Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Erie Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Cocaine DealRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in jail and ordered to forfeit $142,780 and a Cadillac Escalade on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Dywon Rowan, 31.
According to information presented to the court, Dywon and his brother Levonne were arrested after ordering 3.5 kilograms of cocaine in exchange for $142,780. The cash was seized from them when they arrived in Edinboro, Pennsylvania to purchase the cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended OCDETF, a federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations and is comprised of members drawn from the Pennsylvania State Police, U.S. Border Patrol, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Organized Crime Section, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rowan. 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.
Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Defraud IRSRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Kwame Asamoah, 35, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Asamoah allowed bank accounts in his name and under his control to be used as repositories for fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds. Sarfo would then withdraw the fraudulently obtained refunds, keep a portion for himself and give the remainder of the money to another co-defendant.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 21, 2015 at 12:45 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of loss to the victims, 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 Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Asamoah.
VA Contract Specialist Admits Using Government Credit Card to Make $28K in Unauthorized PurchasesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A McCandless resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Brian R. Kaminski, age 31, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Kaminski was a Contract Specialist employed by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs who was given a Government Purchase Card (a credit card) for use in his duties for those occasions when he needed to make incidental purchases. During the period September through November 2012, Kaminski made a series of 29 unauthorized purchases (in person and online) at four different merchants totaling just over $28,000. Kaminski then took steps to hide what he had done relative to the internal accounting procedures of the VA.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Nov. 19, 2015 at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of ten 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, if any, of the defendant.
The Department of Veteran Affairs, through the Veterans Affairs Police and the Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kaminski.
Heroin Dealer Goes to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - On August 5, 2015, a Pittsburgh resident was sentenced in federal court to 50 months in prison followed by multiple years of supervision by the United States Probation Office as a result of his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Germal McCray, age 40. In sentencing a defendant, federal law requires the court to first examine the extent of McCray’s criminal history as well as the seriousness of his crimes in order to determine an advisory guideline range. The court must consider this non-mandatory guideline range in order to avoid unwarranted sentencing disparities between similarly situated defendants, but the law permits the court to consider a wide range of factors in determining the ultimate sentence appropriate to a specific defendant. In this matter, Judge Hornak found McCray’s advisory guideline range to be 57 to 71 months of incarceration and then provided the defendant with a small variance from the guidelines as a result of his difficult childhood and other mitigating factors in order to reach the 50-month sentence. Judge Hornak emphasized the serious effect heroin dealing has on the entire community and stated that spending more than four years in federal prison was sufficient but not greater than necessary since McCray’s previous convictions occurred more than 10 years ago.
According to information presented to the court, multiple federal, state and local law enforcement officers worked together in an effort to investigate heroin activities in Pittsburgh. These efforts culminated in police catching McCray and others actively engaged in the process of packaging heroin for later sale to heroin users. Law enforcement officers also seized the drug money and other drug-related items located as a result of the investigation. The forfeiture of these items will preclude their later use by other drug dealers and makes criminals help pay for the investigation of other drug crimes. McCray was handcuffed in the courtroom at the conclusion of the sentencing hearing and taken into custody by Deputy United States Marshals, in order to begin his sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton specifically commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for their part in the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Germal McCray and his associates.
Michigan Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Transporting Oxycodone from Detroit to PittsburghRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Michigan man has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months imprisonment and three years supervised release on his conviction of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Lamont Whitfield, 34.
According to information presented to the court, Whitfield was responsible for transporting 1,326 Oxycodone 30 mg pills from Detroit to Allegheny County in June and July of 2014.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Whitfield.
Georgia Man Charges with Transporting Stolen Range Rover Across State LinesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH- A resident of Fayetteville, Georgia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment named Tom E. Smith, 53, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, Smith unlawfully transported a stolen Land Rover Range Rover Sport from Western Pennsylvania into West Virginia on or about July 1, 2015.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00 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 Ryan K. Hart is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police, Northern Regional Police Department of Allegheny County, Monroeville Police Department of Allegheny County, Allegheny County Police Department, West Virginia State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.
Judge Sentences North Huntingdon Man Convicted of Bankruptcy Fraud to Two Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of North Huntingdon, Pa., has been sentenced in Pittsburgh, on August 3, 2015, on charges of bankruptcy fraud, concealment of assets, and making false statements under oath, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Michael J. Free, 62, had been charged in a six-count indictment that was tried to a jury before United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak. The jury returned guilty verdicts on all six counts in December of 2014. Judge Hornak sentenced Free to two years in prison and three years of Supervised Release.
Prior to imposing sentence Mr. Free took the witness stand and was questioned by his own attorney and government counsel as well as by Judge Hornak. Judge Hornak commented that he found none of Free’s testimony to be credible. He commented that Free’s answers were evasive and nonsensical and he indicated that Free had tried to give the court “the run around.”
According to the evidence presented during the trial, Free submitted fraudulent documents during a bankruptcy that he filed in July of 2010. Among the matters for which he was convicted were filing a false Schedule A that failed to identify to the Bankruptcy Court a residence he owned in Fayette County as well as a false Schedule B that failed to list the majority of the guns that Free had in a large collection of World War II era machine guns and rifles. The jury heard that at one point the Trustee supervising Free’s bankruptcy learned that Free was selling some of his guns through internet advertising. After the Trustee reported this activity to the Court the Bankruptcy Court judge ordered Free to file an accounting with the Court listing all the guns sold and how much he had received for each sale. Free filed yet another false document claiming that nothing had been sold and that there was nothing to account for. The jury also found Free guilty for lying under oath at a meeting of creditors held during the Bankruptcy process.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation, based on a referral by the Office of the United States Bankruptcy Trustee.
Inmate Sentenced to Prison for Sending Letter to the White House Threatening the President and FamilyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH -A Uniontown resident currently incarcerated for state convictions has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months imprisonment, 15 months of which will be served consecutive and 15 months will be served concurrent to his state sentence for child molestation, among other crimes, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr., imposed the sentence on Joseph H. Savage, 34.
According to information presented to the court, on or about Oct. 24, 2012, while incarcerated and awaiting disposition on state charges, Savage wrote a graphic letter to the White House threatening to kill the President and the President’s family. Although Savage addressed the letter to 1400 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C., the White House (located at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.) still received it and turned it over to the Secret Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Savage.
Baldwin Borough Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Baldwin Borough, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Eric Charles Smith, 37, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about July 27, 2014, officers of the Baldwin Borough Police Department arrested Eric Smith at his residence in Baldwin for domestic violence assault against his girlfriend and their five-year-old. Two days later, while Smith was still in jail on that charge, officers were called out to Smith’s residence by Smith’s girlfriend who indicated that she had obtained a Protection from Abuse Order against Smith and wanted his items removed from the residence, thereby giving officers consent to enter and seize items. Upon their entry, officers observed numerous (approximately 20) improvised explosive devices, explosive precursor chemicals, written calculations and recipes for explosives, bombmaking literature (such as the Anarchist Cookbook), remote detonating devices and various white supremacist and Nazi paraphernalia (including a podium and business cards which seemed to indicate that his residence was the meeting location for a group known as the “White Church Supremacists”). Among the devices was a six-inch long fused cylinder device which has been determined by the ATF to contain a perchlorate-based powder explosive containing aluminum and potassium perchlorate, as well as nails and other fragmentation taped to the outside of the cylinder. This device has been determined to be in operable condition and to fall within the legal definition of a “destructive device” by the ATF. In addition to being a convicted felon that is prohibited from possessing such a weapon, Smith has no items registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Dec. 3, 2015. 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.
Pending sentencing, the court remanded the defendant into custody.
Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smith.
Memphis Man Pleads Guilty in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Memphis, Tennessee, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Saburi Adeyemi, 58, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Adeyemi obtained stolen identity information which he shared with co-conspirators who used that information to file fraudulent federal tax returns seeking tax refunds. The information provided by Adeyemi was also used to open bank accounts that were used as repositories for the fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 7, 2015. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of loss to the victims, 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 Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
Judge Sentences Child Porn Producer to 19 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Westmoreland County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 228 months imprisonment, followed by lifetime supervised release, on his conviction of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence yesterday on Thomas Deglau, 56, formerly of Latrobe, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, the court was advised that on dates from on or about January 2012 to January 2014, Deglau employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the sexual exploitation of the minors.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for conducting the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Deglau.
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.
Illegal Alien to Serve Prison Time for Drug Crimes Before Deportation to MexicoRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A native of Mexico, and former resident of the Los Angeles area of California, was sentenced yesterday in federal court for criminal charges regarding his cocaine trafficking and laundering of drug money, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Gustavo Godinez who goes by the aliases Jorge Navarro Ochoa, Abel Acosta, Sergio Leon-Fregosa, Gustavo Torres, and “Tigre” (Spanish for “Tiger”), was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak to a 10-year term of imprisonment to be followed by a 25-year term of supervised release.
During the guilty plea on April 8, 2015, the court was advised that Godinez is a Mexican-born drug dealer who supplied between five and 15 kilograms of cocaine to Pittsburgh area drug dealers between 2012 and 2013. Using his drug proceeds, Godinez obtained expensive vehicles in the names of others and also opened bank accounts in the names of others. The federal investigation revealed that Godinez obtained drug payments from the Pittsburgh cocaine sales in the form of bank deposits, money orders, and wire transfers and that he utilized various associates in multiple states to obtain, deposit, cash, and withdraw the funds, incorrectly believing that his efforts would make it impossible for law enforcement to trace the money back to him. The organization kept the amounts of the money orders below federal reporting obligations for the same reason.
Since the defendant was on supervision in California during 2012-13 for a previous conviction involving his attempted sale of methamphetamine, Godinez acknowledged in court that he faces the possibility of additional incarceration in California. Godinez also faces potential federal charges in California for reentering the United States illegally after being deported to Mexico as a result of his prior drug dealing conviction.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Ortiz and Ross Lenhardt from the Violent Crime Section of the United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted Godinez on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Hickton praised the collaborative efforts of all of the federal, state and local law enforcement officers who worked together to bring Godinez and his associates to justice. United States Attorney Hickton noted the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration-Pittsburgh District Office, and DEA HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Group 44, in Los Angeles. Hickton specifically noted the valuable efforts of the United States Postal Service, the Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigations, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and numerous other officers and agencies.
Godinez and his drug trafficking organization was prosecuted through a multi-agency federal effort within the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The OCDETF program is intended to focus on prosecuting large scale drug traffickers whose crimes directly affect multiple jurisdictions within the United States.
Westmoreland County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A Westmoreland County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill imposed the sentence on John Mallory, 61, of Greensburg, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, Mallory, who had been a Quality Assurance Engineer for over 30 years, was found to be in possession of a large collection of child pornography, including child pornography with prepubescent children and child pornography involving sadistic and masochistic conduct.
In imposing sentence, Judge Cohill noted that Mallory had a prior conviction for the possession of child pornography, and that the law required a minimum sentence of at least 10 years of imprisonment.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mallory.
Butler Man Gets 5-Year Prison Term for Distributing Sexually Explicit Images and Video of ChildrenRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Butler, Pa., was sentenced in federal court to 5 years imprisonment followed by 15 years supervised release, on his conviction of distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Justin Ellenberger, age 26.
According to information presented to the court, on March 10, 2014, Ellenberger distributed, to an a FBI agent working in Newark, New Jersey, in an undercover capacity, 19 photographs and a video contained in computer graphics files which depicted minors, some under the age of 12 years, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A search warrant later executed at Ellenberger’s residence resulted in the seizure of two computers and an external hard drive, in which thousands of still images and videos had been stored by Ellenberger.
Judge Bissoon allowed Ellenberger to remain on bond pending designation to a federal correctional facility.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch 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 Ellenberger.
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.
Removed Alien Charged with Illegally Re-entering U.S.Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Mexico, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of reentry of removed alien, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment named Alberto Tejada-Casas, 34, of Mexico as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, the defendant, who was previously removed from the United States on Oct. 25, 2007 and April 27, 2013, was found in Mount Lebanon, Pa., on June 26, 2015 without having applied for or received permission to reenter the United States from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, three years supervised release, and 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 Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security 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.
Multi-agency Investigation Leads to Charges Against India Internet-Based Rx Drug SupplierRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Mumbai, India, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of mail fraud, conspiracy to misbrand and smuggle drugs, conspiracy to import Schedule IV controlled substances and money laundering, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The 14-count indictment named Ramesh Buchirajam Akkela, a/k/a Ramesh Bhai, 44, of Mumbai, India, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, Akkela, an Indian Internet-based supplier of prescription drugs - without prescriptions - to U.S. consumers, was charged with 10 counts of mail fraud, conspiracy to misbrand and smuggle drugs, conspiracy to import Schedule IV controlled substances and two counts of money laundering.
Except for the conspiracy counts, each of which is punishable by five years’ imprisonment, all the other counts have a maximum penalty of 20 years. Each money laundering count carries a maximum $500,000 fine, while $250,000 is the maximum fine for the remaining counts. 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 Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania State Police and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation 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.
Five Charged in Heroin Overdose Deaths of Three Pittsburgh-area ResidentsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Several area men have been charged with distribution of heroin resulting in an overdose death, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today. The five men are named in three separate indictments, returned on July 21 and unsealed a day later, relating to the January 2015 fatal overdoses of two men and one woman. Court documents do not list the names of the deceased.
“The federal charge – distributing heroin that causes death – is not one we bring often or lightly,” stated U.S. Attorney Hickton. “However, it is the policy of this office that if we can establish that a seller of heroin caused a death, we are going to charge it. This heroin crisis requires that response.”
One indictment charges Richard Toland, 56, Edward Skrine, 58, and Anthony McCullough, 54, all of Pittsburgh, Penn., with conspiring to distribute and distributing heroin resulting in serious bodily injury and death on Jan. 25, 2015, as well as with distributing heroin on other occasions. The indictment also charges Toland with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon between January 2015 and Feb. 27, 2015. The indictment lists Toland’s six prior convictions for drug trafficking crimes as well as a prior conviction for aggravated assault. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 20 years and up to life in prison.
Another indictment charges Antonio Rutherford, 26, of Pittsburgh, Penn., with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin resulting in serious bodily injury and death; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon – all from January 2015 to Feb. 9, 2015. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 25 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $1,500,000.
The last indictment charges Andrew Micheli, 22 of Bridgeville, Penn., with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin on or about Jan. 15, 2015. The indictment also charges that the distribution resulted in the serious bodily injury and death of a user of the heroin. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 20 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
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(s).
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Scott Township Police Department and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted the investigations leading to the indictments in these cases.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Judge Sentences Heroin Dealer to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months (10 years) imprisonment followed by five years of supervised after entering a plea of guilty to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Eugene Allen Morgan, 45, of Pittsburgh, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, on Sept. 12, 2013, and again on Sept. 19, 2013, Morgan distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. Morgan acknowledged that he was responsible for the distribution of more than 100 grams of heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Morgan.
Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Mail TheftRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of mail matter by postal service employee, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Frank J. Rysz, 49, of Latrobe, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, Rysz, while employed as a mail carrier in Mt. Pleasant, Pa., engaged in the theft of three first class letters and their valuable contents from the U.S. mails. Rysz also took one department store advertisement from the U.S. mails.
Judge Fischer scheduled the sentencing for Nov. 12, 2015 at 9 a.m. 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 offenses and the prior 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. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Frank J. Rysz.
Former 171st Air Refueling Wing Commander Caught in Scheme to Defraud the U.S.Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former Guardsmen officer at the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Coraopolis, Pa., has pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard of tens of thousands of dollars in military pay and benefits, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Gerard J. Mangis, 60, of Glenshaw, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. before Senior U.S. District Judge Gustave Diamond.
According to information presented to the Court, Mangis, a Colonel and former Mission Support Group Commander at the 171st Air Refueling Wing, conspired with Robert St. Clair, a contract employee at the National Guard Bureau and former tech sergeant at the 171st, to defraud the United States Air Force in false claims for military pay between 2002 and 2011. In 2002, Mangis appointed St. Clair to a position at the 171st where Mangis arranged for St. Clair to be enlisted at the 171st in a “no show” position, and enable him to avoid performing required guardsman duties such as drill weekends and physical tests, while earning valuable military pay and benefits. In exchange, using his authority at National Guard Bureau at Andrews AFB, St. Clair issued streams of military “workdays” to Mangis, which he used to accumulate excessive active and inactive duty military pay between 2006 and 2011. The estimated loss to the government is up to $70,000.
U.S. Attorney Hickton said, “Pursuing and prosecuting fraud against the government is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, and we remain steadfast in our shared commitment to protect the public trust through the elimination of corruption.”
Judge Diamond scheduled sentencing for Nov. 17, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law allows for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Robert St. Clair, who pleaded guilty on April 14, 2014, to a one-count information charging conspiracy to defraud the United States, is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 25, 2015 before U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to prosecution of this case.
Employer Indicted for Failing to Hand over Payroll Taxes to IRSRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Hollidaysburg, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of willful failure to remit employment taxes, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The eleven-count indictment named John H. Johnson, 53.
According to the indictment presented to the court, from July 1, 2013 until December 31, 2014, Johnson failed to remit to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) the payroll taxes he collected from his employees at Central Anesthesia and Johnny on the Spot, totaling $710,514 in delinquent payroll taxes due and owing by Johnson to the IRS.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 55 years in prison and a fine of $110,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation 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.
Jefferson Hills Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 14 years imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his conviction of distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Michael Canovali, 50, of Jefferson Hills, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, Canovali was detected distributing images of child pornography. Canovali’s sentence was enhanced because he was found to have engaged in a pattern of sexual activity involving an actual child victim.
Assistant United States Attorney Soo C. Song prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, together with Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Canovali.
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.
Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A Pennsylvania resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Paul A. Robinson, Jr., 33, Philadelphia, Pa., pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from Jan. 31, 2013, to April 23, 2013, Robinson conspired to distribute less than 28 grams of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as "crack". Robinson also distributed less than 28 grams of cocaine base on Jan. 31, 2013, and Feb. 12, 2013.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 8, 2015, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000, 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 John J. Valkovci, Jr., 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 Robinson.
Major Computer Hacking Forum DismantledRead the Press Release
As Part of Coordinated Law Enforcement Efforts in 20 Countries, United States Charges 12 Defendants in Connection with Computer Fraud Conspiracy
WASHINGTON – The computer hacking forum known as Darkode was dismantled, and criminal charges have been filed in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere against 12 individuals associated with the forum, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Deputy Director Mark F. Giuliano of the FBI.
“Hackers and those who profit from stolen information use underground Internet forums to evade law enforcement and target innocent people around the world,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. “This operation is a great example of what international law enforcement can accomplish when we work closely together to neutralize a global cybercrime marketplace.”
“Of the roughly 800 criminal internet forums worldwide, Darkode represented one of the gravest threats to the integrity of data on computers in the United States and around the world and was the most sophisticated English-speaking forum for criminal computer hackers in the world,” said U.S. Attorney Hickton. “Through this operation, we have dismantled a cyber hornets’ nest of criminal hackers which was believed by many, including the hackers themselves, to be impenetrable.”
“This is a milestone in our efforts to shut down criminals’ ability to buy, sell, and trade malware, botnets and personally identifiable information used to steal from U.S. citizens and individuals around the world,” said Deputy Director Giuliano. “Cyber criminals should not have a safe haven to shop for the tools of their trade and Operation Shrouded Horizon shows we will do all we can to disrupt their unlawful activities.”
As alleged in the charging documents, Darkode was an online, password-protected forum in which hackers and other cyber-criminals convened to buy, sell, trade and share information, ideas, and tools to facilitate unlawful intrusions on others’ computers and electronic devices. Before becoming a member of Darkode, prospective members were allegedly vetted through a process in which an existing member invited a prospective member to the forum for the purpose of presenting the skills or products that he or she could bring to the group. Darkode members allegedly used each other’s skills and products to infect computers and electronic devices of victims around the world with malware and, thereby gain access to, and control over, those devices.
The takedown of the forum and the charges announced today are the result of the FBI’s infiltration, as part of Operation Shrouded Horizon, of the Darkode’s membership. The investigation of the Darkode forum is ongoing, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Pennsylvania is taking a leadership role in conjunction with the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).
The charges announced today are part of a coordinated effort by a coalition of law enforcement authorities from 20 nations to charge, arrest or search 70 Darkode members and associates around the world. The nations comprising the coalition include Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel, Latvia, Macedonia, Nigeria, Romania, Serbia, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. Today’s actions represent the largest coordinated international law enforcement effort ever directed at an online cyber-criminal forum.
The following defendants face charges in the Western District of Pennsylvania:
- Johan Anders Gudmunds, aka Mafi aka Crim aka Synthet!c, 27, of Sollebrunn, Sweden, is charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit computer fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He is accused of serving as the administrator of Darkode, and creating and selling malware that allowed hackers to create botnets. Gudmunds also allegedly operated his own botnet, which at times consisted of more than 50,000 computers, and used his botnet to steal data from the users of those computers on approximately 200,000,000 occasions.
- Morgan C. Culbertson, aka Android, 20, of Pittsburgh, is charged by criminal information with conspiring to send malicious code. He is accused of designing Dendroid, a coded malware intended to remotely access, control, and steal data from Google Android cellphones. The malware was allegedly offered for sale on Darkode.
- Eric L. Crocker, aka Phastman, 39, of Binghamton, New York, is charged by criminal information with sending spam. He is accused of being involved in a scheme involving the use of a Facebook Spreader which infected Facebook users’ computers, turning them into bots which Crocker controlled through the use of command and control servers. Crocker sold the use of this botnet to others for the purpose of sending out massive amounts of spam.
- Naveed Ahmed, aka Nav aka semaph0re, 27, of Tampa, Florida; Phillip R. Fleitz, aka Strife, 31, of Indianapolis; and Dewayne Watts, aka m3t4lh34d aka metal, 28, of Hernando, Florida, are each charged by criminal information with conspiring to send spam. They are accused of participating in a sophisticated scheme to maintain a spam botnet that utilized bulletproof servers in China to exploit vulnerable routers in third world countries, and that sent millions of electronic mail messages designed to defeat the spam filters of cellular phone providers.
- Murtaza Saifuddin, aka rzor, 29, of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, is charged in an indictment with identity theft. Saifuddin is accused of attempting to transfer credit card numbers to others on Darkode.
The following defendant faces charges in the Eastern District of Wisconsin:
- Daniel Placek, aka Nocen aka Loki aka Juggernaut aka M1rr0r, 27, of Glendale, Wisconsin, is charged by criminal information with conspiracy to commit computer fraud. He is accused of creating the Darkode forum, and selling malware on Darkode designed to surreptitiously intercept and collect email addresses and passwords from network communications.
The following defendant face charges in the District of Columbia:
- Matjaz Skorjanc, aka iserdo aka serdo, 28, of Maribor, Slovenia; Florencio Carro Ruiz, aka NeTK aka Netkairo, 36, of Vizcaya, Spain; and Mentor Leniqi, aka Iceman, 34, of Gurisnica, Slovenia are each charged in a criminal complaint with racketeering conspiracy; conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud; conspiracy to commit computer fraud, access device fraud, and extortion; and substantive computer fraud. Skorjanc also is accused of conspiring to organize the Darkode forum and of selling malware known as the ButterFly bot.
The following defendant faces charges in the Western District of Louisiana:
- Rory Stephen Guidry, aka [email protected], of Opelousas, Louisiana, is charged with computer fraud. He is accused of selling botnets on Darkode.
The charges and allegations are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This investigation, Operation Shrouded Horizon, is being conducted by the FBI with assistance from Europol and their European Cyber Crime Center (EC3). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James T. Kitchen and Charles A. Eberle of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Senior Trial Attorneys Gavin A. Corn, Marie-Flore Johnson and Harold Chun of CCIPS, Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica O’Neil of the Eastern District of Wisconsin and Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers Namie of the Western District of Louisiana. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance.
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In a related case, Aleksandr Andreevich Panin, aka Gribodemon, 26, of Tver, Russia; and Hamza Bendelladj, aka Bx1, 27, of Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, pleaded guilty on Jan. 28, 2014, and June 26, 2015, respectively, in the Northern District of Georgia in connection with developing, distributing and controlling SpyEye, a malicious banking trojan designed to steal unsuspecting victims’ financial and personally identifiable information. Bendelladj and Panin advertised SpyEye to other members on Darkode. One of the servers used by Bendelladj to control SpyEye contained evidence of malware that was designed to steal information from approximately 253 unique financial institutions around the world. Panin and Bendelladj will be sentenced at a later date.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Grimberg and Kamal Ghali of the Northern District of Georgia. All press inquiries relating to this case should be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016.
Alien Deported Multiple Times Sentenced to Time Served for Illegally Returning to U.S.Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - An alien found in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in Pittsburgh to time served on his conviction of illegal re-entry after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentenced on Ivan Villegas-Estrella, 26, of Mexico.
According to the information presented to the court, Ivan Villegas-Estrella, an alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on or about Sept. 21, 2008, March 19, 2009, Nov. 16, 2013, April 11, 2014, and April 24, 2014. Ivan Villegas-Estrella was found to be illegally present in Freeport, Pa., on May 12, 2015.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the successful prosecution of Ivan Villegas-Estrella.
Jury Finds Ex-Head of Johnstown Redevelopment Authority Guilty of Extortion, BriberyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - After deliberating approximately two hours, a jury of four men and eight women found Ronald W. Repak guilty of violating federal extortion and bribery laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today, Thursday, July 9, 2015.
Repak, 63, of Johnstown, Pa, was tried before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson in Johnstown.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines who prosecuted the case, evidence presented at trial established that Repak, while serving as Executive Director of the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority (JRA), engaged in conduct in violation of the Hobbs Act for extortion under color of official right, and engaged in acts of federal program bribery. Specifically, in exchange for Repak’s official actions and influence as the Executive Director of the JRA to facilitate the award of JRA contracting work, Repak solicited and obtained from local contracting firms a new roof for his personal residence and building demolition and grading services at Evolution Gym, his son’s privately-owned business. He was convicted of two counts for extortion under color of official right and two counts of federal program bribery relative to the roof and the Evolution Gym. Mr. Repak was found not guilty of a charge of extortion under color of official right and federal program bribery in relation to multiple Pittsburgh Steelers football game tickets.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Dec. 8, 2015, at 10 a.m. Based upon the convictions handed down by the jury, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 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.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Repak.
Uniontown Man Admits Distributing Child Porn VideoRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Fayette County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Ronald Rhodes, 58, of Uniontown, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, on or about April 3, 2014, Rhodes distributed a video containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.
Chief Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Oct. 14, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rhodes.
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.
Two Lords Amongst Warriors Motorcycle Club Members Plead Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Two Allegheny County residents pleaded guilty to a variety of offenses in federal court before Chief U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti in Pittsburgh yesterday, U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Defendants Scott Kulikowski, 40, of Pittsburgh, PA, and Christopher Levy, 31, of Pittsburgh, PA, pled guilty to offenses resulting from a multi-agency investigation of them, Raymond Kober, and their associates in a motorcycle club called The Lords Amongst Warriors, or The LAW.
Kulikowski and Levy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a Hobbs Act Robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. According to the information presented to the court, in an around September 2014, Raymond Kober, Kulikowski and Levy conspired to commit an armed robbery of a business located in the Strip District section of Pittsburgh. Wiretapped telephone calls revealed the conspiracy and local police and federal agents were able to respond moments before the robbery occurred. According to the information presented to the court, Levy was stopped by police as he was approximately two blocks away from the robbery location and was found to have a loaded firearm in his possession for use in the robbery.
Separately, Scott Kulikowski also pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine from in and around January, 2014, and continuing thereafter to on or about Jan. 12, 2015, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere. The information presented to the court indicated that during the course of the conspiracy, Kulikowski conspired to obtain and sell cocaine with Raymond Kober, Jason Godek and other individuals.
Also separately, Christopher Levy pled guilty to possession of firearms by a person who was prohibited from possessing firearms pursuant to a court order. According to the information presented to the court, Levy was prevented from possessing firearms due to an active protection from abuse order however, agents found him in possession of a firearm during the above-noted robbery as well as during a search of Levy’s residence on Jan. 12, 2015.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Kulikowski and Levy for Oct. 16, 2015. 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 Jonathan B. Ortiz is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictments in this case. This investigation was made possible through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, a federal program designed to direct federal funds, and federal and local resources, at large scale, multi-jurisdictional drug investigations.
Judge Sentences Southwest PA Man to 15 Years in Prison for Violating Federal Drug, Gun and Money Laundering LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Arnold and Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 180 months (15 years) imprisonment followed by five years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics, firearms and money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Omali P. McKay, 29, a citizen of Trinidad who formerly resided in Lower Burrell, Pa., and in Arnold, Pa.
Last year, McKay was sentenced to 15 to 30 years’ imprisonment following his conviction in the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, for sexually abusing a child. Today, Judge Cercone ordered that 120 months (10 years) of the 180-month federal sentence must be served consecutively to McKay’s sentence in Westmoreland County, while the remaining 60 months of the sentence would run concurrently.
According to information previously presented to the court, McKay conspired with others from 2006 to Aug. 25, 2012, to distribute five to 15 kilograms of cocaine and 280 to 840 grams of crack cocaine. McKay obtained kilogram quantities of cocaine from out-of-state sources of supply and then cooked much of that cocaine into crack. He then sold cocaine and crack in small quantities to street-level distributors and drug users in order to maximize his profits.
Also, McKay admitted possessing with intent to distribute one kilogram of cocaine seized from his Lower Burrell residence on Aug. 25, 2012, while simultaneously possessing an assault rifle in furtherance of the drug crime. Specifically, on Aug. 25, 2012, search warrants were conducted at McKay's residences. In the master bedroom closet of the Lower Burrell residence, officers discovered more than one kilogram of cocaine, an assault rifle, approximately 3,000 rounds of ammunition, two ballistic vests, and $272,000 in cash hidden in a bag containing McKay's identification cards. Seized from the garage were a 2004 Mercedes Benz and a 2004 Lexus.
Finally, McKay admitted to conspiring with three others to launder his drug trafficking proceeds. He used those laundered funds to purchase the Lower Burrell residence for $243,000 in cash in August 2011. Specifically, between May and July 2011, McKay repeatedly provided sums of cash to three individuals who then deposited the cash into their respective bank accounts and wrote checks back to McKay. Some of checks were written to make them appear to be payments for services rendered from McKay's non-existent lawn care business. In total, $243,500 was laundered in this manner in a little more than a month and a half.
The Mercedes Benz, the Lexus, the $272,000 in cash, and the residence in Lower Burrell will be forfeited since they were proceeds of McKay’s drug trafficking activities.
Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Pennsylvania State Police, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Lower Burrell Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McKay.
Ohio Man Who Sold Synthetic Urine on the Internet Sentenced to Probation with Home DetentionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Ohio resident has been sentenced in federal court to five years’ probation with six months’ home detention and ordered to pay a fine of $7,500 on his conviction of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on David Neal, 62, of Middletown, Ohio.
According to information presented to the court, Neal is the owner ACS Herbal Tea Company, a national Internet business located in Middletown, Ohio. Neal, using ACS Herbal Tea Company and the Internet websites www.123zip.com and www.passthetest.com, conspired to defraud the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the United States Department of Health and Human Services by obstructing and interfering with the lawful governmental functions of SAMHSA in overseeing, monitoring and establishing scientific and technical guidelines for federal workplace drug testing programs, and standards for certification of laboratories engaged in urine drug testing for federal agencies and federally-regulated industries, under the Federal Agency Drug-Free Work Place Program. For the past eight years, through the Internet websites www.123zip.com and www.passthetest.com, Neal sold, in interstate commerce, products such as the “Magnum Unisex Synthetic Urine-Never Fail a Urine Drug Test” and “Urine Luck” to customers who intended to use the products for the purpose of defeating federal, and federally regulated, employment drug urine tests overseen by SAMHSA. Additionally, some of the products sold through Neal’s websites were drugs, as defined by the Food and Drug Administration, but did not bear appropriate labeling.
“Federally mandated drug testing of transportation workers ¬¬¬is in place to ensure public safety; criminals who enrich themselves by distributing products designed to circumvent and defeat such testing endanger those who rely on transportation workers for safe passage; they also risk the health of the workers who take a product of unknown safety and efficacy,” said Antoinette V. Henry, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to protect the public health by bringing to justice criminals who distribute products that are designed only to defeat consumer safety.”
Judge Conti stated that the seriousness of the offense, when considering the public safety concerns implicated, supported the imposition of a guideline sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Neal.
Homestead Man Charged with Two Counts of Sex Trafficking of A ChildRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of sex trafficking of a child, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The two-count indictment, returned on June 25, and sealed today, named Mario Grisom, 34, of Homestead, Pa., as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, in and around April 2015, Grisom knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided and obtained a female minor, Minor A, to engage in commercial sex acts. The indictment further charges that from in and around July 2012, to in and around August 2012, Grisom knowingly attempted to recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide and obtain a female minor, Minor B, to engage in commercial sex acts.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police 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.
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.
Twice-removed Honduran Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Illegally Re-entering U.S.Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A citizen of Honduras has been sentenced in federal court to 10 months incarceration and one year supervised release on his conviction of illegal re-entry by an alien into the United States, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Jose Samuel Mejia-Chavez .
According to information presented to the court, Jose Samuel Mejia-Chavez, an alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Oct. 2, 2006 and Feb. 27, 2009. Jose Samuel Mejia-Chavez was found to be illegally present in Harrison Township, Pennsylvania, on March 4, 2015.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Enforcement and Removal Operations, Department of Homeland Security for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mejia-Chavez.
Indictment in UPMC Stolen Identity SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - On Wednesday, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh returned a multi-count indictment against Yoandy Perez Llanes, a foreign national residing outside of the United States. Llanes was charged in a 21-count indictment with a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service, United States Treasury, using the stolen identities of employees of UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) to file false federal income tax returns in order to obtain unlawful tax refunds. Llanes and unnamed conspirators 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.
Early in 2014, thousands of employees of UPMC had their personal information compromised by hackers, who intruded into a UPMC computerized database stealing names, social security numbers, dates of birth and other personal identifying information. This data was then used to file false 2013 federal tax returns. Investigators learned that names and other identifiers were used by Llanes and other conspirators to file 935 false tax returns in which unlawful refunds were requested in the form of Amazon.com gift cards. Quick action by the IRS, UPMC, and Amazon.com frustrated the efforts of the fraudsters to file additional false returns and obtain further fraudulent proceeds. While the perpetrators sought approximately $2.2 million in fraudulent refunds, only $1.4 million was actually disbursed as refunds. Stolen Identity Refund Fraud, such as that alleged to have been perpetrated by Llanes, costs United States taxpayers billions of dollars.
This criminal scheme was complex and crossed national borders. Llanes and the conspirators used anonymous and encrypted email to disguise their identities and proxy computers to file returns. Using the fraudulently obtained Amazon.com gift cards, Llanes purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars in electronic merchandise for shipment through reshipping services in Miami, Florida, with instructions for delivery to “drop” locations outside the United States. Llanes and others then retrieved the merchandise and advertised it for sale on online auction websites overseas.
Though Llanes and the conspirators attempted to conceal their whereabouts and their identities through the use of encrypted email and proxy services, investigators were able to uncover the sophisticated plot and identify Llanes.
The law provides for a sentence of imprisonment, a fine of $5,500,000 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service, 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.
Indictment in UPMC Stolen Identity SchemeRead the Press Release
On Wednesday, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh returned a multi-count indictment against Yoandy Perez Llanes, a foreign national residing outside of the United States. Llanes was charged in a 21-count indictment with a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the U.S. Treasury, using the stolen identities of employees of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) to file false federal income tax returns in order to obtain unlawful tax refunds. Llanes and unnamed conspirators 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.
Early in 2014, thousands of employees of UPMC had their personal information compromised by hackers, who intruded into a UPMC computerized database stealing names, social security numbers, dates of birth and other personal identifying information. This data was then used to file false 2013 federal tax returns. Investigators learned that names and other identifiers were used by Llanes and other conspirators to file 935 false tax returns in which unlawful refunds were requested in the form of Amazon.com gift cards. Quick action by the IRS, UPMC and Amazon.com frustrated the efforts of the fraudsters to file additional false returns and obtain further fraudulent proceeds. While the perpetrators sought approximately $2.2 million in fraudulent refunds, only $1.4 million was actually disbursed as refunds. Stolen Identity Refund Fraud, such as that alleged to have been perpetrated by Llanes, costs United States taxpayers billions of dollars.
This criminal scheme was complex and crossed national borders. Llanes and the conspirators used anonymous and encrypted email to disguise their identities and proxy computers to file returns. Using the fraudulently obtained Amazon.com gift cards, Llanes purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars in electronic merchandise for shipment through reshipping services in Miami, Florida, with instructions for delivery to “drop” locations outside the United States. Llanes and others then retrieved the merchandise and advertised it for sale on online auction websites overseas.
Though Llanes and the conspirators attempted to conceal their whereabouts and their identities through the use of encrypted email and proxy services, investigators were able to uncover the sophisticated plot and identify Llanes.
The law provides for a sentence of imprisonment, a fine of $5.5 million 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 U.S. Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The IRS-CI, the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, 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.
Jury Finds Woman Guilty on Charges of Conspiracy to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Racquel Sanchez, who resided in Lehigh Acres, Fl., and Tucson, Az., during the last two years, was convicted at the conclusion of a federal jury trial of conspiring to distribute at least 50 grams of pure methamphetamine or at least 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Sanchez, 35, was tried before United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone in Pittsburgh, Pa.
During the 4 days of trial, evidence was presented that, during July 2013, Sanchez, who was residing in Arizona at the time, agreed to supply a Cleveland dealer with 1 pound (approximately 450 grams) of pure methamphetamine. After Sanchez shipped the pure methamphetamine to Cleveland, she flew to Cleveland and accepted delivery of the methamphetamine along with the Cleveland dealer. The methamphetamine was then mixed with another substance to expand its volume and supplied to a dealer in the Pittsburgh area where it was marketed as “molly”, a term for powder ecstasy or powder MDMA.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing to occur on November 16, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000. 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 Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office led the multi-agency investigation of this case that also included the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Moon Township Police Department, the North Fayette Police Department, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Cranberry Township Police Department, the McKeesport Police Department, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department.
Carrolltown Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Heroin Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Carrolltown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in prison and five years supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on William S. Rounsley, 22.
According to information presented to the court, from April 2012 to March 8, 2013, Rounsley conspired with his five co-defendants to possess and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rounsley.
Carnegie Man Sentenced for Possession of CocaineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Carnegie, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to three months in prison and three years supervised release on his conviction of possession of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Brian J. Wimbley, 43.
According to information presented to the court, on Jan. 26, 2012, Wimbley possessed less than 500 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute it.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Wimbley.
New Kensington Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of New Kensington, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Tremayne Carr, 38, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on February 6, 2014, Carr attempted to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine.
Judge Diamond scheduled sentencing for October 21, 2015 at 10 a.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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Carr be held in home detention.
Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Carr.
Husband and Wife Plead Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH- Two individuals pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States in the computation and collection of individual and corporate income taxes, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Paul Schneider and Lynda Schneider, husband and wife, pleaded guilty to one count each before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Schneiders failed to file individual or corporate income taxes for themselves and their business, Cedar Direct, a company which designs and promotes the manufacture of log homes between 2006 and 2009. The defendants evaded the payments of taxes by using their corporate business checking account to pay personal expenses, by failing to maintain assets in their own names, and by failing to report or pay individual or corporate income taxes.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for October 28, 2015. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 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, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the Schneiders on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Margaret E. Picking is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Paul and Lynda Schneider.
Crafton Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Michael Leneweaver, 49, of Crafton, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, on or about Sept. 5, 2013, Leneweaver distributed videos and images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Oct. 14, 2015, at 2 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 90 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000 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 Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Leneweaver.
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.
Uniontown Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Possessing Sexual Images of ChildrenRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 36 months imprisonment, followed by eight years supervised release, on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill imposed the sentence on Jeremy S. Burnworth, 36, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on or about June 2, 2014, Burnworth knowingly possessed images in digital files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Reserve Township Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for conducting the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Burnworth.
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.
Penn Hills Man Admits Participating in Drug Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Penn Hills resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Abdul Boyd, 38, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2013, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies joined forces in a multi-agency wiretap investigation of drug trafficking and violence in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh. The interception of wire and electronic communications began in December 2013 and continued through the end of August 2014. During that timeframe, Abdul Boyd was intercepted over the wire conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine, which was shipped from California to the Western District of Pennsylvania through the United States Postal Service or commercial carrier.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Oct. 15, 2015. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, 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.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Street 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 conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Abdul Boyd.
Judge Sentences Crafton Man to 100 Months in Prison for Possessing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, pled guilty and has been sentenced in federal court to 100 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years supervised release, on his convictions of distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Brandon Quinn, 30, formerly of Crafton, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, on or about September 9, 2013, Quinn distributed images and videos in computer graphics files containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. Quinn also was found to be in possession of visual depictions, namely, images and videos in computer graphics files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended Homeland Security Investigations for conducting the investigation which led to the successful prosecution of Quinn.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
California Woman Pleads Guilty in Homewood- Based Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of San Bernardino, Calif., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Misha Cannon, 49, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2013, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies joined forces in a multi-agency wiretap investigation of drug trafficking and violence in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh. The interception of wire and electronic communications began in December 2013 and continued through the end of August 2014. During that timeframe, Misha Cannon was intercepted over the wire conspiring with others, including her brother, Lionel Cannon, to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine, which was shipped from California to the Western District of Pennsylvania through the United States Postal Service or commercial carrier. During the conspiracy, Misha Cannon was responsible for transporting proceeds of the cocaine trafficking from the Western District of Pennsylvania to California. In August 2014, Misha Cannon also helped Lionel Cannon obtain a new supply of cocaine and conducted a deal for the purchase of one kilogram of cocaine, which was later seized by law enforcement.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Oct. 15, 2015. The law provides for a minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, 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.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Street 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 conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Misha Cannon.
Heroin Dealer Gets 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident was sentenced in federal court to 10 years of incarceration on his conviction of federal heroin trafficking charges, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Omar Rashad Smith, 26.
According to information presented to the court, on June 21, 2012, Smith was apprehended by federal agents and Pittsburgh narcotics detectives fleeing a house where heroin was being actively packaged into individual dosage units commonly called “stamp bags.” The items located in the residence included various tools commonly used in heroin packaging, such as a scale, masks, a food processor and enough heroin to make well over 3,000 stamp bags-- worth nearly $30,000 on the street. Police also located a stolen firearm within an arm’s length of the table where the heroin was being processed.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak considered the sentences imposed as a result of the defendant’s three previous convictions for felony drug offenses in Allegheny County and stated that the 10-year sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to deter others from heroin dealing. Judge Hornak also imposed 7 years of supervision by the United States Probation Office after Smith’s release, in order to help protect the public from further crimes of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government and ensured that the drug money seized by police was forfeited. By forfeiting drug money, drug dealers ease the burden on taxpayers and actually help to investigate and prosecute future drug dealers.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Allegheny County Probation Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.
Drug Dealer Goes Back to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh to an additional one year and one day in prison for violating his supervision on his previous crack cocaine dealing conviction, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Jeffrey Carter.
According to information presented to the court, Carter violated his supervision by a United States Probation Officer in several ways: 1) he tested positive on numerous dates for the use of cocaine, marijuana and opiates; 2) he failed to notify his Probation Officer of his contacts with law enforcement; 3) he left Western Pennsylvania without permission; and 4) he changed jobs several times without notifying the Probation Officer.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to deter others from violating their supervision. Judge Fischer also imposed an additional one year of supervision once Carter is released from jail, in order to help protect the public from future criminal acts of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Probation Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carter.
Beaver Falls Man Admits Travelling to North Carolina with Teen for SexRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Beaver County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Donald L. Starkey, 57, of Beaver Falls, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on June 4, 2012, Starkey, then 54 years of age, transported a 15-year-old female from Pennsylvania to North Carolina and engaged in sexual intercourse en route and while in North Carolina. A bystander observed Starkey and the minor female playing pool at a truck stop in Guilford County, North Carolina, and reported them to local authorities.
Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for Sept. 10, 2015, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years in prison or more than life, a fine of $750,000, 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.
The court detained Starkey pending his sentencing hearing.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Donald L. Starkey.
"Local Fulcrum" of Cocaine Organization Gets 20 YearsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of the Duquesne and Pitcairn suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court upon his conviction of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed a sentence of 20 years imprisonment followed by five years supervised release on Robert Russell Spence, aka “Little Russ” and “Slick”, 40.
The IRS Criminal Investigations section joined the DEA as major partners in the investigation of the current case with the valuable assistance of multiple other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The investigation revealed a major drug distribution conspiracy which resulted in cocaine being transported to Pittsburgh and other areas from 2000 through 2010. The evidence at trial established that the conspiracy involved over 2000 kilograms of cocaine and millions in laundered drug money. Over time, the conspiracy involved enough cocaine for every man, woman and child current resident of Pennsylvania to have their own $20 rock of crack cocaine and is believed to be one of the largest cocaine prosecutions ever in the Pittsburgh area.
Prior to the summer of 2007, the conspiracy utilized packages of cocaine being shipped by the US mail or various common carriers from California for recipients, such as Spence in Pittsburgh. Documents and evidence revealed the large number of packages of cocaine shipped to the conspirators, as well as the packages of drug money being shipped back. Multiple seizures of both money and cocaine packages occurred. For example, on June 7, 2007 Postal Inspectors intercepted six kilograms of cocaine from the mail that was earmarked for the conspiracy. On Aug. 5, 2007, Postal Inspectors also seized a package containing $99,850.00 intended for a co-defendant.
The conspiracy began using couriers to transport cocaine to Pittsburgh and money back to California. The investigation has revealed that between 2007 and 2010 at least 11 different couriers took approximately 200 airline flights for the conspiracy. These involved the transportation of cocaine to the Pittsburgh end of the conspiracy and the transportation of drug money back to California. Again, multiple packages of both money and cocaine were intercepted. For example, in February of 2008 co-defendant Ruben Mitchell boarded a plane in Oakland bound for Pittsburgh with cocaine in his luggage. Since the flight attendant had trouble getting the carry-on bag into the overhead bin, an airline employee called a “ramper” put a tag on the bag mistakenly causing it to be removed from the plane during a layover in Las Vegas. There, airline employees opened the bag and it was found to contain 19 kilograms of cocaine. Mitchell was observed, along with others, looking for the bag in Pittsburgh. On Aug. 8, 2009, over $335,000 in cash, just one part of approximately $700,000 that was sent on this occasion, was seized from the luggage of a conspirator.
During other times, the conspiracy arranged transportation of cocaine and/or money by means such as chartered private flights and vehicles including tractor trailers. Indicted individuals have performed many different roles within the conspiracy. Some conspirators were suppliers, couriers or recipient drug dealer/distributors. Other conspirators played a variety of tasks such as: shipping or receiving packages; arranging for couriers, flights and flight payments; money launderers; and those who circumvented security procedures at airports. The evidence showed that Spence was the main recipient of the cocaine that came to Pittsburgh and was personally responsible for more than 1500 kilograms of cocaine. Judge Cercone called Spence the “local fulcrum” of this large drug trafficking organization.
Federal agents obtained search warrants and simultaneously executed them in multiple locations in Pittsburgh and California, including a warehouse in a Pittsburgh suburb that Spence had rented under a false name. There, police located a significant stash of drug-processing items and also seized Spence’s vehicles and other assets. Experts testified that a drug dealer can substantially increase their profits by opening the packaged cocaine kilograms, grind the cocaine into a powder and mix in a diluent such as inositol. One of the items located in the warehouse was a hydraulic press which is utilized by drug dealers to forcefully press the now-diluted cocaine back into kilogram size packages in order to maintain the appearance that it is still “pure” and therefore more valuable. This process, sometimes called “re-rocking,” could turn two kilograms into three.
Spence conspired to launder his drug money in multiple ways including obtaining vehicles, prepaid credit cards, hotel reservations, houses, flights, drug processing materials and businesses in the names of other people. Spence also deposited cash in amounts below $10,000 in order to avoid federal laws requiring banks and others to report such transactions. The staggering amounts of money involved were proven by financial documents obtained by federal agents and acknowledged by cooperating witnesses. One witness, for example, testified to being sent to count one million dollars in drug cash for Spence and a separate witness testified to possessing $750,000 in drug cash for Spence on another date.
During his sentencing, Spence stated that he has been known as “a drug dealer all my life” and asked the Court for mercy. Despite his numerous previous convictions, Spence told the Court that “I can change.” Spence alleged that any illegal activities that he had committed were done simply in order to help his children financially, although the trial evidence showed Spence throwing extravagant parties (including those specifically for other drug dealers) and his purchase of expensive vehicles, jewelry and the like for himself. Spence even procured the regular services of a photographer he nicknamed “Paparazzi,” in order to document his lavish lifestyle.
The prosecution countered that Spence had, in person and in writing, threatened multiple prosecution witnesses, including forming the shape of a gun with his fingers while a witness was on the stand, testified falsely under oath and had filed numerous spurious motions in order to obstruct the legal process. The government also noted that Spence has arrests for burglary, drugs, fraud and weapon offenses in addition to more violent offenses like Aggravated Assault and Sexual Assault. The Court was advised that, in addition to a family member being shot to death, Spence’s chosen lifestyle has resulted in him being both shot and stabbed in the past.
Spence was released from prison and was on state parole for a previous conviction at the time he committed the federal charges. As a result, Spence faces the possibility of consecutive prison time from the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, and also has a pending significant heroin dealing charge in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
Assistant United States Attorneys Ross E. Lenhardt, Michael L. Ivory and Gregory J. Nescott prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Attorney General and many other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Spence and the drug trafficking organization.
Safe Streets Task Force Investigation Leads to Drug Charges Against Duquesne ManRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The four-count indictment, returned on June 9 and unsealed today, named Brandon Gibson, 38, of Duquesne, PA.
According to the indictment, on four separate occasions during the months of August and September, 2013, Gibson distributed heroin.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both, for each of the four counts. 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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Street Task Force 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 Man Indicted on Heroin Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession with the intent to distribute heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned on June 9 and unsealed today named Carloto Neal, Jr., 20.
The indictment charges that on or about March 17, 2015, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Neal possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Street Task Force, 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.