Middle District of Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Charles Adams, age 40, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of attempted possession of a listed chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about November 19, 2024 and November 22, 2024, Adams attempted to possess methylamine with the intent of unlawfully manufacturing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Customs and Border Protection.  Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

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

The maximum penalty upon conviction for the charged offenses is 40 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Leonardo Mendoza-Zavala, age 44, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to seven months’ imprisonment yesterday by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson on a charge of illegal reentry. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, following convictions in Texas for attempt to take a weapon from an officer, resisting arrest, and terroristic threats, Mendoza-Zavala was removed from the United States on January 6, 2020, through Laredo, Texas. Thereafter, he reentered the United States without obtaining legal permission to do so.  On June 21, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested Mendoza-Zavala in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, in the parking lot of a motel.     

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

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joseph Gallego, age 37, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 28, 2025, to 151 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary on drug trafficking charges.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on October 18, 2024, Gallego pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  The York County Drug Task Force conducted surveillance on a home in York County and Gallego was observed entering the front door.  Upon entering, the officers met two conspirators at the door and then conducted a safety sweep and found Gallego in the basement. Agents received consent to search the residence and recovered a loaded Glock model 40, 10 mm caliber semiautomatic pistol; a plastic bag containing 76.37 grams of cocaine base; a bag containing 1.13 grams of cocaine base; and a digital scale.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the York County Drug Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford prosecuted the case.

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

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Williamsport-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nicolae Strava, age 30, a citizen of Romania, was sentenced today to nine months in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for illegally reentering the country after having previously been removed. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Strava was indicted by a federal grand jury after being arrested for theft by deception in Centre County, Pennsylvania, on September 20, 2024. Strava had previously been removed from the United States pursuant to a court order on April 23, 2019, through Houston, Texas. Strava pleaded guilty to illegal reentry prior to being sentenced.

An ICE detainer is lodged against Strava for deportation proceedings.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case.

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Hilario Dorantes-Ortiz, age 40, a Mexican National residing in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 28, 2025, to 30 days’ imprisonment and one year of supervised release by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for illegal reentry into the United States.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Dorantes-Ortiz was previously removed from the United States on July 20, 2022, via Brownsville, Texas. After being charged with aggravated indecent assault in March 2025, Dorantes-Ortiz was encountered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He had not obtained legal permission to reenter the country.

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

This matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jon Robert Donohue, age 32, of Pittston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 27, 2025, to 120 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervision by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani on drug trafficking and firearms charges.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on May 9, 2022, Donohue was serving a house arrest sentence in Luzerne County when probation officers received information that Donohue was trafficking drugs and possessed firearms. During a search of his residence, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, seven firearms, including a stolen firearm, drug trafficking paraphernalia, 593 grams of methamphetamine, 782 grams of cocaine, 72 grams of MDMA and 1.3 kilograms of marijuana were seized.  Donahue was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his prior record.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force and the Luzerne County Adult Probation and Parole Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jamell R. O’Neal, age 42, of East Meadow, New York, was sentenced on August 22, 2025, to 188 months in prison by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley, related to his plea of guilty for one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. O’Neal will have to serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his incarceration. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, from September of 2023 through at least February of 2024, federal agents received information about illegal drug trafficking activity taking place in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Agents engaged in surveillance and observed, on both September 20th and September 22nd, O’Neal and a co-conspirator engaging in hand-to-hand drug transactions on the streets of Wilkes-Barre out of at least two different residences. On January 16, 2024, agents observed O’Neal engage in a third transaction out of one of the residences. On February 7, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant, wherein  O’Neal was present and taken into custody. Law enforcement recovered a trafficking amount of crack cocaine, fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine, as well as a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver and drug paraphernalia.

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

The case was investigated by the Luzerne County Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Mat Minnick, age 22, of Tannersville, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on charges of production of child pornography, online enticement, transfer of obscene material to a minor, and receipt of child pornography.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Minnick used the internet and an electronic device to persuade and entice a minor to engage in sexual conduct and to produce child pornography.  The indictment also alleges that Minnick transmitted obscene materials to four minors. 

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations-RAC Allentown and the Pocono Township Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Ricky Charles Patterson, age 44, of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on charges of drug trafficking, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and illegal possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about May 2, 2025, Patterson possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, both Schedule II controlled substances.  It is further alleged that Patterson possessed a Smith & Wesson .44 caliber revolver in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime knowing that he was a prohibited possessor as a convicted felon.

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (“ATF”), the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Kingston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kevin Neysmith, a/k/a Kevin Blackwood, age 45, a resident of Kingston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 160 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to the Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, on September 9, 2022, members of the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force arrested Neysmith in Moosic, Pennsylvania, as he was attempting to make a fentanyl delivery.  During the arrest, Neysmith exited his moving vehicle and fled through a parking lot. His car continued to move and struck an unoccupied car.  Task Force Officers arrested him as he tried to hide behind a dumpster.  Officer seized from Neysmith--and from a compartment in his car--methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, and an unregistered 9-millimeter Canik 55 Model TP9 semi-automatic pistol equipped with a tactical laser.

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

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—Scranton Office, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, members of the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force, and the Moosic Borough Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson. 

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Donnie Woods, age 45, of Northridge, California, was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary for conspiring to distribute fentanyl.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Woods admitted that from July 2020 through at least April 2021, he conspired with others to distribute substantial quantities fentanyl in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.  In April 2021, law enforcement in Pennsylvania seized two packages that Woods had sent from California to a residence in York, Pennsylvania.  The two packages contained, in total, nearly four kilograms of fentanyl.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Yoel Weiss, age 43, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, to 57 months in prison by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick, related to his plea of guilty for one count of wire fraud -- false statements to the Small Business Administration, and one count of unlawful monetary transactions (money laundering). Additionally, Weiss was ordered to pay $858,000 in restitution and will have to serve a 3-year term of supervised release following his incarceration. 

           According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, in June and July of 2020, during the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, Weiss filed at least seven fraudulent applications for pandemic stimulus funds through the Economic Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The information on those forms, in support of his request for stimulus funds, was fraudulent. The applications submitted by Weiss were filed on behalf of corporate entities that did not, in fact, have actual business operations, and that bore false dates of business establishment, false employee headcount information, and fabricated gross revenues, costs of goods sold, and lost rental income.

Further, upon receipt of the nearly one million dollars in stimulus funds, Weiss did not spend those funds on approved pandemic-related expenses, but instead spent the money on retail shopping, credit card debt, a real estate purchase of a distillery in New York, and to fund other personal expenses and real estate purchases. Weiss additionally received a sentencing enhancement related to obstruction of justice when he attempted to influence and prevent the testimony of a witness who was subpoenaed to testify in front of a federal grand jury.

“Mr. Weiss deliberately and repeatedly defrauded the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program designed to help small business owners during the COVID pandemic for his own personal enrichment,” said Philadelphia Field Office Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty.   “Yesterday’s sentencing holds Mr. Weiss accountable for his criminal actions and shows that our office continues working to bring charges against individuals who commit these crimes.”

The EIDL program, funded by the March 2020 CARES Act, was designed to help small businesses facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.  EIDL funds are offered in low-interest rate loans, designated for specific business expenses, such as fixed debts, payroll, and business obligation.

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

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

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kyle Eugene Gordon, age 37, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison to be followed by three years on supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick, for escaping from federal custody.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Gordon was a federal inmate at the Capital Pavilion Residential Reentry Center in Dauphin County, where he was serving a sentence for narcotics and firearms offenses. He escaped from the Capital Pavilion on October 7, 2024, and was apprehended by U.S. Marshals eight days later.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Richard Burke, age 75, from Milan, PA, was charged on August 20, 2025, with Wire Fraud in connection with stealing Social Security and Veterans benefits.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the Information charges that from approximately April 2005 until March 2022, Burke withdrew benefits payments from his deceased mother’s bank account. The total amount stolen from the SSA and VA was $350,634.23.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Social Security Administration and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense is 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine. A sentence for this offense may also include a period of supervised release following imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sheldon Mays, age 25, of New Jersey, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon while an inmate in a federal correctional facility.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on July 27, 2024, Mays, an inmate at the Schuylkill Federal Correctional Facility, possessed a sharpened plastic weapon with a cloth handle.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (“FBI”).  Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Davon Nelson, age 40, of Maryland, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon in a federal correctional facility.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on October 8, 2024, Nelson, an inmate at the Allenwood Federal Correctional Facility, possessed a prohibited object, a sharpened steel weapon. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Devine, age 35, of Benton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on July 24, 2025, by a federal grand jury on two charges of distribution of methamphetamine. The case was unsealed following Devine’s initial appearance and arraignment on August 18, 2025.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges Devine with distributing more than five grams of methamphetamine on or about May 30, 2024, in Columbia County, and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine on or about June 5, 2024.

This case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lee Wood, age 48, of Scranton, Pennsylvania was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that from May 28, 2024 through August 17, 2024, Wood conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.  The indictment further alleges that on August 8, 2024, Wood distributed, and possessed with intent to distribute, cocaine.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Noah Lee Craddock, age 33, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 12, 2025, to 71 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, in November 2020, the Pennsylvania State Police stopped a vehicle Craddock was driving on Interstate 83 in Harrisburg.  During the stop, police recovered a 9mm Glock pistol and a loaded magazine from the vehicle. 

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

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Devin Lopez-Dominguez, age 25, an inmate at the Schuylkill Federal Correctional Facility, Minersville, PA, was indicted on August 12, 2025 by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon in a federal correctional facility.          

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on December 22, 2024, Lopez-Dominguez possessed a prohibited object, a sharpened aluminum weapon. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.          

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marco Deputy, age 30, of Frederick, Maryland, was indicted on August 12, 2025 by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon in a federal correctional facility.    

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on December 2, 2024, Deputy, an inmate at the Schuylkill Federal Correctional Facility, possessed a prohibited object, a sharpened aluminum weapon. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.        

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

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Juawan Davis, age 31, of Baltimore, Maryland, was indicted on August 12, 2025 by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon and controlled substances while an inmate in a federal correctional facility.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on November 14, 2024, Davis, an inmate at Schuylkill Federal Correctional Facility, possessed a sharpened plexi-glass weapon with a tape handle, THC, and Buprenorphine.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (“FBI”).  Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for possessing contraband in prison is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Santino Bellucci, age 28, of Dickson City, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 8, 2025, to 252 months’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone and 40 grams and more of fentanyl resulting in death and distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between January 2022 and February 2023, Bellucci and others conspired to distribute controlled substances throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. On December 18, 2022, Bellucci sold an individual pills and a lethal dose of fentanyl which caused the individual’s death. At the time of the incident, Bellucci was working as a correctional officer at a county facility.

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jesus Bracero, age 29, of Bowmanstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 8, 2025, to 121 months and 18 days’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Julie K. Munley for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and over 40 grams of fentanyl. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, between January 2023 and September 2023, Bracero and others distributed large amounts of controlled substances throughout Carbon and Lehigh Counties.  Investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Bracero at his residence.  In July 2023 investigators executed a search warrant at Bracero’s residence and seized controlled substances, firearms, ammunition, explosive devices, drug transaction records, and drug packaging material. The area where the contraband was located was protected by video surveillance cameras and two aggressive dogs. 

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case. 

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Craig Kimmel, age 54, of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for child exploitation offenses on August 6, 2025. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Kimmel attempted to produce a visual depiction containing the sexual exploitation of a child. The indictment states that Kimmel was previously convicted in Schuylkill County of indecent assault and attempted statutory rape, which increases the mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment on this count to 25 years. The indictment further charges Kimmel with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution and any sexual activity for which he could be charged with a crime. 

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

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tyrie Rashad Dunn, a.k.a. “Chaos,” age 37, of Lodi, New Jersey, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for maliciously damaging a building by fire or explosive material and use of explosive material in the commission of a felony.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on January 17, 2025, Dunn carried and used two Molotov cocktails to set fire to a rental property in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.  Dunn set fire and heavily damaged the property during the early morning hours, while the five building tenants were asleep.  Several of the victim tenants had to jump from a second story window to escape, resulting in bodily injuries. Dunn fled from the scene of the fire to New Jersey, where he was subsequently apprehended ten days later after a car chase and the assault of law enforcement officers.  Separate criminal charges for that incident are currently pending in the District of New Jersey.

The case was investigated by the Pottsville Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eduardo Lopez-Zamorano, age 35, was sentenced to 84 months in prison to be followed by three years on supervised release by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for illegally reentering the United States.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Lopez-Zamorano has a long criminal history in the United States. He was convicted of obstructing the administration of law in 2022, when he tried to shove a police officer who had responded to a domestic dispute in Chambersburg. He was then removed from the United States on May 26, 2022. He illegally reentered the United States thereafter and was again removed on December 9, 2022, after serving a five-month sentence for illegal reentry. That notwithstanding, Lopez-Zamorano again illegally reentered the United States. He was convicted of criminal mischief and harassment in 2023 and driving under the influence in 2024, when he was found driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.25%. He was also convicted of harassment for punching a female victim in the face in February 2024. On March 30, 2024, he was found in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, where he had been charged with assault for holding a knife to the throat of the mother of his child. He had not obtained legal permission to reenter the United States.

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

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Juan Valencia-Diaz, age 51, a Mexican National residing in York County, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for a charge of reentry of previously removed aliens.  

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Valencia having previously been removed in 2017, was found to be in the United States on or about July 19, 2025, in York County, Pennsylvania, and he did not have authority for readmission to the United States at the time he was encountered.

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

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marvin Rivera, a/k/a “Mace,” age 26, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Oliver Rivera, age 31, of Drums, Pennsylvania, Mark Reynolds age 57, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Sherrielee Stout, age 32, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, Chandler George, age 34, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Angela Ruggiero, age 42, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania,  Joel Fernandez, age 34, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and Eric Konnick, age 41, of Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges and firearm offenses.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that between January of 2025, and July 30 of 2025, the eight charged defendants conspired to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and marijuana within Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere.  The indictment further alleges the defendants committed the following criminal offenses:

• On multiple occasions between January of 2025 and July 2025, Marvin Rivera, a/k/a “Mace,” distributed and possessed with intent to distribute over 50 grams and more of methamphetamine;
• Between May 29, 2025, and July 20, 2025, Marvin Rivera, a/k/a “Mace,” and six of the other co-defendants used communication facilities to facilitate the commission of a drug trafficking crime, namely conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
• On July 30, 2025, Joel Fernandez and Marvin Rivera possessed with intent to distribute over 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and over 400 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl;
• On July 30, 2025, Angela Ruggiero possessed with intent to distribute over 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine;
• On July 30, 2025, Eric Konnick possessed with intent to distribute over 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and over 40 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl; and,
• On July 30, 2025, Joel Fernandez and Marvin Rivera, a/k/a “Mace,” each possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

During the investigation, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) executed search warrants at numerous locations associated with the drug trafficking activities of the defendants. On July 30, 2025, the agents found, among other items: approximately 71 pounds of alleged methamphetamine, over 2 kilograms of alleged fentanyl (which represents over one million in potential fatal doses), approximately 2 kilograms of cocaine, marijuana, and benzodiazepines, as well as multiple firearms, drug packaging materials including a kilogram press and vacuum sealers, and over $160,000 in cash. The street value for the recovered controlled substances is approximately $600,000.

The case was investigated by the DEA, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James M. Buchanan and Tatum Wilson are prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jacob Buckley, age 22, a resident of Port Matilda, Centre County, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal information for threatening Donald J. Trump as the President-elect.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the information alleges Buckley used a TikTok social-media account under the name, “Jacob_buckley.”  The Information further alleges that on January 16, 2025, “Jacob_buckley” made the following posts: “I hate MAGA republicans bro on god I’ll kill all of them”; “I’m going to kill Trump”; and, “Bro we going into a literal oligarchy in 4 days and im going to kill Trump.”

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

The maximum penalty upon conviction on the Information is 5 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Pernell Riddick, age 36, a resident of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

According to the Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on or about September 2, 2022, Riddick, possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.  In furtherance of his drug trafficking endeavor, Riddick possessed a 9-millimeter Smith & Wesson handgun and a 9-millimeter Taurus G2C handgun.

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

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson.

# # #

SCRANTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities in the Middle District of Pennsylvania for National Night Out (NNO) events on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.

Assistant United States Attorneys and staff will participate in events in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Dauphin and Lebanon Counties, to engage with members of the community and provide information on the department’s initiatives.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud to join our law enforcement partners and communities across the district for National Night Out,” said Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus.  “It’s a great opportunity to come together and continue to strengthen relationships and meet the citizens we serve.”

National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.

Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.

For more information, visit https://natw.org/.

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Linda Tarlecki, age 63, of Aristes, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday to tax evasion and bank fraud before Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Tarlecki was the former Secretary/Treasurer for Conyngham Township, Columbia County.  From 2013 through 2017, Tarlecki defrauded the Township and Fulton National Bank of over $147,000 by issuing forged paychecks to herself to which she was not entitled.  Tarlecki also failed to report this additional income on her personal income taxes, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of over $38,000.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur prosecuted the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 35 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joseph Kaminski, age 58, of Nanticoke, Luzerne County, PA, was indicted on July 29, 2025, by a federal grand jury for pandemic fraud offenses, including wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to the Small Business Administration (“SBA”). 

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that from approximately January 2020 to approximately January 2025, Kaminski engaged in a scheme to defraud the SBA of over $850,000.00 in emergency pandemic funding made available to small business owners through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program.  The indictment also alleges that Kaminski fraudulently obtained over $40,000.00 of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (“PUA”) benefits to which he was not entitled by deceiving the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations and by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffery St John and Tatum Wilson are prosecuting the case.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Philip Shearer, age 49, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 14, 2025, to 115 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Shearer previously pled guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm—specifically, a privately-manufactured short-barrel rifle.  Shearer further admitted to possessing over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, several high-capacity magazines, and other tactical gear including night vision goggles and a ghillie suit, all of which were found in Shearer’s Harrisburg home. Shearer had 14 prior criminal convictions, including five driving under the influence convictions, an indecent assault conviction, and a domestic violence conviction. Shearer also attempted to purchase a firearm twice but was denied based on his background check. He then turned to making the firearms himself.

"The sentencing of Philip Shearer emphasizes the serious dangers posed by felons who unlawfully possess and manufacture firearms,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. “Homeland Security Investigations is dedicated to collaborating with our law enforcement partners, like ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, to ensure that dangerous criminals with a history of violence are not allowed to possess firearms."

“Protecting our communities from dangerous criminals like Philip Shearer is a top ATF priority,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Philadelphia Field Division. “With 14 criminal convictions, including multiple driving under the influence, indecent assault, and a domestic violence conviction, the law duly prohibits him from owning the unregistered short-barrel rifle he manufactured for himself after he was prevented from buying a firearm. Working with Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office, we are making our communities safer one case at a time.”

The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes prosecuted the case.

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carl Jones, age 51, from Chester, PA, was charged on July 24, 2025, with possession of child pornography and for possessing contraband in prison.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges that from February 24, 2025 to April 9, 2025, Jones possessed a cell phone containing images of a minor, including a minor under the age of 12, engaged in sexually explicit conduct, while he was an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution Lewisburg (FCI Lewisburg), Lewisburg, Pennsylvania,

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense is 20 years and a fine. A sentence for this offense must also include a period of supervised release of 5 years up to life following imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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.              

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tyler Fuller, age 31, of Somerset County, PA, was indicted yesterday on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Fuller received and possessed child pornography from August 2023 to January 2024, in Centre County. 

The case was investigated by the State College Police Department, Ferguson Township Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the Department of Homeland Security.  Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 years, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jeffrey Snyder, age 47, of Middleburg, was sentenced yesterday to 188 months in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Snyder led Pennsylvania State Police officers on a 90-mile-an-hour chase through Union and Snyder counties on April 8, 2024.  When Snyder was finally arrested, he possessed approximately 376 grams of methamphetamine, $1,390.40 in cash, was driving a stolen vehicle, and had a loaded, stolen revolver in the driver’s side door.  Snyder previously pleaded guilty on March 6, 2025.

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

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andrew Dion, age 57, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution Lewisburg (FCI Lewisburg), Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on July 24, 2025, by a federal grand jury on two counts of possessing contraband in prison and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on June 2, 2025, Dion was in possession of a broken, wooden broom handle, approximately 13 inches in length, which he used to assault another inmate.  The indictment further alleges that Dion was also in possession of a bent brush with exposed metal prongs, approximately 8 inches in length.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine.  A sentence would also include a period of supervised release following imprisonment.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

###

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Onassis Alexander Tejeda-Arias, age 42, a Dominican Republic National previously residing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 51 months in prison by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley for illegally reentering the United States following his deportation after committing an aggravated felony.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Onassis Alexander Tejeda-Arias illegally entered the United States on at least two prior occasions. After illegally living in Lawrence, Massachusetts, since 2009, Onassis Alexander Tejeda-Arias was deported to the Dominican Republic on October 16, 2018, following a Massachusetts criminal conviction in 2015, for possession with the intent to distribute 635.7 grams of heroin.  That crime resulted in a three-and-a-half-year imprisonment sentence. Thereafter, in early 2020, the defendant illegally reentered the United States through Texas. On October 6, 2022, Onassis Alexander Tejeda-Arias was arrested by agents with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for his involvement in significant drug trafficking activities where he was supplying various co-conspirators with bundles of heroin/fentanyl.  This second drug trafficking conviction following his illegal reentry netted a sentence of two and half to five-years’ imprisonment. On April 24, 2025, Tejeda-Arias the defendant pleaded guilty to the Federal Indictment charging illegal reentry.  Judge Munley ordered that the 51 months’ imprisonment sentence was to run consecutive to the defendant’s state drug trafficking sentence.  After service of his sentences, Tejeda-Arias will be deported to the Dominican Republic.   

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

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera and Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.

###

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Luis de Jesus Pichardo, age 57, a native and citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for a charge of reentry of previously removed aliens.  

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Pichardo, a foreign national, having previously been removed in both 1996 and 2000, was found to be in the United States on or about July 16, 2025, in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, and he did not have authority for readmission to the United States at the time he was encountered. 

The case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).  Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Berti is prosecuting the case.

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Brian J. Albelli, age 46, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 23, 2025, to 48 months of imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, following his convictions of wire fraud and money laundering.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Albelli filed approximately 20 fraudulent applications for pandemic stimulus funds, including under the Payment Protection Program (PPP) and for Economic Injury and Disaster Loans (EIDLs). Albelli filed the applications in the name of various business entities under his and his family’s control, listing himself, his wife, and his parents as the signatories. Some of the applications submitted by Albelli were filed on behalf of corporate entities under his control that did not, in fact, have actual business operations.

Through his scheme, Albelli secured over $2.2 million in pandemic stimulus funds.  Instead of using his funds on business expenses, as intended, Albelli used them to purchase automobiles, a boat, and make casino withdrawals, among other personal expenses. A significant portion of the loan proceeds were passed through an account held in the name of Outbreak Assets LLC, a company Abelli created for the sole purpose of receiving fraudulent proceeds, before being used on personal expenses.

In addition to the sentence of imprisonment, Judge Mannion also sentenced Albelli to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, to pay full restitution of $2,232,077, and to forfeit numerous assets seized by investigators which included funds in bank accounts, two vehicles, and jewelry.

The PPP and EIDL programs, both funded by the March 2020 CARES Act, were designed to help small businesses facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.  PPP funds were offered in forgivable loans, provided that certain criteria are met, including use of the funds for employee payroll, mortgage interest, lease, and utilities expenses.  EIDL funds are offered in low-interest rate loans, designated for specific business expenses, such as fixed debts, payroll, and business obligations.

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

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno prosecuted the case.

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WILLIAMSPORT -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Elio Yoel Cardona-Torres, age 43, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced on July 17, 2025, to time-served (five months in prison) by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for illegally reentering the country after having previously been removed.  Cardona-Torres had pleaded guilty to the charge. 

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Cardona-Torres was arrested during targeted enforcement in Sayre, Pennsylvania, on February 22, 2025.  Cardona-Torres had previously been removed from the United States pursuant to court order in 2006, 2008 and 2010.  Cardona-Torres again faces deportation proceedings.

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

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that former Assistant Director of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ministries, Daniel Reed, age 51, of Thompsontown, Juniata County, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal complaint with attempted production of child pornography, production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the criminal complaint alleges that Central Pennsylvania Youth Ministries received a report from an adult female who said that she was “groomed” into a sexual relationship with Reed when she was between 14 and 17 years old. It is further alleged that thereafter a “peep hole” and two-way mirror was discovered in the second-floor hallway closet of the Youth Ministries and looked into the second-floor bathroom which had a shower.

Following the execution of a search warrant at Reed’s residence, law enforcement seized an electronic device which contained internet searches relating to the use of hidden cameras for illicit purposes.  It also included a text message to a group that included two 16-year-old minor females, appearing to encourage them to use the shower at the Youth Ministries’’ facility.  Also, on a hard drive seized from the residence, law enforcement discovered at least seven nude images of minor females from the second-floor bathroom at the Youth Ministries’ facility, and images of others in other bathrooms and bedrooms. All the images appeared to have been taken from a hidden camera.

The FBI's Philadelphia Field Office is seeking to identify potential victims. If you, your family member, or anyone that you know may have information relating to these matters under investigation and/or would like to report a crime, please contact the FBI Philadelphia Office at (215) 418-4000.

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

The maximum penalty upon conviction for the charged offenses is 70 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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HARRISBURG, PA —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania, PC (ECOP) has agreed to pay $790,000.00 to resolve False Claims Act allegations of civil liability for submitting claims to Medicare for Evaluation & Management (E&M) services that violated Medicare rules and regulations.

According to the Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between September 1, 2018, and April 7, 2025, ECOP submitted claims to Medicare Part B for E&M services on the same date of service for beneficiaries receiving bilateral eye injections in violation of the applicable Medicare rules and regulations.

“The United States Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Pennsylvania is dedicated to working with its law enforcement partners to zealously investigate allegations of the submission of unsupported claims to federal healthcare programs,” said Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus. “Improperly billing federal healthcare programs increases the costs of these taxpayer-funded programs.  Settlements like this one are an important part of the fight against fraud, waste and abuse.”

“Providers who participate in the Medicare program must abide by the program’s rules when submitting claims,” said Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is committed to protecting the integrity of the Medicare program and maintaining the trust of the people it serves. We will continue to work with the United States Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement partners to address allegations brought under the False Claims Act.”

This matter was handled by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Haken of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Guerdison Printus, age 27, a citizen of Haiti, was indicted by a federal grand jury for destruction of government property.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that, on or about June 25, 2025, in York County, Printus tampered with a sprinkler, causing water damage in the office space of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The indictment further alleges that the resulting damage exceeded the sum of $1,000.

The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty upon conviction for the charged offense is 10 years imprisonment, one year of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Mika, age 44, of Lansford, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 17, 2025, to 188 months’ imprisonment and four years of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for one count of possess with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Mika previously pled guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.  As part of his guilty plea, Mika also admitted to possessing over 400 grams of methamphetamine, other controlled substances, and a revolver--all of which were found in his Lansford, PA, home during the execution of a search warrant by members of the Nesquehoning Police Department, and other investigators.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania, the Lehighton Borough Police Department, the Nesquehoning Police Department, the Lansford Police Department, the Franklin Township Police Department, and the Carbon County District Attorney’s Office.  United States Attorney James Buchanan prosecuted the case.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christen Lee Cosgrove, age 40, and Brian Cosgrove, age 37, both of Weatherly, Pennsylvania were indicted by a federal grand jury on conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud and money laundering charges.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the 59-count indictment alleges that between October 2022 and May 2023, the Cosgroves conspired to defraud financial institutions which had possession of money from an estate and from a 93-year-old individual totaling approximately $1,000,000. It is further alleged that the Cosgroves used and caused wire transactions to fraudulently obtain the money which they spent on personal items including a house, recreational vehicle, boat, vacations, and paying off personal and business debt. The indictment also alleges that they used the fraudulently obtained money in multiple unlawful monetary transactions.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for bank fraud is 30 years of imprisonment and the maximum penalty under federal law for wire fraud is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that eight Chinese nationals who obtained student visas to attend college in the United States were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Those indicated include: Yankun Jiang, 24, of State College, PA, Hanlin Yang, 24, of State College; Chenhao Chen, 25, of California; Xiaoqing Tu, 24, of California; Dongjie Lu, 35, of California; Lei Bao, 22, of New York; Kuo Zhang, 31, of New Jersey; and Jiacheng Zhang, 25, of Florida.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that beginning in or about August of 2023 and continuing until on or about February 22, 2024, the defendants orchestrated a wide-scale computer “pop-up” scam targeting elderly victims falsely claiming that their computer or bank accounts had been compromised.  The indictment further alleges that members of the conspiracy traveled to victims’ homes and posed as federal law enforcement officers to collect large sums of cash from the victims claiming that the assets would be protected, among other falsehoods.  It is alleged that more than 50 victims across 19 states were defrauded of more than $10,000,000.

"These indictments highlight the relentless efforts of Homeland Security Investigations to safeguard our elderly population from complex fraud operations," stated Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens of HSI Philadelphia. "Schemes like these cause significant emotional and financial harm to elderly victims across the country. HSI, in partnership with the FBI, remains steadfast in our commitment to securing justice for the victims and ensuring that those responsible are held fully accountable."

“As outlined in the indictment, this criminal enterprise not only exploited elderly victims but did so by impersonating federal law enforcement—an egregious abuse of trust,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office. “We urge older Americans and their families to remain alert to these kinds of scams. The FBI will never ask for money or payment of any kind. We are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations for their dedicated work in bringing this case forward.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Essameddin Birry, age 43, of Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 9, 2025, to 15 years’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley on drug trafficking and firearms charges.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, between May 31, 2023, and July 27, 2023, Birry distributed methamphetamine on multiple occasions in the Wilkes-Barre area within Luzerne County. On September 11, 2023, Birry was involved in a motor vehicle stop in Olyphant, Lackawanna County. Birry attempted to flee on foot from law enforcement but was apprehended and found to be in possession of distribution amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl and possessed a loaded handgun. Birry was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony drug trafficking convictions. At the time of this offense, Birry was on probation for a prior drug trafficking conviction.

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

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police and Olyphant Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jenny P. Roberts and Patrick Bannon prosecuted the case.

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