Man gets 2 years probation in mail fraud case

By Terrie Morgan-Besecker tmorgan@timesleader.comLaw & Order Reporter

WILKES-BARRE – A former Drums man who admitted accepting kickbacks from a local computer company in exchange for inflating the cost of equipment was sentenced Wednesday to two years probation, the first six months to be served on home confinement.

Craig Stirling, 37, the former information technology director at Valley Forge Christian College, was also ordered by U.S. District Judge A. Richard Caputo to pay $27,202 in restitution.

Stirling pleaded guilty earlier this year to mail fraud for accepting thousands of dollars from a computer company that did business with the college. Federal prosecutors said Stirling conspired with another person to inflate the price of certain equipment. He was then paid a kickback based on the inflated price.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has not identified the contractor, but a college official previously confirmed the person was Anthony Trombetta, the owner of Intellacom Inc. of Plains Township.

Trombetta and Intellacom have been linked to several other corruption investigations in Luzerne County, but no charges have ever been filed against him.

Stirling apologized for his conduct, telling Caputo he regretted that he had allowed himself to be influenced into participating in the scheme to defraud the college.

Two witnesses, including Stirling’s pastor, testified of his devotion to the community and his religion. That work includes helping with a missionary group that focuses on children.

Stirling’s attorney, Brett Riegel, also spoke on his behalf. Riegel said Stirling, who along with his wife is suffering from serious health issues, is extremely remorseful – so much so that he has put money that could go toward medical treatment toward paying his restitution instead.

Riegel also stressed Stirling was not the instigator of the fraud. Rather, he was drawn into it after receiving an offer that was “too good to be true.” His downfall was that he failed to fully evaluate the situation to understand his conduct was illegal, Riegel said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney William Houser acknowledged Stirling’s work within the community, but noted the scheme went on for 2 ½ years and Stirling had taken affirmative action, including altering documents, to conceal the crime.

Caputo also questioned Stirling’s characterization of his role but sentenced him to probation rather than the eight to 14 months in prison that federal sentencing guidelines called for, based on his character and medical problems.