Middle District of Pennsylvania

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Raymond Poust, Jr., age 23, of Hughesville, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on June 30, 2026, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Fugitive Tracking Unit encountered Poust in Lycoming County where he was in possession of a stolen handgun. At the time Poust was encountered, he was a prohibited possessor, having been convicted of a felony just a few months prior. 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

The case is being investigated by the FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency. Assistant Luisa Berti is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 15 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. 

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jaquan Pankey, age 29, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Pankey possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine on August 9, 2026, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.  The indictment also alleges that Pankey possessed a Rock Island .45 caliber pistol as a felon, having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. 

The Federal Burau of Investigation, Safe Streets Task Force, and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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

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

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shawn Adams, age 56, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a firearms charge. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Adams possessed two firearms, that is, a High Point .45 caliber handgun and a Jennings .22 caliber handgun on July 6, 2026. The indictment also alleges that Adams is a felon, having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. 

The FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency, Safe Streets Task Force, and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 15 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Skyler Garman, age 35, of Grantville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to one year probation by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary for one count of conspiracy in connection with the distribution of misbranded drugs and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Judge Neary also ordered Garman to forfeit $180,000, which were his proceeds from the offenses. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Garman admitted that from 2019 to 2021 he conspired to distribute and did distribute in interstate commerce both selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), knowing that it was unlawful to do so under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Garman knew that it was unlawful under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to either (1) distribute in interstate commerce any new drug that had not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or (2) to introduce into interstate commerce any drug, or a dietary supplement, that was misbranded. Under the FDCA, “misbranding” could occur, among other ways, through false and misleading labeling and, in the case of a prescription drug, if it was dispensed without a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional.

During that time period, products containing SARMs were often illegally marketed and sold for body-building purposes. Athletes and bodybuilders who desired the muscle-building effects of anabolic steroids turned to products collectively called selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). SARM products were synthetic chemicals designed to mimic the effects of testosterone and other anabolic steroids, and they were originally developed by drug companies as an alternative to anabolic steroids for people who suffered from age and disease-related muscle loss. FDA did not, however, approve any of these products for therapeutic use. In 2017, FDA issued safety alerts about SARMs and warning letters stating that products containing SARMs were unapproved new drugs and misbranded drugs.

 Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) were a group of nonsteroidal compounds that had estrogen-like effects on some tissues but antiestrogen effects on other tissues. The SERMs class of drugs included branded drugs such as Tamoxifen, Exemestane, and Clomiphene. SERMS were also used by bodybuilders to counteract the unwanted side effects of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs), including synthetic steroids, anabolic steroids, and SARMs. These side effects were caused by the infusion of estrogen into the body, which could cause breast enlargement in men, fat deposits, and erectile dysfunction. SERMs were typically used by bodybuilders and other athletes after an individual stopped taking, cycling, or using performance enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Garman opened Body Science Supplements, a health and wellness store that sold vitamins and supplements, at or around Cumberland Street, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, around March 30, 2019. Garman and an associate then used Body Science Supplements and associated product brands, including such as “Savior Research Sarms” and “Savior Research Serms,” to sell unapproved and misbranded drugs. Garman knew, for example, that SARMs would affect the structure and function of the body, such as providing “increased muscularity,” and knew that the products contained false and misleading labeling, such as “not for human consumption.” Garman and an associate provided advice to customers on SARMs and SERMs dosing, including in conjunction with performance enhancing drugs.

Garman, through Body Science Supplements and associated brands, sold over $2.2 million in products, the large majority of which was comprised of unapproved and misbranded drugs. These products were sold through the internet and shipped via U.S. Mail and private and interstate carriers. 

Garman used multiple bank accounts to conduct the business involving unapproved and misbranded drugs, including a business bank account in the names of Garman and another person. Once proceeds of these sales were in this business bank account, Garman and a co-conspirator then executed a series of wire transfers to other accounts, including personal accounts of Garman and an associate, and to pay for charges on a credit card.

Garman made over $180,000 in net profit from this unlawful activity.

"The FDA is committed to protecting public health by ensuring that drugs marketed to American consumers are safe and properly labeled," said Special Agent in Charge Marie Maguire, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Metro Washington Field Office. "This case demonstrates the risks posed when individuals illegally distribute misbranded drugs that have not undergone the rigorous FDA review process. With our partners, we will continue to hold accountable those who circumvent federal drug safety laws for financial gain."

The Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations and Assistant United States Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma are prosecuting the case. 

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Thomas E. Lauer, age 64, and Rebecca J. Davis, age 77, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to one count of conspiracy to commit major fraud against the United States. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Lauer and Davis (formerly Rebecca J. Numer and Rebecca J. Elstner) each admitted that, from 2007 to 2014, they conspired with each other, and with other individuals, to obtain five contracts awarded to Davis’s company, Elstner Construction Company, at Letterkenny Army Depot. These contracts were “set aside” for eligible small, disadvantaged businesses who were participating in an SBA program devoted to their development, known as the 8(a) Business Development Program. The collective value of these contracts exceeded $80 million. 

Lauer also admitted to conspiring with others to obtain a $5.3 million contract awarded to Bon Secour Management, at the VA Medical Center in Salem, Virginia. This contract was awarded to Bon Secour Management, which was a participant in a small business program devoted to small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.

Davis, through Elstner Construction Company (ECC), joined the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program in or around 2001, despite not being eligible because she had previously entered the program under a different company name. Davis admitted that her 2001 entry into the program violated the rule on “one-time eligibility.” 

Lauer assisted others to obtain certification for Bon Secour Management as a “service-disabled veteran owned small business,” or SDVOSB, in or around 2011. 

Lauer and Davis admitted to entering contracts awarded to ECC at Letterkenny Army Depot knowing, based on their agreement with one another and with others, that ECC would violate certain 8(a) Program rules. The contracts awarded to ECC at Letterkenny Army Depot also imposed various specific requirements, including requirements relating to performance by the prime contractor, ECC. Lauer and Davis admitted to knowingly violating these contract provisions as well. 

Davis also admitted to making false and fraudulent submissions to the U.S. Small Business Administration during and in relation to this criminal conduct, including a false 2008 certification that she and her company were in compliance with 8(a) Business Development Program rules relating to “control” and “one-time eligibility.” 

Lauer also admitted that Bon Secour Management was awarded a Salem VAMC contract in March 2013 based on the company’s false representation that at least 15 percent of the cost of the contract performance would be spent on Bon Secour Management’s employees. 

As part of her plea agreement, Davis agreed to pay $6 million in restitution, which she agreed was the approximate revenue that ECC retained and was derived from contracts awarded to ECC at Letterkenny Army Depot. Lauer agreed to pay about $6.45 million in restitution. Lauer also agreed to pay $6 million for the loss associated with the Letterkenny Army Depot contracts, as well as the approximately $459 thousand in proceeds maintained by Bon Secour Management from the Salem VA Medical Center contract. 

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.  

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ravi Romel Sharma, Christian T. Haugsby, and K. Wesley Mishoe are prosecuting the case. 

The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit major fraud against the United States is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

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

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Hailey Marie Monterosso, age 27, of Kulpmont, Pennsylvania was indicted by a federal grand jury on a drug trafficking charge.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment charges Monterosso with possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine on August 26, 2026, in Northumberland County.       

This case was investigated by the FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency, Mount Carmel Borough Police Department, Northumberland County Adult Probation Department, and Shamokin City Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the most significant offense is 40 years imprisonment, a fine, and a period of supervised release following imprisonment.  A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joshua A. Dinklocker, age 28, of Coal Township, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment charges Dinklocker with distribution of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine on June 28, 2026, in Northumberland County.   

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

This case was investigated by the Shamokin Police Department with the assistance of the FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the most significant offense is 40 years imprisonment and a fine.  A sentence for each of these offenses also includes a period of supervised release following imprisonment.  A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jerome Ellis, 32, from Washington, D.C., an inmate in FCI Allenwood, Union County, Pennsylvania, was charged on September 24, 2026, with assaulting two Federal employees.

 According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment charges Ellis with assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees at FCI Allenwood on May 19, 2026.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rodney Edward Randall, age 45, of Athens, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment charges Randall with distribution of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on March 10, 2026, in Bradford County.  Randall is also charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.     

This case was investigated by the FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency and the Athens Township Police Department with the assistance of the Bradford County Drug Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the most significant offense is 40 years imprisonment, a fine, and a period of supervised release following imprisonment.  A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dommonick T. Chatman, age 50, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years supervised release by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for one count of bank fraud in connection with numerous fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications that were filed, with his knowledge and approval, through his business, The Chatman Group, LLC.  Judge Mannion also ordered Chatman to pay $341,438.82 in restitution to the U.S. Government. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Chatman previously pleaded guilty and admitted that over the course of several months in 2021, he either participated in preparing, or approved of another employee’s preparation of, fraudulent PPP loan applications for almost twenty different individuals. The total amount of funds requested in connection with such loans exceeded $400,000, and the amount disbursed in response to such applications was approximately $341,438.82. 

To obtain a PPP loan, a qualifying small business was required to apply for it and provide information on its operations, including the number of employees and expenses. In addition, businesses generally had to provide supporting documentation.

Numerous applications filed through Chatman’s business were fraudulent because the applicants either did not have businesses that were in existence as of February 15, 2020, as required by the PPP rules, or did not have the income required to get a PPP loan for the amounts that they were requesting in their respective applications. Chatman admitted that he had prepared tax returns for a number of these applicants, as they were existing clients of The Chatman Group whom he knew personally. Chatman therefore knew that these clients’ applications were fraudulent. 

Chatman also received approximately 5% of each individual loan, or about $1,000, for each loan application that his company filed. When an employee assisted in the processing of these applications, Chatman shared the proceeds with this employee. 

Chatman also obstructed the government’s investigation by disposing of a handwritten list of the names of clients who had received PPP loan applications through his company. 

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.

The case was investigated by the FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ravi Romel Sharma and K. Wesley Mishoe prosecuted the case. 

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Charles D. Smalley, age 44, of York County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on September 22, 2026, to 72 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for drug trafficking.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Smalley was sentenced for his role in a drug trafficking ring that involved shipping kilogram quantities of methamphetamine to York, Pennsylvania. Smalley pled guilty to conspiring to distribute crystal methamphetamine. 

The case arose from investigation of the drug trafficking operation of Jashan Moore, a/k/a 
“Dream.”  During this investigation, police intercepted a parcel containing over seven kilograms of methamphetamine destined for Smalley’s home.  On June 5, 2023, the police delivered a parcel to the home and watched Smalley and Natasha Myers handle and then turn over the parcel to Moore. 

When imposing sentence, Judge Wilson highlighted Smalley’s criminal history and the seriousness of the offense. The judge also considered that Smalley was a fugitive for a year after he pled guilty. In March 2025, co-defendant Natasha Myers was sentenced to 40 months in prison. In December 2025, co-defendant Jashan Moore was sentenced to 186 months in prison. 

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Clyde Fa, age 52, of York, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for a string of robberies in York as well as firearms offenses. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Fa committed five armed robberies and one attempted robbery of various businesses in York, Pennsylvania, between October 20, 2025 and December 12, 2025.  The indictment also alleges that Fa possessed and brandished a Glock semi-automatic handgun during the robberies.  Further, the Indictment also alleges that at the times he possessed the firearm, Fa was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms. 

The FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency, the York City Police Department, and the West Manchester Township Police Department investigated the case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Mark Monroe is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense of Interference of Commerce by Robbery is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense of possession of a firearm in furtherance of interference of commerce by robbery is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense of felon in possession is 15 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that three Oakland, California women were sentenced by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary for their roles in a cross-country fraud scheme. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Judge Neary recently sentenced Chartanae Ajanee Lovely, age 29, Davida Algie Fortenberry, age 30, and Laje Elise Ford, age 30, for their involvement in a years-long fraud scheme. All defendants were required to pay restitution and were sentenced as follows: 

• On August 26, 2026, Ford was sentenced to 6 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
• On September 1, 2026, Fortenberry was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 
• On September 22, 2026, Lovely was sentenced to 18 months in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

The women pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. They were caught in 2021 by members of the Susquehanna Township Police after they used stolen bank account information to buy gift cards at a Giant Food Store. 

Investigators uncovered that Fortenberry, Lovely, and Ford had flown in that day from Oakland, California, to Pittsburgh where they rented a car and drove to five different Giant Food Stores across Central Pennsylvania. At the stores, they bought thousands of dollars in gift cards using the stolen bank account information.  The stolen bank account information was from Middle Eastern banks, including Emirates NBD Bank, Gulf International Bank, and Saudi National Bank. Police also found that the women had flown to Pennsylvania two weeks before and did the same thing at Giant Food Stores in the Philadelphia area. Thereafter, investigators uncovered that Fortenberry, Lovely, and Ford had been a part of a multi-year fraud scheme doing similar conduct at retailers across the nation. 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Susquehanna Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio prosecuted the case.            

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joshua Kenee, age 36, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for production and receipt of child pornography and coercion and enticement of a minor.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that in September 2022 and September 2025, respectively, Kenee enticed and coerced two minor victims to produce child pornography, and that he received multiple images of child pornography from those victims.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jeffery Bell, age 50, of Harrisburg, was indicted by a federal grand jury for failing to register as a sex offender after relocating to New Jersey.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that from October 2025 through February 2026, despite being required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), Bell traveled in interstate commerce from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and failed to register his address as required by SORNA.     

This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service (USMS). Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Lozada, age 51, of Philadelphia, PA; Michael Rinaldi, age 49, of Philadelphia, PA; Ryan Kehoe, age 49, of Wilkes-Barre, PA; Michelle Hall, age 46, of Wilkes-Barre, PA; William Miller, age 43, of Forty-Fort, PA; Dylan Mohr, age 29, of Benton, PA; Keith Sassaman, age 48, of Shavertown, PA; and Melissa Butler, age 49, of Wilkes-Barre, PA, were indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges. 

 According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that the eight defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including methamphetamine, from in or around August 2025 through in or around September 2026.  The 21-count indictment also alleges that the defendants distributed and possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl on numerous occasions, in addition to multiple firearms charges.           

According to public records, Michael Rinaldi was sentenced on July 26, 2021, by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani to serve 235 months of imprisonment following a conviction on federal drug trafficking charges. On January 17, 2025, Rinaldi received an Executive Grant of Clemency from former President Joseph R. Biden Jr., commuting Rinaldi’s remaining term of imprisonment. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation with assistance from the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, Hazelton Police Department, Wilkes-Barre Police Department, Philadelphia Police Department, Kingston Police Department, and Pittston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno is prosecuting the case. 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

If convicted, the maximum penalty under federal law for the drug offenses charged is 20 years’ imprisonment per count. The maximum penalty for the firearm offenses charged ranges from 15 years to life imprisonment. Each charge comes with a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sean Stark, age 38, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal information with involuntary manslaughter. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the information alleges that on March 12, 2026, Stark killed Private First Class Krystofer Lopez at Letterkenny Army Depot while conducting firearms training in a grossly negligent manner. 

Along with the information, the U.S. Attorney’s Office also filed a plea agreement in which Stark agreed to waive indictment and plead guilty to the information.  Stark will enter a plea of guilty in accordance with the plea agreement at a hearing to be scheduled by the court.

“The circumstances surrounding Mr. Lopez’s death are heartbreaking for his family and loved ones,” said U.S. Attorney Miller. “I hope this prosecution brings some relief for the family while ensuring that justice is delivered.” 

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Ford and Alisan Martin are prosecuting the case. 

If convicted, Stark faces a maximum penalty for this offense of eight years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jorge Luis Minier Casado, age 30, a Dominican National, was indicted by a federal grand jury for reentry of removed aliens. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Minier Casado was encountered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on or about March 9, 2026. At the time he was encountered by law enforcement, he was an alien, previously removed from the United States on or about June 7, 2017, who did not have lawfully authority or permission to be back in the country. 

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shannon M. Ishler, age 45, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for the production of child pornography by any parent, legal guardian, and person having custody or control of a minor and possession of child pornography. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Ishler, sometime between January 1, 2024 and April 5, 2024, engaged in the production of several images of child exploitation involving multiple toddlers in her care, which she distributed over the internet. It is also alleged that Ishler possessed visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. 

The FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

# # #

SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jerrod Curtis, age 42, Paul Daniel Chavis, a/k/a “Payne,” age 56, and Reneard Harris, age 68, all of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, were convicted on September 10, 2026, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and other drug trafficking offenses following a two-week trial before United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Curtis operated a drug-trafficking organization from his barbershop in Wilkes-Barre, PA.  Between February of 2024 through June of 2024, he and the other defendants conspired to distribute large amounts of controlled substances, including cocaine, cocaine base, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.  The jury further found that defendants committed the following criminal offenses during the course of the conspiracy:

• On January 22, 2025, Chavis distributed and possessed with intent to distribute five grams and more of actual methamphetamine; 
• On April 15, 2025, Chavis distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine; 
• On April 19, 2025, Curtis and Harris used a communication facility to facilitate the commission of a drug trafficking crime; and
• On April 30, 2025, and May 26, 2025, Curtis used a communication facility to facilitate the commission of a drug trafficking crime.

During the investigation, DEA and other law enforcement agents recovered over 10 kilograms of fentanyl from members of the conspiracy as well as large quantities of other controlled substances. 

This operation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF comprises agents and officers from Drug Enforcement Administration, the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys James M. Buchanan and Anthony Williamson prosecuted the case. 

In this case, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment.  A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. 

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Bobbie Jerome Newton, age 32, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 30 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for failure to register as a sex offender.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Newton was convicted in 2018 of statutory sexual assault and related offenses. As a result, he was required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). In December 2024, Newton cut off the GPS ankle monitor that Pennsylvania state probation required him to wear and traveled across state lines to Baltimore, Maryland, where he took up residence. He did not update his registration to reflect that move, as required by law.

This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Victorino Javier Cruz-Lopez, age 40, of Mexico, was sentenced to 15 months in prison by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for illegal reentry. Cruz-Lopez will be deported upon conclusion of his sentence.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Cruz-Lopez was encountered in the United States in York County on April 16, 2026, after having previously been removed in 2013. Cruz-Lopez did not receive permission to reenter the United States, as required by law.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carlos A. Grijalva, age 60, of Simi Valley, California, was sentenced yesterday to 72 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for conspiracy to launder monetary instruments in the amount of approximately $46.4 million.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Grijalva previously pleaded guilty and admitted that he and his coconspirators, Brian R. Cleland, age 72, and Bruce Jin, age 61, along with other unnamed coconspirators, conspired to obtain state unemployment compensation funds, and other public funds, through fraudulent means.  Grijalva, Cleland, and Jin, and others entered into a series of agreements to make it appear as if they were operating legitimate businesses selling masks and other COVID19 personal protective equipment. The funds that the defendants obtained and laundered through their companies were derived mostly from fraudulently obtained state unemployment compensation (“UC”) benefits.

Unnamed members of the conspiracy, including some believed to be in China, established thousands of accounts at banks across the United States using the personal identifying information (“PII”) of identity theft victims. From there, fraudulent UC claims were generated and paid to these accounts, including accounts in the names of people residing in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. These fraudulent UC claims were also generated by fraudsters based in China. As a result of this fraudulent activity, tens of millions of dollars in fraudulent UC payments were made by Pennsylvania and other states.

After UC funds were paid out, they were then transferred from identity theft victims’ accounts to companies controlled by Grijalva, Cleland, and Jin. Grijalva and Cleland, for instance, used ACH processing—a type of electronic bank-to-bank transfer—to obtain over $46 million in fraudulent funds from the accounts of identity theft victims. This money mostly went from the accounts of identity theft victims to companies controlled by Cleland and Grijalva, including MexUS Service, Group Mex USA, CCB Group, and GC Accounting. After that, Grijalva and Cleland transferred over $30 million to Jin’s companies, knowing that some of the funds were then going to be transferred to parties located in China. 

Grijalva was also ordered to pay certain property forfeitures, including approximately $46.4 million in US currency, as well as the contents of several bank accounts and real properties located in Hawaii and California that were purchased using funds traceable to the charged offenses. One of these properties, located in California, was purchased in the name of one of Grijalva’s family members.

Jin was sentenced on April 30, 2026, to 144 months in prison and was ordered to forfeit over $59 million in US currency, along with other properties.  Cleland was sentenced on May 14, 2026, to 120 months in prison and was ordered to forfeit approximately $46.4 million.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ravi Romel Sharma and K. Wesley Mishoe are prosecuting the case. 

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kenroy Watt, 50, a native and citizen of Jamaica, was indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally re-entering the United States after previously being deported. 

According to U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Watt illegally reentered the United States without proper authorization and was found in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, on December 10, 2025. Watt was previously removed from the United States through Miami, Florida, on July 28, 2016, after a conviction for an aggravated felony.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Katya Rodriguez, 30, from Mexico living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to Rodriguez illegally voting as an alien in the 2024 election. Specifically, Rodriguez was charged with false statement of citizenship in order to vote, fraudulent registration, and voting as an alien. 

“The integrity of our elections, which are fundamental to democracy, should be of utmost importance to every American,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “It is a cherished right for eligible American citizens, and only eligible American citizens, to vote for their representatives in government. Election fraud is a serious crime, and it is the duty of the Department of Justice to treat it as such.”

“The crime of illegal voting undermines the integrity of our elections and harms citizens by stealing the power of our votes. Illegal voting is not a victimless crime but a serious affront to the principles of our democratic republic,” said U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller.  “This office will prosecute to the full extent of the law those who illegally vote in federal elections as well as those who facilitate illegal voting.” 

“Homeland Security Investigations is committed to safeguarding the integrity of our nation’s election systems and ensuring that allegations of unlawful voting, fraudulent registration, and other election-related crimes are thoroughly investigated,” said Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “The American people deserve confidence that our elections are protected from fraud and criminal exploitation, and that those who seek to undermine the law are held accountable. As reflected in these cases, HSI special agents worked alongside our federal partners to identify alleged criminal conduct, follow the evidence, and support prosecutions that reinforce public trust and uphold the rule of law.”

 Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

If convicted, the maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 11 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Thomas Holtzman, 68, and his wife Marisol Guzman, 50, both of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to Guzman illegally voting as an alien in the 2024 election. Holtzman was charged with aiding and abetting a false statement of citizenship in order to vote and fraudulent registration.  Guzman was charged with voting as an alien. 

“The integrity of our elections, which are fundamental to democracy, should be of utmost importance to every American,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “It is a cherished right for eligible American citizens, and only eligible American citizens, to vote for their representatives in government. Election fraud is a serious crime, and it is the duty of the Department of Justice to treat it as such.”

“The crime of illegal voting undermines the integrity of our elections and harms citizens by stealing the power of our votes. Illegal voting is not a victimless crime but a serious affront to the principles of our democratic republic,” said U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller.  “This office will prosecute to the full extent of the law those who illegally vote in federal elections as well as those who facilitate illegal voting.” 

“Homeland Security Investigations is committed to safeguarding the integrity of our nation’s election systems and ensuring that allegations of unlawful voting, fraudulent registration, and other election-related crimes are thoroughly investigated,” said Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “The American people deserve confidence that our elections are protected from fraud and criminal exploitation, and that those who seek to undermine the law are held accountable. As reflected in these cases, HSI special agents worked alongside our federal partners to identify alleged criminal conduct, follow the evidence, and support prosecutions that reinforce public trust and uphold the rule of law.”

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

If convicted, Holtzman faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a term of supervised release, and a fine. If convicted, Guzman faces a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison, a term of supervised release, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that two co-defendants, James P. Cullen, V., age 32, and Michelle Lindsay Ferranti, age 33, both of Bartonsville, Pennsylvania, were sentenced on September 3, 2026, by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley, for a drug trafficking conspiracy that resulted in death. The Court imposed a sentence of 25 years in prison, as to Cullen, and 20 years in prison, as to Ferranti. Supervised release will follow the prison sentences of both defendants.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, co-defendants Cullen and Ferranti participated in a conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl wherein the drug distribution resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The co-defendants each previously pled guilty to the charges.

“Cullen and Ferranti used the dark web, cryptocurrency and the U.S. mail to distribute deadly fentanyl into communities across the country, and three people lost their lives as a result,” said HSI Philadelphia acting Special Agent in Charge Nathan Abel. “Today’s sentences reflect the seriousness of their crimes and the strength of HSI Philadelphia’s partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. HSI will continue working with our federal, state and local partners to identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks wherever they operate, online or off, and to seek justice for the victims and families devastated by these crimes.”

“These sentences reflect the seriousness of using the U.S. Mail to distribute deadly narcotics.” Stated Christopher Nielsen, Inspector in Charge of the Philadelphia Division for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service remains committed to identifying and dismantling criminal networks that misuse the mail and holding those responsible accountable. We thank our partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania for their exceptional work in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”

This case was the result of a joint investigation between Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) into a darknet vendor who was engaged in the sale of opioids over the internet. The opioids were sold in exchange for cryptocurrency and then distributed via the United States Mail. The various parcels containing drugs were sent from locations in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Beginning in October of 2022, undercover agents conducted various purchases from the darknet vendor which were seized and later searched and found to contain fentanyl. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that the darknet vendor profile was being run by co-defendants Cullen and Ferranti. In February of 2023, undercover agents executed a search warrant at the Cullen/Ferranti residence and recovered United States Currency, various electronic devices, drug ledgers consistent with narcotics distribution, cryptocurrency cold storage wallets, and controlled substances themselves. Law enforcement identified almost 1,000 entries in the drug ledgers, dating back to the summer of 2021, mailed to 49 states and various countries overseas. Upon seizing Cullen and Ferranti’s drug ledgers, law enforcement was able to further their investigation to connect shipments that were mailed out to three different people in three different states who ultimately died as a result of overdosing on the drugs that Cullen and Ferranti distributed. 

The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted the case.

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marco Laboy-Torres, age 47, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on September 1, 2026, to 144 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Laboy-Torres was sentenced for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy where over five kilograms of cocaine were delivered by mail from Puerto Rico and trafficked in York.  Laboy-Torres also possessed a short-barreled firearm in connection with the drug trafficking conspiracy. 

Laboy-Torres previously pled guilty for his role in the conspiracy. Robert Nelson, age 62, York, and Luis Valentin-Hernandez, age 50, York, are charged for their roles in the conspiracy. Both defendants are pending trial in November 2026. 

The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.         

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on August 27, 2026, United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick sentenced Jason Motter, age 42, of Dallastown, Pennsylvania, to 21 months’ imprisonment for executing a scheme to defraud a financial institution in connection with a $773,409 residential loan application. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on or about April 13, 2023, Motter applied for a residential loan. In support of the loan application, Motter provided bank statements he had fraudulently altered to increase the account balances by approximately $400,000. Later, on or about June 8, 2023, knowing he had provided fraudulently altered bank statements, Motter provided the bank with a written representation in which he affirmed that the information he provided on the application was “true, accurate, and complete.”

 The bank relied on the fraudulent loan application and disbursed $773,409 to Motter. Subsequently, during an internal audit, the bank learned of Motter’s fraud and demanded that he immediately repay the loan balance. In response to the bank’s demand, Motter refinanced the loan and repaid the balance of the loan in its entirety.

The FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph J. Terz prosecuted the case.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Wei Fu, age 40, of Easton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 60 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, for possessing child pornography.   

 According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, following the execution of a search warrant at Fu’s Easton residence in March 2024, investigators found over 10,000 videos and pictures of child pornography on Fu’s electronic devices.  The images and videos included those showing the sexual assault of infants and toddlers.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Bethlehem Township Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson prosecuted the case.

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

# # #

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Connor Waterman, age 25, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary to 78 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, for possessing child pornography.   

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, following the execution of a search warrant at Waterman’s Mechanicsburg residence in February 2023, investigators found numerous videos and pictures of child pornography on Waterman’s smartphone.  The images and videos included those showing the sexual assault of infants and toddlers.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Upper Allen Police Department, Cumberland County Criminal Investigation Division, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Robert Foust, age 42, an inmate at United State Penitentiary (USP), Allenwood, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of threatening federal officers. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that August 5, 2025 and November 6, 2025, at USP Allenwood, Foust threatened to assault and murder multiple employees of the federal Bureau of Prisons, including a corrections officer, a corrections counselor, and a prison physician, all of whom were engaged in the performance of their official duties. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 40 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kevin Gan, age 24, of Wellington, Florida, was charged by a federal grand jury with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that between June of 2026 and July 16, 2026, Gan was part of a group that executed a scheme to defraud victims in the State College, PA area of money and property.  It is alleged that members of the conspiracy would transmit electronic communication to the victims.  The communication, often in the form of a home computer screen “pop-up,” was purportedly from “Microsoft” or a government agency and informed the victim that the victim’s computer had been “hacked,” and that financial account security was compromised. The “pop-up” or caller provided a phone number for the victim to call. It is further alleged that upon calling the phone number, the victim would be connected to a member of the conspiracy, who provided the victim with disinformation and falsely informed the victim that there was a problem with the victim’s bank account, that the victim’s bank account was not secure, or that there was illegal activity on their computer, and that the victim needed to transfer money from the account to keep the money secure.  It is alleged that the member of the conspiracy directed the victim to withdraw cash from the victim’s bank account or convert cash into gold bars or coins and meet them at locations or “couriers” were used to retrieve the money.

It is further alleged that on July 16, 2026, Gan traveled from New York to State College to collect $30,000 in cash from a victim of the conspiracy. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the State College Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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HARRISBURG -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Daniel Frias Rodriguez, age 50, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was indicted on August 26, 2026, by a federal grand jury on the charge of illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Frias Rodriguez illegally reentered the United States without proper authorization and was found in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, on August 14, 2026.  Frias Rodriguez was previously removed from the United States through New Orleans, Louisiana, on July 16, 2013, after a conviction for an aggravated felony. 

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF York comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

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

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

# # #

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rashu D. Powell, age 52, of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to one count of bank fraud.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in July 2024, Powell deposited a counterfeit U.S. Treasury check in the amount of $421,502.10 in a business account that he controlled at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, in York, PA. Following this deposit, Powell made a series of withdrawals from the account in order to use the money, including a $3,000 cash withdrawal, a $100 ATM withdrawal, and a $1,100 transfer to a personal bank account. In August 2024, Members 1st FCU withdrew the full amount of the fraudulent check deposit from Powell’s business account, which prevented him from using any additional funds derived from the fraudulent deposit.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service with assistance from the West Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case. 

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

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Katrina Maclean, age 47, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, was sentenced on August 18, 2026, to 24 months in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for interstate transportation of stolen property.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Maclean admitted to her role in a nationwide network of individuals who bought and sold human remains, including remains stolen from Harvard Medical School. 

Other individuals were indicted with Maclean on charges of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen property as part of the same investigation.  From 2018 through 2022, Cedric Lodge, who managed the morgue for the Anatomical Gifts Program at Harvard Medical School, located in Boston, Massachusetts, stole organs and other parts of cadavers donated for medical research and education before their scheduled cremations.  Lodge at times transported stolen remains from Boston to his residence in Goffstown, New Hampshire, where he and his wife, Denise Lodge, sold the remains to Katrina Maclean, Joshua Taylor, and others, making arrangements via cellular telephone and social media websites.  At times, Cedric Lodge allowed Maclean and Taylor to enter the morgue at Harvard Medical School and examine cadavers. On some occasions, Taylor transported stolen remains back to Pennsylvania.  On other occasions, the Lodges shipped stolen remains to Taylor and others out of state.

Maclean and Taylor sold the stolen remains for profit, including to Jeremy Pauley in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Jeremy Pauley also purchased stolen human remains from Candace Chapman Scott, who stole remains from her employer, a Little Rock, Arkansas mortuary and crematorium.  Scott stole parts of cadavers she was supposed to have cremated, many of which had been donated to and used for research and educational purposes by an area medical school, as well as the corpses of two stillborn babies who were supposed to be cremated and returned as cremains to their families. Scott sold the stolen remains to Pauley and shipped them to him.

Seven other defendants have previously entered guilty pleas and were sentenced to imprisonment in related cases, including Joshua Taylor, Andrew Ensanian, Matthew Lampi, Cedric and Denise Lodge, Angelo Pereyra and Candace Chapman Scott.  Lampi was sentenced to 15 months in prison; Pereyra was sentenced to 18 months in prison; Ensanian was sentenced to 6 months in prison; Denise and Cedric Lodge were sentenced to 96 months and 12 months in prison respectively; and Joshua Taylor was sentenced to 24 months in prison. Additionally, Candace Chapman-Scott, who stole remains from an Arkansas crematorium where she was employed and sold them to Pauley in Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty in Arkansas federal court and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the East Pennsboro Township Police Department, and the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case. 

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SCRANTON - United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Fernandito Arroyo, age 28, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 18, 2026, to 180 months’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for distribution of cocaine and fentanyl and carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on multiple occasions between July 18, 2024 and November 19, 2024, Arroyo sold controlled substances to a confidential informant in Wilkes-Barre. On November 19, 2024, Arroyo sold a firearm and ammunition to an individual who could not legally possess a firearm and provided that individual with cocaine. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that ID Logistics US, Inc. (IDUSA) has agreed to pay $2,362,360 to resolve allegations that it improperly obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for which it was not eligible. 

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was a federal law enacted in or about March 2020 designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans suffering economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through a program referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). PPP loans were guaranteed by the SBA and, if the loan proceeds were used for eligible expenses, the SBA would forgive the loan balance and accrued interest.  To obtain a PPP loan, a qualifying business had to submit a PPP loan application to an authorized lender. The PPP loan application required the business, through its authorized representative, to acknowledge the PPP rules and make certain affirmative certifications that the applicant was eligible to obtain a PPP loan. Whether an applicant qualified as a small business was determined, in part, by assessing the number of employees of the business, including any domestic and foreign affiliates. 

IDUSA is a subsidiary of ID Logistics Group SA, a French company founded in 2001 that has, in addition to IDUSA, at least fifteen other affiliated companies around the world.

According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, IDUSA submitted an application for a PPP loan certifying that, together with its affiliates, it had fewer than 500 employees, when, with affiliate entities counted, it had more than 500 employees and was therefore not eligible for the PPP loan.

Once IDUSA was made aware of the investigation, they fully cooperated with the United States to resolve the matter.

“The SBA is committed to rooting out every dollar of PPP fraud,” said Wendell Davis, SBA General Counsel.  “Alongside the US Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the agency will aggressively pursue bad actors to hold them accountable and recover pandemic relief funds improperly obtained from the program.”

This settlement resolves a lawsuit originally filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which permits a private party to file a complaint on behalf of the United States and share in a portion of the Government’s recovery.  This qui tam is captioned United States ex rel. Verity Investigations, LLC v. ID Logistics US, Inc. No. 3:25-CV-00387 (M.D.P.A.).  The whistleblower will receive $236,236 of the settlement amount.

The investigation and resolution of this matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Haken and the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Timothy Cassidy, age 33, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania and Menominee, Michigan, was indicted on August 12, 2026, by a federal grand jury for failing to register as a sex offender after relocating to Maryland.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that from May 2025 through the present, despite being required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), Cassidy traveled in interstate commerce from Pennsylvania to Michigan and failed to register his address as required by SORNA.     

This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service (USMS). Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.

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

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

# # #

WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that two individuals, Ceyon Calvert, 43, and Christal Calvert, 38, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, were arrested on June 28, 2026, by federal agents in Florida for conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, their arrests follow an indictment which alleges that beginning on an unknown date and continuing until April 2026, the defendants orchestrated a wide-scale Publishers Clearing House scam targeting elderly victims.  The indictment states that scam participants would falsely tell victims that they won multi-million-dollar prizes and instructed the fraud victims to provide tens of thousands of dollars to other scheme participants as upfront taxes and fees in order to collect those prizes.  Today, the defendants were arraigned in Federal Court and pleaded not guilty.  United States Magistrate Judge Sean A. Camoni ordered them detained pending trial.

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

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case.

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

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SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Domingo Castillo, a/k/a “Jose Antonio Garcia”, age 62, of Scranton Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 5, 2026, to 24 months’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for one count of aggravated identity theft.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Castillo previously admitted that on or about April 9, 2021, in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, Castillo knowingly possessed and used a means of identification of another person during and in relation to a felony, namely making a false statement in a passport application.

The case was investigated by the Diplomatic Security Service of the Department of State.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William D. Brenner, age 62, was indicted on August 5, 2026, by a federal grand jury on charges of wire fraud and unlawful monetary transactions in connection with an alleged fraud scheme against an elderly victim. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Brenner allegedly defrauded an elderly victim, who was born in 1936, of over $1 million by persuading her and her power of attorney, who was also the alleged victim’s daughter, that he could offer them a better investment opportunity than what the elderly woman already had in place. The alleged victim and her power of attorney were led to believe that the funds would be placed in an investment account, which Brenner would personally manage and would earn fixed interest payments over a two-year period. In reality, Brenner then used the funds to purchase a commercial property in his own name, without the victim’s lawful authorization.

Brenner also allegedly forged an agreement that appeared to show the elderly woman and her power of attorney authorizing him to use the money to purchase the commercial property, which is located in Caneyville, Kentucky. Brenner allegedly created this forgery by using authentic signatures that he obtained from the elderly woman and her power of attorney on a different document.

Brenner allegedly obtained control of the elderly victim’s retirement savings by persuading her and her power of attorney to move the funds into an account at a local federal credit union where he was a board member and where he maintained accounts in the names of other businesses. That account was created in August 2021. Once the funds were in that account, Brenner allegedly used them for his own and his family members’ benefit. By September 2021, Brenner allegedly depleted almost all of the funds from the account. 

 Brenner is charged with several counts of monetary transactions in criminal derived property for use of the elderly woman’s funds. In addition to buying the commercial property, Brenner allegedly purchased a new Dodge Ram pickup truck, a skid steer, and other tools and motorized equipment.

The indictment also contains forfeiture allegations, including for the commercial property located in Caneyville, Kentucky.

The United States Secret Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case. 

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for monetary transactions in criminally derived property is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Walnel Mordan Soto, age 37, of the Dominican Republic, who most recently resided in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of illegal reentry into the United States.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Mordan Soto was encountered at the Schuylkill County Jail on July 6, 2026, after having previously been removed on or about October 6, 2016, via Alexandria, Louisiana, subsequent to a conviction for committing an aggravated felony.  Mordan Soto did not receive permission to reenter the United States, as required by law.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

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

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today it filed a lawsuit against Venkatachalam Mani, a landlord in State College, Pennsylvania, for sexually harassing his female tenant and then retaliating against her when she refused his sexual advances, in violation of the Fair Housing Act. 

The tenant filed a complaint against Mr. Mani with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). After an investigation, HUD determined that Mr. Mani discriminated against the applicant in violation of the Fair Housing Act and issued a charge of discrimination. After the tenant chose to have the matter decided in federal court, HUD referred the matter to the Department of Justice. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the tenant and her children and a court order barring future discrimination.

The lawsuit alleges Mr. Mani made sexual advances toward his tenant; she rejected the advances; he sexually assaulted her; and then he engaged in months long retaliation by showing up at the leased property uninvited and failing to complete required maintenance on the property. The lawsuit also alleges that Mr. Mani’s refusal to fix a furnace after his tenant rejected his advances caused the tenant to be without heat in freezing cold temperatures and move out of the home when the furnace eventually caught fire. 

“This lawsuit involves a landlord who failed to fix a tenant’s furnace despite freezing temperatures because she refused his sexual advances, forcing her family to move out even though they did not have another place to live,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.  “This conduct is immoral and unlawful.  The Justice Department will continue to uphold the rights of female tenants to housing without the threat of sexual harassment by a landlord.”

“Attempts to exploit tenants for sexual favors, sexual assault, and retaliation by landlords will never be tolerated in the Middle District of Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller. 

If you are a victim of sexual harassment by a landlord or property manager or have suffered other forms of housing discrimination, call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit a report online. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. This case is part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. The initiative, which the Department launched in October 2017, seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 53 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered approximately $19 million for victims of such harassment. Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violation to the office’s Civil Rights Coordinator by calling 717-614-4911 or email usapam.civil.rights@usdoj.gov.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler represents the government in this lawsuit.

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HARRISBURG– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rudy Mendoza, age 41, was convicted on July 31, 2026, of voluntary manslaughter in the death of his cellmate following a five-day jury trial before United States District Judge Keli M. Neary. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on July 30, 2019, the Bureau of Prison’s staff found Mendoza’s cellmate dead in their cell within the Special Housing Unit at United States Penitentiary, Canaan, Waymart, PA.  The correctional officers found blood in various locations throughout the cell and the victim had multiple injuries to his head and face. The cause of death was cardiorespiratory collapse secondary to physical trauma. 

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Ford, Stephen Dukes, and William Behe prosecuted the case.   

The maximum penalty for these offenses is 15 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities for National Night Out Events in cities across the state. 

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

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

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

Below is a list of National Night Out Events that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be attending, all hosted by local participating law enforcement agencies. 

Scheduled Events: 

1. Swatara Township Police Department National Night Out

       Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

       Vanatta Park

1. Scranton Police Department National Night Out Against Crime

       Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

       Scranton High School

1. Plains Township Police Department National Night Out

       Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

        Birchwood Park

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SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ricky Charles Patterson, age 45, a resident of Plymouth, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on May 2, 2025, ATF agents served a federal search warrant at Patterson’s residence in Plymouth, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.  Pursuant to the warrant, agents seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, and a loaded Smith & Wesson revolver.  Patterson, a previously convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Kingston Police Department, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson. 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

# # #

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Craig Hardy, age 66, of Ashland, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for failing to register as a sex offender upon relocating to New York.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that from November 3, 2025 and continuing to the present, despite being required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), upon relocating to New York, Ney failed to register his address as required by SORNA. 

This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joshua Taylor, age 49, of West Lawn, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 27, 2026, to 24 months in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen property.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Taylor admitted to his role in a nationwide network of individuals who bought and sold human remains, including remains stolen from Harvard Medical School. Taylor purchased human remains from multiple individuals knowing that those remains were stolen. 

Other individuals were indicted with Taylor on charges of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen property as part of the same investigation.  From 2018 through 2022, Cedric Lodge, who managed the morgue for the Anatomical Gifts Program at Harvard Medical School, located in Boston, Massachusetts, stole organs and other parts of cadavers donated for medical research and education before their scheduled cremations.  Lodge at times allegedly transported stolen remains from Boston to his residence in Goffstown, New Hampshire, where he and his wife, Denise Lodge, sold the remains to Katrina Maclean, Joshua Taylor, and others, making arrangements via cellular telephone and social media websites.  At times, Cedric Lodge allowed Maclean and Taylor to enter the morgue at Harvard Medical School and examine cadavers. On some occasions, Taylor transported stolen remains back to Pennsylvania.  On other occasions, the Lodges shipped stolen remains to Taylor and others out of state.

Maclean and Taylor sold the stolen remains for profit, including to Jeremy Pauley in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Jeremy Pauley also purchased stolen human remains from Candace Chapman Scott, who stole remains from her employer, a Little Rock, Arkansas mortuary and crematorium.  Scott stole parts of cadavers she was supposed to have cremated, many of which had been donated to and used for research and educational purposes by an area medical school, as well as the corpses of two stillborn babies who were supposed to be cremated and returned as cremains to their families. Scott sold the stolen remains to Pauley and shipped them to Pauley in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. 

Several other defendants have previously entered guilty pleas in related cases, including Joshua Taylor, Andrew Ensanian, Matthew Lampi, Katrina Maclean, Cedric and Denise Lodge, and Angelo Pereyra. Lampi was sentenced to 15 months in prison; Pereyra was sentenced to 18 months in prison; Ensanian was sentenced to 6 months in prison; Denise and Cedric Lodge were sentenced to 96 months and 12 months in prison respectively.  Katrina Maclean is awaiting sentencing. Additionally, Candace Chapman-Scott, who stole remains from an Arkansas crematorium where she was employed and sold them to Pauley in Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty in Arkansas federal court and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the East Pennsboro Township Police Department, and the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case. 

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher M. Thomas, of Bushkill, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 22, 2026, to 57 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Karoline Mehlachick for homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in June 2024, Thomas was driving his vehicle through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area while high on methamphetamine. Multiple cars and two motorcycles had come to a stop more than 400 feet in front of Thomas to let deer cross the road. Thomas did not stop but continued to travel at a high rate of speed. Thomas crashed full speed into one of the motorcyclists, who was pronounced dead on scene. A subsequent blood draw from Thomas and forensic analysis revealed Thomas had significant levels of amphetamine and methamphetamine in his blood.

In imposing the sentence at the top of Thomas’s sentencing guideline range, Judge Mehalchick noted the serious and deadly nature of the offense, the need to provide just punishment, and the need to deter Thomas and others from committing similar offenses.

The National Park Service and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno prosecuted the case.

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