Man charged in Carbon fire gets 22 years in drug, firearms case

A Luzerne County man accused of setting a fire in Weatherly has been sentenced to 270 months in prison for drug trafficking, firearms and explosives offenses.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania said Roberto Torner, 47, of Freeland, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.

Torner was convicted following a 13-day jury trial of conspiring to distribute 15 grams of heroin from June 2, 2015, and June 8, 2015, and for distributing 5 grams of heroin on June 8, 2015. Torner also was convicted of possessing and conspiring to possess firearms as a multi-convicted felon.

From May 12, 2012, to Aug. 28, 2017, Torner obtained and had access to numerous firearms, including several that were maintained by his co-defendant, Liza Robles.

Charges are also being filed against Torner in the disappearance of Jose Herran, 60, of Freeland in the fall of 2015. Police said he was shot to death, dismembered and burned in Foster Township before being thrown in the Lehigh River.

Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis told news media that David Alzugaray-Lugones, 50, and Torner will each face an open count of homicide in the case, as well as related counts.

Firearms

After Torner was charged initially with heroin trafficking and firearms offenses, he was released on bail in advance of trial.

While on pretrial release, Torner planted stolen, U.S. military C4 plastic explosives at the residence of his co-defendant, David Alzugaray-Lugones.

Mannion also found that Torner obstructed justice by lying on the stand at trial about his criminal activities, and by destroying evidence — his own shirt — in the middle of trial by flushing it down a holding cell toilet bowl.

Torner’s co-defendants, Robles and Alzugaray-Lugones, also were convicted at trial of heroin trafficking offenses, and Robles was convicted of firearms offenses.

Alzugaray-Lugones previously was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment. Robles previously was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment.

Torner was ordered to pay a $20,000 fine, and forfeit the ammunition and guns seized during the investigation, which included a: Magnum Research 1911U .45-caliber; Hi-Point JHP .45; Stag Arms STAG-15, .223 cal.; Mossberg 500 12-gauge shotgun; Norinco MAC90, 7.62x39, and a Tikka T3, 30.06.

The fire

Torner also has charges pending in Carbon County court related to a fire in Weatherly in 2016 that destroyed two homes and heavily damaged another.

Borough police arrived at 2:41 a.m. Aug. 6, 2016, for a fire at 234 Third St. The fire engulfed the residence before spreading to 238 Third St. and 228 Third St.

The 238 Third St. residence was occupied by two adults and one child, while the 228 Third St. residence was occupied by two adults and one minor. All six residents escaped the fire without injuries.

The 234 Third St. residence was owned by a limited liability company, Getaway Rental Property LLC, registered to Torner.

The fire caused over $1 million in damage and left six people homeless.