LAKE CHARLES, La. –Acting U.S.Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Mexican national pleaded guilty Wednesday to reentering the United States illegally after having been previously removed twice.

Lucas Rosales-Arcos, 32, of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to one count of reentry by an alien without permission after removal. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the guilty plea, Jennings police arrested Rosales-Arcos on May 27, 2017 for domestic battery. Border Patrol agents interviewed the defendant who admitted to being in the United States illegally. He was removed in September of 2013 and April of 2014, and had not obtained permission to return.

Rosales-Arcos faces up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set sentencing for February 20, 2018.

United States Customs and Border Protectionand the Jennings Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore is prosecuting the case.

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Thomas Lee Crow, 48, of Fresno, charging him with aiding and abetting an unlawful animal fighting venture, attending an animal fighting venture, and unlawfully possessing animals for an animal fighting venture, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.  The offenses all involve cockfighting.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers searched Crow’s rural Fresno residential property last summer after he was allegedly found on April 21, 2017, at a large cockfighting enterprise in Kerman. At the cockfight, Fresno County deputies and detectives recovered 129 fighting roosters, including 28 dead and 9 injured roosters. Three spectators were also arrested. Detectives also seized cockfighting equipment, such as gaffs, blades, sheaths, gamecock leather boots, and scales.

This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General – Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Central California Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice also provided assistance.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has partnered with the Rural Crimes and Animal Cruelty Unit of the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office in coordinating the filing of charges against Crow and three spectators at the cockfight in Kerman. The District Attorney’s Office has charged Job Hernandez, 35, of Visalia, Javier Flores-Arreola, 48, of Los Banos, and Javier Cerda, 65, of Reedley with animal cruelty charges. Assistant United States Attorney Karen A. Escobar is prosecuting the case against Crow. Deputy District Attorney Lynette Gonzales is prosecuting the state charges against the three spectators arrested at the event. 

If convicted of the most serious offenses, Crow faces a maximum statutory penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Eric P. Krieg, age 45, of Munster, Indiana was charged with knowing possession of a destructive device and transporting explosive materials.

The complaint alleges that, on or about September 6, 2017, Krieg mailed a package at an US Postal Facility in East Chicago, Indiana that exploded. On or about September 29, 2017, Krieg mailed a suspicious package to another individual.  On October 12, 2017, search warrants were executed on Krieg’s residence, place of employment and vehicle.  After executing the search warrants, Krieg was arrested on the above charges. 

The United States Attorney’s office emphasizes that a Complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This complaint results from an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives; United States Marshal’s Service; East Chicago Police; Hammond Police; Indiana State Police; Munster Police; Porter County Sheriff’s Department.    This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua P. Kolar and Jennifer Chang.

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ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gerardo Froilan Lopez Velazquez, 51, of Guatemala, pled guilty today to illegal re-entry into the United States.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Field Office Director Thomas E. Feeley, Buffalo, New York Field Office.

Lopez Velazquez was removed from the United States to Guatemala on January 30, 2014 and again on April 9, 2014.  On September 7, 2017, he was encountered and arrested by an ICE officer in Middleburgh, New York. A fingerprint check of Lopez Velazquez resulted in the discovery of the prior removals.  Lopez Velazquez admitted that he returned to the United States without permission following the 2014 removals.   

As a result of his conviction, Lopez Velazquez faces up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence E. Kahn on February 1, 2018.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.    

This case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Albany, NY, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Juan Carlos Cruz Figueroa, 30, of Mexico, pled guilty today to illegal re-entry into the United States.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Field Office Director Thomas E. Feeley, Buffalo, New York Field Office.

Cruz Figueroa was removed from the United States to Mexico on September 22, 2007 and again on November 7, 2007.  On September 11, 2017, he encountered and arrested by an ICE officer in Saratoga, New York. A fingerprint check of Cruz Figueroa resulted in the discovery of the prior removals.  Cruz Figueroa admitted that he returned to the United States without permission following the 2007 removals.   

As a result of his conviction, Cruz Figueroa faces up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence E. Kahn on February 1, 2018.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.    

This case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Albany, NY, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Dr. Charles Esham, of Wilmington, Delaware, was charged today by Indictment with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and distribution of oxycodone, announced Acting United States Attorney David C. Weiss.

The seventy-six count felony indictment alleges that Dr. Esham illegally prescribed over 7000 oxycodone pills to his co-conspirators and other individuals between December 2012 and February 2016.  Esham, who previously maintained a medical office in Wilmington, is alleged to have issued the prescriptions outside of the course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.  Esham currently does not have an active Delaware medical license.

Esham faces up to twenty years in prison for each count.

“The charges against Dr. Esham illustrate our office’s commitment to combat those who contribute to the opioid crisis, whether they deal drugs on the street or out of a medical office," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Weiss.

Agencies contributing to the investigation include the following: the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Newark Police Department, the Delaware State Police, the New Castle County Police Department, the Maryland State Police, the Wilmington Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the University of Delaware Police Department, and the Philadelphia Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Hall and Shawn Weede. 

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051
 
Buffalo, N.Y. – Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Theodore Calhoun, 54, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine, was sentenced to 22 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Cullinane, who handed the case, stated that between January and February of 2015 in the Western District of New York, the defendant, on three different occasions, distributed one-ounce quantities of cocaine in exchange for $1,400 on each occasion.

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051
 
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Bryan Matacale, 42, of Nunda, NY, and Ashley Warren, 26, of Elmira, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production of child pornography. In addition, Matacale is also charged with receipt of child pornography, while Warren is also charged with distribution of child pornography. Matacale faces a minimum penalty of 25 years in prison and a maximum of 50 years because of prior convictions for sexual offenses. Warren faces at least 15 and up to 30 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who is handling the prosecution of the case, stated that according to the complaint, in March 2017, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) received information from the Belgian Federal Police that a Belgian citizen identified individuals in the United States as being involved the possession and distribution of child pornography. The Belgian citizen told police that an individual he knew as "Bob" paid him money in exchange for images and videos of child pornography on several occasions. Subsequent investigation determined that “Bob” was defendant Maracle.

On August 28, 2017, a federal search warrant was executed at Matacale’s residence during which various computers and electronic media were seized by law enforcement officers. During an examination of the defendant’s cellular telephone, officers observed the contact name "Ashley Warren." In June 2017, defendant Warren reported to law enforcement officers that she believed Matacale might have inappropriately touched two underage female relatives. A review of text messages between Matacale and Warren revealed that Warren, at Matacale’s request, used her cellular telephone to take and send photos containing images of child pornography to Matacale.

The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and are being held. 

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051
 
ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Angelo Louissaint, 42, and Jennifer Johnson, 42, both of West Babylon, NY, who were convicted of conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, were sentenced by U.S. District Elizabeth A. Wolford for their role in a mortgage fraud scheme that victimized Flaherty Funding, a mortgage company located in Rochester, NY. Louissaint was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Johnson was sentenced to five years probation to include six months home detention.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who handled the case, stated that the defendants worked together to prepare false mortgage applications in the names of straw buyers and used fraudulent supporting documents. Louissaint and Johnson worked together with another individual, against whom charges remain pending, to concoct the scheme to obtain mortgage loans from Flaherty Funding using fraudulent information. As a result of the scam, the defendants successfully obtained approximately $1,200,000 in loans, and sought an additional $900,000 for loans that ultimately did not close.

The sentencings are the culmination of efforts by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Shelly Binkowski; the United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Adam S. Cohen, Special Agent-in-Charge.

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y.- Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Amit Pandey, 41, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that Pandey was arrested in February 2017 by deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, after he was discovered having sex in a parked vehicle with a 16-year old minor female. The defendant’s cell phone was seized during the arrest. A forensic analysis uncovered sexually graphic chats and images using the Kik application between Pandey and the minor female. One of the images was that of a person that Pandey knew was a minor.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn and Special Agents with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20. 2018, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Wolford.   

Six people were indicted for illegal reentry into the United States after being found in Ohio, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

Ignacio Mendoza-Arriaga, 31, a Mexican citizen, was found in Youngstown after being deported to Mexico in 2008 following a felony conviction.

Reinaldo Herrerra-Herrerra, 36, a Mexican citizen, was found in Youngstown after being deported to Mexico in 2011.

Christian Euceda-Lopez, a citizen of Honduras, was found in Ohio after being deported from the U.S., in 2012.

Jorge Manuel Ramos-Cruz, 49, a Mexican citizen, was found in Ohio after being deported four times in 2009 and 2010.

Wilson Antonio Miranda-Rivera, 36, a citizen of Honduras, was found in Ohio after being deported four times between 2002 and 2014.

Abelardo Beltran-Arriola, 31, a citizen of Mexico, was found in Ohio after twice being deported, in 2008 and 2011.

The Arriaga and Herrerra cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karrie D. Howard following an investigation by the Youngstown Police Department and the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement.

The Lopez case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Freeman following an investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.       

The Cruz case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley Beeson following an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement.

The Rivera case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman following an investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection,

The Arriola case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Weldon following an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement.

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

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial, in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Jose E. Carrillo-Abrego, 33, a citizen of El Salvador, with usurping the identity of a Puerto Rican man to conceal his illegal presence in the United States, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. 

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert W. Kern and Elliot Morrison are prosecuting the case following an investigation by the United States Border Patrol.

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

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial, in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A former employee of the United States Postal Service was sentenced yesterday in federal court for stealing items from the mail, including cash, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

Michelle Spinner, 56, of Big Island, Virginia, was sentenced yesterday to a period of probation of two years and ordered to pay $2,603 in restitution. Spinner previously pleaded guilty to a one count Information charging her with theft of mail matter by an officer or employee of the United States Postal Service.

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day, Spinner worked as a mail-processing clerk at the Roanoke Processing and Distribution Center. She began working for the USPS in 2005.

In January 2015, The United States Postal Service- Office of the Inspector General began an investigation into the handling of mail at the processing and distribution center after receiving complaints from customers about mail being “rifled.”

During the course of the investigation, video cameras captured Spinner working on a flat sorter on several occasions. While working on the flat sorter, Spinner could be seen pausing on certain pieces of mail and spending an extended period with her hands deep in a container. On occasion, video captured Spinner opening mail, removing cash and placing the cash in her pocket.

In all, Spinner stole a total of $2,603 in cash from mail at the processing center.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day prosecuted the case for the United States.

A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Delamon A. Marshall, 38, of Akron, with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition as an armed career criminal and two counts of possessing of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.

Marshall had a Glock 9 mm pistol and ammunition on Feb. 22, despite prior convictions for bank robbery and two counts of domestic violence which made it illegal for him to have a firearm. He also possessed a Ruger 9 mm pistol and ammunition on March 17, according to the indictment.

The investigation was conducted by members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Copley Police Department, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation for the Ohio Attorney General, Akron Police Department and the Summit County Coroner’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa Riley.

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

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A U.S. Postal Service letter carrier and a Euclid man were indicted for a conspiracy in which they received more than two kilograms of methamphetamine from California, U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.

Marquacia Deshawn Morris, 26, of Woodmere, and Devon Williams, 23, of Euclid, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than two kilograms of methamphetamine. Kevin Williams, also 23 and of Euclid, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.

A package containing 2214 grams of methamphetamine was mailed from California to Beachwood on Sept. 7. Four days later, Morris, a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, accepted the package and began her daily assigned mail route, according to the indictment.

She diverted from her daily mail route on Sept. 11 and travelled to 27020 Cedar Road in Beachwood, where she met Devon Williams. He accepted the package and transported it to 440 Richmond Park East in Richmond Heights, according to the indictment.

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

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Willoughby Hills Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Four Akron men were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, law enforcement officals said.

Named in the five-count indictment are: Michael E. Davis, 47; James E. Sanders, 50; Christopher J. Proctor, 50, and Rashaad M. Thomas, 40. All four are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. 

Thomas was charged with an additional count of possession with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.  Davis and Sanders were also charged with being a felons in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The investigation was conducted by members of the Akron/Summit County HIDTA Initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, Akron Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Summit County Drug Unit, Springfield Township Police Department, Copley Township Police Department, New Franklin Township Police Department, Stow Police Department, Barberton Police Department, Tallmadge Police Department, University of Akron Police Department, Reminderville Police Department, Silver Lake Police Department, Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, and Summit County Prosecutor’s Office. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Riley.

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

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A 17-count indictment was filed in federal court charging two men for nearly a dozen armed robberies in Northeast Ohio, law enforcement officials said.

Richard Glenn, Jr., 40, of Maple Heights, and Brandon Williams, 35, of Euclid, are charged with using firearms to rob banks, drug stores and convenience stores in South Euclid, Euclid, Wickliffe, Lyndhurst, Cleveland, Bedford Heights and Maple Heights.

The locations and dates of the robberies detailed in the indictment are listed below:

Aug. 9: Walgreens, 2135 Warrensville Center Road, Warrensville Heights (Glenn and Williams).

Aug. 15: Euclid Mart, 26610 Lakeshore Blvd. Euclid (Williams).

Aug. 17: Walgreens, 20485 Euclid Ave., Euclid (Glenn).

Aug. 21: Ohio Savings Bank, 29169 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe (Williams).

Aug. 23: U.S. Bank, 5695 Turney Road, Garfield Heights (Glenn).

Aug. 25: Chase Bank, 5400 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst (Williams).

Aug. 29: Dollar General, 9111 Miles Road, Cleveland (Glenn).

Aug. 31: A&M Food Mart, 25600 Aurora Road, Bedford Heights (Glenn and Williams).

Sept. 5: Dollar Bank, 240 E. 228 Street, Euclid (Williams).

Sept. 11: Chase Bank, 5435 Northfield Road, Bedford Heights (Williams).

Sept. 11: Dollar Bank, 5180 Warrensville Center Road, Maple Heights (Williams) 

The charges include Hobbs Act robberies, bank robberies, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and being felons in possession of firearms.

Glenn has prior felony convictions in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court for aggravated robbery and drug possession that make it illegal for him to have a firearm. Williams has felony convictions in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court for robbery, burglary, grand theft and arson that make it illegal for him to have a firearm, according to the indictment.

“These defendants used firearms to rob 11 stores and banks all over the east side of Greater Cleveland,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “Our law enforcement partners did a tremendous job bringing this violent crime spree to an end. Now this duo will be held accountable for terrorizing our neighbors.”

“Williams and Glenn put everyday citizens’ lives in peril with their gun-wielding robberies,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “For these dangerous crimes they are facing a significant amount of time in a federal penitentiary. The FBI will continue to work aggressively with our local law enforcement partners to ensure violent criminals like these are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” 

This case was investigated by the FBI and police departments from Cleveland, Bedford Heights, Euclid, South Euclid, Garfield Heights, Lyndhurst, Maple Heights, Wickliffe and Willoughby Hills, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Pinjuh.

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

An indictment is a charge and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Joshua Mike, Sr., age 25, an inmate at United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg (USP Lewisburg) was indicted on October 12, 2017, by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon in prison.  

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Mike possessed a homemade sharpened piece of plastic, commonly referred to as a “shank,” on June 16, 2017.  

The case was investigated by correctional staff at USP Lewisburg and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Alisan VanFleet is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Briani Gomez, age 21, of New Jersey, pleaded guilty on October 12, 2017, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy that stretched from Stroudsburg to New York to the state of Maine.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Gomez admitted to transporting more than 100 grams of heroin (which is equivalent to more than 4,000 retail bags of heroin) to co-conspirators in Maine during 2012 through June 2014.

Judge Mannion ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing for Gomez will be scheduled at a later date.

Gomez was indicted along with three other people by a federal grand jury in October 2016, as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Maine State Police, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, and local police in Monroe County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Hakim Handy, age 34, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania was indicted on October 12, 2017, by a federal grand jury for conspiring to distribute heroin and crack cocaine, the distribution of heroin, and the unlawful possession of ammunition.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Handy sold heroin on January 9 and 15, 2015, and possessed with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin on January 16, 2017, in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. The indictment also alleges that Handy unlawfully possessed 24 rounds of .44 caliber Remington ammunition.

The case was investigated by the Williamsport Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan VanFleet is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

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

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