United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam Announces Resignation

Press Release

SCRANTON - United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Gerard M. Karam announced today that he has submitted his resignation to President Biden effective January 10, 2025. The Middle District of Pennsylvania consists of 33 counties in northeastern and central Pennsylvania and is home to over 3.1 million people. There are offices in Scranton, Harrisburg, and Williamsport. Mr. Karam was nominated by Senators Robert Casey and Patrick Toomey, appointed by President Joseph R. Biden, confirmed by the United States Senate on June 13, 2022, and sworn into office on June 21, 2022.

"As a son of a police officer, being appointed United States Attorney in my home district has been an honor of a lifetime. I am grateful to President Biden, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Senator Robert Casey, and former Senator Patrick Toomey for the opportunity to serve as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Middle District of Pennsylvania."

"I am equally thankful for the career attorneys, professional staff and the dedicated law enforcement officers who work honestly, diligently and with the utmost good faith to keep our citizens safe, apply the rule of law equally and to protect the civil rights of our citizens. It has been a true privilege to serve alongside these impressive and committed individuals. Together we have had many proud accomplishments."

In addition to being United States Attorney, Karam also served on the Attorney General's Advisory Committee's Subcommittees on White Collar Crime, Civil Rights and Controlled Substances.

The office and its law enforcement partners have had many achievements during Karam's tenure:

Public Safety

As part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Neighborhoods, the office working hand in hand with Federal, local, and state partners indicted and convicted numerous defendants on drug trafficking, drug delivery resulting in death, firearms offenses, sex trafficking and exploitation of minors and murder. Some notable cases include:

• Three consecutive life sentences for a man who participated in the murder of three people including a federal witness.
• A sentence of 70 years for a man convicted of torture and illegally exporting weapon parts and related service to Iraq. It was only the second time a United States citizen has been convicted on torture charges in our country's history.
• The indictment of seven individuals dubbed as the Fentanyl Robbery Gang for conspiracy resulting in the deaths of four victims.

Health Care

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United States Attorney Karam prioritized fighting fraud, waste, and abuse in the health care industry. His office held health care systems and providers accountable both civilly and criminally. Notable cases include:

• Holding a multi-hospital health system accountable for submitting claims to Medicare for Annual Wellness Visit services that violated Medicare rules and regulations. The health system paid $11,712,336.00 to resolve civil liability.
• Holding a corporation responsible to pay $2,700,000.00 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to provide adequate cybersecurity to protect health care information.
• Doctor sentenced to 22 years imprisonment after convictions for unlawful distribution of controlled substances resulting in death.
• Seven defendants indicted on health care fraud kickback scheme involving over One Million Dollars in kickbacks.

Fraud/Theft

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Karam also emphasized fighting fraud and theft. His effort resulted in the prosecution of unique and significant cases that include:

• Nine defendants indicted on a decades-long scheme to steal major artworks and sports memorabilia.
• Indictment and guilty pleas of individuals in a multi-state scheme to steal and sell human body parts.
• Four defendants indicted in a $120 Million disadvantaged business fraud scheme.
• Three defendants indicted in a multi-state money laundering and unemployment fraud scheme involving over $60 Million with $35 Million transferred to bank accounts in China.
• Indictment and guilty plea of individual charged with committing $11.5 Million in Covid-19 Pandemic Fraud.
• Indictment of Pennsylvania Common Pleas Court Judge for fraud, tampering with a witness and obstruction of justice.

Civil Rights

United States Attorney Karam took a comprehensive approach to protecting the civil rights of Pennsylvanians through enforcement efforts, community outreach and a strong partnership with the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. These efforts include:

• Presentation of a United Against Hate program at high schools throughout the district;
• Holding corporations accountable for violations of the Fair Housing Act;
• The indictment of three police officers for police brutality involving 22 different arrests; and
• Holding governmental entities accountable for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Administrative

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During Karam's time, the Financial Litigation Unit collected nearly $20 million in civil actions brought by the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Over $12 million was collected in criminal matters and over $9 million in forfeitures.

The Administrative division led the hiring and onboarding of 15 new Assistant United States Attorneys. The division's efforts allowed the district to be one of the most productive medium sized offices in the nation.

Karam also led the creation of the district's first appellate and E-litigation units.

Upon Mr. Karam's departure, First Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus will assume the position of Acting United States Attorney pursuant to the Vacancies Reform Act.

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Updated December 26, 2024