Middle District of Pennsylvania

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that charges have been filed against four central Pennsylvania residents in connection with fraudulent federal income tax refund claims.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, separate criminal Informations were filed today in U.S. District Court in Williamsport charging the following persons:

Fatima Brooks, age 51, Williamsport, charged with filing 20 fraudulent income tax returns seeking $113,000 in fraudulent refunds. 

Felicia Burks, age 44, Lancaster, charged with filing 52 fraudulent income tax returns seeking $85,000 in fraudulent refunds. 

Valerie Burton, age 53, Williamsport, charged with filing 58 fraudulent income tax returns seeking $274,000 in fraudulent refunds. 

Dawn Smith, age 44, Williamsport, charged with filing 41 fraudulent income tax returns seeking $88,000 in fraudulent refunds.  Smith was also charged with making false statements relating to the Medicare Attendant Care Program and receiving payments for health care services which she never provided.

The fraud in each case allegedly took place between January 2012 and May 2013.

With respect to the fraudulent income tax billing scheme, each individual is facing up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.  Based on the false statements concerning the Medicare program, Smith is facing an additional 5 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.

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

The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General.  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.

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 charges have been filed against Andrew Newton, a resident of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 

According to United States Attorney, Peter Smith, Dr. Andrew Newton, age 42, a psychiatrist with an office in Mt. Carmel is charged in a six-count Information with false billings for psychotherapy services.  Specifically, it is alleged that between August 2010, and November 2011, Newton billed Medicare for face-to-face therapy sessions when he was in fact out of the country.

The government also filed a plea agreement in the case which is subject to approval of the Court. 
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Williamsport office.  Assistant United States Attorney Wayne P. Samuelson is assigned to prosecute the case.

Indictments 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 six 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 38-year-old Pittston man pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik to 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, admitted to committing the crime between 2010 and 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.

Biscotto faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.  Sentencing will be scheduled after the completion of a pre-sentence report by the U.S. Probation Office.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that Pennsylvania Coin, LLC, a Scranton-based company, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  The guilty plea was entered before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion. 

Attorneys representing the company put into the record a corporate resolution signed by the members of the corporation, setting out the terms of the plea agreement with the government.  The terms include:

• Entry of a plea of guilty;
• Forfeiture of $77,866 and 288 gambling devices to the government; 
• Payment of restitution in the amount of $1,050,000 to the U.S. Treasury and payment of $300,000 to the Pennsylvania State Police.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith and as presented to the Court by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne P. Samuelson, the company was charged in a one-count criminal Information filed on October 22, 2014 with conspiracy to commit money laundering between January 2007 and October 2012. 

The company maintained and operated approximately 288 video gambling machines throughout Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties.  The machines were placed in establishments, including bars, restaurants and clubs.  The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) began an investigation in 2007.  PSP undercover agents visited those establishments and placed controlled bets and received payouts from establishment owners, and/or observed patrons receiving payouts after playing the video gaming machines.  Agents also observed over 100 machines with switches used to erase accumulated credits from the game played, an indication that the machines were being used for unlawful gambling and not solely for amusement.

The IRS joined the investigation in 2012.  Surveillance revealed that supplies of illegal gambling devices were stored in warehouses owned by the defendant. 

In October 2012 search warrants were executed by the IRS at three business locations of the company.  The Pennsylvania State Police-Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement searched approximately 180 bars and other non-liquor licensed establishments and seized 288 illegal gambling machines.  U.S. currency totaling $77,866.15 was also seized.

Further investigation revealed that the defendant split with the site or establishment owners (approximately 100) the proceeds of the money generated by patrons of the establishments playing the illegal video games.  The defendant maintained an account at a financial institution, and comingled the illegal funds with funds generated by the defendant’s legitimate business income-producing machines, such as pool tables and juke boxes.  The comingled funds were used to pay employees who collected funds from the site owners and employees who maintained the video gambling devices in working order.  A review of the defendant’s bank account showed approximately $1,700,000 was deposited as proceeds from the split of the illegal gambling funds.  The co-mingling of the illegal gambling funds through a bank account constituted the violation of the federal money laundering statute.

A plea agreement containing the terms set out in the corporate resolution was filed at the same time the criminal Information was filed. 

No sentencing date has been scheduled.

Assistant United States Attorney Wayne P. Samuelson prosecuted the case. 

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rodney Corbin, Jr., age 54, Hanover, Pennsylvania was sentenced today by Senior United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to 97 months’ imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, anda $2,000 fine, for distribution and receipt of child pornography.  Corbin pled guilty to the charges on October 1, 2013.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Corbin purchased 28 separate orders of child pornography videos from an international company that produced images depicting the sexual exploitation of children.  After securing a search warrant, law enforcement officers located two full carts, each measuring  two by four by six feet in size, containing child pornography in Corbin’s residence. 

Judge Rambo noted, this case represents the largest collection of printed child pornography ever seized in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.  Corbin’s computer was also seized.  During a search of the computer, investigators located thousands of images of child pornography.   

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Hanover Police Department and 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 20-year-old Clarks Summit man was sentenced today in Scranton by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to serve 15 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Taylor Bzdyr, previously pleaded guilty to using a computer and a cell phone to persuade a 13-year-old female from Canada to engage in sexual acts which were transmitted live via Skype. Bzdry committed the offense between October 2012 and October 2013. 

Bzdyr was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Scranton in March 2014, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Border Patrol Agents in California, and the New Westminster Police Department in British Columbia, Canada.

Judge Munley also ordered Bzdyr to be placed on supervised release for life following his prison sentence. Bzdyr must also register as a sex offender and comply with sex offender notification requirements and restrictions.

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

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 today that the Honorable William W. Caldwell sentenced Donnell Thomas, 27, of Steelton, Pennsylvania, to serve 87 months in prison.  Thomas had previously pleaded guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charges against Thomas are a result of allegations that in February 2013, Thomas attempted to ram a vehicle being driven by uniformed officers from the Harrisburg Police Bureau. He then fled from those officers but was ultimately apprehended after discarding a firearm with an obliterated serial number from the waistband of his pants. Upon his arrest, bags containing a controlled substance were seized from his person and his vehicle.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Harrisburg Police Bureau and was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor as part of the on-going cooperative effort by federal, county and Harrisburg law enforcement agencies to fight violent crime in the city.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that Warren T. Wells, age 43, of Moscow, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik today in Scranton to two years of probation, to include six months of home confinement.  Wells previously pleaded guilty to a felony criminal information charging him with theft of a golden crucifix necklace from a veteran/patient of the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on December 13, 2013.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Wells’s victim was admitted to the VA Medical Center as a critically ill patient; she died several hours after Wells, a nurse’s aide at the Center, stole the crucifix worn by her as a gift from her son.  Wells has been dismissed from his job as a result of his conduct.

The investigation was conducted by the VA Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Burhans, age 65, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner today to 37 months’ imprisonment, two years supervised release and $1,658,205 in restitution.  Burhans is scheduled to surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons by January 8, 2015.

In sentencing Burhans, Chief Judge Conner said “these were not business mistakes.  This was fraud; outright, clear, unmitigated fraud.”

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Burhans pled guilty in December 2013 to conspiracy to commit mail fraud.  As presented to the Court by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Terz, in 2003, Burhans started a private mortgage company known as Angelic Ventures. The stated business purpose was to solicit private investors to provide money for private mortgages.  In about 2006, Burhans started a business known as Home Buyers Solutions, Inc. ("HBSI").  HBSI, like Angelic Ventures, was in the business of making private real estate loans financed with private investor funds. Burhans operated both businesses out of his home at 847 Maple Street, Lebanon, Pa.

Burhans carried out the scheme by placing advertisements in farming newspapers, including "Fish Wrapper," "Die Botschaft," and "Lancaster Farming," announcing an investment opportunity with Angelic Ventures and HBSI.  In the advertisement, Burhans represented that the investments were insured, secured, and promised rates of return as high as 12%.

Burhans falsely represented to investors that their money would be solely used to make loans for the purchase of real estate.

In fact, Burhans misappropriated much of the money he received form investors. He diverted money to other businesses he owned and for his own personal needs and expenses, including payment of a salary for himself, his wife and son. Burhans also used investor money to purchase multiple timeshares he used for vacation.

In December 2009, Burhans wrote to the investors stating that, due to the downturn in the economy, Angelic Ventures and HBSI were no longer in business.  In the December 2009 letter, Burhans misrepresented to investors that the business losses "ate up even our reserves and all our own personal belongings."  Those statements were false.

At the sentencing, Burhans promised to pay back the lenders who lost money by investing in his company.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joesph Terz noted that those who lost their money were not “lenders” as Burhans repeatedly stated, but his victims.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), announced that separate criminal charges were filed today in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg against two illegal aliens.

Alfredo Lopez, age 36, was charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury alleging that Lopez, a Guatemalan citizen, who has previously been arrested and deported from the United States on November 18, 2009, reentered the United States unlawfully and was found in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.

If convicted, Lopez faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

Marvin Torres-Garcia, age 21, was charged in a one-count indictment alleging that Torres-Garcia, a Guatemalan citizen, who has previously been arrested and deported from the United States on February 3, 2012, reentered the United States unlawfully and was found in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

If convicted, Torres-Garcia faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

Jesus Puente-Silva, age 22, was charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury alleging that Puente-Silva, a Mexican citizen, who was convicted on March 27, 2012, for fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, and subsequently arrested and deported from the United States on February 1, 2013, reentered the United States illegally and was apprehended in Dauphin County.

If convicted, Puente-Silva faces a maximum sentence of up to 6 months’ imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.

Gonzalo Coronado, age 28, was charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury alleging that Coronado, a Mexican citizen, who was previously been arrested and deported from the United States on February 15, 2011, reentered the United States illegally and was apprehended in York County, Pennsylvania.

If convicted, Coronado faces a maximum sentence of up to 2 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

The investigations were conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and are being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Alice Song Hartye.

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 Maurice Weaver, age 38, a federal inmate, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann to 24 months imprisonment and three years’ supervised release.  His sentence is to run consecutive to any other sentence being served by Weaver.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Weaver was charged in an indictment on September 11, 2013 with assaulting the Warden and Associate Warden at the Allenwood Penitentiary in January 2012. After these assaults, Weaver was transferred to the Lewisburg Penitentiary where he assaulted a corrections officer from that institution. The injuries to the three officers were not life threatening.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric Pfisterer.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Wilkes-Barre man was sentenced today to serve nine years in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for sex trafficking of a minor.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Travis Humphrey, age 27, previously pleaded guilty to recruiting and transporting a then 16-year-old female to engage in commercial sex acts in motels in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In furtherance of the crime, Humphrey and others rented motel rooms and posted “escort” advertisements and photographs on a website during 2013.

Humphrey was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2014, as a result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.

Judge Mariani also ordered Humphrey to serve five years on supervised release following his prison sentence, and to pay a $100 special assessment. Humphrey will also have to register as a sex offender and undergo sex offender treatment.

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

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 today that on November 6, Matthew Baratucci, age 29, of Harrisburg, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to 240 months’ (20 years) imprisonment, a $1,100 fine and ten years of supervision following his release from imprisonment, after pleading guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, and as presented to the Court by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daryl Bloom, in October of 2013, Baratucci solicited two women for the purpose of obtaining children with whom he intended to engage in sexual activity.  One woman related that Baratucci wanted her to provide two children she babysat, ages five and nine, threatened the woman with violence if the children were not provided.  Investigators assumed the woman’s identity and arranged to meet Baratucci for the exchange of $150 for the two children.  When investigators attempted to arrest Baratucci, he tried to flee, crashing into a vehicle before he was ultimately stopped by law enforcement.  Baratucci pled guilty on May 21, 2014.

This case was the result of a collaborative effort between federal and state law enforcement.  Attorney General Kathleen Kane commented “we will continue to work with our Federal, State and Local partners to hunt down and convict these predators”

The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police with the assistance of the Lower Paxton Township Police Department.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today the filing of criminal charges against Timothy Smart, age 31, New York City resident.   A criminal Information filed in the United States District Court in Scranton yesterday alleges that Smart distributed cocaine hydrochloride, cocaine base, (crack), and heroin in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties on numerous occasions between 2012 and September 20, 2013. 

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

United States Attorney Peter Smith noted that the charges are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police into the sale of drugs at motels in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties.   

Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.

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

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

In this particular case, the maximum penalty under the federal 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 34-year-old Freeland resident was sentenced yesterday to 37 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that operated in Monroe and Berks Counties during 2010 to 2013.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Arnando Diaz-DeJesus, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, cocaine base (“crack”), and Oxycodone.

Diaz-DeJesus was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Scranton in June 2013, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and Berks County Detectives.

Judge Mariani also ordered that Diaz-DeJesus spend three years on supervised release following his prison sentence and pay a $100 special assessment.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Canadensis chiropractor was sentenced today, in federal court in Scranton, by United States District Judge Robert Mariani, to serve 15 months in prison on charges of aiding the preparation and filing of a false federal income tax return and false statements relating to healthcare matters.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Dr. Maria Giacalone-Hewson, age 43, a resident of Canadensis who operated Canadensis Healthcare, Inc., pleaded guilty to the tax and fraud charges in September of 2013.

A criminal Information was filed against Giacalone-Hewson on July 15, 2013.  The charges against her arose from the filing of a 2006 federal income tax return that falsely claimed her taxable income was $89,754, when, in fact, she had taxable income of $1,151,928, and owed at least $363,566 in taxes for that year.  Giacalone-Hewson was also held accountable at sentencing for taxes of $113,821 that she owed for tax years 2007 through 2010.

The criminal Information to which Giacalone-Hewson pleaded guilty also charged her with making false statements relating to healthcare matters.  At the time of her guilty plea, Dr. Giacalone-Hewson admitted that she made false statements in connection with payment for health care benefits by submitting false written statements claiming that chiropractic and other services were provided to certain patients when no such services were in fact provided.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Mariani ordered that Giacalone-Hewson be supervised by a probation officer for three years following her release from prison.

The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Houser.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that an Indictment has been filed by a grand jury in Scranton against Charles Conden, age 48, and Cindy Conden, age 28, both of Hanover Township, and James Hughes, age 26, Nanticoke, charging them with aiding and abetting in the commission of multiple robberies.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Jeffrey Townsley, age 43, Kingston, engaged in an 18-day crime spree beginning on December 24, 2013 and ending on January 10, 2014.  The crimes included two bank robberies and seven robberies of local businesses.  Townsley was arrested on January 10, 2014 and remains in custody in the Lackawanna County Prison.

The indictment returned today charges Charles Conden with aiding and abetting Townsley in the commission of the robberies at Aldi’s Market in Kingston on January 7, 2014, Thomas’ Market in Larksville on January 8, 2014, and the Family Dollar in Ashley on January 10, 2014.  Cindy Conden and James Hughes are charged with aiding and abetting Townsley in the commission of the Aldi’s robbery.

The maximum penalties in this case include two years’ incarceration for each robbery, and fines of $250,000.

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

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 for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that charges have been filed against Jose Caldera, who is currently confined at United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX, Colorado. 

According to United States Attorney, Peter Smith, Caldera, age 44, is charged in a one-count felony Information with murder.  The offense is alleged to have occurred in May 2010, while Caldera was confined at the United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.  Caldera is charged with strangling another inmate.

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 is assigned to prosecute the case.

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

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

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

The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that criminal proceedings have been initiated against Deshanell Cannon, age 23, of Portsmouth, Virginia.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, a criminal information was filed today in U.S. District Court in Scranton charging Cannon with identity theft in connection with the unlawful use of a bank account number of a legitimate account holder on fraudulent gift cards and credit/debit cards.  The case arose as a result of investigations by the Pennsylvania State Police and Dickson City Police and seizures of suspected credit/debit and gift cards from a vehicle in March 2014.  The federal investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service.

The government also filed a plea agreement in the case, which must be approved by the court. 

Cannon allegedly used fraudulent credit cards to gain access to the identification of another person.

Cannon faces a mandatory term of imprisonment of 24 months and a fine in the amount of $250.000.

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.

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 yesterday Senior United States District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo has sentenced Thomas Ceprish, age 32, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, to 48 months’ imprisonment for distributing cocaine on numerous occasions between 2008 and April 2, 2013.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Ceprish obtained cocaine in Wilkes-Barre for distribution to others in the Luzerne County area.  On June 18, 2014, Ceprish appeared in federal court and pleaded guilty to the charge.

In addition to the 48-month term of imprisonment, Judge Caputo ordered that Ceprish be placed under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for a period of three years following the service of his prison sentence.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office; and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the unsealing of an indictment of three Monroe County residents issued by a federal grand jury in Scranton on October 14 for participating in a conspiracy that allegedly distributed heroin between November 2011 and the date of the indictment.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the grand jury alleges that Victor Tello, age 23; Jabril Greggs, age 24; and Yashmir Greggs, age 27, all of Tobyhanna, conspired with each other and with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin during a three-year time period.

     The Indictment alleges that the suspects arranged to obtain heroin in New Jersey and transported it to the Monroe County area for further distribution. The indictment further alleges that the suspects communicated with each other and drug customers by cell phones.

     Each defendant is also charged in separate counts with distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

     The indictments were sealed until today pending the defendants being taken into custody.  Tello is incarcerated and is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Court on October 30.  Yashmir Greggs was arrested on October 22 and is being held pending a detention hearing scheduled for October 29.  Jabril Greggs surrendered on October 23 and was released on bail.

     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.

     If the defendants are convicted of the charges, they each face a possible maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

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

     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 47-year-old Kidder Township man pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik to producing child pornography.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Todd Kowar, admitted to persuading and inducing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of such conduct. Kowar committed the crime between 2008 and December 2012.

     The case against Kowar resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Kidder Township Police. Kowar was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2014.

     Judge Kosik ordered a pre-sentence report to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.  Kowar is detained in prison pending sentencing.

     Kowar 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."

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

     The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that charges were filed yesterday against Abraham D. Gordon, a resident of Shamokin, Pennsylvania.

     According to United States Attorney, Peter Smith, Gordon, age 32, is charged in a three-count Indictment with production, distribution, and possession of child pornography.  The offenses are alleged to have occurred between March and June 2014.

     The investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police Computer Crime Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Williamsport Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Wayne P. Samuelson is assigned to prosecute the case.

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

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

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

     The United States Attorney’s Office announced the return of an indictment yesterday by a federal grand jury in Williamsport charging Phil Nguyen of Garden Grove, California, with aggravated identity theft, and related offenses, in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain luxury wrist watches from jewelry stores in State College, Pennsylvania, and in New York, New Jersey, and Nevada.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment alleges that from January 2014 through July 20, 2014, Nguyen used counterfeit California driver’s licenses in the names of other persons to purchase and attempt to purchase Rolex and Omega watches from Kranich’s Jewelers in State College and four other jewelry stores in Orchard Park, New York, Marlton and Wayne, New Jersey, and Las Vegas, Nevada.  According to the indictment, Nguyen also used counterfeit California driver’s licenses and fraudulent credit cards in submitting on-line credit applications to Wells Fargo, GE Capital Retail Bank, and TD Bank to pay for the watches.

     Nguyen, age 67, faces a combined maximum penalty of 67 years in prison, a fine of $2.25 million, and a supervised release term of five years.

     The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Patton Township Police Department and the Centre County District Attorney’s Office.  Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel.

     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 on Monday a federal jury in Scranton returned seven guilty verdicts against Terrell Stevenson, a/k/a “Inf”, age 36, of Wilkes-Barre, on charges involving trafficking in excess of 100 grams of heroin and related firearm offenses.

     Following a 5-day trial before United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, the jury deliberated for about 2 ½ hours before returning guilty verdicts on 1 count of conspiracy to distribute 100 or more grams of heroin within 1,000 feet of a protected area (an elementary school), 1 count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, 1 count of unlawful use of a communication facility in furtherance of a violation of a controlled substance offense, 1 count of unlawful possession of a stolen firearm, 1 count of felon in possession of firearm, 1 count of fugitive from justice in possession of a firearm, and one count of unlawful possession of a means of identification as an aid in the commission of a federal violation.  Stevenson was found not guilty of 1 count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

     The defendants were first charged in a criminal complaint filed in 2012.  The others charged include: William Nelson, age 42, and Merisol Merry, age 42, both of Brooklyn, New York;  Lamar Thomas, age 40, Gregory Bush, age 52, both from Scranton; Michael Blondell, age 35, of Blakely; Christopher Taylor, age 26, of Binghamton, New York; and Sean Martinelli, 29, of Philadelphia.  All pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

     At Stevenson’s trial, the Government presented the testimony of 16 witnesses and evidence from a federal wiretap investigation.  Communications between the co-conspirators and the defendant were played in court, admitted into evidence and presented to the jury.  The communications involved discussions focused on possession and distribution of heroin, quantities of heroin, and drug proceeds.

     Stevenson faces a possible maximum life sentence based on the offenses and his prior criminal record.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

     This case arose from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency Scranton office, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office – Detective Division, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre Police Departments.  Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski prosecuted the case.

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that six people were indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton October 21, 2014 for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy in the Luzerne County area since February 2014.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the grand jury alleges that the following individuals participated in the drug ring:

• Megan Fox, age 27, of Plymouth, PA, charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin as an aider and abettor;

• Desmond Mercer, age 26, of Edwardsville, PA, charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin as an aider and abettor, two counts of possession with intent to distribute heroin, unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and carrying and possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense;

• Shaliek Stroman, age 31, of Edwardsville, PA, charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin, and three counts of distribution/possession with intent to distribute heroin;

• Antuan Jamison, age 34 , of Irvington, New Jersey,  charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin as an aider and abettor;

• Corey Wortham, age 18, of Montgomery, Alabama, charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin as an aider and abettor;

• Shaquan Murphy, age 27, of Newark, New Jersey, charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin as an aider and abettor.    

     The Indictment also seeks to forfeit $15,887, and two vehicles seized during the investigation.

     The indictments were sealed until today pending the defendants being taken into custody.  Fox has been released on bail; Stroman was taken into custody yesterday and will appear in court today.  The others have been detained.

     The charges stem from an investigation by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Kingston Police, Plymouth Police, Wilkes-Barre Police, Edwardsville Police, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.

     If convicted of the charges, Mercer faces up to life in prison and a $4.5 million fine; Stroman faces up to 80 years in prison and a $4 million fine; Fox, Jamison, Wortham, and Murphy each face up to 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine.

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

     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 32-year-old Philadelphia man was sentenced to 27 months in prison yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for participating in a conspiracy that distributed heroin during November 2013 to January 2014.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Luis Morales, previously admitted that he conspired with others, including Eudy Gonzalez, then an inmate at SCI Waymart, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin during a three-month time period.

     Morales was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 11, 2014, as a result of an investigation by special agents and task force officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Scranton Police.

     Morales’ co-defendants, Linda Reyes and Eudy Gonzalez, previously pleaded guilty and both were sentenced to prison by Judge Mannion for their roles in the drug conspiracy.

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

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 35-year-old Philadelphia man was sentenced to 57 months in prison yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for his role in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in the Hazleton area of Pennsylvania.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Edwin Laureano-Suarez, previously admitted to conspiring with others to distribute heroin between May 2014 and June 18, 2014.

     Laureano-Suarez was charged in a criminal Information filed on August 12, 2014, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Scranton Police.

     Judge Mannion also ordered the defendant to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence, and pay a special assessment of $100.

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

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment yesterday charging Rose Umana, 47, Mechanicsburg, the owner and operator of Vision Healthcare Services, Inc., with additional health care fraud and money laundering offenses.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the superceding indictment charges Umana with health care fraud and money laundering in connection with operation of Vision Healthcare, 4113 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg. The new charges are in addition to 34 offenses brought in an indictment returned May 7. 

     The 36-count superseding indictment alleges that Umana created false identification documents and fictitious occupational licenses for workers not licensed at the level represented on the license and then submitted bills to Medicaid for medical services purportedly provided by the workers, billed Medicaid for services provided by someone other than the person claimed to be the provider, and billed Medicaid for services not provided or provided by someone not qualified to provide the service. 

     In addition, the grand jury charged that Umana laundered and concealed at least $291,000 in proceeds derived from this criminal activity.  The superseding indictment alleges that Umana conducted at least 32 monetary transactions totaling $673,733 with proceeds derived from the fraud in amounts greater than $10,000.  The superseding indictment also alleges that approximately $307,000 in three bank accounts held by Umana are forfeitable to the government.

     “Medicaid Home Care companies that steal our health benefits, and lie about their level of competence, drain programs of money and put patients at risk ” said Nick DiGiulio, Special Agent in Charge for the Inspector General’s Office of the United States Department of Health and Human Services in Philadelphia.  “We will continue to work energetically with our partners to investigate those that are accused of robbing health care dollars and mistreating Medicaid recipients.”

     Health care fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, false statements relating to health care matters carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, money laundering  is punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment, conducting monetary transactions with criminal proceeds in excess of $10,000 is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment, and identity theft carries a two-year mandatory minimum sentence that must be served consecutively to any other sentence.

     This case is part of a coordinated federal and state investigation involving the Office of Inspector General, Health and Human Services; Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations; and the Medicaid Fraud Control Section of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Albright of the State Attorney General’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy H. Fawcett are prosecuting the case. 

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 32-year-old Stroudsburg man was sentenced to 47 months in prison yesterday by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley for distributing crack cocaine in the Monroe County area during a seven-month time period.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Dominic Darby, previously pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine from October 2013 to April 30, 2014.

     Darby was charged in a criminal Information filed by the United States Attorney on July 17, 2014, following an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police.

     Darby must also serve three years on supervised release following his prison sentence, and pay a $100 special assessment.

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

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Sandra R. Powers, 57, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to one year and one day imprisonment by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for a bank larceny involving $125,815.  Powers was ordered to surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons by January 8, 2015 to commence serving her sentence.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Powers was employed as a branch manager for Integrity Bank's Allentown Boulevard and Colonial Road branches located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  Powers previously pled guilty to stealing $125,815 from a customer's account between May 2012 and March 2013.  Powers was terminated by Integrity Bank in March 2013 and subsequently made full restitution to the bank.

The case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, Office of Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the FBI and was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Bruce Brandler for prosecution.

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that criminal charges were filed against Pennsylvania Coin, LLC, a Pennsylvania corporation, in U.S. District Court in Williamsport yesterday.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Pennsylvania Coin, LLC is charged in a one-count Information with conspiracy to commit money laundering between January 2007 and October 2012.  Allegedly, Pennsylvania Coin, LLC maintained and operated illegal video gambling devices in establishments in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties in northeastern Pennsylvania.  Patrons at the establishments received cash payments based on credits; Pennsylvania Coin LLC received fees from the owners of the establishments and allegedly split proceeds from the use of the gambling devices with owners of establishments.

     Pennsylvania Coin, LLC allegedly used its share of the proceeds to pay employees and maintain the devices, established accounts at financial institutions where the proceeds were deposited and co-mingled the illegal funds with legitimate business income to conceal the nature, source and amount of the proceeds from the illegal gambling activity, in violation of the federal anti-money laundering statute.

     The charge arises out of the seizure of 288 illegal gambling devices and over $77,000 in U.S. currency from 180 business establishments in October 2012 by agents of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement as part of a joint investigation.

     Filed simultaneously with the Information is a plea agreement which is subject to approval of the Court.  The plea agreement provides that Pennsylvania Coin, LLC will enter a guilty plea and forfeit to the government $1,427,866 and the 288 seized gambling machines.

     Assistant United States Attorney Wayne P. Samuelson is assigned to prosecute the case.

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

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

     In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is a fine of $500,000 and a five-year term of probation.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors when sentencing. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence.

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) announced today that a 26-year-old native and citizen of Mexico has been charged with illegal reentry into the United States.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Bairon Morales-Morales, age 26, was charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg today.

     The indictment alleges that Morales-Morales, an alien who has previously been arrested and deported from the United States on November 21, 2006, reentered the United States illegally and was apprehended in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania.

     If convicted, Morales-Morales faces a maximum sentence of up to 2 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

     This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Alice Song Hartye.

     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 Richard Thomas Kramer, age 23, and Kristina Lynn Gates, age 21, both of Harrisburg were indicted today and charged with counterfeiting offenses.  Specifically, Kramer was charging with both manufacturing counterfeit obligations of the United States and passing counterfeit obligations of the United States.  Gates was charged with passing counterfeit obligations of the United States.

     According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, in August of this year, the couple began passing counterfeit $20 bills at businesses throughout Dauphin County in Pennsylvania.  It was later determined that Kramer was manufacturing the counterfeit $20 Federal Reserve notes.  If convicted, Kramer faces 40 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $500,000.  Gates faces 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

     This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Susquehanna Township Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daryl F. Bloom.

     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 the filing of criminal charges on October 14, 2014 against Adolphus Butts, age 35, Timothy Smart, age 31, Ladu Tariq Kitching, age 28, and Cedrick Johnson, age 27, all of New York, New York.   The Grand Jury in Scranton returned a nine-count Indictment filed in the United States District Court alleging that the above individuals conspired to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, cocaine base, (crack), and heroin in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties between 2011 and 2013. 

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charges are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police into the sale of illegal drugs at motels in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties.   

     Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.

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

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

     In this particular case, the maximum penalty under the federal drug trafficking conspiracy statute charged in this case 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Nicholas Stanishia, age 44, an Ohio prison inmate, Marcia J. Weber, age 46, of Loveland, Ohio, Martin Jay Wilson, age 43, of Kansas City, Missouri, Jody Six, age 40, and Anthony Vaughn, age 41, both Ohio inmates were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg and charged with an interstate conspiracy to transmit threats to a witness.

     According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Stanishia who is serving a sentence of life imprisonment at the Southeastern Correctional Institution in Lancaster, Ohio, allegedly developed an intimate relationship with clinical psychologist Weber who helped orchestrate Stanishia’s release from prison by attempting to get a witness who had identified Stanishia at his Ohio murder trial to recant his statement to police and his trial testimony.

     According to the indictment, Stanishia and Weber allegedly hired a private investigator to locate the witness and obtain information about where he and his wife lived and worked and information about the couple’s children.  They then allegedly hired Wilson to travel from Missouri to Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where the witness now lives, and place a gas can on the witness’s porch.

     Stanishia then allegedly, with the help of Six - another inmate - used a smuggled-in cellular telephone to contact the witness and threaten him over the telephone.

     Special Agent in Charge, Edward J. Hanko, FBI, Philadelphia Division stated: “This case represents an incredible collaborative effort between FBI Field Offices in Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Kansas City, the US Attorney's Office-Middle District Pennsylvania and Southern District Ohio, Hampden Township Police Department, Lower Paxton Police Department, Ohio Highway State Patrol, and the Southeastern Correctional Institution, Lancaster, Ohio.  This matter is also a reminder of the ever-present threat from criminal elements, even those housed in our prison systems.  Rest assured, the FBI will remain diligent and work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively address these threats as they surface to ensure the community is safe and perpetrators are brought to justice.”

     According to the indictment, in 1997 Stanishia murdered his ex-girlfriend and shot the woman’s then boyfriend.  Stanishia then fled and remained at large until his capture in 2000 after committing a home invasion and rape of a Kansas woman.  The boyfriend ended up identifying Stanishia as the murderer and testifying against him at trial.  Stanishia was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on the murder and 23 years for the attempted murder, burglary and firearms offenses.  Stanishia is currently serving his sentence in Ohio.  Stanishia was also convicted of the home invasion and rape and sentenced to 54 years’ imprisonment.

     Stanishia allegedly referenced the gas can as a message to the victim of his ability to reach the witness even while imprisoned in Ohio.  Stanishia also allegedly claimed to be a high ranking member of the Aryan Brotherhood and made the witness aware of the group’s ability to reach the witness in Pennsylvania.

     Weber and Stanishia allegedly then prepared a false declaration and affidavit, recanting the identification of Stanishia as the murderer, for the witness to sign, have notarized and return to Stanishia.  The false declaration and affidavit were allegedly mailed to the witness using a false return address.  Six allegedly stored copies of the draft information and personal information about the witness in his area within the prison to help Stanishia avoid detection.  Vaughn, another inmate at the Southeastern Correctional Institution, allegedly helped orchestrate the mailing of the affidavit to the witness by making calls to Weber through a third party. 

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

     Weber was taken into custody in Ohio on October 8. Wilson has not yet been taken into custody.

     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.

     If convicted, all five face a term of imprisonment of up to 45 years and a fine of $750,000.  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.

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Vanny Son, 33, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones III to conspiracy to defraud the IRS of approximately $1 million in employment taxes between 2006 and 2012.

     According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Son and a co-conspirator operated five employee leasing companies which supplied day laborers to several businesses in the Harrisburg area.

     The employee leasing companies were known as V&S Services, Industrial Labor Services, Advance Labor Services, HD Staffing Services and TD Staffing.  Between 2006 and 2012, these five businesses paid cash wages of more than $7 million to their employees without withholding any employment taxes, such as social security and Medicare taxes.  As a result, approximately $1 million in employment taxes were not collected and paid to the IRS, as required by federal law.

     Son was indicted by a grand jury on July 10, 2014 along with Son Thach and Hung Danh, also of Harrisburg.  Thach pled guilty on September 24, 2014 and Danh remains a fugitive.

     Son faces up to five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and up to three years’ supervised release as well as restitution to the IRS as a result of the guilty plea.  No date has been set for sentencing.

     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 case was investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS and is assigned to Senior Litigation Counsel Bruce Brandler for prosecution.

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that that United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion has sentenced Robert F. Evans, Jr., age 39, of Moosic, Pennsylvania, to 30 months’ imprisonment.  On July 15, 2014, Evans pleaded guilty to a one-count Criminal Information charging that he distributed oxycodone on numerous occasions between August 2012 and July 29, 2013.  At the time of the offense, Evans was employed as a police officer with the Hughestown Borough Police Department. 

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, at the guilty plea hearing, Evans acknowledged distributing approximately 750 oxycodone pills during the scheme.  He also admitted abusing his position of trust as a police officer which significantly facilitated and concealed the offense.  

     In addition to the imprisonment term, Judge Mannion ordered that Evans serve a three-year term of supervised release after completion of his prison sentence.

     The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), announced that separate criminal charges were filed today in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg against two illegal aliens.

     Ramiro Ochoa-Fuentes, age 21, was charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury alleging that Ochoa-Fuentes, a Mexican citizen, who has previously been arrested and deported from the United States on July 6, 2011, reentered the United States unlawfully and was found in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

     If convicted, Ochoa-Fuentes faces a maximum sentence of up to 2 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

     Pedro Hernandez-Hernandez, age 49, was charged in a one-count indictment alleging that Hernandez-Hernandez, a Mexican citizen, who has previously been arrested and deported from the United States on June 13, 2007, reentered the United States unlawfully and was found in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

     If convicted, Hernandez-Hernandez faces a maximum sentence of up to 6 months’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

     The investigations were conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and are being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Alice Song Hartye.

     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 for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a criminal Information was filed yesterday charging Orin Moore, age 41, of Lawrenceville with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

     According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, on January 6, 2012, the Pennsylvania State Police went to Moore’s residence.  They allegedly found over 6 grams of methamphetamine and a facility designed for the manufacturing of methamphetamine.  The government also filed a plea agreement which is subject to the approval of the Court.

     The investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Pfisterer.

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

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that the federal grand jury sitting in Scranton, Pennsylvania, returned an indictment yesterday charging an inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Canaan, Pennsylvania, with allegedly assaulting another inmate with a dangerous weapon and with the intent to commit murder.  George Lyle Cullett, Jr., age 55, formerly of California, was charged with the offense.  In addition, the Grand Jury returned charges alleging that Cullett conspired with another inmate to commit the attack using sharpened weapons commonly referred to as “shanks.”  United States Attorney Peter Smith noted that the victim was another inmate who survived the attack but suffered numerous stab wounds which required treatment at a local hospital. 

     The case was investigated by the FBI and the Special Investigation Section at USP-Canaan.

     Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.

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

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

     In this particular case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is thirty 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 31-year-old Wilkes-Barre man pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik to carrying and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Tristan Somers, admitted to committing the crime in Wilkes-Barre on May 28, 2014.

     Somers was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 3, 2014, following an investigation by special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Wilkes-Barre Police, and Kingston Police.

     Somers faces a mandatory minimum five-year prison sentence and a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.  Judge Kosik ordered a pre-sentence investigation. Sentencing will be scheduled after the completion of the pre-sentence report.

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

     The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Susan C. Kevra-Shiner, 46, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by the federal grand jury and charged with seven counts of mail fraud relating to an abstract and title insurance company she owned and operated in Avoca, Pennsylvania, known as GK Abstract Co., Inc.  If convicted of the charges, Kevra-Shiner faces up to 20 years' imprisonment and/or $250,000 in fines on each count, as well as an order of restitution to the victims.

     According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Kevra-Shiner was an attorney admitted to practice in Pennsylvania in 1994.  Kevra-Shiner handled real estate transactions as part of her legal practice, and starting in 2003, she issued title insurance policies on behalf of Stewart Title Guaranty Company, a title insurance underwriter based in Texas.  Stewart terminated its agency agreement with Kevra-Shiner on September 23, 2008, but the Indictment alleges that Kevra-Shiner continued to issue numerous title insurance policies to her clients after that date.  As a result, the Indictment alleges that she defrauded approximately 76 homeowners and/or lenders of $72,000 in title insurance premiums which she was not authorized to receive and for which no valid title insurance policy was issued.

     On February 28, 2013, the Pennsylvania Office of Disciplinary Counsel suspended Kevra-Shiner's law license for four years as a result of these activities.

     The case was investigated by the FBI and is assigned to Senior Litigation Counsel Bruce Brandler for prosecution.

     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 and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), announced that separate criminal charges were filed yesterday in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg against two illegal aliens.

     Oscar Elena-Gutierrez, age 43, was charged in a one-count information.  The information alleges that Elena-Gutierrez, a Mexican citizen, entered the United States unlawfully and was found in Franklin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

     If convicted, Elena-Gutierrez faces a maximum sentence of up to 6 months imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.

     Ismael Bustillo-Barahona, age 41, was charged in a one-count information alleging that Bustillo-Barahona, a citizen of Honduras, entered the United States and was found in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.

     If convicted, Bustillo-Barahona faces a maximum sentence of up to 6 months’ imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.

     The investigations were conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and are being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Alice Song Hartye.

     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 criminal Information was filed yesterday charging a Pittston resident with participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin during January 2010 through February 2014.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Information alleges that Sal Biscotto, age 38, conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin in Luzerne County and elsewhere.

     The charge stems from an investigation by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittston Police.

     Biscotto faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine if he is convicted of the charge.

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

     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 man from Allentown pleaded guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Edwin M. Kosik to the charge of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and powder cocaine.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Jose Torres, age 25, of Allentown, Lehigh County, admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the Carbon County area between January 2011 and December 2012.

     Torres is the sixth defendant to enter a guilty plea in connection with the investigation.  Previously, Bonnie Vosburgh, age 22, of Nesquehoning; Victoria Argott, age 34, of Lansford; Ceres Lozada, age 27, of Nesquehoning; Alexander “Butch” Sommers, age 47, of Summit Hill, and Joseph Revell, age 21 of Nesquehoning, entered guilty pleas and admitted to participating in the same cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

     The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Nesquehoning and Lansford Police Departments in Carbon County.

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

     In this particular 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that an inmate at SCI Waymart who arranged drug transactions from prison was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Eudy Gonzalez, age 24, previously admitted that he conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin from November 2013 through January 2014.

     Gonzalez was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 11, 2014, as a result of an investigation by special agents and task force officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Scranton Police.

     Judge Mannion ordered that the federal sentence run consecutive to Gonzalez’s state sentence. Judge Mannion also ordered Gonzalez to serve three years on supervised release following his prison sentence, and pay a $100 special assessment.

     Gonzalez, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, is also subject to deportation.

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

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that it filed a Notice of Intent to Seek the Death Penalty in United States of America v. Jessie Con-Ui.

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania returned an indictment yesterday against Christopher G. Lee, age 65, a resident of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania.  The indictment charges Lee with alleged use of facilities in interstate commerce, specifically the internet and telephone, to coerce and entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in sexual activity, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

     Lee was taken into custody this morning by the FBI and the State College Police Department on the basis of an arrest warrant issued yesterday by United States Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab in Harrisburg.  He appeared today before Magistrate Judge William I. Arbuckle, III, in Williamsport.  After a hearing, Lee was ordered to be detained in federal custody.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the alleged unlawful conduct took place between January and June 2014 in Boalsburg at the premises of the Boal Mansion Museum which conducts activities including educational summer programs, known as “docent” programs, using students recruited from the United States and other countries as volunteer tour guides at the Museum.

     Lee is the chief executive officer of the Boal Manison Museum.  Alleged child pornography was found in connection with a search by State College Police during the investigation, which is continuing.

     If convicted, Lee faces a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment on the transportation offense, and a 5 year mandatory minimum on the receipt offense, as well as a $1 million fine.

     This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the State College Police Department and the Centre County District Attorney’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.

     Persons with information regarding this case or the continuing investigation should contact Special Agent Clifton Vikara, FBI, at (814) 234-0341 or the State College Police Department at (814) 234-7150.

     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 Philadelphia resident was sentenced today to serve six months in prison for her role in a heroin trafficking conspiracy by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Linda Reyes, age 24, previously admitted that she conspired with others, including an inmate at the Waymart State Prison, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin during November 2013 through March 2014.

     Reyes was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 11, 2014, as a result of an investigation by special agents and task force officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Scranton Police.

     Judge Mannion ordered Reyes to serve three years of supervised release following her prison sentence, and spend the first six months of supervised release on home confinement. Reyes must also pay a special assessment of $100.

     Reyes’ two co-defendants, Luis Morales and Eudy Gonzalez, have also pleaded guilty to participating in the heroin conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.

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