Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Federal Jury Convicts North Huntingdon Man on All Charges in Bankruptcy Fraud TrialRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Westmoreland County man has been convicted by a federal jury in Pittsburgh on charges of bankruptcy fraud, concealment of assets, and making false statements under oath, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Michael J. Free, 62, of North Huntingdon, PA, had been charged in a six-count indictment that was tried to a jury before United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak. The jury returned guilty verdicts on all six counts.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, Free filed fraudulent documents during a bankruptcy that he filed in July of 2010. Among the matters for which he was convicted were filing a false Schedule A that failed to identify to the Bankruptcy Court a residence he owned in Fayette County, as well as a false Schedule B that failed to list the majority of the guns that Free had in a large collection of World War II era machine guns and rifles. The jury heard that at one point the Trustee supervising Free’s bankruptcy learned that Free was selling some of his guns through internet advertising. After the Trustee reported this activity to the Court the Bankruptcy Court judge ordered Free to file an accounting with the Court listing all the guns sold and how much he had received for each sale. Free filed yet another false document claiming that nothing had been sold and that there was nothing to account for. The jury also found Free guilty for lying under oath at a meeting of creditors held during the Bankruptcy process.
Judge Hornak did not set a sentencing date but indicated that sentencing would take place in approximately 120 days. The law provides for a maximum total sentence at each of the six counts of conviction of up to five years in prison, and 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.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation, based on a referral by the Office of the United States Bankruptcy Trustee, leading to the charges in this case.
Judge Sentences Beaver County Prescription Drug Dealer to 24 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A convicted drug dealer has been sentenced in federal court to 24 years in prison for his April, 2014, conviction for 11 counts related to the unlawful distribution of oxycodone and Opana, both of which are Schedule II controlled substances, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Court Judge Arthur Schwab imposed the sentence on David Best, 28. On April 10, 2014, a federal jury had convicted Best, after a 10-day trial, of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and Opana, as well as multiple counts related to that large-scale drug trafficking conviction.
Specifically, according to Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Best conspired together with others, from in and around July 2011, and continuing thereafter to in and around May 2013, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute large quantities of oxycodone and Opana. Additionally, on April 18, 2013 and April 30, 2013, Best distributed oxycodone and oxymorphone, in the form known as Opana to a confidential informant.
Further, on three separate occasions, Dec. 1, 2011, Sept. 26-27, 2012, and Feb. 15, 2013, Best burglarized the MedFast pharmacy in Baden, Pa., and from that pharmacy, stole a number of Schedule II controlled substances, including: fentanyl, oxymorphone, including in the form known as Opana, Ritalin, oxycodone, including in the form known as Oxycontin, methylphenidate, Vyvanse, morphine sulfate, Roxicet, Focalin, methylphenidate, hydromorphone, methadone, and meperidine. On two occasions, Best chiseled through the wall of the neighboring China Garden restaurant into the pharmacy, and on the third occasion, Best broke into the Bo-Rics hair salon, and from there, burrowed directly into the MedFast controlled substances cabinet. Best stole these controlled substances in order to distribute them.
Last, the evidence at trial demonstrated that Best, on June 20, 2012, carried and brandished a loaded revolver during and in relation to his drug trafficking conspiracy. In that regard, Best held two men hostage at gunpoint after he lured them to his Economy Township home under the guise that he had a large stash of drugs and drug proceeds in his room. Best suspected that these two men were conspiring to steal his drug proceeds, so he preemptively attacked and held them hostage at gunpoint.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab highlighted the seriousness of Best’s many crimes and the damage that Best’s drug dealing did to those in Western Pennsylvania. Further, although Best had argued that his drug dealing resulted from his own drug addiction, the Court determined that the scope of his massive drug conspiracy went far beyond that of an ordinary addict looking to feed their addiction.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Economy Borough and Cranberry Township Police Departments conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution and conviction of David Best.
Drug Dealer Convicted AgainRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A convicted drug dealer pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Frank Louis Ober, III, 34, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Sept. 9, 2014, Ober possessed with the intent to distribute approximately 14 pounds of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance. Ober had been released from federal prison shortly before his new arrest as a result of previously possessing more than two kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute it.
Judge Conti placed Ober on Electronic Home Monitoring (house arrest) pending the sentencing scheduled for July 31, 2015, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Munhall Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Frank Louis Ober, III.
Judge Sentences Altoona Teen to 2 Years in Prison for Making Destructive DevicesRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN - A resident of Altoona, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months incarceration followed by three years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Kim. R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Vladislav Miftakhov, age 19, as the sole defendant.
According to information presented to the court, on or about January 24, 2014, the defendant knowingly and unlawfully and without registering and obtaining approval, made firearms/destructive devices and possessed firearms/destructive devices which were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Miftakhov.
Johnstown Woman Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $690, on her conviction of violating various federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Rukiya R. Smith, 35.
According to information presented to the court, Smith distributed less than 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack," and less than 100 grams of heroin on March 5, 2013, and she possessed less than 100 grams of heroin on April 24, 2013, with the intent to distribute it.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.
6 Charged in Large-Scale Cocaine and Heroin Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Six persons have been indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Pennsylvania on various federal narcotics and immigration charges, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The three-count indictment, returned on Dec. 10, named Olufemi Young, 35 of Pittsburgh, PA; Tayde Torres, 33 of Fullerton, CA; Javier Ochoa, 52 of Tolleson, Arizona; Hector Armenta-Cardenas, 39 of Fontana, CA; Francisco Javier Campos-Ortega, 30 of Yucaipa, CA; and Joel Rodriguez, 45 of Fontana, CA. All six defendants are alleged to have conspired together to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, while defendants Campos-Ortega and Rodriguez were charged with the possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. In addition, Armenta-Cardenas was charged with unlawful re-entry into the United States by a deported alien.
According to the indictment and information disclosed to courts in prior judicial proceedings, Olufemi Young is alleged to be a large-scale trafficker of cocaine and heroin in Pittsburgh. Since his release from federal prison in 2011, law enforcement has collected evidence demonstrating that Young has conspired to import multiple kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin into the Western District of Pennsylvania, with these narcotics coming mainly from California and Arizona. Young’s primary suppliers of these narcotics were, as alleged: Torres Armenta-Cardenas, and Ochoa. In April of 2014, law enforcement seized nearly $260,000 in cash from individuals associated with Ochoa in Munhall, Pa. At that time, law enforcement also recovered an “owe sheet,” indicating that Young had purchased 10 kilograms of cocaine and two kilograms of heroin from Ochoa and his co-conspirators. In May of 2014, law enforcement seized another $660,000 in cash from Ochoa and Young in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh. In the late summer of 2014, law enforcement began wiretap interceptions of telephones utilized by Young and Armenta-Cardenas, and pursuant to those interceptions, law enforcement stopped a tractor trailer, being driven by Campos-Ortega and Rodriguez, in Somerset County, Pa., on Nov. 10, 2014. This tractor trailer was carrying 19 kilograms of cocaine destined for Pittsburgh and multiple pallets of food bound for Wal-Mart. Five of the six defendants have been arrested; Tayde Torres remains a fugitive.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Young, Ochoa, Torres, and Armenta- Cardenas of up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Young and Armenta-Cardenas, who have prior federal felony narcotics convictions, face a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison, while Ochoa and Torres face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. Campos-Ortega and Rodriguez face a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General, and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tennessee Woman Sentenced for Defrauding U.S. Department of TransportationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Tennessee woman has been sentenced in federal court to four years probation and eight months home detention on her conviction of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Elizabeth “Betsy” Pope, 49, of Loudon, TN.
According to the information presented to the court, Pope was in business to assist trucking companies with compliance and testing of their commercial truck drivers pursuant to the Drug and Alcohol Testing Program of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The program includes pre-employment and random testing, testing for cause and post-accident testing. The Pittsburgh based victim is InTransit, LLC, an administrative and service company for several national transport companies. InTransit used Pope d/b/a Eastgate Laboratory Testing as a third party administrator to handle the DOT drug and alcohol testing for them. DOT regulations require that a percentage of negative tests and all positive drug or alcohol tests must be reviewed by a licensed doctor, known under the DOT regulations as a Medical Review Officer (MRO), to oversee the program and determine if there were any innocent reasons why a test was positive. On all FMCSA and DOT required paperwork Pope, without authority or permission, used a computer generated signature of a doctor who had previously worked for her as an MRO for a short time predating the charges in the indictment to create the impression that he had done the necessary oversight and reviews when he had not. The fraud came to light when a commercial truck driver with 18 years of experience tried to contact the MRO after his pre-employment drug test reported as “diluted” for three consecutive tests. When he was unable to get the contact information from Pope for the MRO, he searched for the MRO on the internet. The MRO in turn contacted InTransit to report the unauthorized use of his name. InTransit did an internal investigation and referred the matter to the Inspector General for the Department of Transportation. Pope billed InTransit as though her company had actually performed the required services, causing InTransit to send her checks totaling approximately $109,000.
Assistant United States Attorney Nelson P. Cohen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the U.S. Department of Transportation-OIG for the successful prosecution of Elizabeth “Betsy” Pope.
Seven Charged in Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – Seven individuals from four states have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The two-count indictment named Andres Prieto, 32, of Boynton Beach, Florida; Vincent DeLaPena, 63, of Los Angeles, California; Eric Mathew Benavides, 45, of Covina, California; Trieu Phuong Nguyen, 48, of Erie, Pennsylvania; Willie Hugh Joy, 44 of Alpharetta, Georgia; Yenny M. Romero, 32, of Boynton Beach, Florida; and Bart Derrick Alexander, 47, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida as defendants.
According to the indictment presented to the court, from in and around January 2009, to in and around January 2013, the defendants engaged in a “loan program” in which a hierarchy of “brokers”, “managers”, “processors” and “straw borrowers” falsified bank loan documents and supporting documentation in order to obtain various auto and consumer loans and lines of credit from 21 banks and credit unions.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000 or both for each defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
North East PA Man Indicted on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of North East, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The three-count indictment named Wesley Chase, 30, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Chase distributed, received and possessed computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case
An indictment or information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Meadville Woman Charged in Social Security Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Meadville, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of theft of government property and social security fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The two-count indictment named Jennifer Renee Dzera, 35, of Meadville, Pennsylvania as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, from August 2011 to July 2014, Dzera, after applying to receive Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) Benefits on her son’s behalf, knowingly and willfully converted those benefits to her own use. By doing so, Dzera received payments, valuing approximately $22,250, to which she knew she was not entitled.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Johnstown Man Sentenced to Prison for Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was sentenced in federal court on Dec. 9, 2014, to 24 months in prison and three years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Matthew John Claycomb, 23.
According to information presented to the court, on Jan. 25, 2013, Claycomb, along with co-defendants, distributed less than 100 grams of heroin.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Hickton commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Matthew John Claycomb.
East McKeesport Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison in Large-Scale Cocaine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County man has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months (10 years) imprisonment followed by five years supervises release on his conviction of violating federal drug trafficking laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Terence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Derrick Knox, 33, of East McKeesport, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2011 and continuing thereafter to in and around June 2012, Knox conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute between 500 grams and two kilograms cocaine. Additionally, Knox sold cocaine to an undercover agent on four separate occasions between January 2011 and April 2011. Finally, during the execution of a search warrant at Knox’s residence on April 13, 2011, agents discovered approximately two ounces of cocaine, and $4,700 in U.S. currency.
The prosecution of Knox was the result of a long-term investigation that involved wiretaps on cell phones utilized by several members of the conspiracy. At the conclusion of the investigation, 20 defendants (including Knox) were charged in a large-scale cocaine conspiracy that operated between Warren, Ohio, and Washington, Pa. All 20 defendants have since pleaded guilty. The same investigation also resulted in the prosecution of 10 defendants charged in a large-scale heroin conspiracy that operated between Detroit, Michigan, and Washington, Pennsylvania. All 10 defendants have likewise pleaded guilty.
Assistant United States Attorneys Charles A. Eberle and Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Knox.
California Man Gets 27-Year Prison Sentence for Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Edward Hilts, a former resident of Fallbrook, Calif., was sentenced to 324 months in federal prison for committing several child sexual exploitation crimes, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Hilts, age 69, was sentenced by United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose. Judge Ambrose also imposed a lifetime term of supervised release to follow the prison sentence and ordered Hilts to register as a convicted sex offender.
In June 2014, Hilts was convicted at the conclusion of a federal jury trial of attempting to persuade, induce, or entice a 14-year-old child to engage in illegal sexual acts; of traveling from California to Pennsylvania with the intent to engage in illegal sexual acts with a 14-year-old child; of transporting sexually explicit images of children from California to Pennsylvania; and of possessing sexually explicit images of children. In addition to evidence of the commission of these crimes by Hilts, the prosecution presented evidence at sentencing that Hilts had previously sexually molested a 13-year-old child in Thailand; that Hilts had sexually molested another child for several years in the 1980’s; and that Hilts absconded from bond while his federal case was pending to travel to meet up with a 16-year-old child in Vancouver, British Columbia. Hilts communicated with the 16-year-old child about his desire to engage in sex acts with her 10-year- old sister.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Pittsburgh High Tech Crimes Task Force, and the Vancouver (British Columbia) Police Department investigated the case leading to the conviction of Hilts.
This case was a product of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in February 2006, Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Criminal Charges Filed Against Postal Service EmployeeRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today, December 9, 2014, that a criminal Information has been filed in federal court in Johnstown charging a United States Postal Service employee with misappropriation of postal funds.
The one-count Information named Douglas J. Kubenko, 33, of Johnstown, Pa.
According to the Information filed with the court, from Sept. 28, 2012, to Nov. 7, 2013, Kubenko used a United States Postal Service credit card 21 times for purchases totaling $946.15 in gas for his private vehicle.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of one year in prison, a fine of $100,000 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 John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Service/Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the filing of charges in this case.
A criminal Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Man Pleads Guilty in Multi-Agency Investigation into Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Donnell Morris, of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, was convicted of conspiring to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Morris, age 30, pled guilty before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing to occur on April 10, 2015, at 9 a.m.
In support of the guilty plea, the Court was informed that, between 2011 and 2013, Morris invested thousands of dollars into the interstate heroin re-supply ventures of a large-scale heroin trafficking organization with several members from or associated with Pittsburgh’s Larimer neighborhood. In doing so, Morris obtained hundreds of bricks of heroin at a time. He then repeatedly supplied other dealers in Western Pennsylvania with heroin.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 10 and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration in Pittsburgh and New York, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the United States Marshals Service, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, the Wilkins Township Police Department, the East Pittsburgh Police Department, the New York Police Department, the Blair County District Attorney's Office and the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.
Johnstown Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Filing False Income Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months incarceration and ordered to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $132,868.00, on his conviction of filing a false tax return, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Keith D. Nash.
According to information presented to the court, Nash filed an individual income tax return for the calendar year 2009, whereby he failed to report $161,267 in taxable income, resulting in an underpayment of $52,466 in income tax owed to the United States.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Nash.
Two Sentenced for Participating in Drug Trafficking ActivitiesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Two western Pennsylvania men have been sentenced in federal court on their convictions of violating federal drug trafficking laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Terence F. McVerry sentenced Terrell Williams a/k/a Rel, 35, of McKeesport, Pa., to 72 months imprisonment followed by five years supervised release. Josh Williams (no relation to Terrell Williams), 33, of Aliquippa, Pa., was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment followed by five years supervised release.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2011 and continuing thereafter to in and around June 2012, Terrell Williams and Josh Williams conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Additionally, from in and around June 2011 and continuing thereafter to in and around May 2012, Terrell Williams also conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin.
The prosecution of Terrell Williams and JoshWilliams was the result of a long-term investigation that involved wiretaps on cell phones utilized by several members of the conspiracy. At the conclusion of the investigation, twenty defendants (including Terrell and JoshWilliams) were charged in a large-scale cocaine conspiracy that operated between Warren, Ohio, and Washington, Pa. All 20 defendants have since pleaded guilty. The same investigation also resulted in the prosecution of 10 defendants (including Terrell Williams) charged in a large-scale heroin conspiracy that operated between Detroit, Mich., and Washington, Pa. All 10 defendants have likewise pleaded guilty.
Assistant United States Attorneys Charles A. Eberle and Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Terrell Williams and Josh Williams.
Latrobe Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Income Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Latrobe, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months imprisonment on her conviction of income tax evasion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Debra J. Feather.
According to information presented to the court, during the years 2007 through 2010, the defendant’s joint federal tax returns were false since they failed to declare substantial income and thus resulted in substantial additional tax owing to the United States.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab stated that like many tax evaders, she came before him with no criminal history. But this was a serious crime since Feather had failed to declare income she had embezzled during the last 12 years of her employment at a law firm where she worked for more than 40 years.
Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Feather.
Medical Devices Salesman Admits Guilty in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
David Leasher, age 44, pleaded guilty to six counts before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about August 22, 2012, through September 21, 2012, Leasher stole medical devices from his employer and sold the stolen devices online at Amazon.com.
Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 120 years in prison, a fine of $1,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Leasher.
Greene County Man Charged with Damaging Gas Well FacilityRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Greene County has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of damage of an energy facility, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned on Dec. 2, named Brian M. Harbarger, 35, as a defendant.
According to the information presented to the court, Harbarger damaged the Burchianti Pad, a pad of five natural gas wells operated by Chevron North America Exploitation and Production Company, a division of Chevron USA, Inc.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nelson P. Cohen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Butler County Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Disability Insurance BenefitsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Butler County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government money, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Jody Schmidt, 46, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 2005 to December 2012, Schmidt converted to his own use $71,450.00 in Social Security Title II, Disability Insurance benefit payments, which he knew he was not entitled to receive.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentence, the court released Schmidt on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that lead to the prosecution of Schmidt.
Truck Driver Charged with Illegally Receiving Social Security Disability BenefitsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Armstrong County truck driver has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment named Billy Joe Toy, 43, of Worthington, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, Toy received Social Security disability insurance benefit payments based on his alleged inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity, and thereby caused $55,012 in disability payments to be paid to him and on behalf of his minor child, while he was employed as a truck driver and concealed his compensation for the payment of his wages to his wife’s business.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Postal Employee Charged with Stealing VA Medicine Parcels from Mail Distribution CenterRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A mail handler has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of mail by postal employee, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment named Lisa A. White, 46, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, defendant, while working as a Mail Handler at the Pittsburgh Network Distribution Center on Sept. 5, 2014, stole six Veteran’s Administration (VA) medicine parcels addressed to different Pittsburgh-area VA patients.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Service and Veteran’s Administration Offices of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Hill District Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possessing Weapons, CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years imprisonment on his conviction of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill imposed the sentence on Charles Howard, III, 34.
According to information presented to the court, that on or about March 28, 2012, and again on May 20, 2013, Howard, who has prior felony convictions, possessed firearms. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm. Also on or about March 28, 2012, Howard possessed and intended to distribute crack cocaine.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan B. Ortiz prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pittsburgh Police Department and the Wilkinsburg Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Charles Howard, III.
Couple Arrested in ID Theft Scheme Targeting Walmart CustomersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Two former Butler County residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The 15-count indictment, returned on July 29, 2014 and unsealed today, named Robert W. MacVittie, 33, and Jennifer MacVittie, aka Jennifer Dinwiddie, 31, formerly of Cranberry Twp., Pa., as defendants.
According to the indictment, from around October 2013 through May 2014, the MacVitties’ used cell phone cameras to “shoulder surf” Social Security numbers from Walmart customers nationwide by taking cell phone video images of the customers who were cashing checks at the customer service counters. The stolen information was later used to negotiate counterfeit checks at Walmart stores throughout the U.S., including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Kansas and other states. The couple was arrested at a small casino by law enforcement in Nevada on Nov. 29, 2014.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 65 years in prison, a fine of $3,750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the indictment of Robert and Jennifer MacVittie. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police.
An indictment is an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distribution of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as "crack," United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
John D. Malden, 40, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on April 25, 2013, Malden distributed less than 28 grams of crack cocaine.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for April 9, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Malden.
Blair County Man Sentenced to Probation with Home Detention for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Hollidaysburg, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to five years probation, the first 15 months of which must be served by a condition of home confinement, and a $500,000 fine on his conviction of filing false tax returns, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Michael Herman.
According to information presented to the court, Herman filed two individual income tax returns for the calendar years 2007 and 2008, whereby he failed to report $9,873,745 in taxable income, resulting in an underpayment of $655,934 in income tax owed to the United States.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Herman.
Western Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $52.9M in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2014Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton announced today that the Western District of Pennsylvania collected $52,907,460.41 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2014. Of this amount, $48,907,638.51 was collected in criminal actions and $3,999,821.90 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, the Western District of Pennsylvania worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $11,552,124.98 in cases pursued jointly with these offices.
The U.S. Attorney’s office in Western Pennsylvania, working with partner agencies and divisions, also collected $18,795,930.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2014. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
Attorney General Eric Holder announced last week that the Justice Department collected $24.7 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2014. The more than $24 billion in collections in FY 2014 represents nearly eight and a half times the appropriated $2.91 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
“Every day, the Justice Department’s federal prosecutors and trial attorneys work hard to protect our citizens, to safeguard precious taxpayer resources, and to provide a valuable return on investment to the American people,” said Attorney General Holder. “Their diligent efforts are enabling us to achieve justice and recoup losses in virtually every sector of the U.S. economy.”
U.S. Attorney Hickton said, “The $52.9 million collected in FY 2014 is roughly five times the amount of money the federal government allocates us to operate our office, and represents a five-fold increase over the amount of money recovered in FY 2010 when we reorganized the office to improve our collections performance.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
Office Manager Pleads Guilty to Embezzling from Employer’s Benefit PlanRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Springdale, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft from an employee benefit plan, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Jennifer Gent, 39, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, during a two-year period while she was employed as the office manager for the Journeyman-Apprentice Training Fund (JATF) for the Sheet Metal Industry of Western Pennsylvania, Gent embezzled from her employer by writing and cashing approximately $30,297.70 in unauthorized JATF checks.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for March 5, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued defendant’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards and the Employee Benefit Security Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gent.
Monroeville Man Indicted on Charges of Distributing, Receiving and Possessing Child PornRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of distribution, receipt and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The three-count indictment, returned on Nov. 18, named Andrew Patterson, 45, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, from on or about June 15, 2014, to on or about June 16, 2014, Patterson distributed videos and images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. The indictment further alleges that on or about Sept. 8, 2014, Patterson received videos containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. Lastly, the indictment alleges that on or about Oct. 16, 2014, Patterson knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, and the Monroeville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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.
Man Pleads Guilty During Trial on Charge of Unlawfully Procuring CitizenshipRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County pleaded guilty after the first witness’s testimony in today’s trial in federal court in Pittsburgh on a charge of unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Lahbib Hannoune, 35, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.
In connection with the guilty plea, Hannoune falsely answered in the negative a question about whether he had committed a crime for which he had not yet been arrested during his naturalization proceedings. At the time he answered the question, Hannoune had already engaged in unlawful contact with a person represented to be a minor for the purpose of engaging in online video display of sexual conduct. The person was actually an undercover police officer. Hannoune procured naturalized U.S. citizenship based upon his answer.
Judge McVerry scheduled the sentencing for Feb. 11, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten years and a mandatory order rescinding his citizenship. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigation-Immigration Customs Enforcement and the Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lahbib Hannoune.
Jury Convicts Millvale Police Officer on Civil Rights ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - After deliberating approximately four hours, a federal jury found Nicole Murphy guilty of deprivation of rights under color of law, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
U.S. Attorney Hickton said, “Law enforcement officers are sworn to uphold and obey the law. Nicole Murphy did neither when she used a dangerous weapon to subdue a handcuffed defendant, thereby violating his civil rights.”
Murphy, 30, was tried before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Cindy Chung, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Murphy, on Sept. 21, 2012, while acting under color of law as a police officer with the Millvale Police Department, deprived an individual identified as Thomas Smith of the constitutional right to be free from unreasonable force, by deploying a taser in both drive and probe-stun modes on Smith’s person while he was handcuffed behind his back and seated on the floor of the squad room at the Millvale Police Department.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued defendant on bond.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Murphy.
Grand Jury Indicts Man Who Possessed Gun During Apartment Break-InRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Lawrence County and current resident of McKees Rocks, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned on Nov. 18, named Antron Jamal Talley, a/k/a Marvin Talley, 37, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, Talley possessed a firearm and/or ammunition on or about August 28, 2013, after having been convicted at eight different case numbers of crimes punishable by more than two years in prison. Those convictions include two separate prior firearm charges and seven different Aggravated Assault counts. Previously filed Court documents indicate that Talley was caught inside an apartment by police after a civilian observed him breaking in the door. Police located two loaded guns during the incident.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Defendants who have three prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses face a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison, under the federal Armed Career Criminal Act. 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 Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Charleroi Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing Multiple FirearmsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Washington County felon has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned on Nov. 18, named William Garry Snowden, 47, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on or about Oct. 29, 2014, Snowden, who has previously been convicted of aggravated assault and kidnapping, was found to be in possession of multiple firearms. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. The defendant was arrested on October 29, 2014, and has been detained since that date.
Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crimes. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Brookline Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny county resident has been sentenced in federal court to 57 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Eric Roller, 49.
According to information presented to the court, on or about Feb. 22, 2013, Roller possessed visual depictions, namely, videos and images in computer graphics files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Roller.
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.
Baden Man Defrauded Gas Company of $440K in Gas RoyaltiesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Baden, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Scott D. Hamilton, aka Art Follage, aka Michael Lewis, 37, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Hamilton defrauded CNX Gas Company of $440,216.35 by filing assignments of lease interests that contained forgeries and imaginary persons. The lease interests were located in Christian County, Illinois, and in Fayette County, WV. These lease interests entitled the owner to royalty payments for oil and gas extracted from the land. Hamilton used a fake company and a post office box to pull off the scheme.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for March 25, 2015. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nelson P. Cohen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
Turtle Creek Man Admits Conspiring to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Clifford Green was convicted of conspiring to distribute over 100 grams of heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Green, 29, of Turtle Creek, Pa., pled guilty before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose. Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing to occur March 16, 2015, at 11 a.m.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least five years up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.
Ridgeway Felon Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Violating Federal Gun LawsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Ridgeway, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in jail and ordered to forfeit firearms involved in the offenses on his conviction of conspiracy to possess firearms by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Francis Anthony Milliard, 57.
According to information presented to the court, Milliard entered into a conspiracy with David Allen Blashaw in order for Milliard to possess firearms while being a convicted felon.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Milliard.
McKean Inmate Sentenced to Extra Prison Time for Possessing Pot, Oxy in PrisonRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in jail on his conviction of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Jarrid Brewer, 25.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around April 2013, to in and around May 2013, Brewer was in possession of contraband, namely, marijuana and oxycodone hydrochloride.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended Officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Brewer.
Judge Sentences Washington, Pa., Man to 7 Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months imprisonment followed by five years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal drug trafficking laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Terence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Keith Malone a/k/a K- Rizz, 39.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2011 and continuing thereafter to in and around June 2012, Malone conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
The prosecution of Malone was the result of a long-term investigation that involved wiretaps on cell phones utilized by several members of the conspiracy. At the conclusion of the investigation, 20 defendants (including Malone) were charged in a large-scale cocaine conspiracy that operated between Warren, Ohio, and Washington, Pa. All 20 defendants have since pleaded guilty. The same investigation also resulted in the prosecution of 10 defendants charged in a large-scale heroin conspiracy that operated between Detroit, Michigan, and Washington, Pa. All 10 defendants have likewise pleaded guilty.
Assistant United States Attorneys Charles A. Eberle and Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Malone.
Judge Sentences Federal Inmate to 2 More Years in Prison for Possessing A WeaponRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 24 months in jail on his conviction of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Keith Hightower, 29. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Hightower is currently serving.
According to information presented to the court, on or about May 9, 2014, Hightower was in possession of contraband, namely, a weapon.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended Officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hightower.
Inmate Sentenced to an Additional Month in Prison for Possessing Cell PhoneRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 1 month in jail on his conviction of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Jose I. Aquino, 31. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Aquino is currently serving.
According to information presented to the court, on or about June 14, 2014, Aquino was in possession of contraband, namely, a cell phone.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended Officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Aquino.
Federal Inmate Sentenced to 14 Months in Prison for Possessing A WeaponRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 14 months in jail on his conviction of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Oscar Acosta-Levario, 32. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Acosta-Levario is currently serving.
According to information presented to the court, on or about June 10, 2014, Acosta-Levario was in possession of contraband, namely, a weapon.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended Officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Acosta-Levario.
Washington, Pa., Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Violating Federal Drug and Gun LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Washington, Pa., resident has been sentenced in federal court to 144 months (12 years) imprisonment followed by five years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Terence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Eric Everett a/k/a Fifty, 29.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2011 and continuing thereafter to in and around June 2012, Everett conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Additionally, on June 28, 2012, Everett possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The prosecution of Everett was the result of a long-term investigation that involved wiretaps on cell phones utilized by several members of the conspiracy. At the conclusion of the investigation, 20 defendants (including Everett) were charged in a large-scale cocaine conspiracy that operated between Warren, Ohio, and Washington, Pa. All 20 defendants have since pleaded guilty. The same investigation also resulted in the prosecution of 10 defendants charged in a large-scale heroin conspiracy that operated between Detroit, Michigan, and Washington, Pa. All 10 defendants have likewise pleaded guilty.
Assistant United States Attorneys Charles A. Eberle and Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Everett.
Utah Pilot Pleads Guilty in Marijuana Trafficking Scheme That Ended in New CastleRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of the State of Utah has pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to a charge of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Ken Barton Burrows, 54, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.
According to information presented to the court, Burrows was recruited to fly a plane loaded with approximately 242 pounds of marijuana from Woodland Airport in Northern California to the East Coast. Customs and border patrol agents apprehended him when he landed at the New Castle municipal airport.
Judge McVerry scheduled the sentencing for Feb. 20, 2015, at 9 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, along with the Union and Mahoning Township Police Departments and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to prosecution of Burrows.
Former Education Exec Sentenced for Stealing from Program Receiving Federal FundsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation, which includes two months in a community confinement center, 150 hours of community service, and a $2,000 fine on her conviction of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Cecelia Yauger, 56.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2012, to in and around December 2012, Yauger, being an agent of the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV (“IU4”), did knowingly steal property worth at least $5,000, which was owned by and under the custody and control of IU4.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Yauger.
Pittsburgh-area Man Gets 6-Year Prison Term for Violating Federal Gun and Drug LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Dustin Petry, an Allegheny County resident, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for conspiring to distribute heroin and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Petry, 27, was sentenced by United States District Judge David S. Cercone. Judge Cercone also imposed a three-year term of supervised release to follow the prison sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office led the multi-agency investigation of this case that also included the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Moon Township Police Department, the North Fayette Police Department, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Cranberry Township Police Department, the McKeesport Police Department, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Beechview resident has been sentenced in federal court to 72 months imprisonment, to be followed by six years supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Brandon L. Johnson, 32.
According to information presented to the court, in November 2011, Johnson conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson.
Monessen Man Sentenced to Probation with Home Detention for $50K Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Westmoreland County was sentenced yesterday in federal court to three years probation and six months home detention on his conviction of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on William Thomas Holiday, III, 27, of Monessen, Pennsylvania.
According to the information presented to the court, in 2012 Holiday and others used victim identities to obtain unauthorized Discover credit cards which were later used to purchase merchandise at department stores, or to obtain cash at ATMs in Western Pennsylvania. Losses from the conspiracy exceeded $50,000.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force for conducting the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Holiday. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Charleroi Felon Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Washington County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 87 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Thomas David Steiner, 39, formerly of Charleroi, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, in and around August of 2007, Steiner, a convicted felon, possessed assorted ammunition. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Lieber Smolar and Jane Dattilo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Steiner.