Robert Torner, Drug & Firearm Trafficking, Harrisburg PA, 2020

Harrisburg, PA – The streets of central Pennsylvania are a little less dangerous thanks to the dogged work of federal and local law enforcement, honored this week by Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler. While the feds pat themselves on the back, the real story is the relentless pursuit of criminals like Robert Torner and his crew, finally brought down after a brutal 13-day trial. The case, U.S. v. Robert Torner, et. al., wasn’t about a single dealer; it was a sprawling network peddling poison and packing heat.

ATF Special Agent Jamie Markovchick and Weatherly Police Department Sgt. Michael Bogart were singled out for their contributions to the Torner takedown. The trial was a slog – over 20 witnesses, roughly 200 exhibits – but the evidence painted a clear picture: a serious drug and firearm operation. The details of the conspiracy remain largely sealed, but sources confirm the defendants are now facing lengthy stretches behind bars. Brandler’s office isn’t releasing specifics on the quantities of drugs involved, but the length of the trial suggests it was substantial.

The accolades didn’t stop there. FBI Special Agent Alan Jones, along with FBI Task Force Officers George Carado and Chris Keppel, earned recognition for their work on two separate cases: U.S. v. Rhashean Strange, et. al., and U.S. v. Anibal Rodriguez, et. al. The Strange case involved a multi-defendant conspiracy distributing multi-kilogram quantities of heroin. The Rodriguez crew, even more chilling, were allegedly involved in methamphetamine trafficking and known for their violent tendencies. Again, lengthy prison sentences were handed down, though specifics are scarce.

The feds also quietly honored a Deputy U.S. Marshal (name withheld), Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Lenahan, FBI Special Agent Alan Jones (again), and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Michael Armstrong for their relentless pursuit of armed and dangerous fugitive Shawn Christy in U.S. v. Shawn Christy. Christy, a threat to both law enforcement and the public, was finally apprehended and sentenced to 20 years in prison. The investigation spanned multiple states and involved a significant manpower commitment.

Beyond drug trafficking and fugitive apprehension, the awards also recognized work tackling corruption and sexual assault. FBI Special Agent Joseph F. Noone received accolades for over a decade of spearheading public corruption investigations in Northeastern Pennsylvania, leading to over thirty convictions. Luzerne County Detectives Charles J. Balogh and Daniel G. Yursha were recognized for their work on U.S. v. Mark Icker, a disturbing case involving a police officer who sexually assaulted women while in custody. Icker received a 15-year sentence.

Not all heroes wear badges. Bureau of Prisons Supervisory Attorney Jonathan Kerr was honored for ensuring crucial documentary evidence was produced for prisoner litigation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Pike County District Attorney Raymond J. Tonkin was commended for fostering strong cooperative relationships between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Brandler, in a statement, lamented the risks law enforcement officers face daily, a sentiment lost on those who simply see headlines. The Grimy Times will continue to dig deeper, exposing the truth behind the badges and the crimes that plague our nation.

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