Tag: attorney general

bookmark_borderOperation Texas Twins

Posted on by admin

Attorney General Kelly and PSP announce arrests in “Operation Texas Twins;” $100,000 Texas to northwestern PA marijuana trafficking network

HARRISBURG, PA — Agents from the Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police have filed criminal charges against nine individuals linked to an organization allegedly responsible for shipping large quantities of marijuana from Texas to northwestern Pennsylvania.

Attorney General Linda Kelly said the grand jury investigation, known as “Operation Texas Twins,” identified two brothers – Marcelino Rodriguez, of Eddy, Texas and Miguel Rodriguez, of Corpus Christi – accused of coordinating the transportation and distribution of as much as 20 pounds of marijuana per month, over a two year period of time.

According to the grand jury, Miguel Rodriguez operated from Texas, communicating with his brother Marcelino and other associates by telephone in order to arrange the shipment of drugs to Pennsylvania and the transfer of money back to Texas.

Kelly said the Rodriguez brothers were allegedly assisted by Robert Karl Conaway, who is accused of assisting in the distribution of marijuana in and around Crawford County.

“This was a coordinated effort to move significant quantities of drugs into communities across northwestern Pennsylvania which continued even after key figures were arrested and jailed,” Kelly said.

Kelly noted that Marcelino Rodriguez and Robert Conaway were arrested in Crawford County in August 2010, on unrelated warrants, but the two allegedly attempted to continue operating their drug organization from inside the prison.

The grand jury found that Rodriguez and Conaway made numerous telephone calls from inside the prison, which were recorded for monitoring by law enforcement.

Kelly said that agents from the Attorney General’s Office and Pennsylvania State Police used information from those calls, along with surveillance, confidential informants, the review of financial records from wire transfer services and other investigative techniques to identify other associates who allegedly assisted in the operation of this drug organization.

Adam Wood, of Venango, is accused of assisting in the distribution of marijuana, including the retrieval of drugs and cash from a vehicle that had been left in the parking lot of a motel in Meadville when Conaway and Rodriguez were arrested in 2010.

Kelly said that in phone calls recorded at the Crawford County Prison, Conaway, Rodriguez and Wood allegedly discussed the status of drug sales, including the fact that Wood had six pounds of marijuana remaining and that Miguel Rodriguez was still owed $4,000.  They also allegedly reviewed the correct prices that should be charged for different quantities of the drug.

According to the grand jury, Elizabeth Bevilheimer, of Saegertown – the girlfriend of Adam Wood – assisted in the recovery of the car that Conaway and Rodriguez were driving when they were arrested.  Bevilheimer was also allegedly involved in at least eight wire transfers of money to Texas, totaling more than $15,000, and was overheard in recorded prison phone calls complaining that she was not getting enough money for the work that she was performing.

Kelly said that Pamela Barrientos, of Eddy, Texas, allegedly acted as a distributor of funds for the organization – receiving thousands of dollars in wire transfers and then communicating by phone with Marcelino Rodriguez about how much money different participants should be making from the drug transactions.  Calls between Rodriguez and other parties also included instructions to “send all the Pennsylvania money to Pamela.”

According to the criminal charges, Laura Rodriguez, of Chilton, Texas – sister of Marcelino and Miguel – assisted in the transfer of drug funds.  She was heard on intercepted prison telephone calls with Marcelino Rodriguez discussing the sale price of marijuana being sold in Pennsylvania, New York and Georgia.

The grand jury found that Jeramie Ebbert, of Meadville, served as the recipient of marijuana shipments from Texas and assisted with the sale of drugs to street-level buyers.

Kelly said that Silas Mark Deets, of Venango, was allegedly paid to receive shipments of marijuana from Texas which were arranged by Conaway.  One of those deliveries to Deets, containing approximately 4.5 kilos of marijuana, was intercepted by U.S. Postal Inspectors. Deets was allegedly paid with cash and drugs to pick up the packages.

“This was a significant organization on many levels,” Kelly said,” involving cross-country shipment of large quantities of high-grade marijuana, the movement of more than $100,000 in drug payments and the long-distance coordination of numerous drug deals over many years.”

Kelly noted that in conjunction with today’s filing of charges in Pennsylvania, authorities in Texas are executing search and arrest warrants as part of a continuing investigation to identify the original sources for the marijuana involved in this case.

The criminal charges were filed today before Saegertown, Crawford County, Magisterial District Judge Lincoln S. Zilhaver.

The defendants will be prosecuted in Crawford County by Senior Deputy Attorney General Douglas J. Wright of the Attorney General’s Drug Strike Force Section.

Kelly thanked the Pennsylvania State Police, Crawford County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Northwest Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force for their cooperation and assistance with this investigation.

A full list of the defendants and the charges filed against them is included below:

Marcelino Rodriguez, 29, Eddy, Texas, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, both first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine; one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine; one count of delivery of a controlled substance, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine; one count of possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine; one count of criminal conspiracy, an ungraded felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and one count of criminal use of a communications facility, a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Miguel Rodriguez, 29, Corpus Christi, Texas, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, both first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine; one count of delivery of a controlled substance, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine; one count of possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine; one count of delivery of a controlled substance, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine; one count of criminal conspiracy, an ungraded felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine; one count of criminal use of a communications facility, a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Robert Karl Conaway, 29, address unknown, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, both first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 fines; three counts of delivery of a controlled substance, all felonies which are each punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine; two counts of possession of a controlled substance, both misdemeanors each punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine; one count of criminal conspiracy, an ungraded felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine; one count of criminal use of a communications facility, a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Adam Wood, 25, 20412 Main St., Venango, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, both first-degree felonies each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 fines; one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine; one count of delivery of a controlled substance, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine; one count of possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine; one count of criminal conspiracy, an ungraded felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and one count of criminal use of a communications facility, a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Elizabeth Ann Bevilheimer, 25, Saegertown, is charged with one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine; one count of criminal use of a communications facility, a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and one count of criminal conspiracy, an ungraded felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Pamela Barrientos, 25, Eddy, Texas, is charged with one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine; one count of criminal use of a communications facility, a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and one count of criminal conspiracy, an ungraded felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Laura Rodriguez, 30, Chilton, Texas, is charged with one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine; one count of criminal use of a communications facility, a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and one count of criminal conspiracy, an ungraded felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Jeramie John Ebbert, 25, 1108 South Main St., Meadville, is charged with one count of delivery of marijuana, an ungraded felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine; one count of possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine; one count of criminal use of a communications facility, a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and one count of criminal conspiracy, an ungraded felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Silas Mark Deets, 60, 21658 Cussewago Road, Venango, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy, an ungraded felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine and one count of criminal use of a communications facility, a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

(A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty)

# # #

Editors’ Note:
Click here to view the grand jury presentment for Operation Texas Twins.

bookmark_borderWatch For Child Predators

Posted on by admin

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA — Agents from the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit have arrested a Northumberland County man accused of sending sexually explicit text messages and nude photos to a young teenage girl.

Kelly identified the defendant as Edward J. Jackson Jr., age 39, of 855 Montour St., Milton.

According to the criminal complaint, Jackson engaged in a series of inappropriate and sexually explicit text message conversations with a girl from Union County, allegedly starting when she was 15-years old.

Kelly said that Jackson allegedly used cell phone messages and Facebook to communicate with the girl – reportedly developing a “code” to conceal their chats and verify that he was actually sending messages to the girl, and not a parent or friend.

According to the criminal charges, the victim first encountered Jackson when he was the DJ at a school dance, and Jackson was later hired to perform at family birthday parties. Initial flirtatious messages allegedly escalated to include requests that the girl meet Jackson for sex, along with the transmission of nude photos.

Kelly said the victim began to avoid communication with Jackson following the receipt of sexual messages, but he allegedly continued to contact her on a regular basis, sending messages early in the morning or late at night on an almost daily basis. At one point, Jackson cautioned the girl about telling anyone about their communications, allegedly sending a text message stating, “if anyone finds out about this, you’ll regret it.”

According to the complaint, Jackson visited the victim’s home when she was alone, attempting to grab and kiss her.  He also allegedly posted a message on the victim’s Facebook page about giving her an early birthday present, which came immediately after a text message exchange about engaging in sexual activity.

The victim’s parents contacted the Mifflinburg Police Department on May 9th, 2012, after discovering an inappropriate message that Jackson had allegedly sent to their daughter.  On May 14th, detectives from the police department contacted the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit and requested assistance.  A child predator investigation was immediately initiated following the referral from Mifflinburg Police.

Jackson was arrested at his home today by agents from the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit, assisted by Pennsylvania State Police from the Milton Barracks.

A search warrant was also executed at Jackson’s home, resulting in the seizure of four computers and numerous data storage devices, which will be analyzed by the Attorney General’s Computer Forensics Unit as part of an ongoing investigation.

Jackson is charged with one count of unlawful contact with a minor and one count of criminal use of a communications facility, both third-degree felonies which are each punishable by up to seven years in prison and $15,000 fines.

Jackson was preliminarily arraigned before Lewisburg, Union County Magisterial District Judge Leo S. Armbruster, who set bail at $10,000 straight. Jackson is also prohibited from having any direct or third-party contact with the victim.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 19th, at 11:30 a.m., before Mifflinburg Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey L. Mensch.

The case will be prosecuted in Union County by Deputy Attorney General Christopher J. Jones of the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit.

Attorney General Kelly thanked the Mifflinburg Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police from the Milton Barracks and the Milton Area School District administration for their cooperation and assistance with this investigation.

Kelly noted that this remains an ongoing investigation and encouraged anyone with information related to this case, or other incidents involving child predators, to contact the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit by using the “Report a Predator” link, located on the front page of the Attorney General’s website, at www.attorneygeneral.gov, or by calling the toll-free Child Predator Hotline at 800-385-1044.

Internet Safety

Kelly explained that the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit has made 304 arrests involving individuals from across Pennsylvania and numerous other states – conducting proactive investigations and also assisting local law enforcement with cases involving the attempted sexual exploitation of children.

Kelly encouraged parents to stress the importance of not sharing personal information with adults – either online or in person – including full names, ages, addresses, phone numbers and school information, and added that children should always be especially cautious about strangers who approach them online.

Additionally, Kelly urged parents to regularly discuss Internet safety and security issues with their children, including the importance of telling a trusted adult if someone engages in inappropriate activity, such as:

  • Sexual discussions.
  • Sending or requesting nude photos or explicit videos.
  • Sharing links to pornography.
  • Trying to arrange face-to-face meetings.

bookmark_borderAttorney General Warns of Weather Scams

Posted on by admin

HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Linda Kelly today cautioned Pennsylvania consumers and businesses about price gouging and scams following an unusual Spring storm that dumped heavy snowfall on parts of western and northern Pennsylvania.

“Our price-gouging law was designed to guard consumers and businesses against sudden, unwarranted price increases during emergency situations,” Kelly said. “The price gouging restrictions apply to anyone involved in the distribution or sale of consumer goods or services, prohibiting ‘unconscionably excessive’ increases above the average prices observed during the week prior to the emergency.”

Kelly said the Governor’s April 23rd declaration of a statewide disaster emergency triggered the price gouging restrictions, which will extend for 30 days after the expiration of the disaster declaration.

“It is important for everyone – consumers and businesses alike – to understand exactly what constitutes price gouging,” Kelly said. “Price increases for consumer goods or services that are 20% or more above the average prices before this storm are not allowed, except in some very limited situations.”

Kelly said the price gouging law gives the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection the authority to investigate price gouging complaints and allows for penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.

She noted that the emergency price restrictions not only apply to businesses involved in direct consumer sales, but also to manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers and distributors of consumer products and services.

“I encourage any Pennsylvania consumer or business who feels they are the victims of price-gouging to contact our office so we can thoroughly investigate the situation,” Kelly said.

Kelly said consumers can report potential price-gouging by calling the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline, toll-free, at 1-800-441-2555 or by filing an online consumer complaint using the Attorney General’s website, at www.attorneygeneral.gov (Click on the “Complaints” button on the front page of the website and select “Consumer Complaint Form” from the menu that appears).

Additionally, Kelly urged consumers in storm struck communities to be watchful for scams related to home repair.

“It is natural for homeowners to look for speedy repairs for any storm damage,” Kelly said.  “Still, the desire for immediate repairs should not cloud your judgment or research regarding contractors.”

Kelly explained that all home improvement contractors who do more than $5,000 worth of business per year in Pennsylvania are required to register with the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.  Registration is not an endorsement of the contractor’s honesty or quality of work.

All home improvement and home repair contractors are required to provide consumers with specific information before proceeding with any project, including:

  • The contractor’s registration number, which must be included in all contracts, estimates and advertisements.
  • A written contract for any project costing more than $500.
  • Information about the consumer’s three-day right to cancel a home improvement contract.
  • Details about the materials and labor included in the project.
  • Total cost of the work.
  • An approximate start-date and end-date for the project.

Additionally, Kelly explained that Pennsylvania’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act limits the amount of any up-front payments that contractors can collect.  For projects costing more than $5,000, contractors may not accept advance payment of more than one-third of the total price of the contract.

Kelly also encouraged consumers to get multiple estimates for any major project, to check references for recent work before committing to a project and to be wary of individuals who approach you with stories of “just being in the neighborhood” or other unsolicited offers that seem “too good to be true.”

Warning signs for potential home repair scams include:

  • Unsolicited door-to-door sales pitches.
  • Requests for large up-front payments.
  • No written estimates or contracts.
  • Offers to perform work using “left over” or “discount” materials from other jobs.
  • High-pressure sales pitches.

“When consumers understand their rights, they are much better prepared to identify and avoid potential scams,” Kelly said. “If you encounter a contractor who is not providing the information required by Pennsylvania law, we encourage you to file a complaint with our office and consider using another business for your project.”