At Saxton & Stump, our Investigations, White Collar and Criminal Defense Group conducts internal investigations and provides representation for a variety of clients, including businesses, nonprofits, healthcare systems, educational institutions, financial services firms, and municipal entities, as well as executives, professionals, and other individuals. We assist those facing significant government inquiries, regulatory enforcement actions, and criminal prosecutions. Our team, which includes former federal judges and prosecutors, highly experienced defense attorneys, and regulatory professionals, brings deep insight and practical experience to guide clients through every stage of these sensitive and important matters.
Whether responding to a subpoena, managing a parallel internal investigation, advising on interviews and testimony, or defending against criminal or civil charges, we provide a multidisciplinary, strategic approach tailored to each client’s needs.
Leadership and Perspective from All Sides of the Law
The group is led by co‑chairs Mark E. Cedrone, a nationally respected white collar and criminal defense attorney; Hon. Christopher C. Conner (Ret.), former Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; and Timothy M. Stengel, a former Assistant United States Attorney who led major federal investigations and prosecutions during his tenure at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Our broader team includes highly experienced professionals such as:
- Hon. Lawrence F. Stengel (Ret.), served as Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania following 14 years on the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, and later acted as special investigator in the National Football League Concussion Settlement Program.
- Hon. Robert A. Graci (Ret.), former Pennsylvania Superior Court judge and Chief Counsel to the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board, now senior counsel with deep expertise in judicial ethics, appellate advocacy, and disciplinary investigations.
- Harlan W. Glasser, shareholder and former Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, who has firsthand led government investigations and prosecuted enforcement proceedings against individuals and corporations within the False Claims Act and Controlled Substances Act.
- Cody J. Groeber, shareholder and former federal public defender, who has successfully defended government litigation in high-stakes matters involving allegations of white collar fraud, false records, tax fraud, robbery, and murder.
- William C. Costopoulos, senior counsel and veteran criminal defense attorney, who is recognized throughout the East Coast for his extensive litigation and trial experience in high-profile white collar and public corruption cases.
- Aubrey C. Emrich, senior counsel who has handled federal and state criminal cases involving Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracies, wire and mail fraud, bank fraud, tax fraud, and more.
- Tonya Sulia, senior counsel and former deputy criminal chief, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, who oversaw prosecutions involving white collar and violent crime, child exploitation, and significant drug trafficking cases.
- Elizabeth M. Ray, former Assistant United States Attorney and senior counsel with deep experience in healthcare investigations, money laundering, and criminal forfeiture matters.
- Isabelle S. Young, senior counsel who represents clients facing investigations and charges involving complex tax and fraud matters.
Together, we offer decades of experience and a multidisciplinary approach that includes perspectives and expertise from the bench, federal law enforcement, appellate advocates, and private defense.
Government Investigations
Independent Internal Investigations
Criminal and Administrative Defense
Post-Conviction Representation
Reducing Exposure & Positioning Clients Ahead of Risk
Our work goes beyond defense. We help clients develop and strengthen compliance programs, proactively identify and mitigate organizational risks, and prepare for audits, complaints, or inquiries. With insider insight into how regulators and prosecutors think, we help clients stay ahead of risk, therefore limiting liability and protecting their reputation .
Clients benefit from our ability to draw on subject-matter resources across business, finance, healthcare, education, government, nonprofit, data privacy, and corporate governance, ensuring every investigation or response is informed, efficient, and aligned with the client’s mission and business objectives.
Facing a Critical Issue? Let’s Talk Now.
If you or your organization is facing a sensitive matter, whether an internal concern or a government inquiry, impartial outside counsel can make all the difference. When the stakes are high, timing matters. Our team provides trusted, independent guidance to help you respond quickly, confidently, and strategically.
