preparation included misrepresenting Schedule C income, listing fictitious dependents and manipulating filing status.  As a result, the United States Treasury issued $150,000 in refunds to unentitled. 

Chief Judge Conner also ordered Arzuaga to pay $112,640 in restitution for her share of the tax fraud scheme.

The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Schinnour. 

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on September 21, a federal grand jury charged a Harrisburg man with failure to register as a sex offender. 

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Kirk Daniel White, age 31, formerly of Lycoming County and more recently of Havre de Grace, Maryland, was charged in a one-count Indictment with failing to update his registration as a convicted sex offender as required by law. 

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the United States Marshals Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on September 21, a federal grand jury in Harrisburg charged Jose Miguel Francisco with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien.  Francisco, age 30, was previously deported from the United States in 2011.

This matter was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  Prosecution has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy.

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

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on September 21, a federal grand jury in Harrisburg has returned an indictment charging Rashaad Schell, age 26, Abington, PA, with unemployment compensation fraud. 

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Schell was working for the United States Postal Service while also obtaining unemployment compensation from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry in Harrisburg.   The amount of the loss to the unemployment compensation program is $18,000.

This matter was investigated by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.  Prosecution has been assigned to Chelsea Schinnour.

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

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a York City man was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane in Harrisburg, for selling drugs and possessing weapons in October 2013.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Brandon Dawson, age 31, or York, previously was indicted for drug trafficking and weapons offenses arising from an October 23, 2013, search warrant executed by the York City Police Department at Dawson’s Cottage Place apartment. During the search of the apartment, police recovered heroin, marijuana packaged for sale, drug distribution materials, and a stolen Colt .45 semiautomatic pistol. Dawson entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking and possession of a stolen firearm. Dawson was sentenced by Judge Kane to 92 months in prison for his involvement in this offense.

At the time of the crime, Dawson was being supervised by the United States Probation Office for a previous drug trafficking crime. Because he committed this offense while on supervision, Judge Kane imposed additional punishment on Dawson.  She sentenced him to an 24 months in jail, which must be served consecutively to his 92-month sentence. 

This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a districtwide 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.

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.

The case was investigated by the York City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Consiglio prosecuted this case.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Paul Biko, age 66, was sentenced yesterday to 18 months in federal prison for tax fraud by Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner in Harrisburg.  

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, in 2008, Biko was the owner of three Harrisburg businesses: Clearview of Harrisburg, Clearview Landscaping and Clearview Builders.  As owner, Biko controlled the financial affairs of the three companies including all business bank accounts.  For the fourth quarter of 2008, Biko’s companies withheld employment taxes from employees but failed to pay to the IRS the federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes due to the United States. The Court ordered Biko to pay restitution in the amount of $437,336.

 The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.  Prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph J. Terz.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Leo Glodzik, age 45, of Wilkes-Barre, was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo, on charges of mail fraud, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and subscribing to a false federal income tax return.  Glodzik was also ordered to pay approximately $299,000 in back federal taxes and penalties and directed to report to the Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence on October 24, 2016.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charges, filed in March 2016, in part arose as a result of the towing contract Glodzik’s firm, LAG Transport, Inc. (LAG), had with the City of Wilkes-Barre for the exclusive rights to tow all vehicles as requested by the City, and/or the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the city’s agents. The contract began in January 2005 and was ended in June 2013, after the disclosure of complaints from residents related to LAG’s towing practices, all of which led to the federal investigation.

U.S. Attorney Smith stated that, “Glodzik’s corrupt dealings with the City of Wilkes-Barre, the credit union and elements of the City’s Police Department constituted a sad and sleazy chapter in the city’s history.  The honest and hard-working residents, police officers and business people of the community deserve better and the City’s government must ensure that it does not happen again.”

The investigation established that LAG towed vehicles supposedly as the result of accidents, police incidents or vehicle abandonment and took the vehicles to locations owned and controlled by Glodzik.

Glodzik devised a scheme to defraud lawful owners of the vehicles by charging them excessive towing and storage fees for LAG’s services or intentionally hindering the owners’ access to their vehicles creating additional fees.  As a result, in some cases, owners signed over the title to vehicles to LAG or Glodzik to discharge the fees.

Glodzik then gained ownership of the vehicles by misusing the abandonment procedures of the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicle (PennDot) to transfer ownership from registered owners to LAG.  Forms were submitted to PennDot, using the U.S. Postal Service.

The forms submitted to PennDot stated that vehicles had a value of less than $500, when, in fact, the values were greater.  This resulted in Glodzik being able to avoid the requirement that called for legal advertisement of abandoned vehicles and payments to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of money received for vehicles sold at auctions for amounts that were above and beyond Glodzik’s own business costs.

As a result of the scheme, Glodzik enriched himself by unlawfully taking ownership of vehicles to which he was not entitled and using intentional misrepresentations to reduce his own expenses and costs.

The fraud scheme is set out in a mail fraud charge in the Criminal Information relating to a vehicle for which a notice of declaration of abandonment was mailed to PennDot in April 2011.

Additionally, Glodzik was charged in the Criminal Information with Federal Income Tax Fraud, specifically, the filing of a federal tax return for 2008, in which he claimed zero taxable income, when, in fact, his actual taxable income for that year was $408,618.  Glodzik pleaded guilty on

The Criminal Information also charged Glodzik with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.  The charge was part of an earlier Indictment of Glodzik by a federal grand jury in Scranton in April 2015.  The discovery of the firearms was pursuant to searches of Glodzik’s business and residence.  Glodzik pleaded guilty earlier this year pursuant to a plea agreement with the government.

Investigations were conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police as part of continuing inquiries into local government practices and contracting in Luzerne County.  Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and John Gurganus. 

Glodzik was previously convicted on state charges in a Pennsylvania State Police investigation.  Glodzik was charged in an April 2015 federal indictment with bank fraud in connection with the Wilkes-Barre City Employees Federal Credit Union. A former Wilkes-Barre City police officer and a former credit union employee were charged and pleaded guilty in that investigation.  The government agreed to dismiss the bank fraud charge against Glodzik as part of the plea agreement in this case.

Overall, the investigation led to the conviction of four individuals, new management of the credit union and increased oversight of its operations. 

# # #

HARRISBURG-United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, 75, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, has submitted his resignation and announced his retirement, effective October 1, 2016.

Mr. Smith is retiring after serving for more than six years as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, which consists of 33 counties in central Pennsylvania and has offices in Harrisburg, Scranton and Williamsport.  Mr. Smith was appointed United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by President Barack Obama in June 2010.  

Born in Wilkes-Barre and a graduate of King’s College and Georgetown University Law School. Mr. Smith previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania from 1976 to 1987, as Pennsylvania’s first Inspector General from 1987-1991 under Governor Robert P. Casey, Sr., and in the Pennsylvania Auditor General’s Office and Treasury Department under Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. from 1997 to 2009.  Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Navy between 1962-1966 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant (J.G.).

As United States Attorney, Mr. Smith has directed major federal criminal and civil litigation: He oversaw  the successful completion of significant public corruption cases, including two Luzerne County judges convicted in the “Kids for Cash” investigation, two Lackawanna County commissioners convicted in a “pay to play” scheme, a State Senator convicted for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and tax evasion, the Marketing Director of the State Liquor Control Board, convicted for taking bribes from vendors doing business with the LCB, and the continuing pay-to-play investigation related to Pennsylvania’s Treasury Department. 

During Mr. Smith’s term, the office’s Criminal Division designed and implemented programs in furtherance of the Department of Justice “Smart on Crime” initiative.  For example, the office has emphasized the prosecution of violent crime, gun crimes, and drug crimes by recidivists in high-crime areas within the district.  Last year, 21 members of the violent “Southside” street gang based in York, Pennsylvania were convicted in a landmark RICO prosecution which culminated in a 7-week jury trial involving 12 gang members.  Another “Smart on Crime” initiative initiated by the office under Mr. Smith is focused on the heroin and opioid abuse epidemic plaguing the nation and the district.  The office has adopted a zero tolerance policy for prosecuting these cases but has also conducted various community outreach programs, including a Heroin and Opioid Abuse Symposium scheduled for today at the Central Penn College in Enola, Pennsylvania.  These initiatives have been undertaken in close coordination with federal, state and local agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, local police departments and District Attorneys.

In the area of white-collar crimes, the office continued its nationally recognized work as a leader in prosecuting cross-border advance fee/mass marketing fraud cases in coordination with the United States Postal Inspection Service.  This decade-long project has been highlighted by the prosecution of approximately 40 Western Union and MoneyGram agents and the creation of a $100 million fund as part of a settlement agreement between the United States Department of Justice and MoneyGram.  The fund is being used to reimburse hundreds of victims of fraud schemes in the District and throughout the country. 

Smith’s term also saw the office’s successful prosecution of owners and operators of Schuylkill Products, who were convicted in the largest disadvantaged business enterprise fraud in the history of the U.S. Department of Transportation.  The Penn National Race Track investigation has resulted in the conviction of trainers, veterinarians and track officials involved in the rigging of horse races.  The office, working with the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement, completed the prosecution of the developer in the multi-million dollar Harrisburg Capital View fraud case.

The office’s Civil Division played the lead role in the effort by the Department of Justice to settle a long-term dispute between federal agencies and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania related to Medicaid funds and managed care and nutrition assistance for aliens.  As a result, the State agreed to a settlement which included a $48 million reimbursement to the federal government.

The office expanded its efforts and resources to address criminal and civil health care fraud and is working closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania state agencies to prosecute and penalize illegal diversion of prescription drugs.

Mr. Smith’s retirement plans include family time, travel and armchair oversight of the major league baseball post-season.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Criminal Information was filed in U.S. District Court in Scranton charging a Shavertown man with failing to pay his company's employment taxes and failing to pay his personal taxes.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, from the first quarter of 2010 to the last quarter of 2012, Jeffrey Miller, age 45, of Shavertown, failed to pay the employment taxes for JMSI Environmental Corporation which he owned and operated.  Additionally, Mr. Miller failed to file his own personal income tax returns from 2008 through 2011.  These actions resulted in a tax loss of more than $473,000.

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

The charges stem from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law is 6 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $350,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on September 15, a jury in Harrisburg convicted Jose Luis Benitez-Hernandez, age 30, an El Salvadoran national, of hindering his removal from the United States and assaulting law enforcement officers.   

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, following a two-day trial, the jury deliberated approximately one hour before delivering its verdict.  The charges stemmed from an incident in February 2016 in which Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Officers located Benitez-Hernandez in Mechanicsburg after he failed to leave the United States in accordance with an Immigration Judge’s order. 

After identifying Benitez-Hernandez leaving his home in a vehicle, the officers activated their emergency equipment in their vehicles. Benitez-Hernandez failed to stop, charged at one of the vehicles repeatedly, ultimately bumping the front bumper of one of the ICE vehicles.  Benitez-Hernandez then refused to exit his vehicle and had to be forcibly removed.  Before ultimately being apprehended, Benitez-Hernandez bit one of the ICE Officers and scratched another.  

The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Ford and Daryl Bloom.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on September 14, a jury sitting in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania convicted Shavouy Paisley, age 24 of Queens, New York of criminal conspiracy to possess counterfeit or unauthorized access devices after a trial presided over by Senior U.S. District Court Judge William W. Caldwell.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, following a two and a half day trial, the jury deliberated approximately one hour before delivering its verdict.  The charges stemmed from an incident in 2014 where Paisley and others were stopped by Hampden Township Police Department after making several suspicious purchases at CVS and Rite Aid establishments located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.  The Hampden Township Police Department seized more than 100 counterfeit Visa gift cards from the vehicle the three men had been traveling in, along with 25 cartons of cigarettes, high end handbags and other merchandise.  During the investigation, the United States Secret Service determined the cards had been altered and the account numbers associated with the magnetic strips on the cards belonged to account holders from dozens of banks and institutions across the country.  After reviewing the evidence, the United States Secret Service identified more than a half a dozen retail establishments on the Carlisle Pike where the defendants attempted to or actually did make purchases using these stolen account numbers.

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Wilkes-Barre man was indicted on September 13, by a federal grand jury in Scranton for crack cocaine trafficking.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Indictment charges Jahkel Lamar, age 29, of Wilkes-Barre, with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

The charges stem from an investigation in which the Scranton Police Department allegedly found Lamar to be in possession of approximately 127 grams of crack cocaine at a bus terminal in Scranton.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Scranton Police Department, Special Investigations Division.  Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Wilkes-Barre man was indicted on September 13, by a federal grand jury in Scranton on marijuana trafficking and firearms offenses.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Indictment charges Christian Rosado, age 26, with charges that stemmed from a joint investigation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Hazelton Police Department in connection with a shooting incident in Hazleton in July 2016. 

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, working in conjunction with the Hazelton Police Department. The prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob.

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

Rosado faces a minimum of 10 years and up to a lifetime term of incarceration as well as fines totaling $1,750,000. 

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.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Criminal Indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Scranton on September 13, charging federal prison inmates, Miguel Grado, age 26 and Rafael Torres-Villanueva, age 43.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Grado and Torres-Villanueva were charged with assaulting a third inmate on June 4, 2016, with a dangerous weapon, a “shank,” at the U.S. Bureau of Prisons Canaan facility in Waymart, PA.

If convicted, Grado and Torres-Villanueva could be imprisoned for a maximum sentence of up to ten years and a fine in the amount of $250,000.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on September 13, a federal grand jury in Williamsport indicted two federal inmates in cases resulting from separate incidents.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Deon Hooper, age 36, is charged with possessing contraband in prison.  The charge stems from an incident in July 2016 in which Hooper was found to be in possession of two homemade sharpened weapons commonly known as “shanks.”

The maximum penalty under federal law is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

Julious Bullock, age 30, formerly of North Carolina, was charged separately with “head-butting” a corrections officer on August 2, 2016.

In this case, the maximum penalty which can be imposed under federal law is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine.

The investigations were conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service.  Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on September 7, a federal grand jury in Harrisburg indicted Matthew S. Norris, age 34, a Hanover, PA businessman on bank fraud and money laundering charges.

The Indictment was unsealed today following Norris’ arrest.  Norris today was brought before United States Chief Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson for his initial appearance. Norris entered a plea of not guilty and was released on bail pending trial, which is scheduled for November 14, 2016 before U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Indictment alleges Norris is the owner and operator of Norris Enterprises, d/b/a Aerus Electrolux, Hanover.  Norris allegedly devised and executed a scheme in 2011 that defrauded GE Bank out of approximately $157,000.  Norris, as the owner/operator of Aerus Electrolux, was an authorized independent franchisee of Electrolux International, which was then located on York Street, in Hanover. 

According to the Indictment, Norris allegedly submitted approximately 27 credit applications under the names and identifiers of his customers to GE Bank without the customers’ knowledge or consent. By inflating the customers’ income on electronic credit applications, Norris succeeded in obtaining lines of credit for the customers to purchase Electrolux products.  Norris then charged the approved accounts for fictional merchandise sales and, as a result, GE Bank deposited the loan proceeds into Norris’ business account. 

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

The scheme was discovered in October of 2011 when an Electrolux executive initiated an onsite audit of Norris’ business. When GE Bank learned what Norris had done, it immediately credited all amounts owed by the customers. The overall net loss to the bank was approximately $150,000.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on September 8, a federal grand jury in Williamsport indicted Glenn Ming Young for possession of contraband in a prison facility.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Young, age 32, was found with an improvised shank during a search in August 2016, while he was incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary at Allenwood.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Figgsganter has been assigned to prosecute the case. 

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

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statues and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.  In this case, the maximum penalty for each count is 5 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000.           

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal grand jury in Williamsport has indicted two federal inmates in cases resulting from separate incidents.

In March 2016 while incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary at Allenwood, Gelnvert Green, age 25, approached a female corrections officer, exposed himself to her, and began making obscene gestures while continuing to move towards her.

Joshua Grant, age 28, was found with an improvised shank during a search in February 2016, while he was incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary at Allenwood.

The investigations were conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service.  Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Figgsganter has been assigned to prosecute the case. 

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

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statues and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.  In the Green case, the maximum penalty is 2 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine of $5,000.  In the Grant case, the maximum penalty for each count is 5 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000. 

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Criminal Information was filed in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg charging John Kauffman, Jr., age 36, with mail fraud in connection with the theft of approximately $22,000 from a union local at the Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Kauffman, a resident of Morgansville, MD, allegedly took the funds between September 2013 and July 2014 from the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) Local Lodge 1442.   

Local 1442 has approximately 47 members who work at the Letterkenny Army Depot.  Kaufman was President of Local 1442 from September 2013 to January 2015

The Information alleges that Kauffman embezzled the $22,062 by writing 24 checks drawn against a union bank account that were payable to himself and by disguising the checks as payments for legitimate Local 1442 expenses. The fraud was discovered in January 2015 following an audit of the union’s finances. Kauffman is no longer employed at Letterkenny Army Depot.

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

The mail fraud charge has a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor Management in Philadelphia and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel.

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that David D. Klepadlo, age 61, Clarks Summit, and David D. Klepadlo & Associates, Inc., have been charged in an Indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Scranton on September 6.

The Indictment was unsealed today following Klepadlo’s initial appearance before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick. Judge Mehalchick ordered him to surrender his passport, have no contact with co-conspirators or government witnesses, and travel is limited to within the Middle District of Pennsylvania.    

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Klepadlo, along with the engineering company he owns, David D. Klepadlo & Associates, Inc., are charged with conspiracy to violate the Federal Clean Water Act, multiple counts of specific Clean Water Act violations, and Tampering with a Government Witness. 

The Indictment alleges that Klepadlo is certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a waste water treatment plant operation.  Klepadlo and his company contracted with local municipalities to operate and manage the municipalities’ waste water treatment plants in accordance with regulations and limitations in permits issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency (EPA). 

The permits required that the permittee at all times maintain in good working order, and properly operate all facilities and systems installed and used to achieve compliance with the terms and conditions of the permits.  It is alleged that for approximately two years, beginning in May 2012 and continuing through June 2014, Klepadlo and his company failed to properly operate and maintain the facilities and systems of treatment and control, in accordance with terms and conditions of the permits. 

The facilities identified in the Indictment are the Greenfield Township Sewer Authority in Lackawanna County and the Benton/Nicholson Sewer Authority in both Lackawanna and Wyoming Counties.   

The Indictment further alleges that as part of the conspiracy, Klepadlo knowingly failed to take daily and weekly samples and measurements required for the purpose of monitoring pollutants discharged into waterways of the United States; knowingly created false test results and falsely reported those results in discharge monitoring reports submitted monthly to the PADEP and the EPA; and knowingly diluted pollutant samples when the samples were believed to exceed the limits specified in the permit. 

Klepadlo is also charged with corruptly attempting to persuade a government witness to fabricate a false explanation for the Clean Water Act violations for the purpose of influencing testimony of a witness in an official proceeding involving the testing and registering requirements of the permits.

Waste water from the Greenfield publicly-owned treatment plan is discharged into a tributary of Dundaff Creek, which flows into Tunkhannock Creek, which flows into the Susquehanna River.  Waste water from the Benton/Nicholson facility flows into a tributary of South Branch Tunkhannock Creek, which also flows into the Susquehanna River. 

The charges stem from an investigation jointly conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.  Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.      

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

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

In this case, the maximum penalty under the Conspiracy statute is 5 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.  The Clean Water Act violations are punishable by up to 3 years’ imprisonment and a sliding scale for fines of $5,000 to $25,000 per violation, per day.  The maximum penalty under the Tampering with a Witness statute is 20 years’ imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine.  Each crime also carries a term of supervised release following imprisonment.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

# # #

HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Criminal Information was filed on September 2, 2016 in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg charging a York man with possession of a weapon by a previous offender, bank robbery, and possession of a weapon in furtherance of a crime of violence. 

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Derek Bowman, age 33, used a shot gun to rob the PNC Bank located in York, Pennsylvania on January 9, 2016. 

This matter was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Prosecution has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Schinnour.

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

# # #

SCRANTON-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 26-year-old Tobyhanna resident pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, to distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Jabril Greggs, also known as “Bril,” admitted to distributing more than 80 grams of heroin between late 2013 and early 2015.  Greggs admitted to selling 100 bags of heroin to a confidential informant on July 10, 2014, in Monroe County. Eighty grams of heroin is equivalent to approximately 2,600 retail bags of heroin.

Greggs was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2014, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and Pocono Mountain Regional Police.   

Greggs faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Judge Mannion ordered a pre-sentence report to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled after the pre-sentence report is completed.

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.

Assistant U.S. 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 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.

# # #