Western District of Pennsylvania

ERIE, Pa. - Five individuals from around the United States have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 13-count superseding indictment, returned on April 8, 2014, named:

• Doherty Kushimo, 52, of Providence, Rhode Island;
• Saburi Adeyemi, 56, of Memphis, Tennessee;
• Abiodun Bakre, 49, Ozone Park, New York;
• Adetunji Gbadegeshi, 57, of Queens, New York; and
• Adebola Mejule, 54, of Hempstead, New York, as defendants.

“We are making significant progress in our efforts to uncover identity fraud and protect citizens from criminals who steal their personal information and steal their money,” stated U.S. Attorney Hickton. “We have dismantled a massive stolen identity ring that involved thousands of victims and tens of millions of dollars in losses.”

“Investigating refund fraud and identity theft is a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation, and perhaps one of our most intense challenges,” according to IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Akeia Conner. “Individuals who commit refund fraud and identity theft of this magnitude deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

“The use of the Internet for criminal purposes is one of the most critical challenges facing the FBI and law enforcement in general,” added Patrick Fallon, Asst. Special Agent in Charge of the FBI. “In order to combat Internet fraud, it is essential for law enforcement officers not only to understand and use the Internet, but also to join forces. This case illustrates the benefits of law enforcement and private industry, around the world, working together in partnership on computer crime investigations.”

According to the superseding indictment presented to the court, the five defendants conspired to commit wire fraud by submitting fraudulent federal tax returns in the names of individuals whose identities the conspirators stole. The conspirators then opened bank accounts using other stolen identities and used those accounts as repositories for their fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds. The conspirators obtained stolen identity information on the Internet and then traded that information among themselves using email accounts and other means of communication. All told, the indictment alleges that approximately $21 million in fraudulent tax refunds was sought from the IRS by the conspirators, causing the IRS to pay approximately $10 million in fraudulent refunds.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison for Saburi Adeyemi, Adetunji Gbadegeshi and Adebola Mejule. Doherty Kushimo faces 38 years in prison and Abiodun Bakre faces 36 years in prison. All five defendants are subject to a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of loss to the victims. 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.

For more information about identity theft, please visit www.irs.gov or www.justice.gov.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Charles Appel, 72, of Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to information presented to the court during the earlier guilty plea proceeding, Appel, an ordained minister and retired St. Edmund’s Academy teacher, received by United States mail, on Feb. 21, 2011, a video which depicted the sexual exploitation of minor boys from a Canadian video production company known as “Azov”, which previously operated a website offering DVD’s and streaming videos depicting children being sexually exploited. Appel ordered and received the video, titled “Boy Fights XIX: Triple Threat (2009)”, in both electronic and DVD format for $29.95 on Feb. 21, 2011, which he paid for with a credit card. During the period May 15, 2009 through March 13, 2011, Appel ordered child pornography videos from Azov on 29 occasions for a total cost of $1,864.54.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and members of the Pittsburgh Crimes Against Children Task Force, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Appel.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

PITTSBURGH – David J. Hickton, United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, today announced that he has convened a group to develop and implement solutions to Western Pennsylvania’s opiate overdose epidemic.

The U.S. Attorney’s Working Group on Addiction: Prevention, Intervention, Treatment and Recovery will bring together citizens, parents and those in recovery with physicians, providers and regional leaders to prevent opiate overdoses and deaths throughout Western Pennsylvania. Specifically, individuals who have direct experience with addiction and specialists in the fields of public health, law enforcement, human services, pharmacology, drug treatment and recovery will make up the Working Group. The group had an initial meeting on April 7, and created three subcommittees to focus on Community Outreach/Education; Treatment; and Quality, Safety and Outcomes.

U.S. Attorney Hickton said, “We cannot prosecute our way out of the problem of opioid addiction. We need to better address the demand side of the problem by being more attentive to and understanding of addiction, treatment and recovery. Opiate overdoses affect all age groups, all ethnic groups, men, women, and children, and it is destroying lives and killing people. We cannot wait another day to combat this scourge on our communities.”

The Working Group will be co-chaired by Neil A. Capretto, D.O., F.A.S.A.M., Medical Director of Gateway Rehabilitation Center, and Michael Flaherty, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist. Working Group members currently include:

• Jim Rohr, Executive Chairman, PNC, and former Chairman of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development;
• Mike Zemaitis, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy;
• Marc Cherna, Director, Allegheny County Department of Human Services;
• Reverend DeNeise Welch, Bidwell Presbyterian Church;
• Antoine Douaihy, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Psychiatry;
• Fred Thieman, President, Buhl Foundation;
• Sabato Anthony Stile, MD, Medical Director, UPMC Behavioral Health Associates;
• Karen Hacker, MD, MPH, Director, Allegheny County Health Department;
• Debra M. Kehoe, R.N. BSN, MsEd., Executive Director, The Pennsylvania Alliance for Safe and Drug Free Children;
• James Schuster, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Community Care Behavioral Health Organization;
• David McAdoo, Director, Southwest Behavioral Health Management;
• Latika Davis-Jones, PhD, MPH, MSW, Administrator, Allegheny County Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services;
• Carmen Carpozi, Founder, Sage’s Army; Parent Advocate – Education and Prevention;
• Lucy Garrighan, CEO, Jade Wellness Center and Parent Advocate for Treatment;
• Scott Golden, MD, VA Pittsburgh Health System; and
• Robert Woolhandler, MD, Family Practitioner.

The group will be meeting on a regular basis, and is expected to issue interim recommendations within 60 to 90 days that will include an action plan for long-term reform.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Venango County pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of union embezzlement, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

David L. Barr, 50, of Emlenton, PA, 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 Barr, the Financial Secretary-Treasurer of the Local No. 99 of the Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics & Allied Workers International Union, AFL CIO, CLC, stole approximately $5,688.40 from the union by cashing 19 employer dues remittance checks belonging to the labor organization and converting the monies to his own personal use during the period from April 9, 2010 through Sept. 22, 2011.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Sept. 2, 2014, at 11:30 A.M. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentence, the court released Barr on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards, conducted the investigation that lead to the prosecution of Barr.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh-area grocer pleaded guilty in federal court to fraud charges United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Emile Bizimungu, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of food stamp fraud before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Bizimungu was the owner of Dollar Grocery, a retail food store formerly located on Brownsville Road in Mt. Oliver Borough. The defendant's retail store participated in the United States Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as the Food Stamp Program. Food stamp recipients could purchase eligible food items using food stamp benefit cards at the defendant's retail store. As a condition of participation in the Food Stamp Program, Bizimungu certified that he would comply with all rules and regulations of the program and was aware that program rules strictly prohibit the exchange of food stamp benefits for cash and/or ineligible items. Despite this knowledge, on multiple occasions, the defendant exchanged food stamp benefits for cash on a discounted basis, usually giving the customers only .50 cents on the dollar for their food stamp benefits. The defendant also permitted food stamp customers to purchase ineligible items with food stamp benefits and accepted food stamp benefits as payment on credit accounts and loans.

Judge Diamond scheduled sentencing for Aug. 11, 2014 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Office of the Inspector General for the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bizimungu.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident and a resident of Oakland, Calif., have been sentenced in federal court on their convictions of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed a sentence of five years imprisonment followed by five years supervised release on Earl Lamar, 40, of Pittsburgh, Pa., and a sentence of 10 years imprisonment followed by five years supervised release on Roscoe Simpson, 39, of Oakland, Calif..

The IRS-Criminal Investigations joined the DEA as major partners in the investigation of the current case with the valuable assistance of multiple other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The investigation revealed a major cocaine distribution conspiracy which resulted in cocaine being transported to Pittsburgh and other areas from 2000 through 2010. The evidence at trial established that the conspiracy involved more than 2000 kilograms of cocaine and millions in laundered drug money. Prior to the summer of 2007, the conspiracy utilized packages of cocaine being shipped via the US mail or various common carriers from California to recipients in Pittsburgh. Documents and evidence revealed the large number of packages of cocaine shipped to the conspirators, as well as the packages of drug money being shipped back. Multiple seizures of both money and cocaine packages occurred. For example, on June 7, 2007 Postal Inspectors intercepted six kilograms of cocaine from the mail that was earmarked for the conspiracy. On Aug. 5, 2007, Postal Inspectors also seized a package containing $99,850.00 intended for a co-defendant.

The conspiracy began using couriers to transport cocaine to Pittsburgh and money back to California. The investigation has revealed that between 2007 and 2010 at least 11 different couriers took approximately 100 flights for the conspiracy. These involved the transportation of cocaine to the Pittsburgh end of the conspiracy and the transportation of drug money back to California. Again, multiple packages of both money and cocaine were intercepted. For example, in February of 2008 a co-defendant boarded a plane in Oakland bound for Pittsburgh with cocaine in his luggage. It was later learned that his bag contained 19 kilograms of cocaine. The co-defendant was observed, along with others, looking for the bag in Pittsburgh and he also filed a claim for the bag. On Aug. 8, 2009, more than $335,000 in cash, part of approximately $700,000 that was sent on this occasion, was seized from the luggage of a conspirator.

During other times, the conspiracy arranged transportation of cocaine or money by means such as chartered private flights and vehicles including tractor trailers. Individuals Indicted thus far involve many different roles within the conspiracy. Some conspirators are suppliers, couriers or recipient drug dealer/distributors. Other conspirators played a variety of roles such as: shipping or receiving packages; arranging for couriers, flights and flight payments; money launderers; and those who circumvented security procedures at airports.

Assistant United States Attorneys Ross E. Lenhardt, Michael L. Ivory and Gregory J. Nescott prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Attorney General and many other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lamar and Simpson.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Northern Cambria, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Casey Lex, 29, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from April 2012 to March 8, 2013, Lex conspired with others to possess and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Aug. 21, 2014, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $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 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 Lex.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Latrobe, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of income tax evasion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The four-count indictment named Debra J. Feather as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, 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.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence, at each count, 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 Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A former Butler middle school teacher was sentenced in federal court to two years imprisonment, followed by 10 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.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Jason B. Nolan, 37, of Gibsonia, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Nolan, a former middle-school, social studies teacher in the South Butler County School District, used a laptop computer taken from the school’s library to acquire and possess images of child pornography. Nolan also used the laptop to communicate on-line with minors, including a female he believed to be 12 years of age, with whom he spoke of meeting to have sex and to whom he sent naked, sexual photographs of himself, taken in his classroom after school hours.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Nolan.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

PITTSBURGH – After hearing seven days of testimony from more than 33 witnesses, and after deliberating for nine hours, a federal jury of seven men and five women found David Best guilty of 11 counts of violating federal firearms, narcotics and burglary laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

David Best, 28, of Coraopolis, Pa., was tried before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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, both of which are Schedule II controlled substances. Additionally, on April 18, 2013 and April 30, 2013, Best distributed oxycodone and oxymorphone, in the form known as Opana to a confidential informant. These sales were captured on videotape. The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that David Best was the leader of this Beaver County based drug trafficking organization which, over the course of the conspiracy, possessed with the intent to distribute and distributed Schedule II prescription drugs with an estimated street value of more than $600,000.

The jury also determined that 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.

Finally, the jury convicted David Best of carrying and brandishing a loaded revolver during and in relation to his drug trafficking conspiracy on June 20, 2012. The jury determined that 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. The jury also found that Best possessed this firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking conspiracy.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Sept. 15, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. On the drug distribution charges, the law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison on each count and a fine of up to $1,000,000. On the pharmacy burglary charges, the law provides for a maximum total sentence as to each count of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. These sentences can be imposed concurrently or consecutively to each other. Finally, for the firearms charge, the Court must impose a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years imprisonment, a maximum of life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000. The firearms sentence must be imposed consecutively to all other sentences, including those for drug distribution. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court continued the detention of David Best.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Economy Borough and Cranberry Township Police Departments conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution and conviction of David Best.

PITTSBURGH - A New York resident has been sentenced in federal court to five years probation, which includes 10 months of home detention with electronic monitoring, on his conviction of conspiracy and passing counterfeit currency, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Sean R. Marroquin, 26.

According to information presented to the court, Marroquin conspired to pass counterfeit currency in the Western District of Pennsylvania on or about March 9, 2013.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Marroquin.

PITTSBURGH - A Beaver Falls resident has been sentenced in federal court to 124 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release on his conviction of possession and distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Darren Johnson, 44.

According to information presented to the court, on or about March 22, 2013, and March 28, 2013, Darren Johnson, knowingly distributed visual depictions of a minor, using any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce, including by computer, and the production of such visual depictions involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and the visual depictions depicts such conduct; and on April 26, 2013, Johnson knowingly possessed visual depictions, namely, visual images in individuals computer files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Johnson possessed approximately 300,000 images of child pornography.

Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson.

PITTSBURGH - Two residents of Hermitage, Pa., pleaded guilty and were sentenced in federal court on their conviction of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentences yesterday on Eric Graven, 57, and Barbara Graven, 58. Eric Graven was sentenced to three years probation, a $4,000 fine, 150 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay $35,805 in restitution. Barbara Graven was sentenced to two years probation, a $2,000 fine, and ordered to pay $35,805 in restitution.

According to information presented to the court, Eric Graven, the Vice President, co-owner and shareholder of Custom Stone and Tile, Inc., and Barbara Graven, the President of Custom Stone and Tile, Inc., located in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, conspired with each other to defraud the Internal Revenue Service by intentionally failing to report cash earnings of the business in each of the calendar years 2005 through 2008, thereby avoiding the payment of income tax due and owing on such earnings.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Internal Revenue Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Eric and Barbara Graven.

PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh man has been sentenced in federal court to 10 months imprisonment to be followed by 15 years supervised release on his conviction of failure to register as a sex offender, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Eugene David, 32.

According to information presented to the court, between in and around July 2010, through on or about Aug. 8, 2013, David traveled in interstate commerce and knowingly failed to register and/or update a registration, as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Marshals Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Eugene David.

Erie, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 32 years in prison and lifetime supervised release on his conviction of violating federal laws related to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Cercone imposed the sentence on David Montgomery, 44.

According to information presented to the court, while Montgomery was employed as a teacher at Collegiate Academy in Erie, Pennsylvania, he made numerous videos and images that depicted him engaged in sex acts with a minor male. Montgomery also took sexually explicit photos of the boy. Montgomery’s illegal sexual contact with the victim began when the boy was approximately eight and the criminal conduct concluded when the boy was approximately fourteen. Montgomery gained access to the boy by paying for his travel to Erie from the victim’s residence outside of Pennsylvania. Montgomery and the victim also traveled together outside Pennsylvania on several occasions. Montgomery also took sexually explicit photos of another minor male who was approximately eight when the photos were taken. Montgomery also possessed numerous items of other child pornography.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie County Detectives Bureau, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Montgomery.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Jarron Darvez Jackson, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on April 16, 2011, Jackson got into an argument with a group of men inside a McDonald's restaurant in Erie, Pennsylvania, after which he went out to his car, retrieved a handgun, and then started shooting at the people he argued with inside, who were driving away in a car. Jackson was later identified as the person who possessed and shot the firearm on April 16, 2011, and this fact was confirmed by ballistic tests of the shell casings at the scene and Jackson’s .45 caliber handgun. Jackson’s possession of the firearm was unlawful because of his two prior felony convictions.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for August 11, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Erie Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jackson.

ERIE, Pa - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Julie A. Wozniak, 33, pleaded guilty to five counts before United States District Judge David S. Cerone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from March 2013 to June 2013, Julie A. Wozniak devised a scheme to defraud St. Vincent’s hospital and Hilltop Beer by abusing her position as an accountant. Wozniak utilized a Saint Vincent’s purchasing card and made 62 separate unauthorized purchases for her own personal benefit and use, in the total amount of approximately $47,521.03, and increased the credit limit on the purchasing card from $12,000.00 to $30,000.00 in order to increase the volume of unauthorized purchases she was able to make. Wozniak also fabricated St. Vincent’s accounting records for the purchasing card, thereby concealing the unauthorized purchases she had made. Further, Wozniak utilized her access to St. Vincent’s bank accounts and made 22 unauthorized Automated Clearing House (ACH) debits from Saint Vincent’s operating bank account at M&T bank, in an additional amount of approximately $32,940.65.

In addition to the fraud against St. Vincent’s, the court was advised that Wozniak operated a private accounting business called “Keeping You Balanced” and used her position as an accountant to steal money from Hilltop Beer. Wozniak advised the owner of Hilltop Beer how much money she needed to have transferred into the Hilltop Beer payroll bank account in order for her to make payroll tax payments. After transfers of those amounts would be made to the payroll account, the defendant, without the knowledge or consent of the owner of Hilltop Beer, would write checks to herself from the payroll account in the amount that was supposed to be paid to the IRS for the payroll taxes of Hilltop Beer. In order to conceal the payroll account funds she had unlawfully taken from Hilltop Beer and had not paid to the IRS, Wozniak made ACH debits from St. Vincent’s operating bank account with S&T bank, and paid the payroll taxes for Hilltop Beer out of the St. Vincent’s account.

Finally, Wozniak used her access and authority over St. Vincent’s bank account at First Niagara and made 9 ACH debits to pay on her personal Capital One credit card accounts and her personal Amazon credit account in an additional amount of $10,778.69.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for August 11, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 100 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Wozniak on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wozniak.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 36 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Ronald A. Moog, 78.

According to information presented to the court, Moog was the President of Moog Transfinancial Services, a Pittsburgh based corporation in the business of auditing freight bills for other companies who had a large volume of freight business. According to Moog’s contractual relationship with the victim companies, Moog would inform the victims of the payment necessary to pay off their freight charges. The victims would then send Moog money, which Moog would place into a trust account. For nearly 13 years, the defendant syphoned money out of the trust account for purposes other than paying the victims’ freight bills, leading to a shortfall within the account of over $2.8 million. This amount was passed onto the victim companies in the form of delinquent freight invoices, which they had already sent money to Moog to pay for and which they believed had been already paid.

As part of the sentence, Judge Fischer ordered Moog to pay restitution of approximately $2.9 million to the following victims: Mine Safety Appliances (MSA), Jennmar, Traco, Union Switch & Signal, Neville Chemical, Penn Machine Company, Union Spring, Bradley Paint Company, B.M Kramer & Co. Inc., and E.W. Bowman, Inc.

Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Moog.

PITTSBURGH - A Fayette County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Lisa A. Renze, 48, of Uniontown, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on Jan. 30, 2010, Renze employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor under the age of 16 years to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing digital photographs of the conduct. The sexually explicit digital photographs taken on Jan. 30, 2010, and other occasions between 2009 and 2011, were then distributed by Renze to her friend and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission co-worker, John Longo.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Aug. 1, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 and up to 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued defendant on bond.

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

The United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Renze.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

PITTSBURGH - A Ligonier resident has been sentenced in federal court to 2 years’ probation, 100 hours of community service and restitution in the amount of $26,302.02 on his conviction of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Ronald Clarke Gray, 63.

According to information presented to the court, Gray converted to his own use over $1,000.00 in Social Security Income Benefits from the Social Security Administration.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gray.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Patton, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to five years probation on his conviction of unlawful possession of firearms by a user of illegal controlled substances, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on John B. Zollinhofer, 43.

According to information presented to the court, on Sept. 22, 2011, Zollinhofer, who was an unlawful user of, and addicted to, illegal controlled substances, possessed two Smith and Wesson pistols, a Ruger revolver and a Rossi revolver.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Zollinhofer.

According to Mr. Hickton, Zollinhofer was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.

PITTSBURGH - David J. Hickton, United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, issued the following statement today regarding Adam Busby, charged in connection with a series of hoax bomb threats against the University of Pittsburgh in late March and April 2012:

"On March 21, 2014, Adam Busby was released from detention in Ireland while he awaits a hearing before Ireland’s Supreme Court on his appeal of his extradition to Scotland to face terror charges in that country. He had been continuously incarcerated on a European Union warrant since July 2012. We have taken all available legal action to extradite him to face charges in Western Pennsylvania after he faces pending charges in the U.K. We have been informed that he is residing in a Dublin hostel and the bail conditions dictate that he has no access to the Internet. We are closely monitoring the proceedings overseas and are working to obtain his extradition to the U.S. on the charges pending here."

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Beaver County has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, stealing firearms from the inventory of a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer, and possession of stolen firearms, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment named Jaemere Scott, 20, formerly of Beaver Falls, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, in or around February of 2014, Scott, along with another individual known to the grand jury as KJ, conspired to burglarize Shooters Place, a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer, located at 416-F Constitution Boulevard in New Brighton, Pa. The Indictment further charges that on or about Feb. 7, 2014, Scott and KJ stole and illegally possessed 14 firearms from Shooters Place.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Patterson Township Police Department, the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office, the Beaver County Detective Bureau, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Beaver Falls Police Department, and the New Brighton Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A Murrysville resident has been sentenced in federal court to 42 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release on convictions of mail fraud, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Dawn Penzera-Lackey, 41.

According to information presented to the court, Penzera-Lackey engaged in two separate schemes to steal money. In the first scheme, while employed as a food manager at a country club, Penzera-Lackey stole an $1,800 check from her employer that she was supposed to use to pay a vendor. After depositing the check into her personal bank account, Penzera-Lackey attempted to defraud the vendor by mailing to the vendor a bogus check drawn on an account that had long been closed. In the second scheme, Penzera-Lackey stole three credit cards from friends, who were owners of a small business. Penzera-Lackey then used the credit cards to make various purchases for her and family members totaling $16,660.30. Penzera-Lackey also admitted responsibility for uncharged conduct relating to a theft of $3284.24 from a different employer.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge McVerry stated that Penzera-Lackey has demonstrated little respect for the law as evidenced by her history of repeated criminal conduct.

Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Secret Service, the Belle Acres Borough Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police, Belle Vernon Barracks for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Penzera-Lackey.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 10-count indictment named Brandon Bucinski, 33, of Brackenridge, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to indictment, Bucinski defrauded Gatto Cycle Shop of the proceeds from the sale of certain of its merchandise on eBay. Bucinski was employed by Gatto to sell certain Gatto merchandise on eBay and to have the buyer remit the proceeds of sale to Gatto’s Paypal accounts. Bucinski sold the Gatto merchandise using his personal eBay and Paypal accounts and kept the proceeds from the sales for himself.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 200 years in prison, a fine of $2,500,000, 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 Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Secret Service along with the Tarentum Police Department and detectives from the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A Beaver County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, stealing firearms from the inventory of a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer, and possession of stolen firearms, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment named Kyle Jones, 19, formerly of Beaver Falls, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, in or around February of 2014, Jones, along with another individual known to the grand jury as JS, conspired to burglarize Shooters Place, a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer, located at 416-F Constitution Boulevard in New Brighton, Pa. The Indictment further charges that on or about Feb. 7, 2014, Jones and JS stole and illegally possessed 14 firearms from Shooters Place.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Patterson Township Police Department, the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office, the Beaver County Detective Bureau, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Beaver Falls Police Department, and the New Brighton Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – A Butler County resident was sentenced on Thursday in federal court to three years probation, including six months home confinement, and restitution of $13,496.00 on his conviction of embezzlement from a labor union, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Court Nora Barry Fischer imposed sentence upon Duane Rill, of Cranberry Township, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Rill, a Secretary-Treasurer of the Berry Metal Employees’ Association, an independent union, stole $13,496.00 from the union by writing and cashing unauthorized union checks and by making an unauthorized cash withdrawal during the period from March 23, 2007, to November 20, 2009.

Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Rill.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County man was sentenced today in federal court to three days imprisonment, five years supervised release with six months home detention, and restitution of $226,846 on his convictions of bank fraud and tax evasion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed sentence upon Kevin R. Gallagher.

According to information presented to the court, from November 2010, and continuing until January 2012, Gallagher knowingly executed a scheme to defraud First Niagara Bank. In connection with the scheme to defraud, Gallagher fraudulently obtained corporate checks of his employer, A&S Steel Buildings Corporation, made payable to subcontractors and forged the signatures of the subcontractor payees. It was a part of the scheme that Gallagher deposited the forged checks, which totaled $179,695, into his personal bank account at First Niagara Bank. Gallagher also willfully evaded income tax owed by him for tax year 2011. The total amount of tax loss to the federal government as a result of Gallagher's tax evasion is $53,151.

Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Gallagher.

PITTSBURGH – Lori Page, a resident of West Mifflin, Pa., was sentenced to 24 months in prison for conspiring to launder heroin trafficking proceeds, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Page, 30, was sentenced by United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer also imposed a three-year term of supervised release to follow the prison sentence.

In 2012, Page laundered thousands of dollars of heroin trafficking proceeds through her bank account and through payments to rental car companies and knowingly facilitated interstate heroin trafficking in doing so. She did it in return for money, expensive shoes, clothing, and related accessories. In addition, testimony during the sentencing hearing established that, during 2010 and 2011, Page served as a matchmaker between an out-of-state heroin source of supply and Pittsburgh heroin dealers. She was compensated for doing so.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted 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 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 and sentence in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Washington, Pa., was sentenced in federal court on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, to 15 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release on his conviction of escaping from federal custody, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Zack James Sadler, 28, after considering that he had run from house arrest and other facilities several times in the past and that Sadler was likely to serve an additional five months due to the loss of his “good-time” credits.

According to information presented to the court, on Aug. 9, 2013, Sadler, who was nearing the end of a 60-month prison sentence on a federal conviction for felon in possession of a firearm, escaped from a halfway house located in Pittsburgh. The United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force arrested Sadler on Aug. 20, 2013. According to information presented to the court, Sadler's previous convictions included offenses related to illegal firearm possession, assaults, drugs, burglary and shooting at civilians.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Marshals Service for the investigation leading to the quick apprehension and successful prosecution of Sadler.

Prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison and three years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Gerald P. Carr, 32.

According to information presented to the court, on Feb. 1, 2013, Carr possessed with intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin and was found in possession of a Marlin Firearms Co., model 45 Camp Carbine, .45 caliber rifle. On Feb. 19, 2007 , Carr was convicted in Cambria Co., Pa., of delivery of cocaine, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.

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 Johnstown Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carr.

According to Mr. Hickton, this case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Blairsville, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 240 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, on his conviction of sexually exploiting children by producing sexually explicit images, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Charles Joseph Payson, 46.

According to information presented to the court, an online undercover investigation detected Payson using a neighbor’s wireless internet connection to distribute sexually explicit images of children online. Following the seizure of computers and cameras from Payson’s home, investigators recovered sexually explicit images of prepubescent children, some of which had been produced by Payson.

Assistant United States Attorney Soo C. Song prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, together with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Payson.

PITTSBURGH – A Penn Hills man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named David Jerome Scott a/k/a David Jerome Alford, 40, of Pittsburgh, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, the defendant possessed heroin with the intent to distribute it during February of 2014.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000, or both, for first time felony drug offenders. Second and subsequent offenders face enhanced potential penalties of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, 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 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 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.

PITTSBURGH – A New Jersey man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count superseding indictment named Rafael Cabrera, 35, of Passaic, New Jersey.

According to the superseding indictment, from in and around August 2012, to on or about Jan. 10, 2013, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Cabrera conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000 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 Attorneys Eric S. Rosen and Jake D. Pugh are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Westmoreland County has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of misappropriation of postal funds, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Jessica L. Croyle, 32, of Greensburg, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to indictment, from Nov. 1, 2012, to July 19, 2013, Croyle, while employed with the United States Postal Service at the Latrobe, Pa., post office, wrongfully converted to her own use, postal money orders and cash having a total value of $55,362.90.

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.

Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distributing heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Desalynn L. Coleman, 33, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Oct. 30, 2012, Coleman distributed less than 100 grams of heroin.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for July 31, 2014, at 10:30 a. m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Coleman.

PITTSBURGH – A former U.S. Post Office employee was sentenced today in federal court to four years probation and restitution of $5,729.65 on her convictions of misappropriation of postal funds and theft of mail by a postal employee, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Court Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed sentence upon Jennifer M. Soltis.

According to information presented to the court, from Oct. 8, 2012 to Jan. 9, 2013, Soltis, while employed as the Acting Officer in Charge with the United States Postal Service at the Smock, Pa., post office, converted to her own use, postal money orders, stamps and cash having a total value of $5,729.65. On Dec. 9, 2012, Soltis also embezzeled a Wal-Mart gift card from an item of mail.

Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Soltis.

PITTSBURGH - An alien found in Pittsburgh has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Valber Silva-Brito, 26, of Brazil, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Valber Silva-Brito, an alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Oct. 16, 2007, Jan. 10, 2008 and Sept. 16, 2010. Valber Silva-Brito was found to be illegally present in Pittsburgh on June 9, 2013.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of two 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 Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – One resident of Beaver Falls, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 108 months in prison followed by five years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Anitwon Maurice Peoples, 31.

According to information presented to the court, from on or about Dec. 4, 2009, and continuing thereafter to on or about Sept. 30, 2011, Peoples conspired with others to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Additionally, on or about Sept. 30, 2011, Peoples, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm.

Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine A. King and Troy Rivetti prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of members drawn from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division, and the Beaver Falls Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Peoples.

PITTSBURGH - After deliberating for two hours, a federal jury found Dominique Jackson guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Dominique Jackson, 26, formerly of Denton, Texas, was tried before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose in Pittsburgh.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that from in and around July 2010, and continuing thereafter to on or about Oct. 7, 2010, Jackson conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for July 14, 2014, at 10:00 AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years in prison, a fine of $4,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the McKeesport Police Department, the Clairton Police Department, the Allegheny County Housing Authority Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Munhall Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dominique Jackson.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Irvona, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to five years probation, the first 18 months of which must be served by conditions of home confinement, and 250 hours of community service on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Justin D. McElheny, 36.

According to information presented to the court, from Dec. 2007 to Oct. 15, 2011, McElheny stole 72 firearms, including revolvers, pistols and rifles of various calibers, from East Coast Gun Sales. In addition, during the same time McElheny was in possession of the stolen firearms, he was an unlawful user of Percocet, Oxycontin, Roxicet and Vicodin.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Allegheny Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McElheny.

According to Mr. Hickton, McElheny was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Saxton, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of theft of firearms and interstate transportation of stolen firearms, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Garrett G. Sherlock, 26, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Jan. 28, 2013, Sherlock stole 31 firearms from Saxton Outdoor Supply, Inc., which is a business licensed to deal in firearms. On the same day he transported the stolen firearms from Pennsylvania to Maryland.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2014, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police-Bedford Barracks conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sherlock.

According to Mr. Hickton, Sherlock 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.

PITTSBURGH - A former bank director has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft, embezzlement and misappropriation by a bank officer or employee, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The nine-count indictment, returned on March 19, named Michael P. Bernick, 50, of Pittsburgh, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Bernick, a Director of Metropolitan Savings Bank, the deposits of which were insured by the FDIC, from April 19, 2005 through March 27, 2006, embezzled and misapplied bank monies and funds on nine occasions, totaling approximately $336,000. The indictment alleges that the monetary disbursements were made in the form of checks and wire transfers.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A Beaver County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael Anthony Stokes, 27, of New Brighton, Pa., pleaded guilty to eight counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 12, 2011, New Brighton Police observed an apparent drug purchaser leaving the residence of Stokes and Ryan Konarski. The marijuana purchaser was apprehended and confirmed that he bought from that residence, (about a block from the police station). Police obtained a state search warrant and located not only marijuana and indicia that it was being both used and sold there, but over 900 grams of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethcathinone, a so called "bath salt" commonly known as methylone or "Molly", typically used at Rave-type gatherings. Police also located empty capsules and handguns in both Stokes' and Konarski's bedrooms, along with money orders and common carrier packages indicating the methylone was coming from China.

Drug suppliers, especially those involved in Rave-type drugs such as ecstasy (MDMA), will often tweak the chemical manufacturing process causing minor modifications to the chemical formula of the end product. The result is a product that is not yet specifically listed as a controlled substance. Congress closed this loophole by creating the analogue statute at 21 U.S.C. '802(32), which essentially makes these new "designer" or "bath salt" creations a Schedule I drug if they are similar to an already controlled substance and are intended for human consumption.

Both Stokes and Konarski were prosecuted for the felony marijuana charges in state court, but since Pennsylvania has no "analogue" statute these other actions went un-prosecuted. Stokes received "Intermediate Punishment" where he served six months’ house arrest followed by probation. Law enforcement then received information that Stokes was again dealing drugs once off of house arrest.

When Stokes was arrested on the federal charges by DEA on March 14, 2013, drugs and other items were again located at the same drug house. These indicate that Stokes was still dealing. The drugs located were MDMA [ecstasy], DMT and Methylone. Methylone was included as a Schedule I drug on Oct. 21, 2011.

Ryan Konarski previously pleaded guilty. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 22, 2014, at 11 a.m.

Judge Fischer scheduled Stokes’ sentencing for Aug. 6, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 160 years in prison, a fine of $7,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history 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 New Brighton Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Michael Anthony Stokes.

PITTSBURGH - West Penn Allegheny Health System, Inc. (“WPAHS”) has agreed to pay the United States $1,529,281.50 to settle False Claims Act allegations, United States Attorney David Hickton announced today.

The settlement results from a self-disclosure by WPAHS to the United States Attorney’s Office. Based on information provided by WPAHS, the United States alleged that WPAHS leased space to physicians at below-market rates to induce referrals of patients to WPAHS, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law. The United States further alleged that these referrals resulted in improper claims being submitted to federal health care programs.

The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs. The Stark Law forbids a hospital from billing federally funded programs for certain services referred by physicians who have a financial relationship with the hospital, unless certain limited exceptions apply.

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Assistant United States Attorney David Lew handled this matter on behalf of the United States.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of York, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 33 months in prison, three years supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $128,105 on his conviction of conspiracy to defraud the government and filing false claims with Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Wendell Parker, 41.

According to information presented to the court, from April 2008 to Oct. 2010 Parker conspired to file 72 false and fictitious income tax returns claiming tax refunds totaling $210,581, and from Dec. 15, 2008, to May 26, 2010, he prepared and filed federal income tax returns claiming refunds knowing the claimant's address, wage information and withholding information was false and fictitious.

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 Parker.

PITTSBURGH - A West Virginia woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of fraud conspiracy and wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment named Linda Walker, 60, as a defendant.

According to the indictment, Walker was involved in a Nigerian “Mystery Shopper” scam whereby she knowingly prepared and addressed fraudulent mail containing counterfeit instruments to victims, who believed they were acting as mystery shoppers. The victims unwittingly received the counterfeit commercial and Postal money orders and checks and cashed them to make small purchases for purposes of evaluating the commercial services provided. They then wire transferred excess funds back to Walker and others. After these transactions, the money orders and checks were returned as counterfeit by the victims’ banks and they were left to repay the bank from their own funds.

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 Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Tampa, Fla., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Fotios Geivelis, Jr., a/k/a Frank Geivelis, a/k/a Frank Anastasio, 34, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Geivelis, through operation of his Florida company, Worldwide Funding III, Ltd. (WWF), obtained approximately $3.9 million in increments of $60,000 or $90,000 from more than three dozen investors, to each of whom he promised to obtain a $10 million “non-recourse” overseas loan for a “humanitarian” or “job- creating” project. The funds were wired into the escrow accounts of a Florida attorney Geivelis designated as the “Paymaster,” and thereafter paid out to that attorney, brokers who had referred the investors to WWF and to Geivelis, who spent his share on personal expenses such as hotels, casinos, restaurants, strip clubs, automobiles, clothing and jewelry. No loans were ever obtained for the investors, who Geivelis attempted to lull by repeated assurances that their deals would close within a short period of time. .

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for July 31, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the 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 Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Geivelis.

PITTSBURGH - Two Romanians residing in Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Florin Popescu, 31, and Ion Carligeriu, 29, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the defendants conspired to produce ATM skimming equipment which they installed on APC kiosks at Postal Centers on McKnight Road and in Squirrel Hill, which were designed to steal customers’ bank account information.

Judge Hornak scheduled Florin Popescu’s sentencing for July 17, 2014, at 11 a.m., and Ion Carligeriu’s sentencing for July 17, 2014, at 9 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 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 Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of these defendants.

PITTSBURGH - A U.S. Postal Service employee has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal law, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Pamela D. Vogt, 44, of Parker, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about Feb. 6, 2014, Vogt, while working as a U.S. Postal Service employee, removed a $20 bill from a greeting card contained in an envelope which was addressed and intended for delivery by the U.S. Postal Service.

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. Bond of $5,000 unsecured has been requested.

Assistant United States Attorney Margaret E. Picking is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service-Office of Inspector General (USPIS) 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.