Middle District of Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mae Joy Harris, age 25, York, Pennsylvania, who previously pleaded guilty to making threatening interstate communications, was sentenced to four months in prison today by U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane in Harrisburg.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the case arose out of a trial in September 2015 involving 12 defendants, known as Southside York gang members.  The jury trial testimony included witnesses who were themselves charged criminally and who agreed to cooperate in the prosecution in exchange for favorable consideration in their own cases.  One of the witnesses, J.B. aka “Boogie,” testified on October 5-6, 2015 as a government witness and implicated former associates in criminal activity.  On October 6, 2015, Harris posted on her Facebook profile page under the name “Mae Elliot” and made threatening statements towards J.B. and his family as a consequence of J.B.’s testimony. 

Harris was indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg in November 2015, as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  She pleaded guilty in January 2016.

According to ATF, this is the first prosecution of a case in the Middle District of Pennsylvania it has had involving use of social media to threaten witnesses.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute all cases of threats to government witnesses in any form or media as a very high priority.

Judge Kane also ordered Harris to serve one year on supervised release following her prison sentence.  Harris is to turn herself into the Federal Bureau of Prisons on July 11, 2016.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Schinnour prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Stephanie Ann Ware, age 27, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani in Federal Court on June 9th, to 57 months’ imprisonment. 

In December 2015, she pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the robbery of two banks by acting as a getaway driver. Ware admitted to charges that she aided Lee Sokalsky in the robberies of the NBT Bank, Dickson City, on July 25, 2014 and the Mauch Chunk Trust Bank, Tamaqua, on August 26, 2014.

Sokalsky was previously indicted by a Federal Grand Jury and is awaiting trial. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Hazleton, Rush Township, Dickson City, and Scranton Police Departments.  Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 56-year-old man who pleaded guilty to distributing crack cocaine in the Hazleton area in September 2013, was sentenced to 72 months in prison yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani in Scranton.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Angel Rafael Tejeda-Mejia (also known as “Jose Angeles”), a citizen of the Dominican Republic who resided in the Hazleton area at the time of his arrest, pleaded guilty on November 6, 2015 to  distribution of crack cocaine.  

Tejeda-Mejia was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2014, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Hazleton Police.  

Judge Mariani also ordered the defendant to serve three years on supervised release following his prison sentence. The defendant is also subject to deportation following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Louis Elmy, age 52, of Wilkes-Barre, has been charged with extortion and a firearms violation. 

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Elmy is charged in a Criminal Information, filed today in the United States District Court in Scranton, with extortion and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, specifically, the possession of and intent to distribute crack cocaine.

The Criminal Information further alleges that, while acting in his official capacity as the work release counselor at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, Elmy extorted money and other items of value from work release inmates in exchange for giving them special privileges and unauthorized furloughs.

It is alleged that, to have documentation that appeared legitimate, Elmy created court orders, cut and pasted a Luzerne County Judge’s signature from an older order onto the fraudulent order, and then photocopied the document for the file.  Elmy allegedly engaged in the conduct between November 2013 and February 2016.

Elmy was arrested in February 2016 on a criminal complaint relating to the firearms charge and was released with conditions of supervision.

The Criminal Information was filed pursuant to a plea agreement with Elmy, which is subject to approval by the court.  No date has been scheduled as yet for the entry of Elmy’s guilty plea.  Elmy was employed by Luzerne County for approximately 20 years, including work as a corrections officer at the correctional facility prior to being a work release counselor.  Elmy also served as a member and president of the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board prior to the time period when the alleged criminal conduct occurred.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Scranton Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.

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

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

In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute for the extortion charge is 20 years’ imprisonment.  The firearms charge carries a maximum term of life, with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.  Each charge also carries a fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release following any period of incarceration.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Khalid Fahide Carter, age 22, of Harrisburg was arrested yesterday by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Capital City Safe Streets Task Force and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police.                       

Carter had his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab on June 7, 2016 and was ordered detained.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Carter was indicted in May 2016 for distribution of cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on January 12, 2016.  During the drug deal, Carter allegedly possessed a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Capital City Safe Streets Task Force and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.  

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Harrisburg man has pled guilty before United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo in Harrisburg to committing 14 bank robberies in four central Pennsylvania counties.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Andre Mosley, age 48, of Harrisburg, pled guilty to robbing 14 financial institutions in Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin and York Counties between late 2014 and February 2015. The total loss is estimated at approximately $52,295. Mosely has agreed to make restitution.

The institutions that were robbed and the amounts stolen are as follows:

$1,540, Members First Federal Credit Union, Strawberry Square, Harrisburg; $2,900, Patriot Federal Credit Union, Chambersburg; $950, Fulton Bank, 200 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg; $3,495, Fulton Bank, 1429 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg; $1,930, PNC Bank, Carlisle; $3,000, Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Carlisle; $7,790, Citizens Bank, Highspire; $1,920, M&T Bank, Harrisburg; $14,480, Fulton Bank, Hummelstown; $4,670, Santander Bank, Red Lion;  $4,250, Northwest Savings Bank, York; and  $5,370, Mid-Penn Bank, Harrisburg.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force, the Harrisburg Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police and local and municipal police departments in the communities where the financial institutions were located. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe prosecuted the case.

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that the former Solicitor for Hazle Township, Luzerne County, has been charged with the theft of $105,586.80 from the Township, a local government agency which receives federal funds.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Charles Pedri, age 64, of Hazleton, is charged with theft from a program receiving federal funds in a Criminal Information filed today in United States District Court in Scranton.  Pedri was the Solicitor for Hazle Township at the time of the alleged theft.

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

As set forth in the Criminal Information, Hazle Township required a company which was developing a project in the Humboldt Industrial Park in the township to complete certain specific improvements to the property, pursuant to land development ordinances.  As security for the completion of the improvements, the company and Hazle Township entered into an escrow agreement. 

Pedri, in his capacity as Township Solicitor, signed the agreement as escrow agent.  The company then paid to Hazle Township the sum of $105,586.80 to be held in escrow as security for the completion of the improvements. Pedri, as escrow agent, deposited the funds into his law office account. Thereafter, Pedri allegedly began withdrawing the funds held in trust and converted the money to his personal use.  The investigation revealed that, between December 2012 and November 2013, Pedri allegedly wrote checks payable to himself, drawn on the  Township funds.  By November 2013, the funds were gone. 

Upon completion of the improvements in May 2014, the company requested that Hazle Township return the escrowed funds.  Over a period of approximately eight months, Pedri allegedly made misrepresentations to representatives of the company regarding the status of the funds and failed to make payment. In January 2015, after the company informed Pedri it intended to file a law suit, Pedri allegedly admitted that he had converted the funds to his own use.

Pedri was subsequently terminated from the position of Township Solicitor, restitution was paid and Pedri agreed to a voluntary suspension of his license to practice law for a period of at least five years.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.

No date has yet been scheduled for the entry of Pedri’s guilty plea. 

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

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

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Criminal Information was filed in U.S. District Court in Scranton charging a Northampton County man with conspiring to unlawfully structure financial transactions.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, from January 2008 through December 2011, German Ossa Rocha, age 45, conspired with others to utilize a money transmitter service in order to transfer the proceeds from unlawful criminal activity to the Dominican Republic.  Ossa Rocha, together with his then-wife, Mirela Desouza, operated Tropic Express, Inc., a money transfer service business, in Stroudsburg.  The defendants were residents of Northampton County.  Desouza previously pleaded guilty to the same criminal charge and is awaiting sentencing. Both defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2015 on money laundering and illegal structuring charges.   

The government also filed a plea agreement in the case.  As part of the agreement, the government agreed to dismiss the money laundering charge.           

The charges stem from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. Ossa-Rocha faces up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, the alleged crime is “structuring,” the conducting of transactions in currency for the purpose of evading federal currency transaction reporting requirements.  Under federal law, money transmitter agents are required to obtain identification, social security numbers and occupations of clients sending money to other countries, in this case the Dominican Republic, in amounts over $1,000.  The defendants ignored the directives. The law also prohibits evading or attempting to evade the reporting requirements or attempting to cause failures to file currency transaction reports.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON-The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Wilkes-Barre man was sentenced today in federal court in Scranton by United States District Judge James M. Munley, to serve 41 months in prison on the charge of failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Joseph Brant, age 56, a resident of the Sherman Hills Apartments in Wilkes-Barre, pleaded guilty to being a person required to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act by reason of a sexual abuse conviction under the laws of the State of New York, but failed to do so upon establishing a residence in Pennsylvania.  The indictment charged that Brant traveled interstate to Pennsylvania, established a residence in Wilkes-Barre, but failed to register or update his sex offender registration information in Pennsylvania as required by the law. 

In addition to the prison term, Judge Munley also ordered that Brant be supervised by a probation officer for five years following his release from prison, that he undergo sexual offender treatment, and that he comply with all registration requirements of the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. 

The charges were the result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service - Scranton and New York offices.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that John L. Gilbert, III, age 36, and Timothy Rissmiller, age 44, both residents of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania were indicted yesterday by a grand jury in Harrisburg and charged with possession of child pornography. 

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Gilbert and Rissmiller were taken into custody by the Harrisburg Bureau of Police after they allegedly printed photographs containing child pornography at a store in Harrisburg. Harrisburg police also searched the residence of the two men and found additional evidence of alleged child pornography. 

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.

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

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury brought additional criminal charges yesterday against a thoroughbred horse trainer already under indictment for wire fraud and criminal conspiracy.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Murray L. Rojas, age 50, of Grantville, Pennsylvania was charged in a 21 count superseding indictment with additional charges relating to the dispensing of misbranded drugs and criminal conspiracy. Rojas was previously indicted in August 2015 on charges of wire fraud and criminal conspiracy for conduct related to 11 races in which she had horses entered at Penn National Race Course in early 2013. Two additional wire fraud charges were brought relating to two additional races bringing the total to 13 races.

In addition to the misbranded drug distribution charges, the indictment also expands the time frame for the wire fraud conspiracy to at least 2009 and identifies additional races in which Rojas allegedly had prohibited substances administered to the horses. The superseding indictment alleges that Rojas directed and conspired with unnamed and unindicted coconspirator veterinarian(s) to administer substances to horses on the day they were entered to race, in violation of the criminal laws of Pennsylvania and the racing rules and regulations prohibiting the administering of those substances.

The indictment also alleges that steps were taken to conceal this conduct by the backdating of invoices for the sale and administration of drugs to the horses on race day, as well as the submission of fraudulent veterinarian treatment reports to the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission.

The purse money for the races is funded by the interstate electronic transfer of funds and, therefore, the involvement of the transmission of these funds that are used to pay successful owners/trainers is essential to the alleged scheme to defraud. The superseding indictment now alleges that Rojas won a total of $124,756 from the races in which it is alleged she directed the administration of prohibited substances to her horses. 

“As with human prescription drugs, veterinary prescription drugs may only be administered under the supervision of a licensed medical professional” said Special Agent in Charge Mark S. McCormack, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Metro Washington Office. “The FDA works to ensure that prescription drugs used on our animals are safe and effective, and issued with a valid prescription. When that does not happen, we will take action.”

The case was investigated by the by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Horse Racing Commission and the Federal Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law is 20 years of imprisonment on the wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud counts. The counts alleging the distribution of misbranded drugs and conspiracy to do so are each punishable by up to 3 years in prison. A term of supervised release following imprisonment and a fine are also part of the possible sentence. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jenaro Moctezuma-Galicia, age 30, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today before Senior United States District Judge A. Richard Caputo in Wilkes-Barre to the charge of illegally re-entering the United States after having been previously deported.  

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Moctezuma-Galicia was indicted by a grand jury in April 2016 and was charged with illegal re-entry into the United States after having previously been removed from the United States.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Removal Operations (ERO).

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

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.

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that two California men were convicted of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin trafficking in Monroe County by a jury after a four-day trial held before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Reginald Braddy, age 33, and Fontaine Horton, age 37, both formerly of San Bernardino, California, were convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin in the Monroe County area between 2012 and 2014.   In addition, Fontaine Horton was convicted of two counts of distributing methamphetamine in Monroe County in October of 2013.

The defendants were charged with obtaining high-quality methamphetamine from sources in California, along with heroin and cocaine, which they then distributed for profit in the Monroe County area over a two-year period.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department.   Officers from the Orange County, California Sheriff’s Office, the Scranton Police Department, and Plainfield Township, Pennsylvania, Police Department assisted in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert J. O’Hara and Francis P. Sempa.

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.

Fontaine Horton is facing a maximum possible penalty of 60 years’ imprisonment under federal law, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  Reginald Braddy is facing a maximum possible penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release and a fine.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dr. John Terry, age 65, and Thomas Ray, age 53, both of Wellsboro, were sentenced yesterday by Chief United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner in Williamsport.  Terry was sentenced to 20 months’ in federal prison and ordered to pay $4,762 in restitution to the state Department of Human Services for fraudulent prescriptions he wrote for Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. 

Ray was sentenced to 71 months’ in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, which will run consecutively to 30 months of a Tioga County term consisting of 51 months to 15 years.  Ray is serving the state sentence on unrelated charges.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, in April 2013, Terry allegedly caused Medicare to be billed for fraudulent prescriptions of Oxycodone intended for David Hatch, age 28, of Addison, New York, but written in the name of Stephen Heffner, Jr., age 46, of Elkland.  Terry  knowingly wrote the prescription in the name of Heffner, knowing Heffner was not his patient,  and that the Oxycodone was intended for Hatch.   Medicare paid for the prescription received by Heffner but actually delivered to Hatch.

Terry also wrote prescriptions for Oxycodone and other narcotics for Ray, in reckless disregard of the fact that the drugs were not being used by Ray for legitimate medical purposes, but being diverted and sold on the street.  Medicaid paid for the medically unnecessary prescriptions written for Ray.

Heffner and Hatch were both previously sentenced to six months’ probation for theft from the Medicare Program. 

The investigation was initiated in June 2013 by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) drug diversion agents and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.  During the execution of a federal search warrant at his office on July 8, 2013, Dr. Terry voluntarily agreed to surrender his medical license and his DEA registration.

The Pennsylvania State Police assisted in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski prosecuted the case.

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a State College man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Williamsport for the prohibited possession of firearms and ammunition.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment alleges that Dennis E. Lowe sold a military-style rifle and several hundred rounds of ammunition in March 2016, despite being a person prohibited under Federal law from engaging in such activity based on a 2014 conviction for illegally possessing firearms.  Lowe is also alleged to have possessed, sold and offered for sale additional handguns since July 2015.  According to the indictment, the firearms include:

• a Colt handgun;

• a Smith & Wesson handgun;

• a 1911 Colt handgun;

• a 1911 cold .45 caliber handgun;

• two Colt 1903 .32 caliber handguns;

• a 12 gauge shotgun;

• two .22 caliber revolvers;

• a .32 caliber British revolver;

• an M-1 Garand rifle;

• and approximately 650 rounds of ammunition.

The government is also seeking forfeiture of the firearms and ammunition.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur.

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

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

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

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ibrahim Stevens, age 26 of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Conner for his role in a drug trafficking operation in Williamsport.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charge arose from an investigation conducted by the Lycoming Narcotics Enforcement Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. During a search of Stevens’ apartment in May 2014, police found 80 grams of crack cocaine and heroin.  The drugs were found partially flushed in a toilet.   

A second co-defendant, Anthony Gaskin, has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur prosecuted the case.

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

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that charges have been filed against Dakota Gardner who is currently confined at the U.S. Penitentiary, Allenwood, Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Gardner, age 25, is charged in a six-count Indictment with threatening to harm a prosecutor who previously brought charges against him, as well as threatening the prosecutor’s family and making additional threats against the President and other government officials. The threats were communicated in a series of letters written by Gardner in 2015 and 2016 that were intercepted by prison officials.

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

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

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statues and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.  In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statutes is 70 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine of $1,500,000. 

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Ukrainian man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for passport fraud and social security fraud. 

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment alleges that Artur Samuel Samarin, age 23, a Ukrainian citizen, using the identity of Asher Samuel Potts, fraudulently applied for a United States passport at the Main Post Office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on December 7, 2015.  Samarin also allegedly submitted false and misleading information to the Social Security Administration resulting in his obtaining a social security card in the name of Asher Potts in July 2014 and he applied for and received a replacement card in November 2015.

This case is part of a continuing investigation by the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, the Harrisburg Bureau of Police and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.  

Samarin was arrested on state charges in February 2016 for statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors, identity theft, falsification to authorities, and tampering with public records.  Samarin was detained and remains in local custody.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Lancaster man pled guilty to felony computer hacking charges related to a phishing scheme that gave him illegal access to over 100 Apple and Google e-mail accounts, including those belonging to members of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Ryan Collins, age 36, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to a felony violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act before Senior U.S. District Court Judge William W. Caldwell in Harrisburg. Collins pled guilty to one count of unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information.  He faces up to five years’ imprisonment and $250,000 fine as a result of the guilty plea.  No date was set for sentencing.

Collins admitted that from November 2012 until the beginning of September 2014, he engaged in a phishing scheme to obtain usernames and passwords for his victims.  He sent e-mails to victims that appeared to be from Apple or Google and asked victims to provide their usernames and passwords.  When the victims responded, Collins then had access to the victims’ e-mail accounts.  After illegally accessing the e-mail accounts, Collins obtained personal information including nude photographs and videos.  In some instances, Collins would use a software program to download the entire contents of the victims’ Apple iCloud backups.

The charge against Collins stems from the investigation into the leaks of photographs of numerous female celebrities in September 2014 known as “Celebgate.”  However, investigators have not uncovered any evidence linking Collins to the actual leaks or that Collins shared or uploaded the information he obtained.

Many of Collins’ victims were members of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.  By illegally accessing the e-mail accounts, Collins accessed at least 50 iCloud accounts and 72 Gmail accounts, most of which belonged to female celebrities.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bruce Brandler, Chief of the Criminal Division.

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Scranton has indicted a husband and wife from Centre Hall, Pennsylvania for explosives and firearms offenses.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment charges James Woodring, age 50, and Christina Woodring, age 43, with conspiring to manufacture and deal in explosives from May 1 through 18, 2016, and associated offenses.  The indictment also charges James Woodring with being a felon in possession of firearms and with possessing a stolen firearm.  James Woodring was arrested on May 20, 2016, and charged by criminal complaint with similar offenses premised on the same conduct.  On May 20, 2016, he was brought before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson who ordered that Woodring be held in custody pending an indictment or preliminary hearing.

According to the indictment, and the complaint, the Woodrings conspired to purchase and transport commercial grade fireworks, to increase the fireworks’power and volatility, and sell them, all without a license to do so. 

James Woodring also allegedly also possessed the following: a stolen semi-automatic pistol, a shotgun, a pump rifle and a rifle.  As a previously convicted felon, Woodring is prohibited from possessing the firearms. 

The government is also seeking forfeiture of the firearms.

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

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

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that two men allegedly involved in drug trafficking in York and Berks Counties were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Ruben Guadalupe Morales, age 25, and Jose G. Avila, age 28, both of Reading, were charged in an indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms and more of cocaine hydrochloride and 280 grams of crack cocaine during January through April 2016.  Each man was also accused of possessing with intent to distribute cocaine on April 27, 2016.  Avila was also charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.  The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of U.S. currency totaling approximately $137,000 seized by law enforcement agencies during the investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the York City Police Department.

Both men were arrested on April 27.

The case is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy H. Fawcett. 

If convicted each defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release.  Avila is also subject to a five-year mandatory minimum for the firearms charge which must be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed. 

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Scranton indicted six individuals yesterday from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania for various narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses.  The defendants are:

• Truman Jones, age 40, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania;

• Al Dunlap, age 25, Wilkes-Barre;

• Jaquan Henderson, age 26, Edwardsville, Pennsylvania;

• Nadeurdra Mayhams, age 24, Edwardsville;

• Davon Beckford, age 21, Edwardsville; and

• Stephanie Walter, age 25, Edwardsville.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment charges all of the defendants with conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine base (crack cocaine) in Luzerne County from on or about November 10, 2015 through May 6, 2016.  Each of the defendants also is charged with one or more counts of distributing or possessing with intent to distribute heroin or crack cocaine.  The indictment also charges defendants Jones, Dunlap and Mayhams with possessing firearms in furtherance of their narcotics trafficking activities.  The indictment seeks forfeiture of the firearms, ammunition and currency recovered from the defendants.

Defendants Jones and Mayhams had previously been arrested and charged in federal criminal complaints premised on the same activities, on February 9, 2016 and May 6, 2016, respectively.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Enforcement, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Wilkes-Barre and Edwardsville Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo.

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Hazleton man pleaded guilty to a Criminal Information charging him with a heroin trafficking offense. 

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Claudio Herrera, age 49, appeared before Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick yesterday in Scranton and admitted to possessing with intent to distribute approximately 60 grams (approximately 1,800 doses) of heroin in Hazleton on November 19, 2015. 

The charges stem from a joint investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation which culminated in the execution of a search warrant at Herrera’s residence.  During the search the State Police seized approximately 60 grams of heroin and other drug paraphernalia.  Herrera was immediately arrested and has been detained ever since in prison.  The case is being prosecuted by John C. Gurganus.

At the time of his arrest, Herrera was serving the federal supervised release portion of a previously imposed federal drug trafficking sentence.   In July 2011, U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik sentenced Herrera to a term of fifty-four (54) months of imprisonment based on a guilty plea to heroin and crack cocaine trafficking. 

At the guilty plea hearing yesterday before Magistrate Judge Mehalchick, Herrera acknowledged that he (1) had been selling heroin in the Hazleton area since the summer of 2015; (2) sold heroin to a State Police cooperating witness leading to the execution of the search warrant; and (3) intended to distribute the heroin seized in his home by the State Police.   Herrera further acknowledged that he faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment for the offense, to be followed by an additional term of imprisonment for his supervised release violation. 

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

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

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

# # #

Defendant Originally Charged with Providing Material Support to ISIL

Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz, 19, a U.S. citizen and resident of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was charged in a superseding indictment with solicitation to commit a crime of violence and transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure.

The additional charges were announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and U.S. Attorney Peter J. Smith of the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

On Dec. 22, 2015, Aziz was charged in an indictment with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.  The following day, Aziz appeared before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson of the Middle District of Pennsylvania and entered a plea of not guilty.

According to the indictment, from July 2014 to Dec. 17, 2015, Aziz knowingly conspired to provide, provided and attempted to provide material support, including personnel and services, to ISIL.  The superseding indictment alleges that during the same time period, Aziz solicited, commanded, induced and endeavored to persuade others to kill and attempt to kill officers and employees of the United States.  The superseding indictment further alleges that he knowingly tweeted the names, addresses, photographs and military branches of approximately 100 U.S. servicemembers to followers and viewers of his Twitter account.  The communication also contained threats to injure the servicemembers, stating “kill them in their own lands, behead them in their own homes, stab them to death as they walk their street thinking that they are safe.”

Aziz was initially charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIL in a complaint that was unsealed on Dec. 17, 2015, following his arrest.  According to the complaint, Aziz used at least 57 different Twitter accounts to advocate violence against the United States and its citizens, to disseminate ISIL propaganda and to espouse pro-ISIL views.  On at least three occasions, Aziz allegedly used his Twitter accounts and other electronic communication services to assist persons seeking to travel to and fight for ISIL.  In one instance, Aziz allegedly acted as an intermediary between a person in Turkey and several well-known members of ISIL.

According to the allegations in the complaint, Aziz passed location information, including maps and a telephone number, between these ISIL supporters.  A search of a backpack located in Aziz’s closet identified five loaded M4-style high-capacity magazines, a modified kitchen knife, a thumb drive, medication and a ski mask.

The charges contained in an indictment are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty.  The maximum sentence for both conspiring and attempting to provide material support is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  The maximum sentence for the solicitation count is 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of five years and a $100 special assessment.  The maximum sentence for the transmitting a threat to injure count is five years’ in prison, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of three years and a $100 special assessment.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, and the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), which includes the Pentagon Force Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the Harrisburg Bureau of Police.  This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Robert Sander and Adam L. Small of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daryl F. Bloom of the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Aziz Superseding Indictment

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz, 19, a U.S. citizen and resident of Harrisburg, who was previously charged by a federal Grand Jury in Scranton on charges of conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) faces new federal charges.  In a Superseding Indictment a federal Grand Jury in Harrisburg charged Aziz with solicitation to commit a crime of violence and transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure. 

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, on December 22, 2015, Aziz was charged in an indictment with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.  The following day, Aziz appeared before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson of the Middle District of Pennsylvania and entered a plea of not guilty.   

According to the indictment, from July 2014 to December 17, 2015, Aziz knowingly conspired to provide, provided and attempted to provide material support, including personnel and services, to ISIL.  The superseding indictment alleges that during the same time period, Aziz solicited, commanded, induced and endeavored to persuade others to kill and attempt to kill officers and employees of the United States.  The superseding indictment further alleges that he knowingly tweeted the names, addresses, photographs and military branches of approximately 100 U.S. servicemembers to followers and viewers of his Twitter account.  The communication also contained threats to injure the servicemembers, stating “kill them in their own lands, behead them in their own homes, stab them to death as they walk their street thinking that they are safe.” 

Aziz was initially charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIL in a complaint that was unsealed on December 17, 2015, following his arrest.  According to the complaint, Aziz used at least 57 different Twitter accounts to advocate violence against the United States and its citizens, to disseminate ISIL propaganda and to espouse pro-ISIL views.  On at least three occasions, Aziz allegedly used his Twitter accounts and other electronic communication services to assist persons seeking to travel to and fight for ISIL.  In one instance, Aziz allegedly acted as an intermediary between a person in Turkey and several well-known members of ISIL. 

According to the allegations in the complaint, Aziz passed location information, including maps and a telephone number, between these ISIL supporters.  A search of a backpack located in Aziz’s closet identified five loaded M4-style high-capacity magazines, a modified kitchen knife, a thumb drive, medication and a ski mask.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), which includes the Pentagon Force Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom and by Trial Attorneys Robert Sander and Adam L. Small of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

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

The maximum penalty provided in the statute for each of counts 1 and 2 is 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for Count 3, Solicitation to Commit a Crime of Violence is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of five years and a $100 special assessment.  The maximum penalty for count 4, Transmitting a Communication Containing a Threat to Injure, is five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of three years and a $100 special assessment.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, and the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Robert Meader, age 31, of Liverpool, New York, pleaded guilty to a Criminal Information charging him with robbing two banks.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, on May 16, 2016, Meader appeared before United States District Court Judge Robert Mariani in Federal Court in Scranton and pleaded guilty to committing the following two bank robberies:

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

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

Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police arrested Meader without incident in Liverpool, New York, on January 12, 2016.   Since his arrest, he has been held at the Lackawanna County Jail in Scranton. 

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

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a plea agreement and a felony Criminal Information charging a New Jersey man with conspiring to provide false statements related to illegally exporting goods to Iran have been filed in U.S. District Court in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Asim Fareed, age 51, of North Brunswick, New Jersey, has agreed to enter a guilty plea to conspiracy to provide false statements in connection to the illegal export of goods to Iran.  According to the Information, Fareed operated an export business in Somerset, New Jersey and agreed to ship items purchased by customers in Iran and to provide false documentation to the U.S. Department of Commerce for export purposes.  Communications concerning the shipments passed between New Jersey and a site in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania.  No actual shipments were, in fact, delivered to Iran. 

The Information charges that in 2013 and 2014 Fareed conspired with others to export  items from the United States, through third party countries to customers in Iran.  According to the Information, Fareed prepared invoices which listed false information as to the identity and geographic location of the purchasers of the goods.  The items were then to be shipped from the United States to the United Arab Emirates, and thereafter transshipped to Iran. The plea agreement is subject to the approval of the court.  

"The Office of Export Enforcement vigorously pursues violators of our nation's export control laws, which are in place to further and protect our national security and foreign policy.  As in this instance, we work closely with our colleagues at HSI and other law enforcement agencies in prosecuting this case," said Jonathan Carson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office.

“This case demonstrates how far individuals will go to circumvent U.S. export laws to export goods to countries like the Islamic Republic of Iran,” said Angel M. Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI in New York. “The Iran Trade Embargo prohibits Americans from supplying goods, technology and services to Iran directly or indirectly. HSI is committed to aggressively pursuing those who conduct illegal business with Iran.”  

The case was investigated by the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a man who pleaded guilty to participating in a heroin and cocaine trafficking conspiracy that operated in Monroe and Wayne Counties in 2011-2014, was sentenced to eight years in prison today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy in Scranton.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Carlos Ruben Cruz, age 48, who resided in Wayne and Monroe Counties in Pennsylvania throughout much of the drug conspiracy but was arrested in the state of Florida, previously admitted to overseeing the  conspiracy which involved three of his children and the distribution of between 400 and 700 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to between 13,000 and 23,000 retail bags of heroin.  

Cruz was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in August 2014, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office, and Pocono Mountain Regional Police. 

Three of Cruz’s children, Rubie Cruz, age 26, Tiffanyann Cruz, age 22, and Brandon Cruz, age 24, have previously pleaded guilty to participating in the drug conspiracy.  Brandon Cruz and Tiffanyann Cruz were sentenced to prison terms. Rubie Cruz is awaiting sentencing.

Judge Conaboy also ordered Carlos Cruz to serve three years on supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dameon Lattimore, age 39, of New York, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones, III in Harrisburg, to distributing heroin and crack cocaine that led to the death of a York City man.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Lattimore was charged by a grand jury in Harrisburg in December 2015 with codefendants Yushonda Durant, age 40, of New York, and Frederick Gladfelter, age 46, of York.

Gladfelter pleaded not guilty in December 2015 and is awaiting trial.  Durant remains a fugitive. 

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the York City Police Department and the York County District Attorney’s Office and is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney William A. Behe.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law is life imprisonment on the drug charges. The charge of causing death from drug distribution carries a mandatory minimum 20 year term of imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that that a federal grand jury in Scranton has charged Anthony Diaz, age 48, of East Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, with defrauding his clients by using false and misleading statements and misrepresentations to induce those clients to purchase high risk and/or otherwise unsuitable investment products, through which Diaz received substantial fees and commissions to which he was not entitled.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Diaz allegedly operated the scheme between approximately 2006 and 2015, while he was a registered representative and/or a certified financial planner associated with financial investment firms.  Diaz had his own office, under the name of Financial Planners Group of America, with employees reporting to him during the periods when he was associated with other firms.  From December 2006 through May 2015, Diaz allegedly sold what were called “alternative investment products” to his clients.  Such products are generally high risk, speculative and illiquid (i.e., they cannot readily be converted to cash); may require long holding periods of up to nine years, and have “suitability requirements” related to the net worth and/or income of investors.   

As part of the scheme, Diaz allegedly instructed clients to sign blank or partially completed documents, and provided false information on documents concerning the clients’ net worth, income, risk tolerance and/or investment experience to falsely make it appear that the clients met the applicable requirements to invest in the products.

Diaz also allegedly failed to explain to clients that alternative investment products lacked liquidity and had no public market for resale. He allegedly falsely assured clients they would have access to their funds and falsely told some of them the investments were “guaranteed” to earn a certain rate of return, when, in fact, he knew there was no guaranteed rate of return.

Diaz also allegedly made it appear that his clients were receiving interest payments from the investments as a return on the investment, when, in most instances, the payments were the return of the investors’ initial capital investment.

Diaz allegedly told his clients that he voluntarily left the firms he was associated with at various times and for the clients’ benefit, when, in fact, he was terminated or asked to leave.  As a result, some clients incurred additional fees and expenses.

The indictment charges Diaz with six counts of wire fraud.  Each count relates to an interstate wire transmission concerning investments made in connection with the fraud scheme, totaling approximately $293,000, between December 2012 and May 2014.

In May 2015, the Financial Industry Regulating Authority (FINRA), part of the U.S. Treasury Department, permanently banned Diaz from acting as a broker or otherwise associating with firms that sold securities to the public.  In June 2015, the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities banned Diaz from representing an issuer or seller of securities in Pennsylvania and from being registered as a broker-dealer, agent or investment advisor in Pennsylvania.

Anyone with information concerning financial services rendered by Diaz and/or Financial Planners Group of America, should contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 570-348-2800. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Evan Gotlob and Robert O’Hara.

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

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Chambersburg man has pled guilty to conspiring to possess and distribute heroin.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Rashawn Spriggs, age 28, of Chambersburg, pled guilty before United States District Court Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner to conspiring to distribute more than 1,000 grams of heroin from October 1, 2015 to January 7, 2016 in Franklin County and elsewhere.

Sentencing is deferred pending the preparation of a presentence report. Co-defendant Jerthione Bell has already pled guilty and is also awaiting sentencing. Co-defendants Addan Brito-Torres, Yovelin Mendez-Marte, Jose Perez-Delgado, Joshua Baker, Brandon Morant and Deajon Spriggs are all awaiting trial.  All were indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2016.

The investigation is being conducted by the Harrisburg Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Lancaster and Franklin County Drug Task Forces.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.

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

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law is life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum 10 year term of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

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

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 27-year-old Carbondale man was sentenced today to 78 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy in Scranton, for using a computer to download child pornography from an internet website.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Edward Jeter, previously pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography between the dates of November 2014 and August 2015. Agents executed a search warrant and found more than 90 videos and more than 2100 images of child pornography on Jeter’s computer, including images of children between the ages of 3 and 14 being sexually molested by adults.

Jeter was charged in a criminal Information filed by the United States Attorney in November 2015, as a result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Judge Conaboy also ordered Jeter to serve five years on supervised release after serving his prison sentence. Jeter must also register as a sex offender, receive sex offender treatment, and abide by restrictions on associating with minors.  

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kevin Barnes, age 27, of Avoca, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to serve two  years in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for providing false information to federally licensed firearms dealers in connection with his purchase of 10 firearms.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, in February 2015, Barnes entered a guilty plea to a charge in an Indictment which alleged he made false statements in completing ATF forms between November 7, 2011, and May 14, 2013.  The defendant admitted that on ten separate occasions between those dates, he falsely stated when buying firearms that he was not an unlawful user of controlled substances.  Under federal law, unlawful users of controlled substances are prohibited from purchasing and possessing firearms. 

In addition to the two-year imprisonment sentence, Judge Mariani ordered Barnes to be placed on two years of supervised release following service of his prison sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Hinkley prosecuted the case.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andrew Gonzalez, age 30, York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane for his role in a heroin trafficking scheme operated out of a York City home.  

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charge arose from a search warrant executed in March 2013 by York City Police. During the search, police found 35 grams of crack cocaine, cocaine, and heroin.  The majority of the heroin – 900 bags – were found floating in a toilet.   

Andrew Gonzalez and co-defendant Veronica Rivera pled guilty to conspiracy to  distribute drugs.  A third defendant, Andrew Alexander, was convicted last month after a jury trial.  Ms. Rivera was sentenced to two years in prison on May 4, 2016.  Alexander is awaiting sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the York City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio and Scott Ford prosecuted the case.

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that an Edwardsville man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Scranton on firearm and drug possession offenses.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment charges Willie Garcia, age 47, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, using that firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activities and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.  

The charges stem from a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Edwardsville Police Department.  The charge arose out of a police response to a 911 call concerning a shooting and resulted in the alleged recovery of marijuana and a loaded firearm from Garcia’s home.

Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob.

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

Garcia faces a minimum of 5 years and up to a lifetime term of incarceration as well as fines totaling $1,500,000. 

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that United States District Judge Malachy Mannion sentenced Sekou Lashley, age 36, to 132 months’ imprisonment for distributing cocaine base (crack) at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Plains Township, Pennsylvania, on March 19, 2015.  Judge Mannion found that Lashley qualified as a career offender, subject to enhanced penalties, after consideration of his extensive criminal history.

Lashley previously pleaded guilty to an indictment that charged him with the sale of four bags of crack cocaine to a confidential informant at the casino bar.  Judge Mannion imposed a 120-month sentence for that offense.  At the time, Lashley was serving a term of federal supervised release associated with a 2008 conviction, also in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin.  Judge Mannion imposed a 12-month sentence for violating the terms of his supervised release, to run consecutive to the 120-month sentence.  Lashley also was sentenced to a three-year term of supervised release, to commence at the conclusion of his term of imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.

# # #

HARRISBURG- On May 5, 2016, a federal judge sentenced a York man to federal prison for his involvement in the importation and distribution of cocaine and heroin in York County. 

According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, Daniel Pacheco-Morales, age 44, of York, was sentenced to fifteen years in prison. U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane indicated during sentencing that the violence associated with his activities and his long history of drug trafficking separated him from the other defendants sentenced in the prosecution of Latin Kings in York.

On April 6, 2015, the day of his scheduled jury trial, Daniel Pacheco-Morales entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin from 2011 to 2013.  He also admitted to his participation in conspiracy to distribute heroin throughout York.  He later attempted to withdraw his guilty plea, but the court denied his request.

Pacheco-Morales’s sentence is the culmination of a multi-year investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police and the York County Drug Task Force, into the Latin King Street Gang in York. In that investigation, hundreds of purchases of heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine were made from over one hundred individuals in York, and resulted in the arrest of most of those individuals in a sweep that began on February 6, 2013.  Thereafter, the United States Attorney’s Office indicted fifteen individuals for leadership roles in the heroin and cocaine trafficking, including Daniel Pacheco-Morales.   

As part of this larger investigation, the United States charged multiple others affiliated with the distribution of heroin and cocaine in York. The other cases are as follows:

• Angel Mendez-Castro, age 27, of York and Puerto Rico, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to import and distribute kilograms of heroin and cocaine. He was sentenced to fifteen years in prison. 

• Christian Mendez-Castro, a/k/a “King Rampage,” age 22, of York and Puerto Rico, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine. He was sentenced to nine years in prison.

• Hector Castro-Padro, age 22, of Puerto Rico and York, entered a guilty plea drug trafficking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. He was sentenced to six years and six months in prison.

• William Ortiz, age 53, or York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking. On August 21, 2014, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. 

• Luis Angel Ortiz, a/k/a “C Lo,” age 31, of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking. On April 15, 2014, he was sentenced to twelve (12) years and six (6) months in prison.

• Jose Cartegena, Jr., a/k/a “Warrior,” age 35, of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking. On April 28, 2014, he was sentenced to five (5) years in prison.

• Marcus Garcia, a/k/a “King Paradise,” age 28, of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking. On September 5, 2014, he was sentenced to six (6) years and five (5) months in prison.

• David Ramsey, a/k/a “King Knuckles,” age 32, of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking.  On December 9, 2014, he was sentenced to five (5) years in prison.  

• Carlos Villalongo-Martinez, age 38 of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking. On July 29, 2014, he was sentenced to two (2) years in prison.

• Brandon Jones, age 27, of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking. On June 3, 2014, he was sentenced to six (6) years in prison.

• Antonio Navarro-Garcia, a/k/a “King Trigger,” age 22 of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking. On November 25, 2014, he was sentenced to five (5) years in prison. 

• Michael Enriquez, a/k/a “King Rage,” age 30, of Camden, New Jersey, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking. On January 27, 2015, he was sentenced to ten (10) years in prison.

• Hector Rengifo, age 40, of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking on August 4, 2014. He was sentenced to ten (10) years in prison.

• August Ranalli, age 31, of York, was convicted of drug trafficking and conspiracy after bench trial.  He was sentenced to twelve (12) years in prison.

Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Consiglio.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Robert J. Rice, age 58, Carlisle, a Colonel in the U.S. Army stationed at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, was convicted of possession and receipt and distribution of child pornography over the internet. The five-day trial was held before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner in Harrisburg.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the jury returned with the verdict of guilty after approximately two hours of deliberation.  The jury found that Rice knowingly possessed child pornography from August 2010 through January 29, 2013, and that he received and distributed child pornography through the internet from January 23, 2013 through January 28, 2013.

Chief Judge Conner has scheduled sentencing for August 12, 2016.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James T. Clancy and Chelsea B. Schinnour.

The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).   

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that David Weaver, age 41, and Crystal Serfass, age 31, both of Junedale, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to the armed robberies of four banks and a store.  

Weaver and Serfass pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Court Judge James M. Munley in Federal Court yesterday in Scranton.  During the guilty plea hearing, each admitted to all charges contained in a five-count Criminal Information which alleges that they committed the following armed robberies:

• the robbery ofthe Jim Thorpe National Bank, Penn Forest Township, on September 17, 2013;

• the robbery of the National Penn Bank, Drums, on August 8, 2014;

• the robbery of Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Penn Forest Township, on November 18, 2014;

• the robbery of the ESSA Bank and Trust, Brodheadsville, on December 26, 2014;

• the robbery of the Dollar General, Nesquehoning, on November 16, 2014.

During each of the robberies, Weaver brandished a firearm to intimidate the employees.  Serfass helped plan and acted as a driver for each of the crimes.  

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

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

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

In this particular case, the maximum penalty under the federal statutes is up to 120 years’ imprisonment.  Both face a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine if convicted. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendants, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that David Sandy Lee Parks, age 60, of New Haven, Connecticut, pleaded guilty to six bank robberies in Pennsylvania and two other states.     

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, in July 2015, a grand jury in Scranton returned a two-count Indictment alleging that Parks committed the armed robbery of the Peoples Security Bank, Duryea, on July 3, 2015 and the armed robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank, Plymouth, on July 10, 2015.

A subsequent Criminal Information charged Parks with four additional bank robberies: 

• the Savings Institute Bank & Trust, Westerly, Rhode Island, on February 20, 2015;
• the Coastway Community Bank, Warwick, Rhode Island, on June 16, 2015;
• the Citizen’s Bank, Stonington, Connecticut, on June 24, 2015; and
• the First Niagara, Upper Macungie Township, PA, on July 17, 2015.

Today, Parks appeared before Senior United States District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik in Federal Court in Scranton, and pleaded guilty to all six robberies. 

Parks has been in custody since July 17, 2015, the day officers from the Upper Macungie Police Department arrested and charged him with the robbery of the First Niagara Bank which occurred earlier that day. 

The case was jointly investigated by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies: the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, the Duryea, Plymouth Township,   Upper Macungie, Pittston, Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes-Barre Township, Plains Township, Jenkins Township, West Pittston, Edwardsville, Warwick, Rhode Island, Hanover, Kingston Police Departments, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.  The prosecution was conducted and coordinated by Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.

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. No date has been set for sentencing.

The maximum penalty under federal law for all the charges is 135 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Curtis Mitchell, age 37, Harrisburg, Eddie Viera, age 42, Shippensburg, and Brandon Brooks, age 26, York, were indicted in three separate cases today by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Mitchell is charged with the sale of heroin and possession of a short-barreled shotgun.  He was arrested by the Harrisburg Police Department at his residence during the execution of a search warrant on November 16, 2015.  Police had previously observed Mitchell allegedly selling heroin out of his home.  During the search, police allegedly found a short-barreled shotgun under Mitchell’s mattress.  Short-barreled shotguns violate the Federal Firearms Act if not properly registered, and, as a convicted felon, Mitchell is prohibited from possessing any firearm. 

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Harrisburg Police Department.  The maximum penalty for this offense is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 

Viera is charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin. He was arrested by the Pennsylvania State Police on February 15, 2016 near mile marker 77 of Interstate 81 after a high speed pursuit for nearly 20 miles. Along the route of the pursuit, Troopers found over 950 individual packets of heroin which Viera allegedly had thrown out the window of his car.  Viera was already the subject of an arrest warrant after members of the Franklin County Drug Task Force observed him allegedly distributing heroin and found over 70 individual packets of heroin in his apartment in December 2014.   

The matter was investigated by the Franklin County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The maximum penalty for this offense is up to 30 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 

Brooks is charged with possession with the intent to distribute heroin.  He was stopped by West York Police for Driving Under the Influence on November 27, 2015.  During the arrest, officers found 9 bundles, or 90 individual packets, of heroin on Brooks.   

The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the West York Police Department and York County District Attorney’s Office.  The maximum penalty for this offense is up to 30 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

All three cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford.  

These cases were 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.

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal Grand Jury in Scranton indicted Damone Whitley, age 22, on May 3, 2016, with making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer. 

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Whitley, a resident of Nanticoke, provided false information for the purchase of two firearms from a gun shop in that city on April 5, 2016.  The indictment alleges that Whitley stated that he was the true buyer of the firearms when, in fact, he was buying them for others.   

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Prosecution has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert O’Hara.

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

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment on May 3, 2016, charging a 55-year-old Dominican national who resided in Hazleton with distributing heroin on two occasions between December 2015 and January 2016, trafficking in cocaine and methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the superseding indictment alleges that Juan Elvis Monsanto, who used the street name “Elvi,” distributed heroin on December 15, 2015, and January 28, 2016; possessed with intent to distribute cocaine and in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine on February 10, 2016, and possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  

The charges against Monsanto resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Hazleton Police.

Monsanto faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of life in prison, if he is convicted of the charges.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Monroe County woman connected to a heroin trafficking ring that operated in Monroe County and elsewhere during 2012 through March 2015, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Shawnette Isaac, age 39, of Marshalls Creek, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine. Isaac admitted to traveling to New Jersey on several occasions to obtain a total of more than 80 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to approximately 2600 retail bags of heroin, for distribution to others in the Monroe County area.

Isaac was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in March 2015.  The charges were the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Monroe County.

Judge Munley ordered a presentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for August 2, 2016. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.  

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

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a lobbyist has been charged with wire fraud.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, John H. Estey, age 53, of Ardmore, was charged with wire fraud in a Criminal Information filed in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg.

The Information charges that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted an undercover investigation of lobbying in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.  In that investigation, the FBI created an undercover business and hired Estey as a lobbyist to influence passage of certain legislation beneficial to the undercover business.  In 2011, as a part of that investigation, Estey agreed to secretly pay $20,000 in campaign contributions to members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly in connection with this legislation. When he was paid funds, Estey only passed through $7,000 in campaign contributions while secretly keeping $13,000. 

The government also filed a plea agreement with Mr. Estey which is subject to approval of the court. A date for his initial appearance has not been set.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis C. Pfannenschmidt was designated United States Attorney for this case because United States Attorney Peter J. Smith recused himself.  

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio, Christy Fawcett, and William S. Houser.

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

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – In recognition of the designation of April 24-30, 2016 as National Reentry Week by the U.S. Department of Justice, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania hosted an organizational meeting at Wilkes University for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, court personnel, prison officials, probation/parole officers, treatment/reentry service providers, community representatives and other stakeholders who desire to participate in a reentry call-in program designed to reduce violence and recidivism among formerly incarcerated individuals reentering the Luzerne County community from county, state and federal prisons. 

Removing barriers to successful reentry helps formerly incarcerated individuals compete for jobs, attain stable housing, and support their families. An important part of that commitment is preparing those who have paid their debt to society for substantive opportunities beyond the prison gates, and addressing collateral consequences to successful reentry that too many returning citizens encounter.  

The Department of Justice requested each United States Attorney’s Office in the country to hold a reentry-related event.  As stated by the Department in the memorandum announcing the initiative, “[s]upporting successful reentry is an essential part of our mission to promote public safety.  If we can reduce recidivism by helping individuals return to productive, law-abiding lives, we will reduce crime across this country, make our prisons safer, and make our neighborhoods better places to live.”

The meeting today at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre is the initial gathering of what the U.S. Attorney’s Office has called the Luzerne County Reentry Coalition.  The speakers included representatives of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the Pennsylvnaia Board of Probation and Parole, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Middle District and Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and Al Murray, Esquire, who developed the CARES Program as part the Reentry Program in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

# # #

SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 38-year-old Shenandoah resident connected to a large-scale heroin trafficking ring that operated in Schuylkill County during 2012 through September 2015, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Thomas Nestor pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. Nestor admitted to distributing heroin and traveling with co-conspirators to obtain heroin for distribution. He was involved in distributing and possessing with intent to distribute between 400 and 700 grams, which is equivalent to between 13,000 and 23,000 retail bags of heroin,

Nestor was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in September 2015, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, and Shenandoah Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.

Judge Munley ordered a presentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for July 28, 2016.  Nestor faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a felony Criminal Indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Scranton on April 26, 2016, charging federal prison inmate Davon Perry, age 36.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Perry was charged with allegedly possessing a homemade sharpened weapon in June of 2015.

If convicted, Perry could be imprisoned for a maximum sentence of up to 5 years and a fine in the amount of $250,000.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal Grand Jury in Scranton has indicted Michael Miller and Janis Tolan with conspiracy to make a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm at a gun show in December 2015.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendants purchased an AK 47 semi-automatic rifle from a licensed dealer at an event at the Farmshow Complex in Harrisburg.  Miller allegedly chose the weapon and Tolan submitted the identification for the vendor and filled out the government form representing her as the purchaser, allegedly acting as a straw purchaser for Miller in violation of federal law.

This matter was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Prosecution is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christy Fawcett and Chelsea Schinnour.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney=s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lihn Lam, age 45, formerly of Scranton, was sentenced today to 24 months imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik, in Scranton, for conspiracy related to the harboring and transporting of illegal aliens. 

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Lam and other individuals operated a business known as “Ready Management Services, Inc.” between 2007 and the present which provided illegal aliens as employees under a temporary labor contract and paid the illegal aliens cash payments “under the table” for work they performed. 

Lam was indicted by a grand jury in Scranton in April 2014, as a result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement & Removal Operations, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.

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