Middle District of Pennsylvania

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jerome Brunson, age 49, of Harrisburg, was sentenced to 48 months in prison today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner in Harrisburg, for distribution of cocaine hydrochloride.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Brunson was charged in a Criminal Superseding Information filed by the United States Attorney on December 4, 2014. Brunson pled guilty on this same date.

Judge Conner ordered Brunson to be placed on three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Brunson must also pay a $400 fine and a $100 special assessment.

The case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Dauphin County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daryl F. Bloom prosecuted the case.

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The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 57-year-old Berwick man pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo in Wilkes-Barre, to producing child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Rickie Sitler, admitted to using a four-year-old child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of such conduct. Sitler committed the crime between late November to early December 2014.

Sitler was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2015, as a result of an investigation by agents of Homeland Security Investigations, the Berwick Police Department, and the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office.

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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

Judge Caputo scheduled sentencing for July 13, 2015.

 

The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Maurice Lebron Davis, age 40, of Brooklyn, New York was convicted yesterday of eight counts of robbery or attempted robbery following a four day jury trial in Harrisburg.  U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones III presided over the trial, which included testimony from 10 victims and 5 experts.  The defendant also testified, denying his involvement in the robberies. 

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Davis was charged in an Indictment by a grand jury on February 20, 2013.  Davis robbed or attempted to rob fast food restaurants located in Cumberland, Dauphin and York counties between December 2011 and February 2012.  For some of the robberies, Davis broke the drive thru window and crawled inside, waiting for the opening employees to arrive.  For others, Davis accosted the employees in the parking lot as they walked up and forced them to let him into the restaurants.  He would then demand they give him money, before fleeing the scene. 

These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, and the police departments of Upper Allen Township, Middlesex Township, Harrisburg, Carroll Township, Swatara Township, Lower Allen Township and Silver Spring Township.  This case was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.

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

In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 20 years imprisonment for 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.

No sentencing date has been set by the court.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 24-year-old Tobyhanna Township man pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. in Wilkes-Barre, to participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine in Monroe and Wayne Counties between 2011 and 2014.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Brandon Cruz, admitted to distributing heroin and cocaine on several occasions between 2011 and 2014, in drug transactions that were arranged by other members of his family. Three other Cruz family members—Tiffanyann Cruz, Rubie Cruz, and Carlos Cruz—were charged in the case. Tiffanyann Cruz previously entered a guilty plea to participating in the conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing. Rubie Cruz and Carlos Cruz are awaiting trial.

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

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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1 million 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.

Senior U.S. District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy will schedule sentencing at a later date.

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The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today the filing of criminal charges against James Augustus Brauer, age 50, of Muir, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.  A Criminal Information charged that on January 24, 2012, in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Brauer illegally possessed (1) a fully functional unregistered machinegun, and (2) an unmarked and unregistered drop in auto sear—which is a specific part that makes a semi-automatic rifle fire fully automatic when placed into the weapon.   

United States Attorney Peter J. Smith stated that the charge is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police.  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 statute 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.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 38-year-old Pittston man was sentenced  to 41 months in prison today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik in Scranton, for conspiring with others to distribute heroin in the Luzerne County area during a four-year time period.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Sal Biscotto, previously pleaded guilty to committing the crime during 2010 through February 2014.

Biscotto was charged in a Criminal Information filed by the United States Attorney on October 7, 2014, following an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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

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

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal grand jury in Scranton indicted a Monroe County man late yesterday on charges of distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the grand jury alleges that Ronald Walker, age 22, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute heroin on four separate occasions in July and August 2014, in Monroe County.

The charges stem from an investigation by special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Monroe County Drug Task Force.

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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1 million 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 21-year-old Pittston man pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to participating in a conspiracy to distribute alpha-pvp, commonly known as “bath salts.”

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Alan Folweiler, admitted to his involvement in the West Pittston-based conspiracy during 2011 through 2013.

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

Judge Mannion ordered a pre-sentence investigation. Sentencing will be scheduled after the completion of the pre-sentence report.

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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $ 1 million 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 37-year-old Hazleton man pleaded guilty on March 31, 2015, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik in Scranton, to participating in a heroin and cocaine trafficking conspiracy during 2013.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Willy Perez, admitted that he conspired with others to distribute the drugs. FBI agents and Scranton Police seized approximately 2,000 bags of heroin from Perez during the investigation.

Perez was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2014, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office and Scranton Police.

Perez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Judge Kosik ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a criminal information was filed in U.S. District Court in Scranton charging Adam Castro, age 28, of Hazleton, with possession with intent to distribute heroin in Hazleton between September 2014 and January 2015. 

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the case arose after investigators made purchases of heroin from Castro.  On January 21, 2015, investigators obtained a search warrant for a residence on West Elm Street in Hazleton, where Castro was staying. As a result of the search, investigators seized approximately 1,050 bags of heroin, drug packaging materials and United States currency.

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

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Hazleton Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by 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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Mitchell Orewiler, age 34, of Adams County, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia Rambo in Harrisburg, to making false claims with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, on or about April 14, 2009, Orewiler filed a 2007 tax return in which he falsely claimed federal income tax had been withheld on interest he had earned.  In his 2007 tax return, Orewiler requested a refund of approximately $288,000 to which he knew he was not entitled.  The IRS sent Orewiler the $288,000 refund.

Orewiler was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2014, as a result of an investigation by the IRS.  Edward Wirth, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, said “As we rapidly approach the April 15th filing deadline, it is important for the public to note the ramifications of filing false and fictitious federal income tax returns.  The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the United States Attorney’s office are committed to aggressively pursuing those who attempt to enrich themselves at the expense of the American public.”

The government also filed a plea agreement in the case, which is subject to approval by the court.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J. Terz 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 case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 5 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.

The United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced  that a Criminal Information was filed today in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg charging Dylan Blum, age 22, of Harrisburg, with the December 9, 2014 robbery of the Mid Penn Bank, North Front Street, Harrisburg.  

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Blum passed a threatening note to a teller at the bank and made off with $1,358.  Blum later turned himself in to the Harrisburg Police Department on January 3, 2015.  The government also filed a plea agreement with the defendant which is subject to approval by the court.

The matter was investigated by the Harrisburg Police Department and 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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that criminal charges were filed late yesterday in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg against four veterinarians involved in treating thoroughbred race horses at Penn National Race Track, in Grantville, Pennsylvania.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Dr. Kevin Brophy, age 60, Florida, Dr. Fernando Motta, age 44, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Dr. Christopher Korte, age 43, Pueblo, Colorado, and Dr. Renee Nodine, age 52, Annville, are each charged in separate Criminal Informations.

Each defendant is charged with allegedly administering drugs to thoroughbred race horses within 24 hours of when the horse was entered to race. This conduct was in violation of the state criminal law prohibiting the rigging of publicly exhibited contests; the administering of the drugs was not pursuant to a valid prescription and constituted misbranding of the prescription animal drugs in violation of federal law. The alleged activity took place at various times beginning as early as 1986 and continuing up to August 2014.

The Informations also allege that the defendants conspired with horse trainers, whose identities are “known to the United States”, to administer the drugs in violation of the laws, rules and regulations governing the conduct of thoroughbred racing.

The government also filed plea agreements with each of the four veterinarians in which they agreed to plead guilty and cooperate with the United States in the continuing investigation.  The plea agreements are subject to the approval of the court.

According to the charges, trainers allegedly placed orders for drugs and the defendants, after administering the drugs, backdated the billing records to avoid detection. The defendants allegedly submitted false veterinarian treatment reports to the State Horse Racing Commission, omitting from those reports any reference to the drugs administered to horses at the track on race day. The filing of these reports and the backdating of billing records were, allegedly, to further the conspiracy by concealing the illegal activity.  These acts had the potential to defraud other owners and trainers whose horses were entered in the same race and defrauded the betting public as well.

The matter is being investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission, U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe is prosecuting the cases for the United States.

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.

The maximum penalty in these cases under the federal statute is 2 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $200,000 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.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Mifflin County man has been sentenced for his involvement in passing counterfeit $100 Federal Reserve notes.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Mohammed Abughaniyeh, age 31, resident of Laury’s Station, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane to 10 months’ imprisonment.  Abughaniyeh previously pleaded guilty to a felony criminal indictment on September 5, 2014, alleging that from October 2013 to November 2013, he passed counterfeit $100 Federal Reserve notes at local businesses and fruit stands generally located in Mifflin County.  Abughaniyeh would buy small items to get genuine U.S. currency in exchange.

The case was investigated by U.S. Secret Service, Pennsylvania State Police, Mifflin County Regional Police Department, Sandy Township Police Department, and Logan Township.  Prosecution was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that four individuals have been charged by a federal grand jury in Scranton with robbery or attempted robbery of 14 banks in three separate indictments filed late yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Scranton.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the robberies, which took place over an eight month period between June 2014 and January 2015 in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Carbon and Schuylkill Counties, were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police, with the assistance of the Police Departments of Hazleton, Rush Township, Dickson City, Scranton, Jenkins Township, Plains Township, Ashley, Hanover Township and Wilkes-Barre, as well as the Luzerne and Wyoming County District Attorney’s Offices.

 Sean Quinn, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent in the Scranton FBI office, stated “The FBI is committed to protecting the citizens from violent crime such as this scourge of armed bank robberies our area has seen over the past year.  We will devote any resources necessary to combat these crimes and the people who would commit them.  In these cases, honest citizens got involved to help determine who committed these violent crimes and I thank and commend them.”

The defendants and the charges:

Timothy Fenster, age 29, of Plains, is charged in an indictment with seven bank robberies or attempted bank robberies and one robbery of a store, as follows:

•           armed robbery of Community Bank, Church Street, Laceyville, on December 17, 2014; •           armed robbery of M&T Bank, Sans Souci Parkway, Hanover Township, on December 22, 2014; •           armed robbery of First National Community Bank (FNCB), North River Street, Plains Township, on              January 14, 2015; •           armed robbery of M&T Bank, Coal Street Branch, Wilkes-Barre, on January 22, 2015; •           armed robbery of Community Bank, SR 6, Meshoppen, on January 26, 2015; •           armed robbery of Family Dollar, South Main Street, Ashley Borough, on January 28, 2015; •           attempted robbery of First Keystone Community Bank, Main Street, Plymouth, on January 29,              2015; •           attempted robbery of FNCB, Old Boston Road, Jenkins Township, on January 29, 2015.

The maximum penalty under the federal statute for each armed bank robbery is 25 years’ imprisonment.  The attempted bank robberies and the robbery of the store each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment.  Fenster also faces a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine if convicted.  He is in custody.

Lee Sokalsky, age 34, of Scranton, is charged in an indictment with six bank robberies or attempted bank robberies, as follows:

•           robbery of First National Community Bank, West Broad Street, Hazleton, on June 19, 2014; •           robbery of  NBT Bank, Main Street, Dickson City, on July 25, 2014; •           attempted robbery of FNCB, West Broad Street, Hazleton, on August 26, 2014; •           robbery of Mauch Chunk Trust Bank, Claremont Avenue, Tamaqua, on August 26, 2014; •           robbery of National Penn Bank, South Hunter Highway, Drums, on September 20, 2014; and
•           armed robbery of M&T Bank, Laurel Mall, Hazle Township, on October 10, 2014.

The maximum penalty under the federal statute for the armed bank robbery of the M&T Bank is 25 years’ imprisonment.  The maximum penalty for each of the other robberies or for attempted bank robbery is 20 years’ imprisonment.  Sokalsky faces a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine if convicted.  He is in custody.

David Weaver, age 40, and Crystal Serfass, age 30, both of Junedale, Carbon County, are charged in an indictment with conspiring to commit armed bank robbery and armed bank robbery of the Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Penn Forest Township, on November 18, 2014.  Weaver is also charged with use of a firearm and obstruction of justice.  Serfass is additionally charged with obstruction of justice, illegal firearms possession, possession of methamphetamine, and making false statements to an FBI agent.

The maximum penalty under the federal statutes underlying the charges filed against Weaver is life imprisonment and, for Serfass, 86 years’ imprisonment.  Both face a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine if convicted.  Weaver is in custody.  FBI Agents arrested Crystal Serfass this afternoon in Junedale on the charges.  Serfass will be scheduled to appear for an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick in the U.S. District Court in Scranton.

 Prosecution of the three cases 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.

Indictment

Indictment

Indictment

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Stroudsburg woman pleaded guilty today in Scranton before Senior United States District Judge Edwin M. Kosik, to a charge involving the use of her residence for methamphetamine trafficking. 

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Jeannine Altemose, age 53, of Stroudsburg, Monroe County, entered a guilty plea to the charge of maintaining drug involved premises.  Altemose admitted to allowing a co-defendant to store and distribute methamphetamine from her residence in Stroudsburg in 2013 and 2014. 

Altemose 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 and the Stroud Regional Police Department regarding methamphetamine trafficking in  Monroe County. 

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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a former Pennsylvania state prison inmate was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to 48 months in prison for mailing a letter threatening to injure and kill a Monroe County Common Pleas Judge.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Devon Williams, age 25, previously admitted that while he was an inmate at the State Correctional Institution in Albion, Pennsylvania, he mailed a letter from the prison in January 2014 to the judge’s chambers at the Monroe County Courthouse in Stroudsburg. The letter threatened harm and death to the judge.  Williams pleaded guilty on December 17, 2014.

Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2014, as a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania State Police.

In imposing sentence, Judge Munley noted the defendant’s history of violence, the serious nature of the crime, the impact on the victim of the crime, and the need to protect the public and deter others from committing similar crimes.

Judge Munley ordered the defendant to be placed on three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

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

The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District Pennsylvania announced today that a York man has been sentenced for his involvement in heroin trafficking.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Hector Rengifo, age 41, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in drug trafficking. Rengifo previously entered a guilty plea on August 4, 2014.  In sentencing him, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia Rambo reviewed his prior record of drug trafficking, violence, and motor vehicle offenses and found that Rengifo was a career offender.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Rengifo’s case is part of a multi-year investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police and the York County Drug Task Force, conducted with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In that investigation, hundreds of purchases of heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine were made from individuals in York. That investigation resulted in arrests that began on February 6, 2013, in York County.  Thereafter, a grand jury in Harrisburg indicted 15 individuals for leadership roles in the heroin and cocaine trafficking. 

The status of the other cases is as follows:

Angel Mendez-Castro, age 27, of Puerto Rico and York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking on January 29, 2015. He is awaiting sentencing.

Christian Mendez-Castro, a/k/a “King Rampage,” age 22, of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking on January 29, 2015. He is awaiting sentencing.

Hector Castro Padro, a/k/a “Fernando,” age 29, of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking and firearms offenses on January 29, 2015. He is awaiting sentencing.

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 12 years and 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 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 6 years and 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 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 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 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 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 10 years in prison.

August Ranalli, age 31, of York, Pennsylvania, is scheduled for trial on March 31, 2015.

Daniel Pacheco-Morales, age 41, of York, Pennsylvania, is scheduled for trial on March 31, 2015.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office today announced the sentencing of Cori Lynn Mancuso on the charge of misprision of felony arising from the international parental kidnapping of three children to Saudi Arabia.

On March 19, 2015, U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann sentenced Cori Lynn Mancuso to imprisonment for a period of one (1) year followed by a two (2) year period of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.  Judge Brann directed that Mancuso be taken into custody following sentencing to begin service of the prison term. 

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Mancuso previously pleaded guilty to a felony criminal information charging misprision of felony before Judge Brann on October 2, 2014.  The information alleged that Mancuso actively concealed the kidnapping by Majed Sayed of his three minor sons in violation of a child custody and visitation order issued by the Lycoming Court of Common Pleas.  According to the information, Sayed flew with the children to Saudi Arabia after picking them up for a scheduled visitation.  The information charged that Mancuso, who is not the children’s mother, lied to the FBI and another individual concerning the whereabouts of the children and Sayed.  On April 10, 2014, Mancuso and Sayed were indicted by a federal grand jury in Williamsport on international parental kidnapping and conspiracy charges. Mancuso pleaded guilty after entering into a plea agreement with the government.  The charges against Sayed in the indictment remain open.

Mancuso resided in Williamsport at the time the children were abducted, but lived in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania at the time of sentencing.  Sayed, age 35, is presently living in Saudi Arabia with the children.  Mancuso, age 22, was arrested at JFK International Airport on April 1, 2014 after arriving on a flight from Saudi Arabia. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that on Friday, March 20, 2015, federal criminal charges in U.S. District Court in Scranton were filed against Robert Cagle, age 50, Bronx, New York.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, a criminal information was filed charging Cagle with access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.  Allegedly, in April 2014, Pennsylvania State Police conducted a search of a disabled vehicle on Interstate 81.  Cagle, a passenger in the vehicle, was allegedly found to be in possession of counterfeit $100 bills and fraudulent credit/debit cards.  The government also filed a plea agreement with the defendant which is subject to approval by the court.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service and the Pennsylvania State Police. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.

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

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

In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 12 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $500,000 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.

Criminal Complaint

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stacie Ann Stevens, age 41, of Hanover, Pennsylvania was charged with destruction of mail in a criminal information filed in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg and pled guilty before Senior United States District Court Judge William C. Caldwell on March 19, 2015.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, between July and October, 2014, Stevens, a postal carrier, began opening greeting cards and other mail and stealing the cash and gift cards contained inside.  The theft was discovered after residents complained about missing or torn mail.  In October 2014, Stevens was caught on surveillance video using one of the stolen gift cards at a local store.  If convicted, Stevens faces one year imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000. 

Stevens has resigned from the Postal Service.  The Government has filed a plea agreement with the defendant which is subject to approval of the court.  As part of the agreement, Stevens agreed to pay restitution to the victims.

This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General and the Carroll Valley Borough Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim or who has further information should contact Special Agent Michael Brennan, United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General at 717-395-9515.

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.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that, on March 18, a federal grand jury in Harrisburg indicted Scott J. Robinson, of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, charging him with theft of government property.

According to the United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment alleges that Robinson was a civilian contractor performing landscaping and lawn care work at the U.S. Army Garrison (War College), Carlisle Barracks, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.  Robinson was given access to four government credit cards, issued by the General Services Administration (GSA) to the U.S. Army to purchase fuel for government-owned vehicles used by the defendant to perform his responsibilities under the contract.  Robinson allegedly used the credit cards to fuel his own personal vehicle.  Between February and July, 2014, Robinson allegedly purchased fuel and other unauthorized items in the amount of approximately $3,602.

The case was investigated by the GSA Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Zubrod 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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 15 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.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 32-year-old Kingston man pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, to distributing Oxycontin (oxycodone) and unlawfully possessing a firearm as an illegal drug user.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Shawn Jenks, age 32, admitted to unlawfully possessing the firearm during September through November 2014, while he was also using heroin, and illegally distributing Oxycontin pills on November 22, 2014, in Luzerne County.

Jenks was charged in a criminal Information filed by the United States Attorney on March 17, 2015. The charges stem from an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Kingston Police.

Judge Mannion ordered a pre-sentence investigation by the U.S. Probation office. Sentencing will be scheduled after the completion of that investigation.

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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 20 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine for the drug charge, and 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for the gun charge.  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 Tobyhanna man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Scranton on charges of producing child pornography and receiving and distributing child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the grand jury alleges that Robert Ferraro, age 44, persuaded and induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of such conduct. The indictment alleges that Ferraro committed the crimes between August 2013 and January 2015. 

The charges stem from an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.

Ferraro faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison if he is convicted of the production of child pornography charge; and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if he is convicted of receiving and distributing child pornography.

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 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.

# # #

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a former Millersburg, Pennsylvania-based bus company executive and his corporation were sentenced today in United States District Court in Harrisburg on charges they defrauded two area school districts out of more than $1.4 million.

Todd M. Harris, age 49, a resident of Dalmatia, Pennsylvania and the former Vice President and 2 percent owner of the Harris Transportation Corporation (HTC), was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia Rambo to 24 months incarceration, and 3 years Supervised Release.  Judge Rambo also entered an order of forfeiture of $1,464,613 against Todd Harris and the Harris Transportation Corporation and ordered both defendants to pay restitution in the same amount.

Todd Harris and HTC were charged in November 2014 with mail fraud.  The Information alleged the two defendants defrauded the Halifax Area and the Upper Dauphin Area School Districts out of approximately $1.4 million between 2008 and 2011.  The Pennsylvania Department of Education was also alleged to have been a victim of the scam.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, HTC, a small family owned business provided student bus and van transportation services for the Halifax and Upper Dauphin Area school districts for many years.  The compensation HTC received for its services was based upon a formula established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education that included the mileage incurred with and without students, the age and size of the bus or van, and the number of students transported.  The Pennsylvania Department of Education reimburses Pennsylvania school districts for a significant portion of their annual student transportation expense.

According to evidence summarized by Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel, HTC was paid approximately $1.3 million by Halifax and approximately $3.6 million by Upper Dauphin for the 2008-2011 school years.  The Information alleged that between September 2008 and June 2011 Todd Harris routinely submitted inflated mileage claims to the two school districts, resulting in overpayments to HTC by Halifax of $566,556 and by Upper Dauphin of $898,057.  The Pennsylvania Department of Education also was a victim of the scheme because the Department eventually reimbursed Halifax for approximately 82 percent, and Upper Dauphin approximately 84 percent, of their transportation expenses for those years.

The fraud was first discovered in the summer of 2011 as the result of an audit conducted by Upper Dauphin.  Subsequent audits by Halifax and the Pennsylvania Auditor General’s Office revealed that Harris’ mileage claims were grossly inflated, typically by 10-30 percent.  Interviews of former HTC drivers confirmed Harris’ mileage submissions were false and that Todd Harris occasionally instructed them to take much longer routes than necessary. The combined losses sustained by both school districts were $1,464,613.  Upper Dauphin and Halifax terminated their contracts with HTC in early 2012 and the company ceased doing business shortly thereafter.

Todd Harris and HTC entered their guilty pleas pursuant to plea agreements with the government in November 2014.  The agreements require Todd Harris to cooperate with the government, obligate both defendants to forfeit $1,464,613, and to make restitution to the two school districts as ordered by the court.  Pursuant to HTC’s plea agreement, the company tendered an up-front, $425,000 restitution payment at the time the corporation entered its guilty plea.  HTC previously refunded $337,715 to Upper Dauphin in 2011, bringing the total restitution paid by the corporation to date to $762,715.

The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Education Inspector General’s Office in Philadelphia, in conjunction with the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the PA Auditor General’s Office, Office of General Counsel. 

“I am proud of the work of OIG Special Agents and our investigative partners in holding Mr. Harris accountable for his criminal actions,” said Chris Cooper, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Mid-Atlantic Office.  "We will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of our nation’s students.  America’s students and taxpayers deserve nothing less.”

The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel.

# # #

March 18, 2015

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Berwick man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Scranton on charges of producing child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the grand jury alleges that Rickie Sitler, age 57, persuaded and induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of such conduct. The indictment alleges that Sitler committed the crime between November 2014 and December 20, 2014.

The charge stems from an investigation by agents of Homeland Security Investigations, the Berwick Police Department, and the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office.

If convicted of the charge, Sitler faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 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 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.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 37-year-old Chicago resident pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to participating in a drug conspiracy that was responsible for distributing heroin and other drugs during a four-year time period in Monroe, Montgomery, and Berks Counties in Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Gilberto Bautista-Ocampo, admitted to acting as a drug courier for the conspiracy and transporting seven kilograms of heroin from Chicago to Pennsylvania in February 2014.

The charge against Bautista-Ocampo resulted from 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.

 Bautista-Ocampo faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.  Judge Mariani ordered a pre-sentence report to be completed. Sentencing is scheduled to take place in June 2015.

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 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.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg indicted six men – five residents of Chambersburg and one from Harrisburg – as part of an investigation of an alleged sex trafficking ring operating in six states and the District of Columbia.

The indictment, filed on March 11 and unsealed this week, charges Albert E. “Pipo” Martinez, age 34, of Chambersburg, Anthony “Tony” D’Ambrosio, age 34, of Chambersburg, Antonio ”Tony” Delgado, age 18, of Chambersburg, Armando Delgado, age 20, of Chambersburg and Keanu Martinez, age 19, of Chambersburg, with sex trafficking of minors, transportation to engage in prostitution, distribution of controlled substances, and conspiracy.  Brandon Hill, age 28, of Harrisburg, is charged with conspiracy and drug distribution.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Martinez and his co-conspirators allegedly recruited and transported females between the ages of 13 and 18 years old to engage in commercial sex acts in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Florida, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia.  Martinez and the others allegedly rented motel rooms and posted “escort” advertisements and photographs on a website from July 2012 through January 2015. The conspirators allegedly took most of the money made during the course of the prostitution business, and distributed drugs to the women, including oxycodone, cocaine hydrochloride and heroin. 

Martinez has been incarcerated on an initial indictment since January 15, 2015 and is scheduled for an arraignment on the March 11 indictment on March 26, 2015.

D’Ambrosio, the Delgados, Martinez and Hill were arrested last week by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Chambersburg Police Department, the Franklin County Drug Task Force and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police.

The defendants arrested last week appeared before Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab on March 12 in Harrisburg and ordered temporarily detained. Yesterday, after the detention hearings, Magistrate Judge Schwab ordered the five co-defendants detained pending trial, which is scheduled for May 11, 2015 before the Honorable William W. Caldwell.

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment on the offenses involving a minor, as well as a $250,000 fine.  Each defendant faces up to 20 years’ incarceration and a $1,000,000 fine if convicted of the drug trafficking offenses.

This continuing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.  Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 717-232-8686.

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."

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a criminal information was filed today charging a Kingston man with distributing Oxycontin and unlawfully possessing a firearm as an illegal drug user.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the information alleges that Shawn Jenks, age 32, unlawfully possessed the firearm during September through November 2014, and illegally distributed Oxycontin pills on November 22, 2014, in Luzerne County.

The charges stem from an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Kingston 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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

In this case, if the defendant is convicted of the charges, he faces a maximum penalty under the federal statute of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for the drug charge, and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the gun charge.  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 36-year-old Harrisburg man was sentenced today to 151 months in prison by Chief District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Darnell Lamont Doss, previously pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine base with the intent to distribute in October 2014.

Doss was previously charged in February 2014 in a superseding indictment, as a result of an investigation by the Harrisburg Police Department and the FBI. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J. Terz.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 21-year-old Tobyhanna Township woman pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick in Scranton, to participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine in Monroe and Wayne Counties between 2011 and 2014.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Tiffanyann Cruz, admitted to distributing heroin on two occasions in November 2013, in drug transactions that were arranged by other members of her family. Three other Cruz family members - Brandon Cruz, Rubie Cruz, and Carlos Cruz - are charged in the case and are awaiting trial

Cruz was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2014, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office.  U.S. District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy will schedule sentencing at a later date.

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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1 million 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 41-year-old Effort man was sentenced today to a total of 181 months in prison for his role in a heroin trafficking conspiracy and for violating conditions of his supervised release.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Kerion Johnson, previously pleaded guilty to committing the crime between November 2013 and April 22, 2014 in Monroe County. Johnson also admitted to committing the crime while he was on supervised release from an earlier federal drug conviction.

In today’s first proceeding, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy imposed a 151-month prison sentence on Johnson for the conspiracy offense. A short time later, Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley imposed a 30-month sentence on Johnson for violating the conditions of supervised release, and ordered the 30-month sentence to run consecutive to the 151-month sentence.

In regard to the more recent offense, Johnson was charged in a Criminal Information filed by the United States Attorney on June 4, 2014, following an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that charges have been filed in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg against Timothy H. Albright, age 37, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, charging him with conspiracy to receive bribes while serving in the United States Army at Bagram, Afghanistan.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the criminal information alleges that Albright, a Specialist with the Pennsylvania National Guard, was assigned to the 53rd Joint Movement Control Battalion, 101st Joint Logistics Command, Combined Joint Task Force, with duties at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan (Bagram).  He served as an E4 (Enlisted Grade 4) in the United States Army at Bagram between January 7, 2008 and October 20, 2008.  In his position at Bagram, Albright, who served as a Commercial Vendor Services Specialist, processed invoices resulting from the provision of supplies by Afghan vendors to restock supplies at the Humanitarian Aid Yard at Bagram.  Albright was responsible for reviewing invoices submitted by Afghan vendors who had been awarded contracts to replenish the Humanitarian Aid Yard.  If the documents were in order, Albright would date-stamp and submit them for payment.

An Afghan vendor had several million-dollar contracts through his company with the Humanitarian Aid Yard through the Army.  He began to give cash to Albright as a way of thanking him for expeditiously processing his invoices.  As the relationship developed, so did the size of the amounts of cash from the vendor.  Ultimately, the criminal information charges, Albright received at least $25,000 in cash bribes from the Afghan vendor.

Albright sent the money he received from the Afghan vendor to his home in Lebanon.  He concealed the money in envelopes inserted in boxes filled with DVDs.  Also, according to the Information, Albright told his supervisor at Bagram about the payments and encouraged him to participate in the scheme.  The supervisor did so, and Albright and his supervisor would split up stacks of $100 bills provided by the vendor.

The case was investigated by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, United States Army’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigation.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Zubrod and Trial Attorney Daniel Butler of the Criminal 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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 5 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine up to $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.

Information

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that George Stoney, age 40, Tory Dobbin, age 41, and Nathaniel Mosley, age 43, all from Harrisburg, were sentenced after pleading guilty to armed robbery and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Stoney was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo on March 12, 2015 to 188 months’ imprisonment, Dobbin was sentenced on March 9, 2015 to 210 months’ imprisonment, and Mosley was sentenced on December 3, 2014 to 168 months’ imprisonment.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, on December 3, 2013, Mosley, Dobbin and Stoney robbed the Cracker Barrel restaurant on Brindle Road in Harrisburg at gunpoint.  The Susquehanna Township Police Department was alerted after a caller advised that individuals were inside the building robbing the restaurant.  Officers arrived almost immediately and set up a perimeter around the building.  Shortly thereafter three men wearing masks exited the restaurant and fled on foot.  After a brief pursuit, all three men were apprehended.  Officers located the stolen money and seized three firearms.  All three men were federally charged on January 15, 2014.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Capital City Safe Streets Task Force and the Susquehanna Township Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 49-year-old Scranton woman pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion in Scranton, for making false representations in connection with the purchase of firearms.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Kimberly Royce, admitted that on two occasions in 2013, she made false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer in Luzerne County to acquire firearms.  Royce obtained a 9mm pistol on January 30, 2013, and a .45 caliber pistol on March 29, 2013, and on both occasions she falsely represented that she was not purchasing them for another person and that she was not an unlawful user of a controlled substance.   

Royce was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2014, as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Wilkes-Barre Police, and Kingston Police.

Royce faces up to 10 years in prison on each count. Judge Mannion ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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 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.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Brandon H. Schnetzka, age 41, of York, Pennsylvania was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration in a federal prison by Senior United States District Court Judge Sylvia Rambo.  Schnetzka pleaded guilty to one count of impersonating an officer or employee of the United States on July 30, 2014.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charge against Schnetzka is a result of a report that he falsely represented himself as a Special Agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in order to fraudulently procure a Lexus loaner vehicle from a Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania dealership.  After multiple requests, Schnetzka eventually returned the vehicle after using it for 8 days.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Silver Spring Township Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 40-year old Mechanicsburg man was sentenced today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge William C. Caldwell to 5 months in federal prison followed by 5 month’s house arrest.  Sheely is to report for service of his sentence on April 7, 2015.  

Steven Sheely, Jr., pled guilty on December 4, 2014, to being involved with his father, Steven Sheely, Sr., and seven other named individuals, in a conspiracy to run an illegal sports gambling operation. 

According United States Attorney Peter Smith, Sheely, Sr. and the others took in millions of dollars in illegal bets on all manners of sporting events. The bookmaking activity took place mainly in the central Pennsylvania area where the participants in the organization lived. The organization was dismantled primarily through the use of a court authorized wiretap and the arrest of the participants on May 22, 2014.

The prosecution stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s 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.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that 3 New York City men pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Harrisburg, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge William J. Caldwell to charges they possessed 62 counterfeit credit cards.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Danillo Vargas, age 26, Jeriel Delosangeles, age 25, and Miguel Almonte, age 22, all from the Bronx, NY, pleaded guilty to an Indictment in July of 2014 charging them with one count of possession of 15 or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices.

The trio was arrested on November 19, 2013, following a PA State Police traffic stop for speeding on Route 30 near Hellam Township, York County.  A consent search of the defendants’ vehicle yielded 26 counterfeit Mastercard, American Express and Visa credit cards plus a counterfeit Florida driver’s license.  A subsequent search of the vehicle pursuant to a search warrant yielded another 36 counterfeit credit cards and a counterfeit Connecticut driver’s license.  The drivers licenses bore the photographs of Almonte and Vargas. Fifty-Four of the 62 counterfeit credit cards were in Almonte’s name. The government’s investigation revealed no charges had been incurred on any of the counterfeit credit cards.

No date was set by Judge Caldwell for sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel.

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

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

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Mark Allen Parks, Jr., age 34, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania was sentenced by Chief Judge Christopher C. Connor to 78 months in federal prison on drug trafficking charges.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Parks supplied heroin to individuals in the Franklin and Cumberland County areas from October 2013 through April 2014.

Parks was indicted by a grand jury in May 2014 and plead guilty in August 2014.

This case was jointly investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Shippensburg Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Cumberland County Drug Task Force, the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office and the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 22-year-old Monroe County resident was arrested yesterday for allegedly distributing heroin during June and July of last year.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Emmanuel Delcastillo, a/k/a “Capo,” of Tobyhanna, was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2014, and had been a fugitive from justice until surrendering to federal agents today. The indictment alleges that Delcastillo distributed heroin on June 26 and July 1, 2014, in Monroe County. 

The charges stem from an investigation by special agents and task force officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Pocono Mountain Regional Police.

Delcastillo was arraigned yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick in Scranton. He was ordered to be detained in prison pending trial, which is scheduled for May 14, 2015.

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 guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Robert M. Fowler, 61, of York Springs, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday for workers' compensation fraud involving $24,934.68 of benefits he was not entitled to receive.  U.S. District Court Judge William W. Caldwell sentenced Mr. Fowler to three months' imprisonment to be followed by two years supervised release and ordered him to pay $23,792.00 in restitution.  Fowler was ordered to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons by March 25, 2015.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Fowler sustained an on-the-job injury in 1999 while working at the Defense Industrial Plant Equipment Center in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and began receiving federal workers' compensation benefits from the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) shortly thereafter.  Recipients of these benefits are required to submit forms to OWCP on a periodic basis to insure they are still eligible to receive the benefits.

Fowler previously admitted that he lied on several forms he submitted to OWCP because he falsely claimed he was not incarcerated during the prior fifteen months for a felony and was residing with his wife.  In fact, Fowler was in the Adams County Jail between September 2012 and July 2013 and had not resided with his wife between October 2010 and March 2014.  As a result of the false statements, OWCP paid Fowler $24,934.18 which he was not entitled to receive.

Fowler was charged in a criminal Information filed in the U.S. District Court in July 2014.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and was assigned to Bruce Brandler, Chief of the Criminal Division, for prosecution.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 58-year-old Reading man was sentenced to 28 months in prison Friday by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for conspiring with others to distribute heroin in the Monroe-Berks County area in 2013.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Richard Carvajal, previously pleaded guilty to participating in the drug conspiracy.

Carvajal was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2014, 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 Carvajal 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.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the filing of a criminal information yesterday charging Walter Cruz, Jr., age 36, of Paterson, New Jersey, with passing counterfeit United States currency at the Mount Airy Casino in Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania, on October 20, 2014.  The government also filed a plea agreement with the defendant which is subject to approval by the Court.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charge is the result of an investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the United States Secret Service.  Prosecution 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 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 twenty years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that  Santiago Ortiz-Otiz, formerly of New Cumberland, PA, was sentenced yesterday for illegal reentry.   U.S. District Court Judge William J. Caldwell sentenced Ortiz-Ortiz to the one year imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release. 

Ortiz-Ortiz, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested by agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the restaurant where he worked in Etters, PA, on April 23, 2014. Thereafter, Ortiz-Ortiz was indicted by a grand jury in Harrisburg for illegal entry into the United States after a felony conviction in May 2014.  Ortiz-Ortiz pleaded guilty to the Indictment in October 2014.

The government’s investigation revealed Ortiz-Ortiz had been deported from the United States on eight prior occasions since 1987.  His most recent deportation took place on August 8, 2008.

The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel.

# # #

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that charges have been filed against Andrew Barnes, who is currently confined at the U.S. Penitentiary, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney, Peter Smith, Barnes, age 35, is charged in a two-count felony Information with assault with a dangerous weapon.  In August 2014, and again in October 2014, Barnes allegedly assaulted two other Lewisburg inmates with homemade weapons. 

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

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Wayne P. Samuelson 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 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 statutes is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine of $500,000.

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

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Puglisse, 68, of Harrisburg, was sentenced today for conspiracy to engage in illegal gambling.  U.S. District Court Judge William W. Caldwell sentenced Puglisse to one year probation and ordered him to pay a fine of $4,000.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Puglisse had a role in the illegal sports gambling organization operated by Steven Sheely, Sr.  Sheely recently pled guilty, agreed to forfeit roughly $800,000.00 in seized assets, and is awaiting sentencing. Before imposing sentence, Judge Caldwell noted Puglisse’s minor criminal record and limited role in the organization, as well as Puglisse’s military record.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture.  Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe prosecuted the case.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that a 31-year old Harrisburg man was sentenced today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge William C. Caldwell to six months imprisonment, three years supervised release and payment to the IRS of $216,000, along with penalties and interest.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Howard Ginting was the sole owner of Ginting Enterprises, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation located in Harrisburg.  Ginting Enterprises supplied day laborers to businesses in central and northeastern Pennsylvania.  As the owner and operator, Ginting was required to withhold from the wages of employees the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes on a quarterly basis.  From October, 2006 through February, 2008, Ginting Enterprises paid wages totaling approximately $851,553; Gintingfalsely reported to the IRS that he had only paid $68,549.  He underpaid the Social Security tax and Medicare taxes owed by GEI by approximately $119,799.

In February, 2008, Ginting shut down Ginting Enterprises and continued his same labor supply business under the name Trojan Services, Inc.  Between February, 2008 and May, 2011, Trojan paid wages of approximately $638,477; Gintingfailed to report to the IRS all wages paid to his employees, underpaying Social Security tax and Medicare taxes by approximately $97,047.

This resulted in underreporting the employee and employer share of the Social Security and Medicare taxes in the total amount of approximately $216,846.

Ginting was charged by a grand jury in Harrisburg in an indictment in January 2014, following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Zubrod.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Coy C. Klinger, 37, of Lower Paxton Township, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of children before United States District Court Judge John E. Jones, III, in Harrisburg.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Klinger was charged in September 2014 for seeking out young girls and women online and having them engage in sexual activity for money with customers in his home in Lower Paxton Township.  Klinger took graphic, nude photographs of the girls and women and posted them online in advertisements for prostitution services.  The FBI found evidence on electronic devices in Klinger’s home at 5716 Kenwood Avenue, including an Iphone and a laptop computer.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lower Paxton Township Police Department and the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.        

At sentencing, Klinger faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment on the sex trafficking charge and a statutory maximum of life imprisonment.  The United States and Klinger have agreed to jointly recommend a sentence of 120 months’ incarceration but the final determination as to Klinger’s sentence will be the decision of the 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.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Torres, age 25, of Allentown, Lehigh County was sentenced today, in federal court in Scranton by Senior United States District Judge Edwin M. Kosik, to serve 78 months in prison on the charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Torres previously pleaded guilty to distributing crack cocaine and powder cocaine in the Carbon County area between January 2011 and December 2012.

In addition to the prison term, Senior Judge Kosik also ordered that Torres be supervised by a probation officer for four years following his release from prison.

Torres was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 30, 2012, after an  investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Nesquehoning and Lansford Police Departments in Carbon County.

Torres is the seventh and final defendant to be sentenced in connection with the investigation.  Previously, the following defendants, all from Carbon Country, were sentenced:

-   Bonnie Vosburgh, age 22, of Nesquehoning, sentenced to 60 months in prison on the charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine; -   Victoria Ann Argott, age 34, of Lansford, sentenced to 40 months in prison on the charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine; -   Alexander “Butch” Sommers, age 37, of Summit Hill, sentenced to 37 months in prison on the charge of aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine; -   Jordan Bachert, age 29, of Lansford, sentenced to 30 months in prison on the charge of being an unlawful user of controlled substances in possession of firearms; -   Joseph Revell, age 21, of Nesquehoning, sentenced to 30 months in prison on the charge of distributing cocaine; and
-   Ceres Lozada, age 27, of Nesquehoning, sentenced to 21 months in prison on the charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Criminal Information was filed today against Melissa Ann Arnold, 46, of York.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Information alleges that during 2008 and 2009, Arnold stole more than $300,000 from tax payments made by citizens to Spring Garden Township, York County.  Arnold was the Treasurer and Tax Collector for Spring Garden Township from 1995 until October 2009.  Arnold was allegedly able to steal the tax payments because many of the checks were written out to her and, rather than deposit the checks into the Township’s account, she deposited them into her personal account.

The government also filed a plea agreement with the defendant which must be approved by the court.  York County submitted an insurance claim for the funds and received full repayment.  Arnold has entered into an agreement with the insurance company to pay back the full amount and has already paid part of the amount due.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police and Spring Garden Township Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy.

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

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

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

(Information)