
Luzerne Man Charged with Acting as a Getaway Driver
In a Bank Robbery
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today the filing of criminal charges against Joseph Swerdon, age 54, of Luzerne, Pennsylvania. The Criminal Information alleges that on October 30, 2010, Swerdon acted as the getaway driver during the armed bank robbery of the M&T Bank, Hanover Township, Pennsylvania. The Information alleges that Swerdon and his co-conspirators made away with approximately $17,808.32. In addition, it is alleged that Swerdon conspired with others to carry firearms in relation to that bank robbery.
United States Attorney Peter J. Smith noted that if convicted of the charges, Swerdon faces a maximum sentence of 45 years' imprisonment and $500,000 in fines.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hanover Township Police and the Pennsylvania State Police. Prosecution has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.
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A criminal information is not evidence of guilt but simply a description of the
charge made by the United States Attorney against a defendant.
A charged defendant is presumed innocent until a jury returns a unanimous finding
that the United States has proved the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.






