Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Justice Department Settles Housing Discrimination Lawsuit Against Pennsylvania LandlordRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that a Johnstown, Pennsylvania, landlord has agreed to pay $30,000 to resolve allegations that he discriminated against families with children in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The department’s lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and alleged that Robert Kormanik, the rental manager for Kinamrok Apartments, and Kinamrok Inc., the corporate entity that owns the complex, discriminated against families with children by prohibiting them from renting one- and two-bedroom units. The allegations were based on evidence generated by the department’s Fair Housing Testing Unit, in which individuals pose as prospective renters to gather information about possible discriminatory practices. The department’s testing revealed that Kormanik told testers children were not allowed in one-bedroom units. He also refused to inform testers about available two-bedroom units until the testers assured him that no children would reside there.
“Although it may appear in discrete forms, housing discrimination against families with children remains a persistent problem,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the department’s Civil Rights Division. “Around the country, the Justice Department will continue to aggressively enforce the Fair Housing Act, as we did here in Johnstown, to ensure that families with children can obtain housing without facing unlawful, discriminatory barriers.”
“We are dedicated to ensuring that families with children are not discriminated against when seeking housing here in Western Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton of the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to making sure that owners of rental properties understand their obligations under the Fair Housing Act, and follow the law.”
Under the terms of the consent order, which still must be approved by the court, Kormanik and Kinamrok will establish a settlement fund of $20,000 to compensate victims of their alleged discriminatory practices. The defendants will also pay a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States. The agreement prohibits the defendants from engaging in further acts of discrimination and requires them to implement a non-discrimination policy and submit reports to the United States for three years. Kormanik and any other employee involved in the management of, or the rental of units at, Kinamrok Apartments must also receive training on the Fair Housing Act.
Individuals who believe they may have been discriminated against at Kinamrok Apartments because they sought to reside there with children should contact the department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox 995, or e-mail [email protected]. Kinamrok Apartments are located at 400 Luray Avenue, 1001 Tener Street, 1010 Tener Street and 105 Kinamrok Avenue in Johnstown.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department at [email protected] or contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777.
Kormanik and Kinamrok Complaint Kormanik and Kinamrok Consent DecreeTexas Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Importing Prescription Drugs from IndiaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to import prescription drugs, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Manuel Martin Pena, 64, of Houston, TX pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in and around June 2012, to in and around December 2014, Pena conspired to misbrand, smuggle, and import drugs that were exported from India and received in the U.S. by Pena and another co-conspirator.
Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for March 21, 2017, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, the Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Pena.
Second Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Illegal Online Pharmacy SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Thibodaux, Louisiana, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Anthony Rouse III, 40, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to four-counts before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was informed that Anthony Rouse III fulfilled US orders from Duangthip Chutivaraporn who operated a series of online pharmacy web sites that offered a wide variety of prescription drugs for sale to United States customers without the need of a prescription or a medical history. There was no physician monitoring drugs used by the customers or requirement of any diagnosis in order to purchase or receive these prescription drugs. The site defrauded customers with false representations as to the legality of obtaining prescription drugs without a prescription. Rouse and another fulfilled orders for Nubain and Fioricet and received payment for their services by means of deposits of their portion of the sale proceeds to foreign bank accounts accessible to them by debit cards.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Jan. 13, 2017 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 90 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; the U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; conducted the investigation leading to the information in this case.
Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty in Online Pharmacy Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Morgan City, Louisiana, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Troy Tapia, 45, of Morgan City, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to four-counts before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was informed that Troy Tapia fulfilled US orders from Duangthip Chutivaraporn who operated a series of online pharmacy web sites that offered a wide variety of prescription drugs for sale to United States customers without the need of a prescription or a medical history. There was no physician monitoring drugs used by the customers or requirement of any diagnosis in order to purchase or receive these prescription drugs. The site defrauded customers with false representations as to the legality of obtaining prescription drugs without a prescription. Tapia and another fulfilled orders for Nubain and Fioricet and received payment for their services by means of deposits of their portion of the sale proceeds to foreign bank accounts accessible to them by debit cards.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Jan. 13, 2017, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 90 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; the U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; conducted the investigation leading to the information in this case.
DARKODE Member from Kentucky Sentenced for Role in Compromising Others ComputersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident Hampton, Kentucky of has been sentenced in federal court to two years of probation, with 50 hours of community service and computer monitoring on his conviction of one count of a violation of the CAN-SPAM Act, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§1037(a)(1) and (b)(2)(A), United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Ryan Neil Green, age 32, of Hampton, KY.
According to information presented to the court, Green knowingly accessed a protected computer without authorization, namely a computer that had been infected by the Facebook Spreader and Slenfbot, and did intentionally initiate the transmission of multiple commercial electronic mail messages from or through such computer.
Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Green.
Washington, Pa., Man Sold Event Tickets on Craigslist He Never DeliveredRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Jamie J. McNamara, 32, of Washington, PA pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about March 1, 2014 to March 17, 2014, McNamara falsely represented that he had tickets to entertainment events to potential purchasers on Craigslists. He would then have potential purchasers wire money for these tickets, but McNamara did not provide any tickets.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for February, 3, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of McNamara.
Washington County Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 108 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years supervised release, on a charge of Distribution of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Denis A. Dille, age 53, of Prosperity, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on or about June 9, 2015 and October 5, 2015, Dille distributed videos and images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service for conducting the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Dille.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in prison, to be followed by a term of four years’ supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute powder cocaine and crack cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Gaston Pleas Bradshaw, 29, of Pittsburgh PA.
According to information presented to the court, from October 2013, and continuing to in and around April 2014, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Bradshaw conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of powder cocaine, and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti and Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Munhall Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Stanton.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Michael F. Schoedel, 26, Pittsburgh, PA pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about March 1, 2014 to March 17, 2014, Schoedel falsely represented that he had tickets to entertainment events to potential purchasers on Craigslists. He would then have potential purchasers wire money for these tickets, but Schoedel did not provide any tickets.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for February, 3, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Schoedel.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Firearms Forms, Illegally Transporting a GunRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A New York resident pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy and firearms offenses, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Donovan Crawford, 21, of Bronx, NY, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, one count of falsification of Firearms Purchase Form, and one count of illegal transportation in state of residency of firearm purchased outside of state of residency, before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about March 27, 2015, and continuing thereafter until on or about Aug. 15, 2015, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Donovan Crawford and others known and unknown to the grand jury, conspired to commit, and did commit, offenses against the United States, that is, to falsify firearms purchase forms, and to illegally transport a firearm from out of state into a state of residency. The court was further advised that Crawford did so by using third parties to purchase firearms on his behalf, both in the state of Pennsylvania, and in the state of West Virginia.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Dec. 21, 2016, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of incarceration of up to 40 years, a fine of $500,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Washington Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Donovan Crawford.
This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crimes.
California Man Sentenced for Role in Cross-Country Cocaine Distribution NetworkRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A California resident has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months of imprisonment with credit for time served, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute a quantity of cocaine and his conviction of possessing with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence Wednesday on Francisco Javier Campos-Ortega, age 32, of Yucaipa, California.
According to information presented to the court, Olufemi Young, Tayde Torres, Javier Ochoa, Hector Armenta-Cardenas, Francisco Javier Campos-Ortega, Joel Rodriguez, and Manuel Alejandro Cardenas conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. Campos-Ortega also possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it. Olufemi Young previously pleaded guilty to trafficking cocaine and heroin on a large-scale. Since his release from federal prison in 2011, law enforcement collected evidence that Young conspired to distribute multiple kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin in the Western District of Pennsylvania, with these narcotics coming mainly from California and Arizona. Young’s primary suppliers of these narcotics were, as alleged: Torres, Armenta-Cardenas, Ochoa, and others. From May 2012 until May 2014, in relation to this conspiracy, law enforcement seized four kilograms of heroin and five kilograms of cocaine, $920,000 in cash, and an “owe sheet,” indicating that Young had purchased 10 kilograms of cocaine and two kilograms of heroin from Ochoa and his co-conspirators. In November of 2014, law enforcement stopped a tractor trailer, being driven by Campos-Ortega and Rodriguez, carrying 19 kilograms of cocaine destined for Pittsburgh.
Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung, Ryan Hart, and Eric S. Rosen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General, and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Francisco Javier Campos-Ortega.
Mexican Citizen Deported Six Times Admits Illegally Returning to United StatesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - An illegal alien found in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of illegal re-entry after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Juan Mendez Patishtan, 33, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, Juan Mendez Patishtan, an illegal alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Oct. 23, 2010, Jan. 26, 2011, March 9, 2011, Sept. 21, 2011, April 5, 2014, and April 16, 2015.
Judge Bissoon scheduled the sentencing for Nov. 16, 2016, at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 2 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Juan Mendez Patishtan.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
US Postal Service Employee Charged with Destroying 2,300+ Pieces of MailRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of delay or destruction of mail, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The indictment named Darren E. Hill, 47, of Johnstown, Pa., as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on August 12, 2014, while an employee of the United States Postal Service, he unlawfully secreted and detained approximately 2,343 pieces of mail which were intended to be conveyed by the United States mail.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Johnstown Woman Charged in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of access device fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The indictment named Deanna Brandon, 39, of Johnstown, Pa., as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, from on or about Feb. 3, 2015, to on or about Feb. 9, 2015, Brandon knowingly, with intent to defraud, used an unauthorized device, namely a credit card, to obtain various household and electronic items, aggregating more than $1,000.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Johnstown Man Charged with Violating Federal Drug LawsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The four-count indictment named Charles A. Meyer, 35, of Johnstown, Pa.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on Oct. 20, 2015, within 1,000 feet of a playground, and on Dec. 22, 2015, and Jan. 22, 2016, Meyer distributed less than 100 grams of heroin on each of those dates. Also on Jan. 22, 2016, Meyer possessed with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 100 years in prison and a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Meyer.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Grand Jury Indicts Johnstown Man on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The indictment named Joseph L. Prave, III, 50, of Johnstown, Pa.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on Jan. 26, 2016, Prave distributed less than 100 grams of heroin.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Prave.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Grand Jury Indicts 2 Erie County Men in Scheme to Defraud Auto Loan ProvidersRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – Two residents of Erie County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The eleven-count indictment named Adam Brayton Coover, 34, of Erie, Pennsylvania and Brian Alex Vergotz, 49, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as defendants.
According to the indictment presented to the court, from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, the defendants Coover and Vergotz engaged in a scheme to defraud auto loan providers by using straw purchasers to buy cars from Vergotz knowing that the vehicles would not actually be in the possession of the straw purchasers. Vergotz and Coover also falsified the loan applications to make the straw purchasers appear more credit worthy.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both for each defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Erie Man Charged with Illegally Possessing GunRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment named Kevin Dimitri Tate, 23, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Tate unlawfully possessed a .380 ACP firearm while being prohibited from firearm possession because he is a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.
The Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force, Erie Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Erie Auto Dealer, 3 Others Indicted in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A business located in Erie, Pennsylvania and three residents of Erie County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The twelve-count indictment named Rick Weaver Buick GMC, Inc., 714 West 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania; Adam James Weaver, 40, of Fairview, Pennsylvania; Douglas Alan Grooms, 45, of Edinboro, Pennsylvania; and Adam Brayton Coover, 34, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as defendants.
According to the indictment presented to the court, from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, Coover, Grooms and Weaver engaged in a scheme to defraud auto loans providers by utilizing two straw purchasers to buy vehicles in their own names from Rick Weaver Buick GMC. The vehicles would then actually remain in Coover’s possession. The three facilitated the scheme by falsifying the loan applications to make the straw purchasers appear more credit worthy and by not revealing that the straw purchasers were buying multiple vehicles at the same time. The value of many of the vehicles was also inflated to increase the funds received by the co-conspirators.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 240 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000, or both for Rick Weaver Buick GMC, Inc., Douglas Grooms and Adam Coover and a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both for Adam Weaver. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Felon Admits Illegally Possessing Ruger PistolRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Tyron Harrison, 23, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about May 7, 2012, Harrison was convicted in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County of the offenses of Receiving Stolen Property and Firearms Not to be Carried without a License, which are both crimes punishable by imprisonment for terms exceeding one year. Following that conviction, on or about Jan. 21, 2016, Pittsburgh Police officers patrolling Zone 6 conducted a traffic stop of a car in which the defendant was a passenger. During the stop, officers recovered a loaded, .9 mm Ruger pistol from the defendant’s hoodie pocket.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Dec. 19, 2016. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s detention.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Harrison.
Judge Sentences Pittsburgh Felon to 16 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing PistolRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 192 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Atiba Warren, 36, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented during the trial of this case, on or about October 23, 2012, Warren, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a Taurus, model “The Judge”, .45LC/.410 caliber pistol. The firearm’s serial numbers were obliterated at the time Mr. Warren possessed it. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine A. King prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. This case was prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Warren.
Two Sentenced for Participating in Online Drug Distribution and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - One resident of India and one resident of Canada have been sentenced in federal court on convictions stemming from their roles in an online drug distribution and money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon first sentenced Zuned Sunesra, of Mumbai, India, to a term of imprisonment of 30 months in prison, a term of supervised release of one year, and forfeiture of $1,200,000 to the United States. In a separate proceeding, Judge Bissoon sentenced Taimur Khan, of Surrey, British Columbia, to a term of imprisonment of time served.
According to information presented to the Court, Zuned Sunesra and Khan were members of a conspiracy operating a network of pharmacy websites, including emedoutlet.com. The network of websites was owned by Asian Capital Equities, of which Zuned Sunesra was the director and part owner. Zuned Sunesra was personally engaged in running certain aspects of the websites, which distributed unapproved and misbranded prescription drugs into the United States. The websites often required no prescription from customers, and the websites had no license to operate as online pharmacies under U.S. law. The websites also claimed that the drugs sold were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and were similar to drugs sold in the United States, when in fact that was not true. The drugs sold illegally included Schedule IV and V controlled substances containing the active ingredients of the drugs commonly known as Soma, Provigil, Darvocet, Darvocet-N, Meridia, and Lyrica.
Khan’s role was to set up a fake “gift card” company called “mygiftcard.biz,” the purpose of which was to convince credit card processors such as Visa and Mastercard that emedoutlet.com and its affiliate websites were selling gift cards instead of illegal medications. This was necessary because traditional credit card processors attempt to avoid conducting business with illegal enterprises, such as illegal online pharmacies. Khan’s company allowed customers of the pharmacy websites to use their credit cards to purchase gift cards, which appeared to be for merchants such as the Gap and JC Penny. However, rather than redeem the gift cards with these merchants, the customers immediately redeemed the gift cards at emedoutlet.com and the affiliate websites in exchange for illegal drugs. Zuned Sunesra was also directly involved in the processing of customers’ payments to the websites, as well the transfer of funds gained from the customers’ payments to accounts outside of the United States.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation for conducting the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Rosen, Jonathan Ortiz, and Conor Lamb prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Pittsburgh Tax Attorney and Owner of Iceoplex Convicted of Employment Tax FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, man was convicted today by a federal jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania of 16 counts of failing to collect, account for and pay over employment taxes, announced Principal Deputy Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to the evidence presented at trial, between 2004 and 2015, Steven Lynch, a tax attorney, co-owned and operated the Iceoplex at Southpointe, a recreational sports facility located in Washington County, Pennsylvania. The Iceoplex included a fitness center, ice rink, soccer court, restaurant and bar. Lynch controlled the finances for these businesses and was responsible for collecting income and employment taxes withheld from employee wages, accounting for these taxes and filing Forms 941, payroll tax returns, and paying these taxes over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The jury found that between 2012 through 2015, Lynch failed to timely pay over to the IRS more than $790,000 in taxes withheld from the wages of the employees for these businesses.
“Employers are entrusted with collecting the taxes withheld from their employees’ wages, and they have an absolute legal obligation to pay that money over to the IRS,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “The conviction of Steven Lynch serves as a strong reminder to all employers that failure to comply with employment tax obligations has significant consequences, including prosecution and incarceration. The department, together with its partners within the IRS, will continue to vigorously pursue those who violate our nation’s tax laws and threaten the integrity of our tax system.”
“The jury’s verdict is a clear signal that the criminal tax laws of our country are being enforced and upheld for the benefit of all citizens,” said Chief Richard Weber of IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI). “Those who attempt to skirt the law will be held accountable.”
Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2017. Lynch faces a statutory maximum sentence of up to five years in prison for each count of willfully failing to collect, account for and pay over employment tax, as well as a period of supervised release and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo commended the special agents of IRS-CI, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Jeffrey Bender and Brittney Campbell of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Pennsylvania for their substantial assistance.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Beaver County Drug Dealer Goes Back to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to another 36 months of incarceration as a result of violating his federal supervision, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge T. McVerry imposed the sentence on Lawrence Poe Williams, formerly of New Brighton, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, Williams was on both federal supervision and state parole during March and April of 2015. Within that one-month period, he was charged with four different drug-related cases. On March 11, 2015, members of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Task Force placed calls to the defendant in an effort to make a controlled purchase of drugs. Williams’ girlfriend later actually delivered the drugs. On March 27, 2015, police stopped the defendant in a vehicle and found him to possess $1,923.00 in cash and a key to a hotel. A scan of the money revealed high levels of drugs. On April 6, 2015, police stopped individuals coming from Williams’ residence. They possessed crack cocaine they admitted to buying from Williams. On April 10, 2015, the defendant’s residence was searched and police located: cocaine; MDEA (a methamphetamine-like drug); heroin; electronic scales, cellphones; pills; and approximately $641.00 in cash.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge T. McVerry considered Williams’ eleven prior convictions and determined that the 36 month sentence was “sufficient, but not greater than necessary”.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt of the Violent Crime Section prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended The United States Probation Office, The Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, The Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the New Brighton Area Police Department, The Center Township Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution ofWilliams.
Multi-Jurisdictional Investigation into Drug Trafficking Culminates in Coordinated Law Enforcement Action in Four States and U.S. Virgin IslandRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Following a multi-jurisdictional investigation into drug trafficking in Pittsburgh, Penn., 14 individuals have been indicted in the Western District of Pennsylvania for violating federal narcotics laws. The multi-agency Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation revealed a cocaine trafficking distribution network operating from the Virgin Islands to Detroit, Michigan, and a heroin trafficking scheme originating in Detroit and distributing to Pittsburgh. Coordinated law enforcement action occurred Thursday in multiple locations, with arrest warrants and search warrants being executed in Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“This investigation, which utilized Title III wiretap intercepts, controlled drug purchases and other investigative techniques, established the existence of several overlapping and interrelated drug distribution networks with tentacles in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern District of Michigan, Northern District of Georgia and the District of the Virgin Islands.” stated U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton. “While our focus began in early 2015 on the Clinton Robinson drug trafficking organization operating on Pittsburgh’s North Side, we have since been able to track the drug suppliers beyond the borders of our own district and across the Caribbean Sea.”
“The arrests demonstrate, once again, the continued successful partnership of federal, state and local law enforcement in Western Pennsylvania,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Johnson of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office. “We are committed to stopping the flow of illegal drugs into our community from wherever they originate and grateful to our law enforcement partners on the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force who worked tirelessly with us throughout this investigation and who are equally committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe.”
THE INDICTMENTS
The Western District of Pennsylvania charges are contained in four separate, but related, indictments returned on Aug. 23, 2016, and unsealed yesterday.
- Clinton Robinson, 31, of Pittsburgh, PA;
- Ronelle Lane, 35, of Pittsburgh, PA;
- Vanier Murraine, 33, of Ferndale, MI;
- Victor Burnett, Jr., 36, of Oak Park, MI;
- Christopher Butler, 29, of Twinsburg, OH;
- Frank Williams, 27, of Detroit, MI; and
- Drue Williams, III, 35, of Cleveland, OH.
The two-count indictment alleges that from in and around January 2016 and continuing until around September 2016 Clinton Robinson, Ronelle Lane, Vanier Murraine, Victor Burnett, Jr., Christopher Butler, Frank Williams and Drue Williams, III, conspired to distribute and possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. In addition, the indictment alleges that on or about August 22, 2016, Robinson, Lane and Murraine attempted to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.- Derrein Robinson, 33, of Pittsburgh, PA;
- Dion Robinson, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA; and
- Todd Kenney, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA.
The one-count indictment alleges that from in and around April 2016 and continuing to in and around June 2016 Derrein Robinson, his brother Dion Robinson and Todd Kenney conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.- Raheem Buchanan, 32, of Pittsburgh, PA; and
- Lamont Butler, 45, of Munhall, PA.
The one-count indictment alleges that from in and around February 2016 to in and around July 2016 Raheem Buchanan and Lamont Butler conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.- Kelvin Ferguson, 29, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA; and
- Regina Brown, 28, of Pittsburgh, PA.
The two-count indictment alleges that in and around May 2015, Kelvin Ferguson and Regina Brown conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin. The indictment further alleges that on May 14, 2015, Ferguson and Brown possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.Clinton Robinson, Ronelle Lane, Derrien Robinson, Dion Robinson, Raheem Buchanan, Lamont Butler and Regina Brown were arrested yesterday morning and made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh. Vanier Murraine, Victor Burnett, Jr., and Frank Williams were arrested yesterday morning and made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan. Christopher Butler and Drue Williams, III, were arrested yesterday in Ohio and will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh today. Kelvin Ferguson is presently detained on state charges at SCI Somerset.
Todd Kenney is a fugitive. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 412-432-4000.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston of the Western District of Pennsylvania is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. The Western Pennsylvania OCDETF is headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is comprised of members drawn from the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force including the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and Allegheny County Police Department. Substantial assistance was provided by FBI San Juan, Puerto Rico (St. Thomas Resident Agency, U.S. Virgin Islands) and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Numerous other FBI field offices, including Detroit, Cleveland, New York, and Atlanta, in addition to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, also assisted with this investigation. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Medical Doctor Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud, Illegally Distributing DrugsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Hermitage, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of Tramadol, a Schedule IV controlled substance, and health care fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Dr. Anthony Rossi, 66, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to the two felony counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
According to information presented to the Court at the guilty plea, Dr. Rossi, a medical doctor, illegally distributed a controlled substance, Tramadol, for cash. Further, Dr. Rossi submitted false claims to Medicaid for health care services, including injections, which were never provided.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Jan. 6, 2017 at 9 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentence, the court released Dr. Rossi on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the Information in this case.
Steelworkers Union Financial Secretary Charged with Embezzling Union FundsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - An Ohio resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Embezzlement from a Labor Union, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment named Marchelle Harvey, 57, of Palestine, Ohio as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, from November 2013 through June 2014, Harvey, who held the position of Financial Secretary for the Steelworkers Local 67-T Labor Union located in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, stole in excess of $10,000 of union funds.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Department of Labor, Office of Labor – Management Standards, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mercer County Doctor, Practice Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Dr. John P. Balko and John Balko & Associates, Inc., doing business as Senior Healthcare Associates (SHA), have agreed to pay the United States $930,000.00 to settle False Claims Act allegations, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The settlement resolves allegations that Dr. Balko and SHA violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for payment to the Medicare program. Specifically, the United States alleged that Dr. Balko and SHA submitted claims for services provided to nursing home residents—including earwax removal procedures, podiatry, and certain evaluation and management services—which were not medically necessary, not authorized or requested by patients, not supported by patient medical records, or were provided in reliance upon improper standing orders.
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant United States Attorneys Colin J. Callahan and David Lew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Heyer of the Northern District of Ohio handled this matter on behalf of the United States.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing Gun and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a federal firearm violation charge, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment named Ryan Gainer, 36, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on June 14, 2016, Ryan Gainer, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A federal prison inmate pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of credit/debit card fraud and identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Jermain R. Stevenson, 26, an inmate at a federal correctional institution, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Court Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, from Dec. 23, 2013, to March 30, 2014, Stevenson, along with co-defendants, used debit and credit card information to obtain more than $1,000, knowing that the debit cards and credit cards belong to other actual persons.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Jan. 5, 2017, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 12 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stevenson.
Physician Pleads Guilty to Illegally Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Dr. Alan Barnett, 69, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to the two felony counts before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
According to information presented to the Court at the guilty plea, Dr. Barnett, a medical doctor, illegally distributed Oxycodone, a controlled substance. On December 1, 2015, Dr. Barnett was interviewed by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation and surrendered his Drug Enforcement Administration License.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Dec. 9, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentence, the court released Dr. Barnett on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Information in this case.
Trade Show Manager Sentenced to Prison for $376K Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 14 months incarceration and $376,603 in restitution on his conviction of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence yesterday on Anthony Allen Aubrey, 50 of White Oak, PA.
According to the information presented to the court, the court was advised that Aubrey was a trade show manager for Phillips Home Healthcare Solutions responsible for setting up venues and hiring vendors for everything from carpentry to food. He had a good working relationship with Carpenter Connection (CC) and at Aubrey’s request CC would pay vendors and individuals on behalf of PHHS who could not be easily paid through the PHHS system due to timing and administrative issues. In turn CC would be reimbursed by PHHS. Aubrey developed a relationship with Melissa Dougherty and hired her to assist with some of the trade shows. However, the relationship became romantic and Aubrey began to request additional payments for her for services she did not perform or had already been paid for. He created and/or inflated Dougherty’s invoices on his company laptop to support the fraudulent payments. He asked CC by email to issue checks to her and have them overnighted by FedEx. One of those checks forms the basis for Count One. When an audit revealed discrepancies and Aubrey was questioned, he admitted what he had done and cooperated fully. The loss to PHHS was $376,603.
Assistant United States Attorney Nelson P. Cohen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigating leading to the successful prosecution of Anthony Allen Aubrey.
Canonsburg Woman Embezzled from Employer to Get Money for GamblingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Washington County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Teri L. Zemencik, 50, of Canonsburg, Pa., pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Zemencik defrauded her employer, IGS Industries, Inc., by embezzling in excess of $494,000 over a time frame of more than five years. During the period from December 2009 through March 2015, Zemencik, who was the Payroll Supervisor and Accounting Clerk for IGS Industries, issued approximately 145 checks from the company’s account by falsely entering information into the company’s accounting system to make it appear that the checks had been issued to legitimate vendors. The investigation revealed that the majority of the embezzled funds were used to repay cash advances charged to Zemencik’s personal credit cards. The investigation further revealed that Zemencik used the cash she obtained from the cash advances to gamble at local casinos.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Jan. 5, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 80 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Chartiers Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Teri L. Zemencik.
Former Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School CEO Pleads Guilty to Tax ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - The former CEO of the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School pleaded guilty to a charge of tax conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Nicholas Trombetta, 61, of East Liverpool, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Trombetta was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the PA Cyber Charter School. Trombetta created a series of connected for-profit and not-for-profit entities to siphon taxpayer funds out of PA Cyber and to avoid federal income tax liabilities.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Dec. 20, 2016, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar, Stephen R. Kaufman and James R. Wilson are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Trombetta.
Buffalo Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A New York resident has been sentenced in federal court to 6 years’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Rondell Evans, 23, of Buffalo, NY.
According to information presented to the Court, in 2015, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other agencies joined forces in a long-term wiretap investigation of drug trafficking in New Castle, Pa. The investigation revealed that Rondell Evans conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute crack cocaine which was transported from Buffalo to the New Castle area for further distribution.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan B. Ortiz and Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Castle Police Department, and the Lawrence County Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Evans.
Postal Employee Charged with Stealing Contents of First Class PackageRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Butler County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of mail by postal employee, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment named Curtis W. Keyser, 54, of Valencia, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, Keyser, being an employee of the United States Postal Service, removed and stole the contents of a first class package.
The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Penn Hills Man Charged with Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County man was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment named Anthony Jackson, 28, of Penn Hills, Pa.
According to the indictment, on November 7, 2015, Jackson possessed a Bryco Arms, Jennings T-380, .380 caliber pistol. It is unlawful for Jackson, who has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, to possess a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephen S. Gilson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Judge Sentences Erie Man to Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in jail, a $7,500 fine, and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $6,000 on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on John Leonard Oleski, 66, of Erie, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, Oleski possessed computer images and movies depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Oleski.
Erie County Man Pleads Guilty to Charges Relating to the Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of North East, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Wesley Chase, 32, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Chase distributed, received and possessed computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Chase.
North Side Man Charged with Violating Federal Drug and Gun LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug and firearm laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The four-count indictment, returned on Aug. 17, named Maurice Tinsley, age 35, of Pittsburgh, PA.
According to the indictment, on July 15, 2016, Tinsley possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. The indictment further alleges that on July 15, 2016, Tinsley conspired with others to distribute and to possess with intent to deliver 100 grams or more of heroin. On July 15, 2016, Tinsley also possessed a loaded 9 mm caliber semi-automatic S&W pistol, and 9 mm caliber ammunition in furtherance of those drug offenses, after having been convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those cases include one conviction for Illegally Carrying a Firearm Without a License and one conviction for a Felony Drug offense.
The law provides for a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,500,000, and the forfeiture of the firearm, ammunition, and money. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing Guns and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The four-count indictment, returned on Aug. 17, named Erick Lamont Griffin, Jr. a/k/a Ericc Bucc, age 22, of Penn Hills, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, Griffin, Jr. possessed four firearms and ammunition at various times between March and July of 2016, after having previously been convicted in state court of possession with intent to deliver heroin.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and the forfeiture of the firearms and ammunition. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
East Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Distributing Heroin and Illegally Possessing WeaponsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug and firearm laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The four-count indictment, returned on Aug. 17, named Douglas Tyrone Williams, age 36, of East Pittsburgh, PA.
According to the indictment, on or about July 20, 2016, Williams possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. The indictment further alleges that during July, 2016, Williams conspired with others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
According to the indictment, Williams also possessed a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Ruger pistol bearing serial number 321-57348; a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Beretta pistol with an obliterated serial number; a 45 caliber semi-automatic Para-Ordnance pistol bearing serial number P132015; a 22 caliber American Tactical Imports assault-style rifle bearing serial number A526980; and a 22 caliber CBC assault-style rifle bearing serial number ELB3341813 in furtherance of those drug offenses, after having been convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those cases include one conviction for Aggravated Assault, one conviction for Illegally Carrying a Firearm Without a License, and one conviction for Murder.
The law provides for a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,500,000.00, and the forfeiture of the firearms. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release, on his conviction of Possession of a Stolen Firearm, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Michael Giles, age 38, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the Court, on or about Nov. 29, 2013, Giles was found to be in possession of a stolen 9 millimeter pistol. Federal law prohibits an individual from possessing a stolen firearm.
Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney David Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Police Department for conducting the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Michael Giles.
This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crimes.
Ohio Credit Union President Sentenced to Prison for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Charles Robert Poore has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months imprisonment, followed by five years supervised release, on his conviction of embezzlement by an officer of a credit institution. Poore was also ordered to pay $251,438.08 in restitution, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Charles Robert Poore, age 46, of Pittsburgh, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, from September 2011 continuing to July 2014, Poore, while serving as President of Toledo Metro Federal Credit Union (hereinafter “TMFCU”), willfully misapplied, embezzled, abstracted, and purloined the sum of approximately $233,933.02. This case was transferred to the Western District of Pennsylvania from the Northern District of Ohio. The defendant formerly resided in the Northern District of Ohio and the crime was commissioned there.
Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney David Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for conducting the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Charles Robert Poore.
Miami Woman Used Counterfeit Credit Cards at Western Pennsylvania Outlet MallsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of the state of Florida has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Jeisy Camejo-Escandell, 30, of Miami, Fla., pleaded guilty yesterday to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Camejo-Escandell and her conspirator Gean Carlos Del Valle-Barquin arrived in Pittsburgh on June 25, 2015, for the purpose of using counterfeit credit cards to make purchases of merchandise at the outlet stores in Washington and Grove City on June 26, 2015.
The Judge scheduled sentencing for Dec. 6, 2016. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF) conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Del Valle Barquin and Camejo Escandell. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Controller Embezzled Money at Direction of Person He Met through Online Dating SiteRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former Pennsylvania resident who now lives in Mississippi pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Jeffrey A. Plimpton, 59, formerly of Harrison City, Pa., pled guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about April 8, 2014, and continuing thereafter to on or about Dec. 22, 2015, Plimpton, while serving as the Controller, embezzled over $1.4 million from Alpha Aromatics and Pestco Professional Services. Plimpton wire transferred approximately $1,386,376.04 out of the company’s bank account at the direction of a person he met through an online dating website. For example, at this person’s direction, Plimpton wire transferred $119,780 from the company’s bank account in Pennsylvania to a United Overseas Bank account in Malaysia.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Dec. 15, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court released the defendant on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Plimpton.
Washington, Pa., Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Ronald McMillian, of Washington, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of trafficking in heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
McMillian, 24, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in August, 2015, McMillian conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute, and distributed and possessed with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Dec. 13, 2016 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than twenty years at each count, a total fine of up to $4,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine A. King and Ross E. Lenhardt, of the violent crime section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Washington County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, and numerous local police departments including the Canonsburg Police Department, the Donora Police Department, the Monessen Police Department, and the Charleroi Police Department, as well as the Washington County Coroner’s Office, and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of McMillan.
Father and Sons Plead Guilty in Schemed to Obstruct the IRSRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - Three residents of Rockwood, Pa., each pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
George R. Beener and his sons Kerry Beener and Kevin Beener pleaded guilty to one count each before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, between March 2010 and February 2016, George R. Beener, Kerry Beener and Kevin Beener engaged in a conspiracy to impair, impede, and obstruct the functions of the Internal Revenue Service in the computation, assessment and collection of income tax.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for each of the defendants on Dec. 12, 2016, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both for each of the defendants. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of the Beeners.
Alleged UPMC Hack Co-conspirator Extradited to U.S.Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today the extradition of a Cuban national arrested in Venezuela for his alleged role in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Stolen Identity Refund Fraud case.
According to U.S. Attorney Hickton, in June 2015, Yoandy Perez Llanes, a Cuban national, was charged in a 21-count indictment with a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service and United States Treasury, and using the stolen identities of UPMC employees to file false federal income tax returns in order to obtain unlawful tax refunds. Llanes and unnamed conspirators allegedly converted the unlawful tax refunds to Amazon.com gift cards, which were used to buy merchandise which was shipped internationally. All of these acts occurred generally between January and April, 2014. Llanes is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft.
Yoandy Perez Llanes was extradited to the U.S. yesterday. He made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Western Pennsylvania on Friday, August 12, at 10 a.m. before Magistrate Judge Robert C. Mitchell (Courtroom 9B). The government has requested Llanes’ detention pending trial.
“This case highlights the value of multijurisdictional partnerships in the apprehension of transnational cyber criminals, said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy P. Burke, of the U.S. Secret Service Pittsburgh Field Office. “This investigation and the resulting indictments demonstrate the Secret Service commitment to relentlessly defend the Nation’s financial infrastructure.”
“Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation strives to work with our law enforcement partners to bring criminals to justice---wherever they may be hiding. Today's legal action reflects our commitment to do so on behalf of the law abiding citizens of our country," said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge, Akeia Conner.
The IRS-Criminal Investigations, the United States Secret Service and the United States Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 80 months in prison, to be followed by a term of five years’ supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute powder cocaine and crack cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Christopher James Brooks, 34, of Pittsburgh, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, from October 2013, and continuing to in and around April 2014, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Brooks conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of powder cocaine, and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine. In addition, during that same time frame, Brooks and several of his co-conspirators possessed firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking.
Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti and Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Munhall Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Brooks.