Western District of Pennsylvania

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 96 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on George Mazey, 53, on January 13, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around February 2021 to in and around April 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Mazey conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing heroin, and quantities of mixtures and substances containing cocaine and cocaine base in the form commonly known as crack. Further, in and around April 2021, Mazey possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine and fentanyl. Mazey was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Mazey. Additional agencies participating in the investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 114 months of imprisonment on his conviction of firearms and identity theft offenses, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Cheron Tucker, 28.

According to information presented to the Court, Tucker participated in an identity theft scheme in which he used the dark web to purchase credit card numbers and other identifying information of numerous individuals, using that information to rent vehicles through a complicit manager at a rental car company. Tucker and his conspirators then rented the fraudulently obtained vehicles to other individuals for cash. The Court ordered Tucker to pay nearly $900,000 in restitution to the rental car company.

While investigating one of the vehicles fraudulently obtained from the rental car company, the Brentwood Police Department conducted a search of a home associated with Tucker. The search revealed numerous documents and other evidence associated with the identity theft scheme, but also two loaded firearms, including one with an obliterated serial number. Tucker has prior felony convictions, including a previous federal conviction for use of unauthorized access devices for which Tucker was on federal supervised release when he committed these new offenses. Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Olshan commended the United States Secret Service and Brentwood Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Tucker.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 12 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $48,000 to seven identified victims on his conviction of distributing and attempting to distribute material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Michael Paul Ambrose, 44, on January 10, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, in and around November 2022, Ambrose distributed and attempted to distribute images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Erie Police Department, and Erie County Detectives Bureau for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ambrose.

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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Rochester, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on January 8, 2025, to 15 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Roberto Muniz Sanchez, 46.

According to information presented to the Court, Sanchez was a member of an organized drug trafficking group that obtained kilogram quantities of cocaine via United States Postal Service parcel from Puerto Rico and then sold them in western Pennsylvania and elsewhere as part of an ongoing drug trafficking conspiracy. From approximately October 2023 to March 2024, Sanchez knowingly conspired with the leaders of the drug trafficking organization to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine in and around Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, with Sanchez having purchased quantities of cocaine on several different dates during that period for both distribution to others and personal use.

Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to Sanchez’s conviction in this case in close collaboration with the Lawrence County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Castle City Police Department, Ellwood City Police Department, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, United States Department of Agriculture, Union Township Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and Pennsylvania State Police.

This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Lawrence County is one of six western Pennsylvania counties officially designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. The county received its HIDTA designation in July 2022, allowing it to receive dedicated federal resources to coordinate federal, state, and local governments in fighting drug trafficking and abuse.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Dunwoody, Georgia, has been sentenced in federal court to 210 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Gordon Johnson, 39, on January 7, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, between September 2020 and December 2021, Johnson conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and conspired to commit money laundering. Additionally, during the same time period, Johnson maintained a drug-involved premises.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that the defendant did not appear to have learned from second chances that he had been given and that a significant sentence emphasized the serious nature of Johnson’s offenses.

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Deon Dutrieuille, 24, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on November 25, 2023, the Monroeville Police Department went to the Monroeville Mall in connection with a retail theft investigation, and found Dutrieuille—who has multiple prior felony convictions—in the driver’s seat of a vehicle wearing a stolen jacket. Dutrieuille, who had an outstanding warrant, ran from police, was apprehended, and was then taken into custody. A later search of Dutrieuille’s vehicle revealed a stolen Glock handgun, with Dutrieuille’s fingerprints on the firearm. Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for April 15, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Monroeville Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dutrieuille.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

David Loveings, age 71, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Loveings was pulled over by officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for various traffic violations. The traffic stop eventually led to a search of Loveings’ vehicle and the seizure of approximately 927 grams of cocaine.

Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for May 13, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years in prison and not more than forty 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.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Loveings.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A husband and wife from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been sentenced in federal court for their convictions of obstructing law enforcement during a 2023 public gathering and protest, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentences on Brian DiPippa, 37, and his wife Krystal DiPippa, 42, sentencing Brian to five years in prison and Krystal to three years of probation. The DiPippas also were ordered to jointly pay restitution to the University of Pittsburgh in the amount of $1,400, along with $47,284 to a University of Pittsburgh Police officer for financial damages the officer suffered from injuries caused by the DiPippas’s actions.

According to information presented to the Court, the DiPippas participated in an April 2023 protest on the University of Pittsburgh campus, during which Brian ignited and dropped two homemade incendiary smoke devices in and around a line of people waiting to enter a building for a scheduled event featuring guest speakers. When university police officers gathered and formed a barrier to prevent protesters from entering the rear of the building, Brian, concealed by Krystal, ignited and threw a large explosive firework into the group of officers, causing a loud explosion and injuries to several officers.

“The DiPippas conspired to injure law enforcement officers and cause chaos at a college campus protest,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “They attacked brave men and women who were trying to maintain order and protect the attendees. Today’s sentencings—and particularly the years of incarceration imposed on Brian DiPippa—should serve as a deterrent for anyone who would consider engaging in such outrageous and dangerous conduct in the future.”

“The individuals sentenced today deployed explosive devices that injured police officers who were working to maintain order and protect public safety,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “These sentencings send a clear message that the FBI and our partners will use all available tools to bring to justice those who seek to injure, maim, or attack law enforcement officers. The FBI and our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners across the country stand committed to our mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution.”

Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force, of which the University of Pittsburgh Police is a member; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of the DiPippas.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of attempting to support the foreign terrorist organization Hizballah and making false statements involving international terrorism to a department or agency of the United States, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The three-count Indictment names Jack Danaher Molloy, 24, formerly of the Upper St. Clair suburb of Pittsburgh, as the sole defendant. Molloy was previously charged on December 6, 2024, by way of Criminal Complaint with the false statement charges, with much of the conduct underlying the charges in the Indictment set forth in the Complaint Affidavit. Read the full affidavit filed in support of the Criminal Complaint against Molloy here. The Indictment is available here. Molloy was arrested in Chicago, Illinois, on December 6, 2024, and transported by the United States Marshals Service to Pittsburgh on December 30, 2024.

As alleged in the Indictment and Complaint Affidavit, from in and around August 2024 through in and around December 2024, in Lebanon, Syria, the Western District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, Molloy attempted to provide material support and resources—namely, personnel (including himself) and services—to Hizballah, a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), knowing that the organization was a designated terrorist organization and that the organization had engaged in and was engaging in terrorist activity and terrorism. As outlined in the court documents, Hizballah, also commonly spelled Hezbollah, was formed in the wake of the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon and has conducted numerous terrorist attacks against Israeli and Western targets, including against American military and diplomatic personnel.

As alleged, Molloy—a dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, who previously served on active-duty status in the U.S. Army—traveled to Lebanon in August 2024 and attempted to join Hizballah. While in Lebanon, Molloy was told by multiple individuals that the time was not right, and that he needed to take other steps before he could join the terrorist organization. Molloy then traveled from Lebanon to Syria in October 2024 in an effort to fight for Hizballah in Syria. After returning to the United States, Molloy resided in Upper St. Clair, where he continued his attempts to join Hizballah, including through communication with individuals online and in Lebanon. During his time in the United States and abroad, Molloy also allegedly expressed his hatred toward, and promoted violence against, Jewish people. Molloy’s alleged animus toward Jews was also evidenced by multiple images and videos on his electronic devices and the usernames he chose for his social media and email accounts, including the username “KIKEKILLER313” on the social media platform X. In one alleged WhatsApp exchange with a family member, Molloy agreed that his “master plan was to join Hezbollah and kill Jews.” And while he was residing in Upper St. Clair, Molloy also allegedly visited a website detailing the possible incarceration location of Robert Bowers, who carried out the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue shooting during which he murdered 11 Jewish worshippers.

The Indictment further alleges that, upon arriving at the Pittsburgh International Airport on October 20, 2024, Molloy lied to agents of the FBI when he told them (1) that he had no current or future plans to become involved with Hizballah, and (2) that he had no business in, nor was he meeting with anyone, in Syria. These statements and representations were false because Molloy knew at that time that (1) he did have current and future plans to become involved with Hizballah and (2) Molloy travelled to Syria in furtherance of his attempts to join Hizballah, and while in Syria, set up a meeting with an individual there.

“As alleged, Jack Molloy, an avowed adherent of Hizballah harboring deep-seated animus against Jews, took many steps over a period of months—at home and abroad—in his effort to join and fight for this deadly foreign terrorist organization,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “This case is yet another sobering reminder of the threat of radicalized violence against Americans. And while the defendant appears to have worked hard to achieve his terrorist goals, today’s charges demonstrate that the resolve of our office and our partners in law enforcement is stronger. We will continue working every day to ensure that members of the Jewish community and every other community in this country can live their lives without fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack.”

“The FBI’s number one priority is to protect the American people from both domestic and international terrorist threats,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “To achieve that end, the FBI will leverage the entirety of our resources, partnerships, and all applicable laws to bring to justice anyone who seeks to support or aid any foreign terror organizations, especially groups as deadly as Hizballah.”

The maximum sentence for the material support offense is a term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, or both. Each of the false statement charges carries a maximum sentence of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine, 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 Nicole Vasquez Schmitt and Trial Attorney Andrew Briggs of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pittsburgh and Chicago offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment, with substantial assistance following Molloy’s arrest on the Criminal Complaint from the United States Marshals Service.

An indictment and a criminal complaint are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Jack Danaher Molloy, 24, a former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of attempting to support the foreign terrorist organization Hizballah and making false statements involving international terrorism to a department or agency of the United States.

Molloy was previously charged by criminal complaint with making false statements on Dec. 6, 2024, with much of the conduct underlying the charges in the indictment set forth in the complaint. Molloy was arrested in Chicago, Illinois, on Dec. 6, 2024, and transported by the U.S. Marshals Service to Pittsburgh on Dec. 30, 2024.

As alleged in the indictment and complaint, from in and around August 2024 through in and around December 2024, in Lebanon, Syria, the Western District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, Molloy attempted to provide material support and resources—namely, personnel (including himself) and services — to Hizballah, a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), knowing that the organization was a designated terrorist organization and that the organization had engaged in and was engaging in terrorist activity and terrorism. As outlined in the court documents, Hizballah, also commonly spelled Hezbollah, was formed in the wake of the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon and has conducted numerous terrorist attacks against Israeli and Western targets, including against American military and diplomatic personnel.

As alleged, Molloy — a dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, who previously served on active-duty status in the U.S. Army — traveled to Lebanon in August 2024 and attempted to join Hizballah. While in Lebanon, Molloy was told by multiple individuals that the time was not right, and that he needed to take other steps before he could join the terrorist organization. Molloy then traveled from Lebanon to Syria in October 2024 in an effort to fight for Hizballah in Syria. After returning to the United States, Molloy resided in Upper St. Clair, where he continued his attempts to join Hizballah, including through communication with individuals online and in Lebanon. During his time in the United States and abroad, Molloy also allegedly expressed his hatred toward, and promoted violence against, Jewish people. Molloy’s alleged animus toward Jews was also evidenced by multiple images and videos on his electronic devices and the usernames he chose for his social media and email accounts, including the username “KIKEKILLER313” on the social media platform X. In one alleged WhatsApp exchange with a family member, Molloy agreed that his “master plan was to join Hezbollah and kill Jews.” And while he was residing in Upper St. Clair, Molloy also allegedly visited a website detailing the possible incarceration location of Robert Bowers, who carried out the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue shooting during which he murdered 11 Jewish worshippers.

The indictment further alleges that, upon arriving at the Pittsburgh International Airport on Oct. 20, 2024, Molloy lied to agents of the FBI when he told them (1) that he had no current or future plans to become involved with Hizballah, and (2) that he had no business in, nor was he meeting with anyone, in Syria. These statements and representations were false because Molloy knew at that time that (1) he did have current and future plans to become involved with Hizballah and (2) Molloy travelled to Syria in furtherance of his attempts to join Hizballah, and while in Syria, set up a meeting with an individual there.

If convicted, Molloy faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for material support charge. For false statement charges, he faces a maximum penalty of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Pittsburgh and Chicago Field Offices are investigating the case with substantial assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Andrew Briggs of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

An indictment and criminal complaint are merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Two residents of New Castle, Pennsylvania, were sentenced in federal court on December 18, 2024, for their convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and related charges, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The defendants were among 17 individuals from Lawrence County, Pennsylvania; Puerto Rico; and Youngstown, Ohio, indicted in March 2024 for violating federal narcotics, firearms, and racketeering laws by conspiring to distribute cocaine throughout Western Pennsylvania and Youngstown (read the Indictment news release here).

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentences on Luciano Bratini Rivera, 37, and Markus Hobel, 35, sentencing Rivera to 97 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possessing with intent to distribute and distributing a quantity of cocaine on two separate dates, and Hobel to 72 months of prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to information presented to the Court, Rivera knowingly conspired with the leader of the drug trafficking organization, Daniel Feliciano, to receive kilograms of cocaine from a source of supply in Puerto Rico and distribute smaller quantities of that cocaine to multiple co-conspirators in order to maximize profits. Those co-conspirators, who included Hobel, then distributed the cocaine in New Castle, Ellwood City, and elsewhere in Lawrence County. At least five kilograms of cocaine was attributable to Rivera, who also stored drug proceeds on Feliciano’s behalf— including more than $11,000 seized from Rivera’s residence upon his arrest in March 2024—and drove to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with drug proceeds to exchange for additional kilograms of cocaine on multiple occasions in late 2023 and early 2024, during which Rivera retrieved a total of at least six kilograms of cocaine.

At least 100 grams of cocaine was attributable to Hobel, whom Feliciano also described and utilized as his bodyguard to protect his drug product, profits, and person. This included Hobel’s knowing and unlawful carrying and possession of a pistol and rifle during and in relation to and in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy, such as patrolling the premises of and otherwise standing guard with one or more firearms at Feliciano’s residence.

Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Lawrence County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Drug Task Force, and United States Postal Inspection Service, as well as the New Castle Police Department, Ellwood City Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and United States Department of Agriculture, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rivera and Hobel.

Lawrence County is one of six Western Pennsylvania counties officially designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. The county received its HIDTA designation in July 2022, allowing it to receive dedicated federal resources to coordinate federal, state, and local governments in fighting drug trafficking and abuse.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Rosharon, Texas, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months of imprisonment on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Daniel Saucedo, 34.

According to information presented to the Court, on or about July 28, 2023, Saucedo attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Conti stated that Saucedo’s conduct was particularly serious because Saucedo traveled to Pittsburgh specifically to receive a kilogram of cocaine through the U.S. mail and then distribute it to a local drug dealer. Judge Conti emphasized the pervasive harms that drug trafficking and drug abuse have within communities.

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin C. Dobkin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Saucedo.
 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Youngstown, Ohio, resident was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and fluorofentanyl, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Teqwan Scott, 29, also ordering Scott to serve four years of supervised release following his prison term. Scott previously pleaded guilty in this case to conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 10 grams or more of fluorofentanyl.

Prior to sentencing, the Court was informed that Scott was responsible for trafficking between 40 and 70 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and fluorofentanyl from May 2021 to October 2022, during which time Scott was on bond with a pending state fentanyl trafficking charge in Venango County, Pennsylvania. Scott had already been convicted in Ohio of committing several crimes since 2014, including domestic violence, aggravated possession of drugs, illegal conveyance of prohibited items onto the grounds of a detention facility, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Mercer County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Sharon Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Scott.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Ghanaian national pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal money laundering laws and has been sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on David Kakra Mensah, 31, of Accra, Ghana.

According to information presented to the Court, Mensah engaged in a money laundering conspiracy from in and around April 2022 until in and around June 2022. The court was advised that a Washington, D.C.-based university was the victim of a business email compromise that resulted in the fraudulent transfer of more than $603,000 from a bank account located in the Western District of Pennsylvania into a separate bank account owned by Mensah’s co-defendant, Charles Wilson Stout, who also has pleaded guilty and is pending sentencing.

To obfuscate the source of the fraudulent funds, Mensah and his co-defendant created a shell company and transferred portions of the funds into cryptocurrency that was ultimately deposited into a cryptocurrency account that Mensah owned. In addition to receiving a portion of the funds associated with the business email compromise, Mensah also was involved in a romance fraud scheme in which he obtained and moved money through individual victims living in Pennsylvania, Oregon, and elsewhere.

Assistant United States Attorneys Mark V. Gurzo and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mensah.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Tampa, Florida, has been sentenced in federal court to 20 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Thomas Edward Grossman III, 49, also ordering Grossman to pay $3,000 in restitution and a $5,200 special assessment.

According to information presented to the Court, Grossman transported a female minor from Pennsylvania to West Virginia with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Grossman also persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct and enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, West Virginia State Police, and the Summersville, West Virginia, Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Grossman.

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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months of imprisonment on his conviction for filing a false tax return, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Albert Boyd Jr., 53, also ordering Boyd to pay more than $1 million in restitution.

According to information presented to the Court, Boyd failed to deposit income from the sale of scrap metal into the bank account for his business, Boyd Roll-Off Services, Inc., from 2017 through 2022 both by not depositing cash payments received and depositing checks received from those sales into accounts other than the business account. He then ensured that the business’s tax returns for those same tax years only reflected income that was deposited into the business bank account, failing to fully account for the income of the business and resulting in a tax loss to the United States of at least $1,030,000.

Assistant United States Attorney William B. Guappone prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Boyd.

The Justice Department today announced the seizure of Rydox, an illicit website and marketplace dedicated to selling stolen personal information, access devices, and other tools for carrying out cybercrime and fraud, and the arrest of Rydox administrators and Kosovo nationals Ardit Kutleshi, 26, and Jetmir Kutleshi, 28. Both defendants were arrested earlier today in Kosovo by Kosovo law enforcement pursuant to a U.S. request for extradition. They are currently awaiting extradition to the United States to face an indictment unsealed today in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

A third administrator of the Rydox marketplace, Kosovo national Shpend Sokoli, was also arrested earlier today in Albania by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Body (SPAK). Sokoli is expected to be charged and prosecuted in Albania.

According to the indictment, the Rydox marketplace has conducted over 7,600 sales of personally identifiable information (PII), stolen access devices, and cybercrime tools, which generated at least $230,000 in revenue since its inception in or around February 2016. These sales included PII, credit card information, and login credentials stolen from thousands of victims residing in the United States. In addition, the Rydox site has offered for sale at least 321,372 cybercrime products to over 18,000 users including stolen PII such as names, addresses, and social security numbers; access devices such as stolen credentials for online accounts and credit card information; and cybercrime tools such as scam pages, spamming logs, and spamming tutorials.

“The Rydox marketplace was a one-stop shop where upwards of 18,000 of its cybercriminal customers could choose from more than 300,000 cybercrime tools,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “While cybercrime often involves conduct occurring overseas and the actions of foreign nationals, its harms can be devastatingly local, with residents in our own communities suffering financial ruin as a result of the theft and misuse of their sensitive personal information. Today’s takedown reinforces our steadfast message that the Western District of Pennsylvania and our domestic and international law enforcement partners will use every available tool to hold accountable those who pursue illicit profit at the expense of ordinary citizens around the world.”

“The success of this international operation underscores the power of collaboration between the FBI and our partners worldwide,” said Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office. “It also serves as a clear warning: those who go after innocent people for financial gain will be pursued and brought to justice no matter where they are in the world. This operation marks a major blow against the criminal underground that seeks to profit from stolen information and fuels global cybercrime.”

“The indictment alleges that, for more than eight years, the defendants administered an illicit online marketplace that sold PII, credit card information, and login credentials that had been stolen from thousands of U.S. victims,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today, we announce that, working with our domestic and foreign law enforcement partners, we have dismantled the marketplace, arrested its administrators, and seized their criminal proceeds. This announcement is a powerful demonstration of the value of our partnerships on cybercrime, without which these arrests and seizures would not have been possible.”

As part of the actions announced today, the United States also obtained judicial authorization to seize the domain www.Rydox.cc, which hosted and facilitated access to the Rydox website. The seizure of this domain by the government will prevent the owners and third parties from using the site to continue to buy and sell cybercrime tools and stolen personal information. Anyone visiting this site will now see a seizure banner that notifies them that the domain has been seized by federal authorities.

Rydox Domain Splash Page

In coordination with today’s actions, the FBI and Royal Malaysian Police seized servers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that hosted the Rydox illicit marketplace and took the Rydox website offline. The United States also obtained judicial authorization to seize approximately $225,000 worth of cryptocurrency from accounts controlled by the defendants.

Ardit Kutleshi and Jetmir Kutleshi are each charged with two counts of identity theft, one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft, one count of aggravated identity theft, one count of access device fraud, and one count of money laundering, all arising from their roles as administrators of the Rydox website. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the money laundering offense, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the access device fraud offense, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each of the identity theft offenses, and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft charge, which is required to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office investigated this case in coordination with the Kosovo State Prosecutor’s Special Prosecution Office, Kosovo Police’s Cybercrime Investigation Directorate, SPAK, Attorney General’s Chambers of Malaysia, and Royal Malaysia Police’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Stockey for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Senior Counsel Thomas Dougherty of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Justice Department today announced the seizure of Rydox, an illicit website and marketplace dedicated to selling stolen personal information, access devices, and other tools for carrying out cybercrime and fraud, and the arrest of Rydox administrators and Kosovo nationals Ardit Kutleshi, 26, and Jetmir Kutleshi, 28. Both defendants were arrested earlier today in Kosovo by Kosovo law enforcement pursuant to a U.S. request for extradition. They are currently awaiting extradition to the United States to face an indictment unsealed today in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

A third administrator of the Rydox marketplace, Kosovo national Shpend Sokoli, was also arrested earlier today in Albania by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Body (SPAK). Sokoli is expected to be charged and prosecuted in Albania.

According to the indictment, the Rydox marketplace has conducted over 7,600 sales of personally identifiable information (PII), stolen access devices, and cybercrime tools, which generated at least $230,000 in revenue since its inception in or around February 2016. These sales included PII, credit card information, and login credentials stolen from thousands of victims residing in the United States. In addition, the Rydox site has offered for sale at least 321,372 cybercrime products to over 18,000 users including stolen PII such as names, addresses, and social security numbers; access devices such as stolen credentials for online accounts and credit card information; and cybercrime tools such as scam pages, spamming logs, and spamming tutorials.

“The indictment alleges that, for more than eight years, the defendants administered an illicit online marketplace that sold PII, credit card information, and login credentials that had been stolen from thousands of U.S. victims,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today, we announce that, working with our domestic and foreign law enforcement partners, we have dismantled the marketplace, arrested its administrators, and seized their criminal proceeds. This announcement is a powerful demonstration of the value of our partnerships on cybercrime, without which these arrests and seizures would not have been possible.”

“The Rydox marketplace was a one-stop shop where upwards of 18,000 of its cybercriminal customers could choose from more than 300,000 cybercrime tools,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “While cybercrime often involves conduct occurring overseas and the actions of foreign nationals, its harms can be devastatingly local, with residents in our own communities suffering financial ruin as a result of the theft and misuse of their sensitive personal information. Today’s takedown reinforces our steadfast message that the Western District of Pennsylvania and our domestic and international law enforcement partners will use every available tool to hold accountable those who pursue illicit profit at the expense of ordinary citizens around the world.”

“The success of this international operation underscores the power of collaboration between the FBI and our partners worldwide,” said Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office. “It also serves as a clear warning: those who go after innocent people for financial gain will be pursued and brought to justice no matter where they are in the world. This operation marks a major blow against the criminal underground that seeks to profit from stolen information and fuels global cybercrime.”

As part of the actions announced today, the United States also obtained judicial authorization to seize the domain www.Rydox.cc, which hosted and facilitated access to the Rydox website. The seizure of this domain by the government will prevent the owners and third parties from using the site to continue to buy and sell cybercrime tools and stolen personal information. Anyone visiting this site will now see a seizure banner that notifies them that the domain has been seized by federal authorities.

In coordination with today’s actions, the FBI and Royal Malaysian Police seized servers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that hosted the Rydox illicit marketplace and took the Rydox website offline. The United States also obtained judicial authorization to seize approximately $225,000 worth of cryptocurrency from accounts controlled by the defendants.

Ardit Kutleshi and Jetmir Kutleshi are each charged with two counts of identity theft, one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft, one count of aggravated identity theft, one count of access device fraud, and one count of money laundering, all arising from their roles as administrators of the Rydox website. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the money laundering offense, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the access device fraud offense, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each of the identity theft offenses, and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft charge, which is required to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office investigated this case in coordination with the Kosovo State Prosecutor’s Special Prosecution Office, Kosovo Police’s Cybercrime Investigation Directorate, SPAK, Attorney General’s Chambers of Malaysia, and Royal Malaysia Police’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department.

Senior Counsel Thomas Dougherty of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Stockey for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 36 months of incarceration, a $100,000 fine, and three years of supervised release on his conviction of bankruptcy fraud and mail fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Prasad Margabandhu, of Pittsburgh’s Mt. Lebanon suburb.

According to information presented to the Court, from March 2019 to June 2022, Margabandhu engaged in a scheme to defraud the bankruptcy court by filing multiple bankruptcy petitions in the names of companies he controlled called “RSP Pittsburgh” and “Shane Tracy Enterprises” solely to delay efforts by creditors such as the mortgage holder and taxing bodies to execute on judgments against a property at 1925 East Carson Street in Pittsburgh. With respect to the charge of mail fraud, Margabandhu admitted that his insurance claim relating to a June 2022 fire that destroyed the East Carson Street property was fraudulent. In particular, Margabandhu admitted that he had made several materially false statements to the company that insured the property.

Margabandhu has been ordered to voluntarily surrender to the United States Marshals Service on January 8, 2025, to begin serving his sentence.

Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory C. Melucci and Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Office of the United States Trustee for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Margabandhu.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on John Cyphert, 64.

According to information presented to the Court, from November 2019 to March 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Cyphert conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Cyphert was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of methamphetamine that he distributed to others.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Cyphert.

Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 252 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to commit money laundering, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on John Christopher Bisbee, 44.

According to information presented to the Court in connection with the defendant’s guilty plea, between July 2019 and June 2020, Bisbee participated in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Specifically, Bisbee led and directed a drug trafficking organization that operated in Erie and surrounding areas, including across the border with New York, and obtained kilogram quantities of methamphetamine that he distributed to others. Through a source of supply in Atlanta, Bisbee imported dozens of kilograms of methamphetamine at a time, packaged it for final distribution, and provided it to a network of co-conspirators below him to sell and collect proceeds from the drugs.

During the execution of a search warrant at Bisbee’s residence, law enforcement agents seized two handguns and more than 100 rounds of ammunition. Under federal law, Bisbee is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition based on previous felony convictions for drug trafficking. Bisbee further admitted that he possessed the firearms in furtherance of the instant federal drug trafficking crime.

In addition to the methamphetamine conspiracy, Bisbee also admitted to conspiring to commit money laundering by using cash proceeds from drug sales to purchase real estate in the Erie area. In connection with Bisbee’s plea, the defendant further agreed to forfeit over $305,000 in cash and jewelry that was seized during the investigation.

Bisbee’s sentencing follows that of co-defendant Alexis Brolin Jr. in September 2024, who was sentenced to 204 months in prison. Brolin directed the drug trafficking organization’s activity in Clearfield and surrounding areas.

“John Bisbee was a major methamphetamine trafficker in the Erie area whose network stretched across northwestern and central Pennsylvania and into New York,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Drugs and firearms are too often a deadly combination in our communities, and today’s 21-year sentence—along with Alexis Brolin’s recent 17-year sentence—reflect our collective resolve at all levels of law enforcement to pursue the most dangerous offenders in this district with the full weight of federal law.”

“Bisbee received a severe sentence in federal prison for leading a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking organization,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Philadelphia Field Division. “This investigation exemplifies how collaboration with our law enforcement partners safeguards our communities against criminal organizations.”

“The Pennsylvania State Police thank Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon, with whom we have a longstanding relationship, for the exceptional prosecution of both these individuals,” said Lieutenant Scott A. Bauer, Criminal Investigation Section Commander for the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop C. “These sentences are the result of a tremendous amount of effort put forth by members of our Troop C, G, and A Vice Units, along with the DEA, and I would like to commend and recognize the hard work of all of the troopers, agents, and task force officers who played a role during this significant investigation. The coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies and their members made the results of this investigation possible.”

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Bisbee. Additional agencies participating in this investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; United States Postal Inspection Service; Homeland Security Investigations; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office; Erie County District Attorney’s Office; Millcreek Police Department; Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The three-count Indictment named Ja’re Glavney-Owens, 19, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Glavney-Owens attempted to and did use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct in or around November of 2024. The Indictment further charges Glavney-Owens with transporting and attempting to transport child sexual abuse material and with possessing child sexual abuse material.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 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 United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of escape from custody, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Ryan Gainer, 44, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on October 17, 2024, following a 48-hour home pass, Gainer knowingly, and without authorization, failed to return to the residential reentry center where he was serving a federal sentence.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
 

WASHINGTON — Today, the Justice Department, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) announced a proposed settlement with PennEnergy Resources LLC (PennEnergy) resolving alleged Clean Air Act and Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act violations involving the company’s oil and gas production operations in Pennsylvania.

If accepted by the court, the consent decree specifies that PennEnergy will undertake various projects to assess, modify and improve monitoring and maintenance of vapor control systems. These projects will result in a reduction of over 8,200 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year released as methane, similar to the number of reductions achieved by taking 1,740 cars off the road for one year. The settlement will also eliminate more than 150 tons of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions annually.

PennEnergy also agreed to pay a $2 million civil penalty. This amount will be shared equally by the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a co-plaintiff in this case. PennEnergy will undertake compliance measures to achieve major reductions in harmful emissions at 17 of its oil and gas production facilities and partial measures at an additional 32 facilities, all located in Butler County and Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.

“When PennEnergy failed to implement an appropriate vapor control system on storage tanks at its facilities in western Pennsylvania, the company not only violated federal law, it allowed a substantial volume of volatile organic compounds to escape into the atmosphere,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Today’s settlement reflects this office’s commitment to holding corporate citizens accountable for their wrongdoing and protecting our residents and the air they breathe.”

“Oil and gas producers must comply with the Clean Air Act, which is intended to control air emissions and improve air quality and our environment,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “By adhering to the requirements of today’s settlement, PennEnergy will significantly reduce air emissions from its operations.”

“Today’s settlement continues EPA’s efforts to hold oil and gas companies accountable for illegal emissions that hamper air quality and accelerate climate change,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Penn Energy will undertake projects to improve air quality and reduce emissions of methane at nearly 50 facilities, providing environmental and public health benefits for Pennsylvanians and demonstrating that reducing illegal pollution from oil and gas facilities is good for communities and the planet.”

“This settlement marks a significant step toward reducing emissions and ensuring cleaner air for all residents of the Commonwealth,” said Acting Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Every Pennsylvanian is entitled to breathe clean air, and the Shapiro Administration is dedicated to ensuring that polluters are held responsible for any harm to that right.”

This settlement resolves PennEnergy’s failure to comply with federal and state requirements to capture and control air emissions from five of its oil and gas production facilities in Butler County, in western Pennsylvania. EPA identified the alleged violations through field investigations conducted in 2018. As a result of these violations, PennEnergy released methane and VOCs directly into the air instead of capturing and controlling the gas using specially designed equipment. Methane, a climate super pollutant, is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, and VOCs contribute to ground-level ozone, which adversely affects human health.

The agreement requires PennEnergy to take the necessary steps to ensure that its systems to control pollutants from atmospheric storage tanks are adequately designed and properly operated and maintained at an estimated cost of $2.4 million. These actions will significantly reduce harmful emissions from the company’s oil and gas operations.

In addition, PennEnergy must undertake a project to mitigate the environmental and public health harm attributable to their violations. Specifically, by Jan. 1, 2025, PennEnergy will be required to replace no fewer than 217 pollutant-emitting pneumatic devices with non-emitting devices in Butler and Lawrence counties, in western Pennsylvania. These measures are estimated to cost $1.2 million.

PennEnergy is a privately-owned oil and gas company headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. Its business is focused on the acquisition and development of unconventional shale resources in the Appalachian Basin, and its natural gas extraction and production operations consist of approximately 370 wells at 107 oil and gas facilities located in western Pennsylvania.

The settlement is part of EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative, Mitigating Climate Change. This initiative focuses, in part, on reducing methane emissions from oil and gas and landfill sources.

More information on the settlement agreement is available on EPA’s PennEnergy Resources LLC Settlement web page.

The proposed consent decree was filed with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and is subject to a 30-day comment period. The complaint and the proposed consent decree are available at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.

EPA and PADEP investigated the case.

Attorneys with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section are handling the case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been charged by Criminal Complaint in Pittsburgh with making a false statement or representation involving international terrorism to a department or agency of the United States, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The two-count Criminal Complaint names Jack Danaher Molloy, 24, as the sole defendant, and charges that, on or about October 20, 2024, Molloy lied to FBI agents during an investigation involving international terrorism, in violation of federal law. Molloy was arrested and appeared in federal court today in Chicago, Illinois.

According to the affidavit filed in support of the Complaint, which was unsealed today, Molloy, a dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, traveled to Lebanon in August 2024 with a desire to join Hizballah, a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). While in Lebanon, Molloy appeared to encounter obstacles in doing so. Molloy then traveled from Lebanon to Syria in October 2024 in an effort to contact the Syrian branch of Hizballah. The affidavit further alleges that Molloy also supported and idolized violence and wanted to kill Jews, as evidenced by multiple images and videos on his electronic devices and the names he chose as his monikers for his social media and email accounts. Molloy returned to the United States and began residing in the Pittsburgh suburb of Upper St. Clair, where Molloy continued to engage in conduct consistent with his desire to join Hizballah. Upon arriving at the Pittsburgh International Airport on October 20, 2024, Molloy lied to agents of the FBI when he told them that (1) he had no current or future plans to become involved with Hizballah and (2) he had no business in, nor was he meeting with anyone, in Syria. These statements and representations were false because Molloy knew at that time that (1) he did have current and future plans to become involved with Hizballah and (2) Molloy travelled to Syria in furtherance of his attempts to join Hizballah, and while in Syria, set up a meeting with an individual there. Read the full affidavit filed in support of the Criminal Complaint against Molloy here.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to eight years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pittsburgh and Chicago offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Complaint.

A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 134 months of imprisonment on his conviction of firearms offenses and conspiracy, as well as violations of his federal supervised release, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Duane Jackson, 39.

According to information presented to the Court, Jackson engaged in a conspiracy to acquire numerous firearms from April through November 2021, and, in fact, acquired approximately 26 firearms during that period. At the time, Jackson was on federal supervised release for a prior felony conviction for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. During the conspiracy, Jackson also attempted to obtain numerous machinegun conversion devices, also known as Glock switches.

Judge Stickman imposed a sentence of 120 months of imprisonment for the new offenses, and a consecutive sentence of 14 months of imprisonment for the defendant’s violations of his supervised release. Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman reiterated the gravity of the offenses, noting the plague that illegal firearms, and the violence associated with them, inflicts on the community.

“Firearms trafficking and violent crime often go hand in hand,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “During the conspiracy in this case, Duane Jackson, a convicted felon, illegally acquired over two dozen firearms. Today’s sentence of over 11 years sends a clear message: if you traffic in firearms, you will be held accountable under federal law. This office will continue to work every day with our law enforcement partners at all levels of government to stop the illegal flow of firearms across western Pennsylvania.”

“Duane Jackson was fueling violent crime in our communities through his endeavors,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “Illegal firearms trafficking puts guns in the hands of dangerous criminals. Including devices that enable pistols to be fired like machineguns made them remarkably hazardous. ATF is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to stop dangerous criminals like Jackson and to making western Pennsylvania’s neighborhoods a safer place to live.”

Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jackson.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of York, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges regarding the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The three-count Indictment named Israel Washington, 33, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Washington distributed material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor on March 31, 2022, and April 6, 2022, and possessed such material on March 7, 2024.

The law provides for a sentence of not less than five years and up to 20 years of imprisonment on each of the distribution charges and up to 10 years of imprisonment on the possession charge. 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 William Guappone is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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 (CEOS), 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.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on December 5, 2024, to 30 months of probation and ordered to pay $95,100 in restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) on a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on William Moriarty, 72, of Pittsburgh’s Central Northside neighborhood.

According to information presented to the Court, Moriarty was employed and received income during the period August 2010 through May 2018 from a home healthcare company owned by a family member while also receiving disability benefits from the SSA. He repeatedly failed to inform the SSA of his employment, ensuring his receipt of at least $95,100 in disability payments to which he was not entitled.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Moriarty.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Dante Webb, 43, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture containing fluorofentanyl, heroin, and fentanyl; 100 grams or more of a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl; a quantity of a mixture containing cocaine base; and a quantity of a mixture containing cocaine. Webb also pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession with intent to distribute various quantities of controlled substances.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on June 3, 2022, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police responded to a residence in Pittsburgh, from which Webb fled upon law enforcement’s arrival. After learning that Webb stored both controlled substances and firearms in the residence, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the residence, resulting in the seizure of digital scales, cellular phones, firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and a safe from a closet, which contained a garbage bag of packaged controlled substances. Law enforcement seized over 26,000 glassine bags (each generally considered a single dose) from Webb’s residence, which contained mixtures of fluorofentanyl, heroin, and fentanyl. Officers also seized packaged cocaine and crack.

In addition to the controlled substances, law enforcement seized eight firearms from the residence, some of which were loaded with attached extended magazines. Two of the firearms were Polymer 80 pistols, which are untraceable due to the lack of a serial number. A forensic scientist examined the firearms and determined that one of these pistols only operated as a fully automatic firearm. Many of the firearms were easily accessible from a duffle bag located under a bed in the residence, and they were recovered in close proximity to the safe containing the packaged controlled substances. Prior to the seizure, Webb was twice convicted of aggravated assault related to shootings in Allegheny County. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

On June 7, 2022, law enforcement located and attempted to arrest Webb in the Bloomfield area of Pittsburgh. Webb again fled from police, running in and out of traffic. After falling while jumping a low wall, Webb was arrested, with a search incident to arrest upon Webb’s person and a bag in his possession resulting in the seizure of approximately $6,000, a digital scale, an owe sheet, a flip phone, and packaged controlled substances. The glassine bags seized from Webb bore similar markings to the bags recovered from Webb’s safe on June 3, 2022, and a search of Webb’s phone revealed numerous photographs of Webb posing with large amounts of cash and multiple firearms inside his residence.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for March 6, 2025. The maximum sentence for the drug trafficking crime committed on June 3, 2022, is not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. The maximum sentence for possession of a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime is not less than five years and up to life in prison, which must be served consecutively to the sentence imposed on the drug trafficking crime, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. As to the crime of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, the maximum sentence is up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. As to the drug trafficking crime committed on June 7, 2022, the maximum sentence is up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, Judge Ranjan ordered Webb remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan J. McKenna and Justin E. Lewis are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Webb.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a drug trafficking charge, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

James Louis Peronis, 60, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab on December 4, 2024, to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, beginning in May 2021, local, state, and federal law enforcement conducted a joint investigation into Peronis related to cocaine trafficking. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Peronis would obtain kilogram quantities of cocaine in Ohio and distribute those drugs in Pennsylvania. On July 1, 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Peronis as he entered the Western District of Pennsylvania from Ohio, with a consensual search of Peronis’s vehicle resulting in the seizure of nearly two kilograms of cocaine.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for April 15, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, 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 Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Law enforcement operating under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program in Beaver County conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Peronis.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on December 4, 2024, to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Taiwan Donje Rodgers, 27, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about May 18, 2020, Rodgers unlawfully possessed with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. Additionally, Rodgers possessed firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for April 3, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Duquesne Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in this case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for his crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Derrick Jaquay Holliday, 39, who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, ketamine, and buprenorphine, and possession of ammunition as a convicted felon. Judge Conti also ordered Holliday to serve six years of supervised release following his prison term.

Prior to sentencing, the Court was informed that, on July 23, 2024, law enforcement conducted a search of Holliday’s apartment as a condition of his existing term of federal supervised release. During the search, law enforcement recovered the controlled substances, ammunition, and a taser cartridge, as well as drug paraphernalia known to be used for the packaging and sale of narcotics. He has a 20-year history of committing serious crimes, including several prior drug trafficking and weapons crimes.

Assistant United States Attorneys Ross E. Lenhardt and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Federal Probation and Pretrial Services Office of the Western District of Pennsylvania; United States Marshals Service’s Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Holliday.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Indiana, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 46 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, related to his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Jacob Robert Kelly, 26. Kelly earlier this year pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

In imposing the sentence, Judge Conti emphasized the serious nature of Kelly’s criminal conduct and the harm his conduct could have had on the community.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kelly.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Honduras resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry of a removed alien, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Saul Enrique Padilla-Mejia, 38, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about August 13, 2019, Padilla-Mejia was removed from the United States. On or about February 4, 2024, Padilla-Mejia was arrested by the Pennsylvania State Police for driving under the influence, driving without a license, reckless driving, careless driving, and failing to obey traffic control devices.

Padilla-Mejia was arrested on September 1, 2024, by the Moon Township Police Department related to the illegal re-entry charge, and was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on October 30, 2024.

Padilla-Mejia appeared in federal court on December 4, 2024, and was ordered detained pending trial.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Guatemala has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry of a removed alien, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Josue Raul Ascon-Morales, 36, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about March 18, 2008, Ascon-Morales was removed from the United States. On or about September 1, 2024, Ascon-Morales was charged by the Moon Township Police Department for driving under the influence and driving without a license. He was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on October 22, 2024.

Ascon-Morales appeared in federal court on December 4, 2024, and was ordered detained pending trial.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Moon Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Barceloneta, Puerto Rico, was sentenced in federal court to 10 years of incarceration, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction for violating federal narcotics and racketeering laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Antonio Bernacett Rodriguez, 40.

According to information presented to the Court, Bernacett Rodriguez was a leading member of an organized drug trafficking group that shipped kilogram quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico, often mailing drug parcels through the U.S. Postal Service to co-conspirators responsible for selling the cocaine in Western Pennsylvania; Youngstown, Ohio; and elsewhere as part of an ongoing drug trafficking conspiracy. Specifically, Bernacett Rodriguez was responsible for obtaining and shipping between five and 15 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Pennsylvania in 2023 and early 2024, and, in January 2024, travelled from Puerto Rico to Philadelphia and Youngstown, Ohio, to facilitate and promote the drug trafficking enterprise by receiving drug proceeds from other members of the organization.

Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to Bernacett Rodriguez’s conviction in this case in close collaboration with the Lawrence County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Castle City Police Department, Ellwood City Police Department, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, United States Department of Agriculture, Union Township Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and Pennsylvania State Police.

This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Lawrence County is one of six western Pennsylvania counties officially designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. The county received its HIDTA designation in July 2022, allowing it to receive dedicated federal resources to coordinate federal, state, and local governments in fighting drug trafficking and abuse.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of attempted murder and assault of a federal officer or employee, as well as violations of federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The five-count Superseding Indictment named Drew Gordon, 22, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about August 30, 2024, Gordon attempted to murder a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and assaulted the agent with a deadly and dangerous weapon (a firearm). The Superseding Indictment further charges Gordon with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and quantities of cocaine base and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.

During a prior detention hearing in this case, the government presented testimony and evidence that, on August 30, 2024, a special agent with the DEA was shot at multiple times while he was working on an unrelated investigation in the Carrick area of Pittsburgh. A total of 18 rounds were fired. The agent was not struck by the gunfire, but his vehicle was hit multiple times. The government further established that the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with other law enforcement agencies, gathered extensive evidence tying Gordon to the shooting, including cell phone location records, cell phone data, surveillance video, and vehicle records and data. Investigators located 10 spent 9mm cartridge cases on scene, and five additional 9mm cases were recovered from the vehicle allegedly used by the defendant during the shooting.

During the prior hearing, the government further established that, later that evening, investigators executed a federal search warrant at the defendant’s residence, pursuant to which agents discovered over 100 bricks of fentanyl, approximately 85 grams of crack cocaine, approximately four ounces of powder cocaine, and approximately $10,000 in cash. Agents also seized a 9mm Glock pistol equipped with a 50-round drum magazine, an empty 9mm Glock magazine, and a .40 caliber Glock pistol equipped with an extended magazine.

“Drew Gordon allegedly fired as many as 18 shots at a DEA agent, striking the agent’s vehicle multiple times, while the agent was simply doing his job: keeping our streets safe,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Violent assaults on law enforcement, whether federal, state, or local, pose a major threat to the safety of our communities. We will pursue those who unleash gun violence into our communities—regardless of whether they target law enforcement officers or civilians—with the full weight of federal law. Today, we commend the dedication of the FBI and our other law enforcement partners—including the DEA, ATF, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police Department, and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department—for their swift work to identify the alleged shooter and build the case that led to today’s charges.”

“The attempted murder of a federal law enforcement officer, someone who dedicates their life to public safety, threatens our entire community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The FBI and our local, state, and federal partners stand side by side in holding violent offenders accountable. Our agents, and those of our partners, operate on the front lines to protect our communities, and we will meet any attempt to harm them with the full force of justice.”

If convicted on all counts, Gordon faces a maximum sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $8 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 United States Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Brendan J. McKenna are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment, with assistance from several other agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; Allegheny County Police Department, and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Northfield, Ohio, has been sentenced to 34 months in federal prison for cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Peter Williams, 58, who previously pleaded guilty in this case to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base in early 2021. Judge Conti also ordered Williams to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

Prior to sentencing, the Court was informed that, on January 5, 2021, Williams was the subject of a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, during which it was discovered that Williams possessed with intent to distribute over 300 grams of cocaine. He has a 40-year, multi-state history of committing serious crimes, including several prior drug trafficking and weapons crimes.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Pennsylvania State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of being a felon in possession of firearms and attempting to take action to prevent seizure, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Javon Pope, 36, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on the morning of November 19, 2019, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) discovered Pope inside a Wilkinsburg residence at which another individual had just been arrested and officers had observed several firearms in plain view. The agents detained and searched Pope, finding a digital scale, a small amount of marijuana, and a cellular telephone. Upon the execution of a search warrant for the residence, agents found four firearms, but in different locations from where they had been initially observed by officers and with one of the rifles now disassembled.

A search warrant for Pope’s cellular telephone revealed an internet search for “how long does it take to get a search warrant” during the morning of November 19, as well as several telephone calls between Pope and a resident of the home that took place shortly after the first defendant’s arrest, along with pictures of Pope with several of the firearms from the residence. Pope previously had been convicted of two felony offenses. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for March 26, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and United States Postal Inspection Service, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Pope.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Keith Harris, 25, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on June 11, 2024, Pittsburgh Police officers observed Harris fleeing an alley where it was later discovered that two firearms had been stowed. Harris attempted to conceal the firearms—both of which were loaded, and one of which was reported stolen—between a vending machine and beverage crates in the alleyway. As a previously convicted felon, Harris is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for April 2, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Court remanded Harris into the custody of the United States Marshals Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and local law enforcement agencies conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Harris.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to a total of 120 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Nathaniel Jackson, 49.

According to information presented to the Court, on or about April 29, 2019, and on or about May 1, 2019, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Jackson distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Jackson.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 37 months of incarceration, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating a federal narcotics law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Luis Rivera Otero, 37.

According to information presented to the Court, Rivera Otero was a member of an organized drug trafficking group that obtained kilogram quantities of cocaine via United States Postal Service parcel from Puerto Rico and then sold them in western Pennsylvania and elsewhere as part of an ongoing drug trafficking conspiracy. Specifically, Rivera Otero was responsible for retrieving five parcels containing cocaine and then delivering them to a co-conspirator in return for payment.

Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to Rivera Otero’s conviction in this case in close collaboration with the Lawrence County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Castle City Police Department, Ellwood City Police Department, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, United States Department of Agriculture, Union Township Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and Pennsylvania State Police.

This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Lawrence County is one of six western Pennsylvania counties officially designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. The county received its HIDTA designation in July 2022, allowing it to receive dedicated federal resources to coordinate federal, state, and local governments in fighting drug trafficking and abuse.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal fraud laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Patty Merlo, 66, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around May 2016 to in and around January 2022, Merlo embezzled and converted for her own use approximately $91,300 in Social Security benefit payments to which she knew she was not entitled.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for March 26, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Merlo.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Rodney Blake, 39, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Robert Morrisey, 32, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were sentenced in federal court on November 20, 2024, on their convictions for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and multiple counts of possessing forged securities, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan sentenced Blake to 146 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and Morrisey to 85 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Both defendants also were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $329,632.96. Blake and Morrisey were convicted of the crimes following a four-day trial in late July 2024 (read the verdict news release here).

Evidence at trial established that Blake and Morrisey orchestrated a fraudulent check scheme in which they and their conspirators stole mail to obtain valid business checks, which were then used to create large numbers of forged checks drawing on the businesses’ bank accounts. The fraudulent checks were made payable to individuals—many of whom were homeless or struggling with addiction—who had been recruited by Blake and Morrisey to cash the checks in exchange for a small share of the proceeds. At sentencing, the government introduced evidence concerning fraudulent checks with a combined value of $329,632.96, drawn on the bank accounts of approximately 25 Pittsburgh-area businesses and organizations. To carry out the scheme, Blake and Morrisey worked with co-conspirators Steven Baldwin and Tariiq Simmons, both of Baltimore, who each pleaded guilty before trial and was sentenced to 46 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release.

Prior to imposing the sentences on Blake and Morrisey, Judge Horan emphasized that the defendants preyed on vulnerable members of the community to cash checks in furtherance of the conspiracy and noted the harm done to area small businesses.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey R. Bengel and William B. Guappone prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Secret Service, and Richland Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Blake, Morrisey, Baldwin, and Simmons.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Shippenville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 262 months of incarceration, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Thomas Joseph Manno, 41.

According to information presented to the Court, in June 2022, Manno communicated online with a law enforcement officer working in an undercover capacity. During Manno’s communications with the officer, Manno expressed his interest in the sexual abuse of children and sent the officer images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, including an image produced by Manno.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, and Montgomery County (Texas) Constable’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Manno.

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.

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced two settlements with oil and gas operators in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In separate agreements, XTO Energy Inc. (XTO) and Hilcorp Energy Company (Hilcorp) agreed to resolve alleged Clean Air Act and Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act violations involving their oil and gas production operations in Pennsylvania.

Under the settlements, XTO agrees to pay a $4 million civil penalty and Hilcorp agrees to pay a $1.275 million civil penalty. Each of these amounts will be shared equally by the United States and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which is a co-plaintiff in both cases. In addition to the civil penalties, both companies will undertake compliance measures to achieve major reductions in harmful emissions at their oil and gas production facilities in Butler County, Lawrence County and Mercer County facilities.

“Today’s settlements reinforce a simple message: if your company contaminates the air in this district with harmful pollution, you will be held accountable under federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Through the hard work of our office and our law enforcement partners, XTO Energy and Hilcorp will be required not only to pay penalties related to the pollutants they already released, but also to protect against future harm through compliance measures that will reduce emissions of harmful pollutants. We remain steadfast in our efforts to protect the people of western Pennsylvania and the air they breathe.”

“These actions are the result of our continuing efforts to ensure that oil and gas operators comply with the Clean Air Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The commitments under the settlements will significantly reduce pollution from these companies’ operations, including volatile organic compounds that contribute to ground-level ozone, and methane, a potent greenhouse gas.”

“Hilcorp and XTO Energy’s violations contributed to smog that reduces air quality, as well as methane releases that are a primary driver of near-term climate change,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “These settlements are the latest in EPA’s urgent efforts to limit the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and hold corporate polluters accountable for jeopardizing public health.”

“Pennsylvanians have a right to clean air, and the Shapiro Administration continues to hold polluters accountable for infringing on that right,” said Acting Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Today’s settlement will result in lower emissions and cleaner air for the people of the Commonwealth.”

As part of the settlement, XTO must undertake a project to mitigate harm attributable to XTO’s alleged violations. Specifically, by Dec. 31, 2027, XTO will be required to work with PADEP to identify the heaviest polluting abandoned oil and gas wells in western Pennsylvania and spend at least $1.4 million to plug or remediate them. Many of these “orphan” wells are existing significant sources of methane.

The work that XTO will do will result in the reduction of over 1,960 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year released as methane, similar to the reductions achieved by taking 420 cars off the road for one year. The settlement will also eliminate nearly 120 tons of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions annually.

The XTO settlement resolves allegations by EPA and PADEP that XTO failed to comply with federal and state requirements to capture and control air emissions from 11 of its oil and gas production facilities in Butler County. EPA identified the alleged violations through field investigations conducted in 2018 and 2019. 

Hilcorp must also undertake a project to mitigate harm attributable to the company’s alleged violations. Hilcorp will retrofit at least 164 pneumatic controllers that emit pollution with non-emitting process controllers at eight of the company’s facilities located in Lawrence and Mercer counties at least three years earlier than required under law.

EPA projects that the Hilcorp agreement will result in the reduction of over 160 tons of VOC emissions annually and 5,200 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year released as methane. The reductions in methane from the settlement are similar to the reductions that would be achieved by taking 1,120 cars off the road for one year.

The Hilcorp settlement resolves allegations by EPA and PADEP that the company failed to comply with federal and state requirements to capture and control air emissions from six of its oil and gas production facilities in Lawrence and Mercer counties.

As a result of these alleged violations, both XTO and Hilcorp released methane and VOCs directly into the air instead of capturing and controlling the gas using specially designed equipment. Methane, a climate super pollutant, is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, and VOCs contribute to ground-level ozone, which adversely affects human health.

XTO is a natural gas extraction and production company that is a directly held, wholly owned subsidiary of ExxonMobil. Its operations stretch from the Great Plains to Appalachia. It holds interests in more than 50,000 producing oil and natural gas wells. These holdings include operations in 15 counties (including Butler County), covering 534,000 acres in western Pennsylvania.

Hilcorp is a privately owned company registered to do business in Pennsylvania and headquartered in Houston. Hilcorp engages in oil and gas exploration, development, and production across the United States, with active production operations in Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wyoming.

These settlements are part of EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative Mitigating Climate Change. This initiative focuses, in part, on reducing methane emissions from oil and gas and landfill sources.

The consent decrees were filed with the United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania and are each subject to a 30-day comment period. The complaints and the proposed consent decrees are available at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.

More information on these settlement agreements is available on the agency’s Hilcorp Energy Company Settlement web page and XTO Energy Inc. Settlement web page.

EPA and PADEP investigated the cases.

Attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section handled the cases.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Two residents of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy and defacing and damaging a religious building, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Mohamad Hamad, 23, of Coraopolis, and Talya A. Lubit, 24, of Pittsburgh, as co-conspirators. The two defendants were previously charged and arrested on a criminal complaint (read the complaint news release here).

According to the Indictment, from in and around July 2024 through on or about July 29, 2024, Hamad and Lubit conspired with each other to commit an offense against the United States—specifically, a civil rights violation involving damage to religious real property. Hamad and Lubit are further charged with defacing the religious real property of Chabad of Squirrel Hill (Chabad), which occupies a synagogue building, because of the racial and ethnic characteristics of the Jewish individuals associated with Chabad, in violation of federal law.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $200,000, 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.

Hamad and Lubit were both released on $50,000 unsecured bonds and are required, among other conditions, to remain under home detention, to abide by computer monitoring, to refrain from use of encrypted messaging applications, and to not possess, view, access, or otherwise use material that reflects extremist or terroristic views without the permission of the assigned probation officer. Extremist or terroristic material includes but is not limited to websites, videos, magazines, articles, books, writings, photographs, pictures, and graphics produced by or in support of any Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), as designated under 8 U.S.C. § 1189, including Hamas.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Freedom, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on November 19, 2024, to 74 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction for receiving material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Mark Kriss, 66, also ordering that Kriss register as a sex offender under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and pay restitution in the amount of $3,000 to the minor victim.

According to information presented to the Court, Kriss made contact with a 14-year-old minor over an adult dating website and, on May 22, 2021, received digital photographs from the minor depicting her sexual exploitation. Kriss also acknowledged responsibility for meeting the minor for the purpose of engaging in sex acts at a local motel.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Northern Regional Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kriss.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Windber, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Paul A. Marone (Jr.), 45, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from in and around January 2024 to in and around July 2024, Marone received and attempted to receive images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. The Indictment further alleges that, during that same time period, Marone coerced and enticed a minor.

The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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 resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 34 years of imprisonment, to be followed by lifetime supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl and conspiracy to commit money laundering, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Paris Carter, 35. Earlier this year, a federal jury in Pittsburgh found Carter guilty of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to information presented to the Court, between January 2017 and February 2018, Carter arranged for the illegal importation of multiple kilograms of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl directly from China into the Pittsburgh area and then arranged for the distribution of those drugs in the Pittsburgh area. Using the proceeds of his drug trafficking, Carter moved to Beverly Hills, California, where he rented two different homes at costs of $14,500 and $10,000 per month and also leased three vehicles: two Bentleys and a Mercedes Benz.

The evidence at trial also established that Carter laundered his drug trafficking proceeds by using others to initiate financial transactions in their names to pay for the drugs obtained from China. He also provided drug proceeds to approximately seven other individuals who used the funds to purchase cashier checks that Carter then used as downpayments on his vehicles, which he arranged to lease in the name of his aunt and co-defendant, Tamara Carter, whom the jury acquitted at trial.

“Paris Carter’s time driving Bentleys and living a life of luxury in Beverly Hills has come to an end,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Today, a federal judge imposed a 34-year prison sentence, an appropriate punishment for a defendant who flooded the Pittsburgh area with kilogram quantities of Chinese-sourced fentanyl. Holding the most dangerous and prolific drug traffickers accountable to the fullest extent of the law is and will remain a top priority for our office and our valued partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement.”

“We hope the magnitude of this sentence is a deterrent to anyone who is considering becoming involved in the drug trafficking business, particularly involving life threatening synthetic opioids like fentanyl,” said Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge of the Pittsburgh Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. “The fact that Paris Carter will be behind bars for multiple decades should be a welcomed sigh of relief for our community members. This is a testament that Postal Inspectors will use all available resources to hold accountable those who use the mail for nefarious activity. At our core, we strive to keep the mail system safe, and ensure the trust of the American public. We want to thank our law enforcement partners for helping us achieve our goal.”

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Horan noted the serious nature and impact of Carter’s crimes and stated that her sentencing of the defendant reflected both the course of conduct Carter chose to pursue and flagrancy Carter adopted in his actions.

Carter had previously been convicted in the Western District of Pennsylvania of a serious drug felony—namely, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, for which he was sentenced to 37 months of imprisonment in 2011.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Postal Inspection Service, which worked with numerous other federal and state law enforcement agencies, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carter.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.