Middle District of Pennsylvania

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a grand jury in Scranton has charged ten men and one woman with conspiring to distribute cocaine, cocaine base (crack) and heroin in Monroe County.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment alleges that from at least May 2015 to July of this year, Joseph Morales, age 24, Humberto Morales-Delgado, age 52, both of Pocono Summit, PA, Matthew Morales, Age 22, Mount Pocono, PA, Myles Davis, age 27,  Kyme Ashby, age 26, Patrick Hynes, age 18, Sherquille Ernest, age 21, all of Tobyhanna, PA,

Steven Silva-Lugo, age 28, Henryville, PA, Andrew Perez, age 27, Bronx, NY, Nick Monteforte, age 29, Monroe County, PA, and Jayce Bradley, age 54, Shawnee on Delaware, PA conspired to distribute more than half a kilogram of cocaine, more than 280 grams of cocaine base and more than 100 grams of heroin to consumers in multiple locations, in and around Monroe County.

Eight of the defendants, Joseph Morales, Matthew Morales, Morales-Delgado, Silva-Lugo, Ernest, Ashby, Bradley and Hynes were arrested on July 22, 2015 and are in custody. Three remain at large at this time. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Myles Davis, Andrew Perez or Nick Monteforte is asked to contact the Drug Enforcement Administration at (570) 496-1020.

The investigation was the result of a long term cooperative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Peter Hobart.

The defendants face a minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment and fines of up to one million dollars.

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.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the Office of Export Enforcement of the United States Department of Commerce announced that today in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg, an officer of FIMCO, an Iranian corporation, entered a plea of guilty on behalf of the corporation to conspiracy to evade export licensing requirements.

The conspiracy was in connection with an attempt to smuggle to Iran a machine with possible military as well as civilian applications. The guilty plea was entered before United States District Court Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab.

In December 2012, a federal grand jury in Harrisburg charged FIMCO in a sealed indictment made public today.  In April 2014, an American company, Hetran, Inc., an engineering and manufacturing corporation in Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and its President, Helmut Oertmann, were charged with participating in the conspiracy.

Hetran manufactured a large horizontal lathe, also described as a bar peeling machine (“peeler”), valued at more than $800,000 and weighing in excess of 50,000 pounds.  The machine is used in the production of high grade steel for the manufacture of automobile and aircraft parts.

Under U.S. law and regulations, American companies are forbidden to ship “dual use” items (items with civilian as well as military or proliferation applications), such as the peeler, to Iran without first obtaining a license from the U.S. Government.  Aware that it was unlikely that such a license would be granted, FIMCO, which does business in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and other alleged co-conspirators agreed to falsely state on the shipping documents that the end-user of the peeler was Crescent International Trade and Services FZE (Crescent), an affiliated company, knowing that the machine would subsequently be shipped to Iran after being off-loaded in Dubai.

In June 2012, Hetran caused the peeling machine to be shipped from Pennsylvania to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, fraudulently listing Crescent as the end-user, knowing that the shipment was ultimately being sent by FIMCO to Iran in violation of federal law.  The Office of Export Enforcement, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), U.S. Department of Commerce detected the shipment and ordered that it be re-delivered to the United States.

As part of its plea agreement with the United States, FIMCO agreed that the government would recommend a $250,000 criminal fine.  The plea agreement is subject to the approval of the Court.  The company also has agreed under a settlement with BIS to pay a $837,500 civil penalty to the U.S. Department of Commerce, of which it must pay $587,500 out-of-pocket, with the remaining $250,000 suspended for two years. The suspended portion of the civil penalty will be waived thereafter so long as FIMCO complies with the terms of the plea agreement and any criminal sentence and satisfies certain additional conditions.  FIMCO will also be made subject to a two-year suspended denial of its export privileges.

"Today's guilty plea is the result of our commitment to disrupt illicit networks aimed at evading our export controls and jeopardizing our national security," said Under Secretary of Commerce Eric L. Hirschhorn.  "Commerce Department, Office Export Enforcement Special Agents thwarted this illegal scheme by utilizing their unique authorities as the enforcers and regulators of our nation’s ‘export control laws to pursue violators," he said.

U.S. Attorney Peter Smith praised the Special Agents of the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement for their tenacity and global team effort in investigating the case, coordinating with foreign governments, executing search warrants, and most importantly, seizing the horizontal lathe upon its arrival in Dubai. The seizure of key shipping documents, emails and correspondence from Hetran to Iran revealed the scheme, and was critical to the success of the case, and to shutting down the contemplated shipment.

During the investigation by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), FIMCO and Crescent were placed on BIS’s Entity list in August 2014.  The Entity List identifies foreign parties that are prohibited from receiving listed items unless the exporter secures a license. Those persons present a greater risk of diversion to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs, terrorism, or other activities contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. By publicly listing such persons, the Entity List serves as an important tool to prevent unauthorized trade in such items.

In December 2014, Helmut Oertmann and Hetran were sentenced by Judge Kane to 12 months’ probation; Oertmann and Hetran were ordered as part of a settlement with BIS to pay a penalty of $837,500 with $337,500 of that amount paid out-of-pocket and the remainder conditionally suspended, which penalty Judge Kane adopted as to Oertmann and Hetran. The other indicted company, Crescent International Trade and Services FZE, and the three Iranian individuals who served as officers of FIMCO, Khosrow Kasraei, Reza Ghoreishi, and Mujahid Ali, are presently fugitives.

The case was investigated by the New York Field Office of the Office of Export Enforcement, Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce.  The Department of Commerce’s Office of the Chief Counsel for Industry and Security handled the civil proceedings.  The prosecution was coordinated by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christy H. Fawcett and Gordon A. Zubrod of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and was overseen by the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

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

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

The maximum penalty for the corporation is 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 and protect the public. 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 Providence, Rhode Island man was indicted late yesterday by a federal grand jury sitting in Scranton, on the charge of possession with intent to distribute in excess of one kilogram of heroin.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Angel Prado, age 43, allegedly committed the offense on December 19, 2013, in Monroe County, Pennsylvania when he was operator of a vehicle involved in a traffic stop.

The charge against Prado resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police.

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

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

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury sitting in Scranton, Pennsylvania, has returned an Indictment late yesterday, charging David Sandy Lee Parks, age 59, of Connecticut, with committing two bank robberies. 

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the two-count Indictment alleges that Parks committed the following robberies:

• the armed robbery of the Peoples Security Bank, Duryea, Pennsylvania, on July 3, 2015; and
• the armed robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank, Plymouth, Pennsylvania, on July 10, 2015.

Police officers from the Upper Macungie Police Department arrested Parks on July 17, 2015, and charged him with a robbery of the First Niagara Bank, Trexlertown, PA, that occurred earlier that day.  He is presently being held at the Lehigh County Jail in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The case was jointly investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, the Duryea Police Department, the Plymouth Township Police Department,  the Upper Macungie Police Department, Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, Pittston Police Department, Wilkes-Barre and Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department, Plains Township Police Department, Jenkins Township Police Department, West Pittston Police Department, Edwardsville Police Department, and Hanover and Kingston Police Departments.  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 guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The maximum penalty under federal law is 25 years of imprisonment, 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 charges were filed in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg against eight restaurant owners and managers in the State College, Pennsylvania, area, accusing them of conspiring to transport, harbor and conceal illegal aliens to work in their restaurants.  Jing Mei Jiang, identified as the leader of the conspiracy, was also charged with defrauding the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by underreporting the actual number of employees in audit and tax documents and by creating falsified financial records on his Employer’s Quarterly Report of Wages Paid to each employee.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the following individuals were charged in eight separate Criminal Informations filed today:

• Jing Mei Jiang, age 51, Boalsburg, PA
• Yu Mei Chen, age 50, Boalsburg, PA
• Xin Xing Jiang, age 27, Boalsburg, PA
• Yan Jin Jiang, age 30, Boalsburg, PA
• Xue Jiang, age 36, State College, PA
• Jian Bin Chen, age 39, State College, PA
• Yong Cheng Chen, age 38, State College, PA
• Hua Zhen Dong, age 37, State College, PA

The Criminal Informations charge that Jing Mei Jiang and his co-conspirators, owners and/or managers of restaurants in the State College area, allegedly engaged in recruiting, placing, harboring, concealing and transporting unauthorized aliens to work in the restaurants. Jiang and his co-conspirators transported the unauthorized aliens by commercial buses, vans and other vehicles to and from restaurants in the State College area, where they would work and be housed during their employment.

The workforce consisted of Hispanic and Chinese aliens from Mexico, Guatemala, Thailand and China, many of whom were illegally in the United States. The workforce was allegedly sought and employed by the defendants for commercial advantage and private financial gain. Unauthorized alien workers were hired routinely to staff restaurant kitchen operations, thereby cutting costs and maximizing profits. Among other things, the conspirators allegedly:

• Paid the unauthorized aliens in cash, at a rate well below the minimum wage;
• Did not withhold state and/or federal taxes from the wages paid to unauthorized aliens;
• Did not require the unauthorized aliens to present documents establishing identity and/or employment eligibility as required by law;
• Provided housing and transportation to the restaurants to their unauthorized alien workers.
• Recruited unauthorized alien workers using employment agencies located in New York City and would have the unauthorized alien workers transported to the State College area by commercial buses, vans and other vehicles;
• Shared housing, transportation and services of some of the workers among themselves to maximize profits and to facilitate their criminal conspiracy; and
• Filed and caused to be filed fraudulent documents relating to unemployment compensation for undocumented workers.

Jiang is charged individually with allegedly handling the finances of all the restaurants. The workers were compensated in cash and their earnings were not reported to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the Employer’s Quarterly Report of Wages Paid to Each Employee.

The payroll services of a New York accounting firm were allegedly used for the fraudulent production of a fictitious monthly payroll check for each employee and quarterly report of wages paid to each employee forwarded by mail or electronically filed. The actual number of employees working for the restaurants was knowingly under reported, thereby knowingly causing the accounting firm to transmit false and incomplete information by mail and/or by interstate wire.

The government is also seeking the forfeiture of the following assets, consisting of property or cash allegedly directly tied to the criminal activity:

• 210 Limerock Terrace, State College, PA
• 458 East College Avenue, Unit 211, State College, PA
• 458 East College Avenue, Unit 406, State College, PA
• 691 Westerly Parkway, State College, PA
• $21,890 in cash seized from the China Dragon Restaurant, State College, PA
• $43,108 in cash seized from 210 Limerock Terrace, State College, PA

The government also filed plea agreements with each of the eight defendants which are subject to the approval of the court.

The case is part of a continuing investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the U.S. Department of Labor, assisted by the State College Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys William A. Behe and Gordon Zubrod, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert LaBar of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office are assigned to prosecute the case.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for Jing Mei Jiang is 10 years of imprisonment on harboring and concealment of illegal immigrants and 20 years imprisonment for wire fraud, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for the remaining defendants is 5 years imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal jury in Harrisburg today found Nicholas I. Stanishia, age 45, an Ohio prison inmate, guilty of conspiracy to transmit a threat to injure a central Pennsylvania witness who had testified against him.  The case was tried before U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones, III.  Sentencing is deferred pending the preparation of a presentence report.

Co-defendants Marcia J. Weber, age 46, of Loveland, Ohio, and Martin Jay Wilson, age 43, of Kansas City, Missouri, both pled guilty to the conspiracy in April 2015.  Jody Six, age 40 and Anthony Vaughn, age 41, both Ohio inmates, pled guilty to the conspiracy in July 2015. Sentencing dates have not been scheduled.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the evidence presented by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Bloom at the three-day trial established that Stanishia, while serving a sentence of life imprisonment plus 23 years at the Southeastern Correctional Institution in Lancaster, Ohio, for a murder conviction, developed an intimate relationship with clinical psychologist Marcia Weber who helped orchestrate Stanishia’s release from prison by attempting to get the sole witness who identified Stanishia at his Ohio murder trial to recant his trial testimony.

The surviving witness was also shot during the murder but was able to flee.  Stanishia was able to escape and was captured three years later and tried for the murder.  Stanishia was also convicted of a rape and burglary committed while on the run.  He was sentenced to 54 years’ imprisonment for this offense.

Stanishia and Weber met in an Ohio correctional facility where he was participating in a work release program.  Weber hired a private investigator to help obtain information about the witness, including where he and his wife lived, where he worked, and information about his children and other immediate family.  Stanishia and Weber then hired Wilson to travel from Missouri to Pennsylvania, where Wilson rented a car, drove to the witness’s house near Harrisburg and placed a gas can filled with water at the witness’s porch.

Stanishia, with the help of Six and Vaughn - both other inmates - used a smuggled-in cellular telephone to contact the witness to get the victim/witness to sign an affidavit prepared by Stanishia.  Stanishia stated in the call that the next time the gas can would not be filled with water.  Stanishia referenced the gas can as a message to the victim conveying his ability to reach the witness even while imprisoned in Ohio.  Stanishia used the address of the victim’s sister on the envelope that contained the mailed affidavit and mentioned the victim’s wife by name during the call to show his extensive knowledge of the victim and his family.  In addition, during the call Stanishia claimed to be a high ranking member of the Aryan Brotherhood and that his release was being orchestrated by the Aryan Brotherhood. The contacts with the witness were subsequently reported to law enforcement agencies. Many of the phone calls were recorded at the prison and played during the trial.

Stanishia testified on his own behalf at the trial, admitting that he participated in the scheme but denying that he actually intended to threaten the witness. The jury found him guilty of all three charges in the Indictment.

This case was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Field Offices in Philadelphia (Harrisburg RA), Cincinnati, and Columbus, Ohio, the Hampden Township Police Department, the Lower Paxton Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Investigators from the Southeastern Correctional Institution in Ohio.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Carlos Hernandez-Mejia, age 29, a citizen of El Salvador, Eduardo Hernandez-Lara, age 32, Anabel Maganda-Marcial age 37, and Miguel Salazar-Gomez, age 33, citizens of Mexico, were indicted separately today by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg on illegal re-entry charges.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Hernandez-Mejia was previously convicted of an aggravated felony and removed from the United States in 2008.  He was in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania at the time he was taken into custody.  The maximum penalty under federal law is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

This matter was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  Prosecution has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J. Terz.

Hernandez-Lara was taken into custody in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania and was allegedly previously deported from the United States in 2007.  The maximum penalty under federal law is 2 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

Maganda-Marcial was taken into custody in York, Pennsylvania and was allegedly previously removed from the United States in 2006.  The maximum penalty under federal law is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

Both matters were investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and prosecution has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy.

Salazar-Gomez illegally re-entered the United States allegedly after having previously been deported in 2004, 2005 and 2014.  Salazar was arrested in March of this year in Adams County and taken into the custody of the Department of Homeland Security.  The maximum penalty under federal law is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

This matter was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Zubrod 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 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.

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HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced the filing of a criminal information late yesterday charging a Scranton man with participating in a conspiracy to have a minor engage in prostitution.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the information alleges that Justin Strait, age 26, conspired with others to use a minor female to engage in prostitution at various motels in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties during February through August 2014.

The charge against Strait resulted from an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police.

The information alleges that Strait and/or his co-conspirators recruited the minor to engage in prostitution, rented motel rooms for purposes of prostitution, provided condoms to the minor, photographed the minor and posted advertisements for “escort services” on a website, provided illegal drugs to the minor, and acted as security during prostitution activities.

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 is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Matthew R. Brown, a 34-year-old Scotland, Pennsylvania resident was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane to 84 months’ imprisonment for distribution of crack cocaine.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Matthew Brown pleaded guilty in March 2015 to buying crack cocaine from suppliers in York, Pennsylvania and then distributing those drugs in Franklin County.

Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2014, following an investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Franklin County Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a 32-year-old Effort resident was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 96 months’ imprisonment for participating in a drug conspiracy that was responsible for distributing large quantities of heroin, cocaine and other drugs during a four-year time period in Monroe, Montgomery, and Berks Counties.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Ramon Baez pleaded guilty in April 2015 to his involvement in regularly obtaining drugs from suppliers in Reading and New York, and distributing those drugs to other dealers in Reading and the Monroe County area.

Baez was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2014, following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Berks County Detectives and Montgomery County Detectives.

Judge Mariani ordered Baez to be placed on three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Baez must also pay a special assessment of $100.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Harrisburg man who pled guilty to the December 9, 2014 robbery of the Mid Penn Bank on North Front Street in Harrisburg has been charged with four additional bank robberies.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Dylan Blum, age 22, has been charged in a four count Criminal Information that was filed in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg on Friday, July 10, 2015, charging him with the robberies of four banks in December of 2014 and January of 2015 in Northampton County, Pennsylvania and in New Jersey. Blum allegedly passed a threatening note to tellers at three of those robberies and attempted to rob another bank but was prevented by employees from entering that bank. Blum allegedly made off with a total of $5,788.00 from the three banks he was able to rob. Blum turned himself in to the Harrisburg Police department on January 3, 2015.

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

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Police Department and the Harrisburg Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe has been assigned to prosecute the case.

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

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

For this case, the maximum penalty under federal law for each count 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 Criminal Information was filed on July 8, 2015 in U.S. District Court in Scranton charging a Newtown woman with allegedly defrauding the Social Security Administration of financial benefits intended for low-income individuals and families.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, in 2002 Dorothy Madison, age 51, of Newtown, Bucks County, was married but failed to report the marriage to the Social Security Administration’s Office in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Madison’s husband was gainfully employed, and by failing to report the resulting spousal income to the Social Security Administration, Madison obtained $58,901.96 in benefits to which she was not entitled over the ten year period following the marriage.

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

The case is the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Peter Hobart.

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 under federal law for fraudulent acts in relation to Supplemental Security Income is five (5) 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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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Wayne Lee Brennan, 40, of Fort Howard, Maryland was indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The indictment charges Brennan with three counts of bank robbery.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Indictment alleges that Brennan robbed three South Central Pennsylvania banks between June and September 2014: Santander Bank, Hanover; PNC Bank, Hanover; and PNC Bank, East York. At each bank, Brennan allegedly handed the teller a note demanding money but did not display a firearm. Approximately $5,000 was taken in the three robberies. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Manheim Township Police Department, the Hanover Borough Police Department, and the Springettsbury Township Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.

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 Harrisburg man was indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg on charges of committing 14 bank robberies in 4 central Pennsylvania counties from November 2014 through February 2015.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Andre Mosley, age 47, was charged with robbing 14 financial institutions in Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin and York Counties from late 2014 through February of 2015. The total amount taken is estimated at approximately $52,000. The institutions were:

Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Harrisburg

Fulton Banks, two Harrisburg branches

Mid-Penn Bank, two Harrisburg branches

M&T Bank, Harrisburg

Patriot Federal Credit Union, Chambersburg

PNC Bank, Carlisle

Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Carlisle

Citizens Bank, Highspire

Fulton Bank, Hummelstown

Santander Bank, Red Lion

Northwest Savings Bank, York

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes 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. Prosecution of the case has been 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 each count, 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 Criminal Information was filed in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg charging the former president of the United Government Security Officers of America (UGSOA) Local 304 with stealing almost $67,000 in union funds during an eleven month period that he held the office.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, on over a hundred occasions between December 15, 2009 and November 16, 2010, Howard Royal, age 50, of Steelton, Pennsylvania, abused his position as the union president to make fraudulent unauthorized electronic transfers and withdrawals of $66,989.02 of the labor organization’s money.  UGSOA represents security officers in state government agencies throughout Pennsylvania.  Local 304 is headquartered in Harrisburg.

The investigation was conducted by U.S. Department of Labor and prosecution was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Peter Hobart.

The government filed a plea agreement together with the Criminal Information.  The agreement is subject to the approval of the court.

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a fifth Monroe County defendant pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Scranton, before Senior United States District Judge Edwin M. Kosik, in connection with a methamphetamine-trafficking ring.

According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, Anthony Ianuale, age 43, of Sciota, admitted to aiding the distribution of methamphetamine in the Monroe County area in 2014.

Ianuale was one of seven persons indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2014, after an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department and the Stroud Regional Police Department.

Previously, Scott Borushak, age 51, Emmanuel Tucker, age 39, both of Stroudsburg, and Fred Baumgartner, age 34, of Kresgeville, pleaded guilty and admitted to participating in the trafficking. Jeannine Altemose, age 53, of Stroudsburg, previously entered a guilty plea and admitted to allowing methamphetamine to be distributed and stored  in her residence.  The charges against the remaining defendants are currently pending.

The cases are 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.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Silas Lee Sneed, age 25, of Chicago, Illinois, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg. The indictment charges Sneed with three counts of robbery and one count of use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charges against Sneed are a result of allegations that Sneed robbed a retail establishment in Harrisburg and attempted to rob two others during the evening of May 7, 2015.  At each store, Sneed allegedly threatened the employees with a firearm. Sneed was taken into custody by Harrisburg Police early the following morning.

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

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 lifetime 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 that Steven Sheely, Sr., age 60 of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge William C. Caldwell to 14 months in federal prison.

Sheely Sr. pled guilty on February 17, 2015, to conspiracy to run an illegal sports gambling operation.  His son, Steven Sheely, Jr., pled guilty on December 4, 2014 and was sentenced in March 2015 to five months in federal prison.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Sheely, Sr. and the others took in millions of dollars in illegal bets on sporting events. The bookmaking activity took place mainly in central Pennsylvania where the participants lived. The conspiracy was uncovered primarily through the use of a court-authorized wiretap and the arrest of the participants in May 2014.

The prosecution stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Racing Commission, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe was assigned to handle the investigation and prosecution of the case.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Monroe County man was sentenced today to 37 months’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Edwin M. Kosik for heroin trafficking and firearms charges and a second man involved in the same case pleaded guilty.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Joseph Crawford, age 41, of Marshalls Creek, pleaded guilty in January 2015 to the charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.  Crawford and Harry Rivera, age 39, of East Stroudsburg, were indicted by a grand jury in Scranton in November 2014.

The charges stemmed from an incident on June 17, 2014, in Monroe County, in which investigators found approximately 97 grams of heroin in a hidden compartment in a vehicle in which Crawford and Rivera were travelling.  Police also seized a Glock pistol and a Smith &Wesson rifle after a search of Crawford’s residence in Marshall’s Creek.  Crawford, who was previously convicted of a felony offense, is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.

Senior Judge Kosik also ordered that Crawford be supervised by a probation officer for three years following his release from prison.

Rivera pleaded guilty today before Senior Judge Kosik to the charge of aiding the possession with intent to distribute heroin. The guilty plea was pursuant to a plea agreement filed by the government in June 2015.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Tiffany Pradel, age 31, of Dupont, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for participating in a conspiracy to distribute alpha-pvp, commonly known as “bath salts.”

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Pradel pleaded guilty in January 2015 to her involvement in the conspiracy which was responsible for distributing large quantities of alpha-pvp, a controlled substance analogue, to others during 2011 through 2013.

Pradel was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2014, following an investigation by Department of Homeland Security agents, the Pennsylvania State Police, and West Pittston Police.

Judge Mannion also ordered Pradel to serve three years on supervised release following her prison sentence, and to pay a special assessment of $100.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Cindy Conden, age 29, of Hanover Township was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Senior Judge Richard P. Conaboy to 46 months’ imprisonment for aiding in the commission of multiple robberies.

Conden’s father, Charles Conden, age 48, also of Hanover Township, was sentenced by Judge Conaboy on June 23, 2015 to 84 months’ imprisonment. Both Cindy and Charles Conden pleaded guilty to the charges pursuant to plea agreements that were filed in February 2015.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Jeffrey Townsley, age 43, Kingston, engaged in an 18-day crime spree beginning on December 24, 2013 and ending on January 10, 2014.  The crimes included two bank robberies and seven robberies of local businesses.  Townsley was arrested on January 10, 2014.  He is currently serving a federal sentence of 151 months’ imprisonment imposed by Judge Conaboy on April 15, 2015.

Charles Conden aided Townsley in the robberies at Aldi’s Market in Kingston on January 7, 2014, Thomas’ Market in Larksville on January 8, 2014, and the Family Dollar in Ashley on January 10, 2014.  Cindy Conden and James Hughes also aided Townsley in the commission of the Aldi’s robbery.

James Hughes, age 26, of Nanticoke, is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2015.  Hughes pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement in May 2015 to aiding in the multiple robberies.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of police departments of Kingston, Kingston Township, Larksville, Hanover Township, Wilkes-Barre, Plains, and Ashley, and the Luzerne County District Attorney Detectives.  Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Warren, New Jersey man was charged in a Criminal Information with committing 14 bank robberies and two robberies of businesses over a period of a year in five states.  The charges were filed in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Francis Simmons, age 41, is alleged to have robbed banks and businesses located in Lewisburg, Fogelsville, Dillsburg, Allentown, Wyomissing, Tannersville, Lancaster, Columbia, Hellertown, Hanover, Pennsylvania and Marathon, New York, Swedesboro, New Jersey, Hagerstown, Maryland and Asheboro, North Carolina.  The wave of robberies occurred between November 6, 2013 and November 29, 2014.  Simmons was allegedly identified by witnesses and surveillance video.

The investigation involved close coordination and cooperation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Cortland County, New York Sheriff Department, and the Police Departments of Upper Macungie Township, Carroll Township, Logan Township, New Jersey, Spring Township, Hagerstown, Maryland, Pocono Township, Lancaster City Bureau of Police, Asheboro, North Carolina, Columbia Borough, Hellertown and Hanover Borough.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.

The government also filed a plea agreement that requires approval of the court.

Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses 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 - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today in Harrisburg that Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner sentenced Zachary Knight, of Carlisle to 30 years imprisonment for sexual abuse of a minor.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Knight, age 20, pleaded guilty in April 2015 to charges of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and production of child pornography.  The plea was entered pursuant to a plea agreement.

     Knight, a resident of a housing area at the U.S. Army War College, was taken into custody by HSI special agents on May 9, 2014.  Chief Judge Conner ordered that the 30-year sentenced imposed today will be followed by 25 years of supervised release during which Knight will have restrictions on his contact with minors and his computer use and will be prohibited from contact of any kind with the victim or the victim’s family.  According to the government’s evidence, Knight committed the crimes while providing babysitting services for the victim’s family.  The evidence included videos Knight made of his abusive acts involving the minor.

     The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) inter-agency child exploitation task force, with assistance from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy.

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Sekou Lashley, age 36, of Exeter, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Scranton to a federal charge of distributing crack cocaine at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Plains Township, Pennsylvania, on March 19, 2015.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Lashley was arrested and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in May.  The defendant pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion. The government filed a plea agreement which is subject to the approval of the Court.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter Hobart.

In this case, the maximum penalty under federal law for distributing cocaine is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1,000,000 fine.

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.

# # #

HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Senior United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo sentenced Robert K. Gallmann, Jr., age 56, of Harrisburg yesterday to five years in prison for receipt and distribution of child pornography, and ordered the defendant to serve 10 years in supervised release following completion of the sentence.

     According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Gallmann was indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg in September 2013.  He pled guilty in November 2014 pursuant to a plea agreement.

     This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that two York men were sentenced yesterday to federal prison for their involvement in the importation and distribution of cocaine and heroin into York County.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Angel Mendez-Castro, age 27, of Puerto Rico and York, was sentenced to 15 years in prison. U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane stated during sentencing that he was a “violent “and “crafty kingpin” and that his drug distribution network had a substantial impact upon the York community.

     Angel Mendez-Castro previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import and distribute over five kilograms of cocaine and heroin from 2010 to 2013.  He also admitted to the use of threats of violence against witnesses and the use of firearms to protect the importation of the drugs from Puerto Rico.

      Angel Mendez-Castro’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.  Hundreds of purchases of heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine were made from over 100 individuals in York, resulting in the arrest of most of those individuals began on February 6, 2013.  Thereafter, the United States Attorney’s Office indicted 15 individuals for leadership roles in the heroin and cocaine trafficking, including Angel Mendez-Castro. 

      Earlier yesterday, Judge Kane sentenced Angel’s brother, Christian Mendez-Castro, a/k/a “King Rampage,” age 22, of Puerto Rico and York to nine years in prison for his involvement in the enterprise.  Christian Mendez-Castro entered a previous guilty plea to the drug trafficking conspiracy. On May 13, 2015, Judge Kane sentenced their cousin, Hector Castro Padro, age 29, of Puerto Rico and York.  He received a sentence of six years and four months in prison for his drug activities, as well as for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

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

• 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 is awaiting sentencing.
• August Ranalli, age 31, of York, was convicted of drug trafficking and conspiracy after bench trial.  His sentencing is scheduled for August 2015.
• Daniel Pacheco-Morales, age 41, of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking. His sentencing is pending.

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

# # #

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that a 36-year-old Texas woman pleaded guilty today to conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute alpha-pvp, commonly known as “bath salts,” before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Trieu Thuy Duong, of Houston, Texas, admitted to distributing alpha-pvp to customers in at least 32 states, including Pennsylvania, over various web sites during 2011 through March 2014.

     Trieu Thuy Duong was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2014, as a result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspectors, the Pennsylvania State Police, and West Pittston Police.

     As part of her plea, the defendant consented to the forfeiture of a residence in Texas valued at approximately $300,000, silver coins valued at more than $260,000, four bank accounts containing over $200,000, two vehicles, over $7000 in cash and more than $17,000 in uncashed money orders, and two firearms.

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

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

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

# # #

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a woman from Luzerne County has been charged with drug trafficking offenses in a Criminal Information filed on June 12 in U.S. District Court in Scranton.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Gina Paglianite, age 47, of Hazleton, is charged conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack) in Luzerne County between 2011 and July 9, 2013. Paglianite is also charged with distributing heroin in Scranton, on November 21, 2014. 

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

     The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by 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 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, on each count. 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 Maria Colvard, age 49, of Chambersburg, was convicted late yesterday after a four-day jury trial on two counts of extortion and one count of aiding the impersonation of an employee of the United States. The jury returned the three guilty verdicts yesterday before United States Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner, in federal district court in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  The jury acquitted Colvard of two counts of witness tampering.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, between February and May 2013, Colvard convinced an employee at Tax Max LLC, a tax preparation service owned by Colvard in Chambersburg and Hanover, Pennsylvania, to claim to be a criminal investigator with the Internal Revenue Service to shut down the rival business, known as Christina’s Tax Service, also located in Chambersburg.  The employee, Merarys Paulino, then claimed to be an IRS agent and demanded money from Christina’s Tax Service as well as its client list. Paulino previously entered a guilty plea to impersonating an IRS agent and cooperated in the prosecution of Colvard.

As a result of the guilty verdicts, Colvard faces up to 24 years’ imprisonment and $600,000 in fines.  She also faces deportation as a non-citizen.  Chief Judge Conner ordered that Colvard be detained pending sentencing and ordered a presentence report be prepared by the Probation Department.

This case was investigated by the United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.

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 statute is 24 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $600,000 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.

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today a felony Criminal Information was filed late yesterday in U.S. District Court in Scranton charging Jorge Mojica, age 24, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, with possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking from July 2013 to April  2014.      

United States Attorney Peter Smith stated that the charge is the result of an investigation conducted by the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).  Prosecution is assigned to Special Assistant United States Attorney Jill Matthews of the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office and Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.

As part of the criminal charge, the government is seeking forfeiture of a .40 caliber handgun with an altered serial number and a 9 mm rifle seized by the Wilkes-Barre Police and Pennsylvania State Police at the time of the defendant’s arrest on April 17, 2014. Mojica has been held in custody on local charges since the arrest.

Filed with the Criminal Information, the government filed a plea agreement which is subject to the approval of the court.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.  If found guilty, Mojica faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven (7) years, and a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison and $250,000 in fines.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG -  A Harrisburg man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg on multiple charges involving the unlawful distribution of heroin.

United States Attorney Peter Smith announced that Joshua Ingram, 20, of Harrisburg, was charged in a five count indictment with unlawfully distributing heroin on three specific occasions, possessing heroin with the intent to distribute on another occasion, and with conspiring with persons known and unknown to the grand jury to distribute heroin since at least January 2014.

The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Harrisburg Police Department, Dauphin County Drug Task Force and the Dauphin County Probation Office. Prosecution of the case has been 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 each count, 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 Armani V. Carson, age 21, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The indictment charges Carson with possessing a firearm by a convicted felon, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charges against Carson are a result of allegations that Carson sold heroin on the streets of Harrisburg, PA in December 2014 and January 2015.  The Pennsylvania State Police seized a stolen firearm and additional heroin from Carson’s home in the 1900 block of Bellevue Road on January 6, 2015.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Christina Strom, a Luzerne County woman, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison by Third Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Thomas I. Vanaskie, sitting by designation as a judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Christina Strom, age 42, of Dallas, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in January of 2006 to charges of money laundering conspiracy and obstruction of justice.  Strom was sentenced to prison for her role in laundering tens of thousands of dollars in cash proceeds of crimes committed by her then boyfriend, Hugo Selenski, and for obstructing the investigation into the murders of Michael Kerkowski and Tammy Fassett.  Hugo Selenski and Paul Weakley were convicted of the murders and are presently serving life sentences.  Strom testified against Selenski in his state court trial as part of her agreement to cooperate with the government.  Her cooperation was a major factor in the government’s position that the sentence should be below the applicable federal sentencing guidelines and in the sentence imposed by Judge Vanaskie.

The investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police, detectives of the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys William S. Houser and John Gurganus prosecuted the case.

                                                                        # # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nicholas Rivera, age 41, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty today to felony drug trafficking before United States District Court Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner in Harrisburg. Rivera pled guilty to a superseding information that charged him with distribution and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charges against Rivera were a result of Rivera selling cocaine and heroin to an undercover officer in Harrisburg on five occasions beginning in March 2014 through May 2014.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Dauphin County Drug Task Force.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

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

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that U.S. District Court Judge William W. Caldwell sentenced Daniel Curran, 41, of York, Pennsylvania to 70 years of incarceration at a hearing today in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  Curran pleaded guilty to producing, receiving and possessing child pornography on Dec. 4, 2014. 

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Judge Caldwell stated it was one of the most disturbing cases he had ever seen, thought the maximum sentence was completely justified, noted the defendant was a danger to young people and needed to be confined for their safety.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith A. Taylor had recommended the maximum sentence of 840 months.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter J Smith for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the evidence established that Curran sexually assaulted a nine year old boy on multiple occasions and recorded the assaults of the child.  In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) located over at least 40,000 images and over 100 videos of child pornography on Curran’s computer and thumb drives.

Curran was originally charged in November 2013 and signed a plea agreement in November 2014.   

This investigation was conducted by the FBI and the the Northern York County Regional Police Department. 

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Court Judge William W. Caldwell sentenced Daniel Curran, age 41, of York, Pennsylvania to 70 years of incarceration at a hearing today in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  Curran pleaded guilty to producing, receiving and possessing child pornography on December 4, 2014.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Judge Caldwell stated it was one of the most disturbing cases he had ever seen, thought the maximum sentence was completely justified, noted the defendant was a danger to young people and needed to be confined for their safety.  Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor had recommended the maximum sentence of 840 months.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the evidence established that Curran sexually assaulted a nine year old boy on multiple occasions and recorded the assaults of the child.  In addition, the FBI located over at least 40,000 images and over 100 videos of child pornography on Curran’s computer and thumb drives.

Curran was originally charged in November 2013 and signed a plea agreement in November 2014.  

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Northern York County Regional Police Department.

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The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that today in Scranton a 39-year-old Wilkes-Barre man was sentenced to 27 months in prison today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Joseph White, of Wilkes-Barre, previously pleaded guilty to being in possession of a firearm in Kingston in June 2013.

White was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2014, as a result of an investigation by special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Pennsylvania State Police, and Kingston Police.

Judge Munley also ordered White to serve two years on supervised release following his prison sentence, and to pay a special assessment of $100.

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

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The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a criminal Information was filed today charging a Scranton man with receiving and distributing child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Information alleges that Marc Accardi, age 42, used a cell phone and a computer to download and distribute images of child pornography during March through May 2015.

The charge stems from an investigation by agents of Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police.

If convicted, Accardi faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative

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

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

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law is 40 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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The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced  today that a Criminal Indictment was returned yesterday by a federal grand jury sitting in Scranton charging federal prison inmate Darian Tensley, age 37, with allegedly assaulting a federal corrections officer at the Schuylkill Federal Correctional Institution in August of 2013, causing bodily injury.  This is the second of two unrelated cases involving Schuylkill to be indicted by the grand jury.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Larry Eugene DeShields, of York, Pennsylvania was arrested on May 27, 2015 on charges of involving illegal drugs.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, DeShields, a/k/a “Dunk”, age 41, trafficked in over 500 grams and more of cocaine and marijuana in York, New York, and elsewhere during February 2015.  DeShields was indicted on the charges by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg on May 20, 2015.  The indictment was made public after DeShields was taken into custody.  The government also filed a notice with the court alleging that DeShields was previously convicted for distribution of crack cocaine in 2005, qualifying him for greater penalties if convicted on the new charges.

DeShields appeared in court in Harrisburg before U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson.  DeShields was detained.

The new charges stem from the ongoing investigation by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives into drugs and gang violence in the Southside of York.  The case was brought with the assistance of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, Springettsbury Township Police Department, and the York County Drug Task Force.

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

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The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that two Wilkes-Barre men have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment charges Larry Hayes, age 28, with possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and marijuana.  The indictment also charges Disean Kendricks, age 26, with possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.

The charges stem from an incident in which investigators served a search warrant at a residence located on Sullivan Street in Wilkes-Barre and seized heroin, cocaine and marijuana from a bedroom in which Hayes was sleeping.  From another bedroom in which Kendricks was sleeping investigators seized an additional amount of heroin and two firearms.

The investigation was conducted by the Wilkes-Barre Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).  Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.

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

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

The maximum penalty under federal law is 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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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 sitting in Scranton charging federal prison inmate Dwayne Parker, age 30, today.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Parker was charged with allegedly possessing a homemade weapon in April of 2014, while an inmate at the federal prison.

If convicted, Parker 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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The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that a Criminal Indictment was returned by a federal grand jury sitting in Scranton charging federal prison inmate Deshon Thomas, age 40, with allegedly assaulting a federal corrections officer at the Schuylkill Federal Correctional Institution in November 2014, causing bodily injury.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (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 8 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 29-year-old Saylorsburg man was sentenced to 10 months in prison today by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani in Scranton, Pennsylvania for conspiring with others to distribute illegal drugs in the Monroe-Berks County area in 2011-2013.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Stephen Krpata, previously pleaded guilty to participating in the drug conspiracy that was responsible for distributing cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and oxycodone.

Krpata was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2013, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and Berks County Detectives.

Judge Mariani also ordered Krpata to serve three years on supervised release following his prison sentence, and to pay a special assessment of $100.

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 the filing of criminal charges against James Pavlichko, age 29, and Kathryn Teter, age 28, of Nuremberg, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.  The Grand Jury sitting in Scranton returned an Indictment which charges that on April 13, 2015, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Pavlichko and Teter possessed and sold a stolen handgun.  The Indictment also alleges that James Pavlichko illegally possessed that same firearm while having the status of a convicted felon.  

United States Attorney Peter Smith stated that the charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Kingston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus is prosecuting the case.

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

A sentence following a finding of 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 for each offense is 10 years’ imprisonment, a three year 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 Lisa Alexis Jury, age 47, of Clarks Green, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton on charges of armed bank robbery.

Lisa Alexis Jury was charged with the robbery of:

            Peoples Bank, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, on October 30, 2014;

            P&G Federal Credit Union, Eynon, Pennsylvania, on May 19, 2015.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the robberies were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, with the assistance of the South Abington Township Police Department and the Archbald Police.

The maximum penalty under the federal statute for each count of armed bank robbery is 25 years’ imprisonment.  Jury also faces a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine if convicted.  She is in custody.

Prosecution of this case is assigned to Assistant U.S. 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.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a York man was charged in an Indictment by a grand jury yesterday with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and distribution and receipt of child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Gabriel Palmer, age 21, allegedly sexually assaulted a teenage boy and received and distributed child pornography to coerce the minor to engage in sexual activity between 2013 and 2015.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Silver Spring Township Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the Cumberland County Forensics Team.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Bloom.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $500,000 fine.   Count I carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of ten years.  Count II carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of five years.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a third Monroe County man pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Scranton, before Senior United States District Judge Edwin M. Kosik, to the charge of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Fred Baumgartner, age 34, of Kresgeville, Monroe County, admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Monroe County area in 2013 and 2014.

Baumgartner was one of seven individuals indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2014, after a several month investigation conducted jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department and the Stroud Regional Police Department regarding methamphetamine trafficking in Monroe County.

Previously, Scott Borushak, age 51, and Emmanuel Tucker, age 39, both of Stroudsburg, pleaded guilty and admitted to participating in the same methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. In addition, Jeannine Altemose, age 53, of Stroudsburg, previously entered a guilty plea and admitted to allowing methamphetamine to be stored and distributed from her residence.  The charges against the remaining defendants are currently pending.

The cases are 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.

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

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The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that  criminal charges of attempted distribution of controlled substances have been filed against Sharon Magrath of Randolph, Massachusetts.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Magrath, age 51, is charged by the Grand Jury in a two-count felony indictment with attempting to distribute narcotics to inmates at United States Penitentiary Allenwood by mailing envelopes to the inmates with heroin contained therein.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Wayne P. Samuelson is assigned to prosecute the case.

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

A sentence following a finding of guilty 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 statute is 20 years imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000 for each offense.  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 a grand jury in Williamsport returned an indictment against an inmate serving a sentence at the United States Penitentiary Allenwood, White Deer, Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Wynn Sheldon age 50, of Albany, New York is charged with making repeated threats to kill a correctional officer and his family in June and July 2014.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Wayne P. Samuelson is assigned to prosecute the case.

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

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

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