Western District of Pennsylvania

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Hanoverton, Ohio, has been sentenced in federal court to five years of probation, the first 12 months of which must be served by conditions of home confinement, on her conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess marijuana, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Bonnie L. Chapman, 63.

According to information presented to the court, from March 2009 to May 9, 2011, Chapman conspired with George M. Lowmaster to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana in order to facilitate and promote Lowmaster's drug distribution organization.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the joint task force, headed by the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Chapman. Other agencies participating on the task force include the Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation; Pennsylvania State Police; the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office; the Cambria County District Attorney's Office; the Carrolltown Police Department; the Patton Police Department; the Ebensburg Police Department; the Portage Police Department and the Paint Township Police Department.

PITTSBURGH - A Monroeville man pleaded guilty in federal court to federal firearms and drug trafficking charges, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Antonio Hardin, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that from April 2012 to February 2013, Hardin conspired together with his charged co-defendants Brandon Thompson, James Walker, Richard Wood, Gregory Harris, Jr., Luther Harper and others to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute, heroin. Those co-defendants have pleaded not guilty and the charges are still pending against them.

Specifically, the Court learned, for example, that in April, 2012, Hardin received heroin from co-conspirator Brandon Thompson. Hardin then supplied this heroin to an uncharged co- conspirator who was later shot by Thompson and Edward Cook at Club Pink in Munhall, Pa., on or about August 12, 2012. Cook has pleaded guilty to this shooting, and he was sentenced to 12-years imprisonment. The Court also learned that Hardin, acting together with Brandon Thompson, James Walker, and Joseph Thompson, shared a heroin “stash house” with them in Pitcairn, Pa., at which these persons packaged raw heroin into stamp bags that would later be sold on to other dealers, and eventually to individual users. In addition, the Court learned that Hardin, over the course of the conspiracy, sold heroin to other charged distributors, including Richard Wood, Gregory Harris, Jr., and Luther Harper. The Court heard intercepts of a call in which Luther Harper and Bryce Harper discussed purchasing 25 brick quantities (40 gram quantities) of heroin from Hardin that the Harpers then planned to distribute to individual users.

Last, Hardin acknowledged that during his drug trafficking crimes he possessed a firearm, including a 9mm Glock, to protect himself and to protect his drugs. Specifically, Hardin carried a firearm during his drug trafficking crimes. As a result, Hardin possessed a firearm in furtherance of the abovementioned drug trafficking crimes.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for April 30, 2013. The law provides for a total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $5,250,000, 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 Eric S. Rosen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, McKeesport Police Department, Munhall Police Department, and the West Homestead Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Antonio Hardin.

PITTSBURGH - A Washington County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Andrew Brown, 23, of Eighty Four, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Brown conspired with others to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. In that regard, the Court learned that Brown passed a number of fraudulent oxycodone prescriptions at pharmacies in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Brown then provided the obtained oxycodone to charged co-defendant David Best, who later resold this oxycodone. David Best has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for May 13, 2014, at 9 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Andrew Brown.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh businessman pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Ronald A. Moog, 78, of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and two counts of mail fraud before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the government’s evidence would establish that the defendant 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.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for April 4, 2014 at 9 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Moog on bond.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Moog.

PITTSBURGH - An individual residing in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, food stamp fraud, theft of government funds and money laundering, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 12-count indictment named Waqar A. Malik, 56, of Cheswick, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Malik, the owner of the Natrona Mart in Natrona, Pa., allowed federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food stamp beneficiaries to purchase non-eligible items such as cigarettes, tobacco products and soap with their EBT benefit card. Because of these transactions, Malik received funds from the United States government to which he was not entitled.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 125 years in prison, a fine of $23,250,000, 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 U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - An alien found in Monaca, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to time served on his conviction of illegal re-entry after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Hugo Silva-Gavina, 37, of Mexico.

According to the information presented to the court, Hugo Silva-Gavina, an alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Jan. 23, 2009. Hugo Silva-Gavina was found to be illegally present in Monaca on Sept. 13, 2013.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Custom Enforcement for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Silva-Gavina.

PITTSBURGH - An alien found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to time served on his conviction of illegal re-entry after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Jose Mariano Perez-Flores, age 33, of Honduras

According to the information presented to the court, Jose Mariano Perez-Flores, an alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Aug. 17, 2007. Jose Mariano Perez-Flores was found to be illegally present in Pittsburgh on Sept. 20, 2013.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Custom Enforcement for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Perez-Flores.

PITTSBURGH - Owners of a Wilkinsburg convenience store have been sentenced to two years of probation, five months home detention and ordered to pay restitution of $119,871.00 on their conviction on a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and food stamp fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Nicole Gordon, 34, of Turtle Creek, PA and Stanley Saxton, 44, of Verona, PA, siblings and co-owners and operators of Nicky's Corner, located on Montier Street in Wilkinsburg, PA, were sentenced by Senior District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. Gordon and Saxton also executed civil settlement agreements for violations of the False Claims Act, and agreed to pay to the United States the sum of $119,871.

According to the information presented to the court, Nicky's Corner 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 store. As a condition of participation in the Food Stamp Program, the defendants certified that they would comply with all rules and regulations of the program and were aware that program rules strictly prohibited the exchange of food stamp benefits for cash and/or for ineligible items, such as cigarettes. Despite this knowledge, on multiple occasions, the defendants exchanged food stamp benefits with customers in exchange for cash on a discounted basis, usually giving the customers only 50 cents on the dollar for their food stamp benefits. Gordon and Saxton also permitted customers to use food stamp benefits to pay for ineligible items, such as cigarettes.

Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office and Assistant United States Attorney Colin Callahan is litigating the case on behalf of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney's Office.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Office of the Inspector General for the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Nicole Gordon and Stanley Saxton.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Export, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of misappropriation of postal funds, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Lawrence F. Stoken, III, 47, pleaded guilty to 1 count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that while employed as the Postmaster at the Rural Valley, Pennsylvania Post Office, Lawrence F. Stoken, III embezzled approximately $13,255.90 from the sale of stamps and postal money orders during the period from October 2011 to March 2013.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 17, 2014 at 10:00 a.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.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stoken.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh-area pharmacist pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotic laws and was also sentenced pursuant to that plea of guilty, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Charles Brian Griffin, 27, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from March 2011 until February 2012, Griffin conspired together with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Specifically, the Court was advised that during this time period, Griffin worked as a pharmacist at Walgreens, primarily in its Washington, Pa., store. As a pharmacist, Griffin had access to controlled substances, namely oxycodone. Griffin, working together with a co-conspirator, knowingly filled large fraudulent oxycodone prescriptions provided to him by this co-conspirator. In exchange for doing this, the co-conspirator provided Griffin with tens of thousands of dollars in cash, which Griffin used to support his gambling addiction. In total, Griffin, working together with his co-conspirator, fraudulently diverted more than 8,000 30mg oxycodone pills over the course of this conspiracy.

After entering his plea of guilty, Judge Diamond sentenced Griffin to a term of imprisonment of 40 months, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The Court did not impose a fine on Griffin. The law provided for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of no more than $1,000,000, or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Charles Brian Griffin.

PITTSBURGH - A North Hills man pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Ryan Raithel, 33, of Wexford, Pa., pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around July 2011, and continuing to in and around May 2013, Raithel conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone and oxymorphone, Schedule II controlled substances. Additionally, on or about Aug. 10, 2012 Raithel possessed with the intent to distribute and did distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for May 14, 2014. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the 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, acting together with the Economy Borough and Cranberry Township Police Departments, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ryan Raithel.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 14 years in prison to be followed by five years supervised release, on his conviction of violating the federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Richard Hayes, 33.

According to information presented to the court, on Feb. 23, 2011, U.S. postal inspectors in Pittsburgh executed a search warrant for a suspicious package mailed from Rialto, Calif., to Pittsburgh which contained in excess of 20 pounds of marijuana. When Hayes attempted to pick up the package, he was arrested. Inside his wallet, agents found two receipts for other packages mailed from Rialto to Pittsburgh one day earlier.

On Feb. 24, 2011, inspectors located one of the other packages, secured a search warrant, and found nearly nine pounds of cocaine inside. The wholesale value in Pittsburgh of nine pounds of cocaine would be between $160,000 - $180,000, with a retail or "street" value well exceeding a half million dollars.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Nescott 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 Richard Hayes.

PITTSBURGH - A Homestead resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Hakeem Kirby, 21, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around May 2012, and continuing thereafter to in and around March 2013, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Kirby conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2014. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $10,000,000, 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 Eric S. Rosen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, City of Pittsburgh Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, McKeesport Police Department, Munhall Police Department, and the West Homestead Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hakeem Kirby.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Lawrence, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, on charges of wire fraud and filing false income tax returns, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The seven-count indictment named James Grimes, a resident of Lawrence, Pennsylvania.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Grimes embezzled funds belonging to clients of his brokerage firm. He also allegedly failed to report the income realized on his tax return for the years 2007-2009.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 89 years in prison, a fine of $1,750,000 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 James Y. Garrett is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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 - After deliberating for less than an hour, a federal jury of four men and eight women found James H. Anthony guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g), United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Anthony was tried before Senior United States District Judge Donetta Ambrose in Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that, on Sept. 25, 2011, Anthony possessed a Rossi .38 special revolver with an obliterated serial number. The firearm had been reported stolen years earlier by the Ligonier Township Police Department in Westmoreland County. Anthony was found to be in possession of the gun at his home in Fawn Township, Allegheny County, despite his inability to lawfully possess any firearm as a result of a prior felony conviction.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for March 27, 2014. Because the defendant has three previous convictions for a violent felony or a serious drug offense, or both, the law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison up to a maximum of life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant, but cannot be less than 15 years in this instance.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s house arrest.

The Fawn Township Police Department, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the ATF conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of James Anthony.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months imprisonment followed by eight years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Donald Lyles a/k/a Chief, 39.

According to information presented to the court, on or about April 25, 2013, Lyles possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lyles.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Presto, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to five years of probation, including 24 months of home detention, and a $10,000 fine plus 500 hours of community service, on his conviction of federal income tax evasion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Donald J. DeBlasio, 69. According to information presented to the court, as the owner of DeBlasio's, defendant engaged in the practice of "skimming" cash from restaurant sales, resulting in a total tax loss of $341,128.62 from the filing of false personal, corporate and payroll tax returns during the years 2007-2009.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cercone stated that he has “long felt that under-payment of taxes is one of the most serious problems in our country, but [the defendant’s] age is a factor and not every case warrants incarceration.”

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 DeBlasio.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months in jail and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $422,740.87 on his conviction of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Jeffrey Stephen Kodba, 32, of Erie, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Kodba was the President and owner/operator for JSK Computer Services and Asset Recovery. From in and around April 2006, to in and around June 2011, Kodba executed a scheme to defraud numerous customers out of approximately $422,740.87 by repeatedly shipping scrap metal and broken computer equipment to customers who ordered and paid for computer equipment that was represented by Kodba to be working and in good condition. When customers then requested refunds of the money they had wired to Kodba, he refused to return the victims’ money or send equipment which corresponded to the customers’ legitimate expectations.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cercone noted Kodba’s extensive criminal history and the significant impact on the victims.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kodba.

ERIE, PA. – An Erie resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws related to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

David Montgomery pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge David Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that while Montgomery was employed as a teacher at Collegiate Academy in Erie, Pa., 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 14 years old. 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.

Judge Cercone did not set a date for sentencing. The law provides for a total sentence of 80 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, Montgomery remained detained.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie County Detectives Bureau, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Montgomery.

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

Duane Rill, 52, of Cranberry Township, Pa., pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, to one count before United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Rill, a Secretary-Treasurer of the Berry Metal Employees’ Association, an independent union, stole approximately $13,496 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 Nov. 20, 2009.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for March 27, 2014, at 9 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 Rill 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 Rill.

PITTSBURGH – Edward Cook, 26, a Homestead resident, has been sentenced in federal court to 12 years of imprisonment after pleading guilty to violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today. This term of imprisonment is to be followed by five years of federal supervised release. United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence.

According to information presented to the court, on or about Aug. 12, 2012, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Cook discharged a firearm in furtherance of a one kilogram or more heroin trafficking conspiracy. The shooting to which Cook pled guilty took place at Club Pink, a club in Munhall, Pa.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, McKeesport Police Department, Munhall Police Department and the West Homestead Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution and sentencing of Edward Cook.

PITTSBURGH - United States Attorney David J. Hickton issued the following statement today:

“Today, we announce that no criminal charges will be brought in connection with our investigation related to the tragic illnesses and deaths of veterans from Legionnaires Disease at our local Veterans Administration health facilities.

“The investigation has been a high priority of my Office and federal law enforcement for the last nine months. We conducted the investigation jointly with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Veterans Administration - Office of Inspector General. It must be noted that our jurisdiction is limited to determining if any federal criminal statutes were violated. The focus of our work was not to determine exactly how patients contracted the disease, but rather whether there was evidence of any material false statements by VA officials or employees, and whether there was evidence justice had been obstructed in any way.

“Senior members of my staff and experienced FBI and VA-OIG agents conducted a thorough and independent review of this matter. Approximately 30 interviews were conducted. The interviews spanned high level hospital officials, maintenance workers and outside contractors. The investigative team analyzed and reviewed more than 250,000 internal VA emails. They studied volumes of records, including logbooks of maintenance performed on the systems used to combat the Legionella bacteria and purchase orders for parts related to such maintenance. Test results were examined, along with the detailed reports of the Centers for Disease Control and the Health Inspection Division of the OIG.

“Our investigation revealed no basis for charging any individual or any entity with a federal crime. Accordingly, no prosecution is warranted in this matter based upon our thorough review.

“While the federal criminal investigation has concluded, consideration of the many issues raised by this tragic event will surely continue in other forums. If any new or additional evidence emerges, today’s assessment does not prevent the U.S. Attorney’s Office from reviewing such evidence and reopening the investigation if the facts warrant.”

PITTSBURGH – An Upper St. Clair man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of obstruction of justice, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on Nov. 19, named Anthony V. Cugini, 54, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, in connection with a Department of Energy investigation regarding misuse of his position as Director of the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Anthony V. Cugini attempted to conceal and destroy evidence by directing witnesses to delete and redesignate NETL computer files and records, to "protect him" during the investigation, and to provide false information in response to investigative inquiries.

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 U.S. Department of Energy, 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.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on Nov. 19, named Mark Philip Campbell, 49, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from on or about Feb. 27, 2013, to on or about Sept. 15, 2013, Campbell received images and a video containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. The indictment further alleges that from on or about Feb. 27, 2013, to on or about Oct. 24, 2013, Campbell knowingly possessed images in computer graphic 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 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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.

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 Cranberry Township woman has been sentenced in federal court to 15 months imprisonment, five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $632,613.75 in restitution on her conviction of bank fraud and mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence yesterday on Meredith Shuster, 36.

According to information presented to the court, Shuster fraudulently obtained $729,000 in private lender student loans through using the identities and financial information of her parents.

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, as well as Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and the Department of Education for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shuster.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Patton, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to four years probation, the first three months of which must be satisfied by conditions of home confinement with electronic monitoring, on his conviction of possession of marijuana plants, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Stephen D. Lamont, 36.

According to information presented to the court, on May 9, 2011, Lamont possessed with the intent to distribute at least 50, but less than 100, marijuana plants.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the joint task force, headed by the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lamont. Other agencies participating on the task force include the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Pennsylvania State Police; the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office; the Cambria County District Attorney's Office; the Carrolltown Police Department; the Patton Police Department; the Ebensburg Police Department; the Portage Police Department and the Paint Township Police Department.

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

Linda Reed, 69, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from June 9, 2007, to April 15, 2008, Reed conspired with others to defraud the United States by assisting a co-conspirator in concealing money from the Internal Revenue Service in order for the co-conspirator to avoid paying income tax.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for April 1, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Reed.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years probation, including one year of home detention, and ordered to file tax returns, including penalties and interest on her conviction of federal income tax evasion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Jeanean C. Smith.

According to information presented to the court, as owner of Jioio's Restaurants in Latrobe and North Huntingdon, Smith engaged in the practice of "skimming" cash from restaurant sales, resulting in a total tax loss of $438,661 from the filing of false personal, corporate and payroll tax returns during the years 2006-2009.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Diamond stated that defendant's personal circumstances and the need to run her business in order to repay the IRS outweighed any need for a Sentencing Guidelines sentence of imprisonment.

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 Smith.

ERIE, Pa. - A former inmate of the Fayette State Correctional Institution in LaBelle, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months in jail on his conviction of mailing a threatening communication, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. imposed the sentence on Gregory Garrett Brown, 49. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Brown is currently serving.

According to information presented to the court, Brown mailed a letter to a United States Magistrate Judge which contained a threat to kill the Magistrate Judge and a United States District Judge.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cohill noted Brown's lengthy history of violence and the fact that Brown was incarcerated for threatening an Erie Court of Common Pleas judge when he threatened the Magistrate Judge and District Judge.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Marshal's Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Brown.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Smethport, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in jail and ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $36,000 on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. imposed the sentence on Peter Nollen Hergenrother, 63.

According to information presented to the court, Hergenrother received computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hergenrother.

Launched in February 2006, Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Lawrence County has been sentenced in federal court to 10 months imprisonment and three years supervised release on her conviction of embezzlement from a credit union, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Victoria Rozanski, 60, as the sole defendant.

According to information presented to the court, Rozanski, who was the manager of the Holy Redeemer Parish Federal Credit Union in Ellwood City embezzled approximately $110,000 from the credit union from in and around January 2003 until in or around May of 2009. Rozanski's sentence also ordered her to make full restitution.

Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl 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 Rozanski.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh-area physician was sentenced today in federal court to five years probation with nine months community confinement at Renewal, Inc., followed by nine months home detention, on his conviction of filing a false tax return, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Court Arthur J. Schwab imposed sentence upon Neil M. Niren, M.D. As part of his sentence, Niren was fined $40,000 and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $451,001.

According to information presented to the court, Niren, who operated his medical practice as a sole proprietorship, knowingly filed a false income tax return for 2005. Niren also accepted responsibility for filing false tax returns for years 2006 through 2008. Niren maintained two sets of accounting books and knowingly concealed payments received directly from patients. For each of the tax years, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, Niren falsely claimed thousands of dollars of personal expenses as business expenses of his medical practice, including a Bahamas vacation at the Atlantis Resort, apartment furniture, custom jewelry, fine art from the Adi Tobenhouse Gallery in Israel, cosmetic surgery, a gym membership, appliances for Niren's rental property in Pittsburgh and interior design work for Niren's New York apartment.

Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton and Department of Justice Tax Division Trial Attorney Jed Silversmith prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, leading to the successful prosecution of Niren.

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

David Dzermejko, 65, Braddock, 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. 11, 2013, Dzermejko, a Catholic priest, possessed photographs in computer graphics files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The child pornography was found on various computers and computer-related equipment taken from Dzermejko's former residence in Pittsburgh, Pa., following the execution of a search warrant.

The search warrant was issued on information provided, in part, from Microsoft Corp., that a "Skydrive" user identified by email address [email protected] and screen name "Lord Winchester Cuthbert Thurston VII", had uploaded a sexual image of a prepubescent minor to his Skydrive account. Dzermejko admitted to law enforcement officers executing the warrant that he had been viewing child pornography for in excess of 10 years, had acquired the images on-line from various websites, and had traveled on numerous occasions to Thailand where he engaged in sexual encounters with teen boys, some of whom he thereafter maintained an on-line relationship.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2014, at 11:30 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 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers of the Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dzermejko.

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 - Three Allegheny County residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, on charges of theft of government money and making false statements to obtain unemployment compensation for federal service, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Each of the three defendants was indicted separately. A three-count indictment named Jennifer Lang, 39, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Sandra Delval, 39, of Carnegie, Pa.; and Sharday Thornhill, 27, of Turtle Creek, Pa.

According to the indictments presented to the court, each defendant converted to her own use unemployment compensation benefit payments, benefits of which she knew she was not entitled.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 12 years in prison, a fine of $450,000 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 Koleen Kirkwood is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Inspector General for Tax Administration, Debt Management Section 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, PA - An illegal alien found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and has been sentenced in federal court to time served for his conviction of Re-Entry into the United States after Deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Luis Alberto Alvarez Arguello, a/k/a Rosalio Martinez Alvarez, a/k/a Rosalio Alvarez Martinez, a/k/a Mario Martinez Contreras, 28, a native of Mexico.

According to information presented to the court, Luis Alberto Alvarez-Arguello, an alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on January 14, 2011 and June 13, 2011. Luis Alberto Alvarez-Arguello was found to be illegally present in Pittsburgh on July 19, 2013, by the Port Authority Police.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Port Authority Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Luis Alberto Alvarez Arguello, a/k/a Rosalio Martinez Alvarez, a/k/a Rosalio Alvarez Martinez, a/k/a Mario Martinez Contreras.

PITTSBURGH - United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today that Corneil Jones, who has also used the aliases Robert Eric James, Eric Germaine James, Kornell Jones, Enrique Williams, Kevin Liles, Richard Nelson, Lewis Mitchell, Julian Robinson, and Germaine Jones, was sentenced on Nov. 4, 2013 for violating his federal supervised release.

According to information presented to the Court by Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt, Jones was out of federal Bureau of Prisons custody 22 days before he violated the supervision of United States Probation Officer Terrell Lewis. On that occasion, the defendant tested positive for drug use. Twenty-three 23 days later, on Nov. 11, 2012, Jones was leaving the Serenity Night Club on Hamilton Avenue in Pittsburgh with two convicted felons and entered an SUV. The vehicle failed to stop for Pittsburgh Police officers who observed drugs and a loaded semiautomatic .40 caliber Glock handgun with an extended length magazine being thrown from the vehicle. Police located over 100 packages of drugs, including crack cocaine, powder cocaine and marijuana, along with a cellphone and large sums of cash, as a result of the incident.

Chief U.S. District Court Judge Joy Flowers Conti found that Jones had violated several conditions of his supervision including possessing drugs, associating with felons and associating with individuals engaged in criminal activity. Judge Conti sentenced Jones to 21months of federal incarceration, six months of house arrest and additional supervision as a result of the violations. Jones faces a trial on the underlying drug charges on Feb. 10, 2014, in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

The exhibits entered at the violation hearing included photographs of Jones' tattoos, which evidence his affiliation with the Manchester "OG", or "Original Gangster" street gang in the North Side of Pittsburgh. The tattoos included "Manchester" across his throat, including depictions of ammunition and firearms, "MOG" (Manchester OG), "1700" which represents his geographic area within Manchester and several references to "Killa County" and "CK" or "Crip Killer", referencing a rival gang.

Jones was originally sentenced to 69 months of imprisonment and three years supervision for illegally possessing a stolen .357 revolver on Dec. 16, 2006 and throwing a semiautomatic .40 caliber pistol during a high speed vehicle pursuit and subsequent foot chase on May 13, 2007.

The Court learned that the defendant's criminal career began at the age of 15 when he robbed a school student and continued with juvenile adjudications for giving a false name to police and dealing drugs on three different dates. Because Jones had lied about his age, he was prosecuted as an adult for felony drug charges that he committed as a juvenile. In addition to his two federal firearms convictions, his adult convictions include using a vehicle without permission, fleeing police, drug dealing, illegal firearms possession (on two different dates) and forging court documentation.

PITTSBURGH, PA - An illegal alien found in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and has been sentenced in federal court to time served on his conviction of Re-Entry into the United States after Deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Josue Elias Calidonio-Castillo, 29, formerly from Honduras.

According to information presented to the court, Josue Elias Calidonio-Castillo, an alien, was removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on September 1, 2006. Josue Elias Calidonio-Castillo was found on July 16, 2013, in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Josue Elias Calidonio-Castillo.

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

William Kent Bricker, 56 pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Sept. 2, 2012, Bricker, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a .32 caliber revolver. Bricker was convicted of armed bank robbery in 1993 and illegal firearms possession in 2004. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Feb. 26, 2014 at 9:30 a.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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of William Kent Bricker. 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.

PITTSBURGH – An illegal alien found in Washington, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a sentence of time served on his conviction of re-entry into the United States after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Rigoberto Gonzalez- Pedro, 27, formerly from Mexico, as sole defendant.

According to information presented to the Court, Gonzalez-Pedro, an alien, was removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on December 2, 2008. Gonzalez-Pedro was found in Washington, Pennsylvania by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on February 5, 2013.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gonzalez-Pedro.

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

Monte Blair, 40, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Sept. 28, 2012, Blair, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a Ruger 9mm pistol. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm.

Judge Diamond scheduled sentencing for March 4, 2014, at 10:00 a.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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle 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 that led to the prosecution of Monte Blair. 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.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court today on his conviction of recklessly damaging a computer and password trafficking, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Matthew James West, 22. West was sentenced to two years' probation; 250 hours community service; full restitution of $2,445.96; and computer monitoring; and he must notify any employer of this conviction.

According to information presented to the court, on Nov. 28, 2011, Alyson Cunningham had been fired from a Pittsburgh law firm referred to as "VG." In retaliation for the firing, Matthew West, acting at Alyson and Jonathan Cunningham's encouragement, logged into VG servers using an internal company password provided to him by Alyson Cunningham over Facebook. West utilized a VPN proxy server located in Germany to use the password to access VG servers, so as to shield his identity. Once West accessed the server, he installed software on the server which could be used to capture passwords of anyone on the firm's network.

On Nov. 29, 2011, West sent a partner at VG law firm an email from the account [email protected] that stated that the firm's web servers had been compromised, and that their backup files had been copied and deleted. This email, which was used to notify the victim company of the hack caused by the usage of the illegally trafficked password, electronically traveled from West's computer in Pennsylvania, to Google's servers in California, before arriving back at VG's server in Pennsylvania. The email further stated that "we are not interested in ruining your business, but routinely checking that business is fair and just. Our motive is to solely capture and record 100% of Pittsburgh business records and operations and protect it or use it against you as we could if Anonymous had a reason and needed to." Anonymous is a loosely connected network of computer hacker/activists who are known to intrude upon computer networks for political purposes.

According to the victim company, neither Alyson Cunningham, Jonathan Cunningham or Matthew West had authority to access their computer server, nor did they have authority to place malware onto VG's servers.

Internet chats indicate that Jonathan Cunningham was actively communicating with West during the hack into VG's servers, providing instruction and suggestions, including suggesting the use of specific VPN servers. When IM chatting with West on the night of the hack, Jonathan Cunningham and Alyson Cunningham alternated in their use of Alyson's Skype account when communicating with West about the hack.

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 West.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to six months imprisonment and three years supervised release on her conviction of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Kathryn Joyce, 31.

According to information presented to the court, Joyce unlawfully possessed with intent to distribute 334 oxycodone 30 mg tablets on Jan. 11, 2012 when stopped by the Ross Township Police. She also sold 20 similar pills to a confidential informant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ross Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Joyce.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An inmate of FCI Loretto has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in prison, to be served consecutive to the 140-month sentence he is currently serving, on his conviction of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Lonnie Johnston, 32. According to information presented to the court, on Oct. 31, 2012, Inmate Johnston possessed heroin and marijuana.

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 Special Investigative Staff at the Federal Correctional Institution at Loretto for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnston.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Waynesboro, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 72 months in prison and five years supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Corey D. Harley, 39.

According to information presented to the court, from November 2011 to July 18, 2012, Harley conspired to possess and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Safe Streets Task Force initiative comprised of the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pa. Attorney General's Office, the Blair County Drug Task Force, the Cambria County Drug Task Force, the Somerset County Drug Task Force, the Roaring Spring Borough Police Dept. and the Paint Township Police Dept. for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Harley.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a charge of possession with the intent to distribute heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Anthony Coles, 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about June 13, 2013, Coles was found to be in possession, with the intent to distribute, of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, which is a Schedule I controlled substance.

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

The Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force consisting of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Police Dept., Oakdale Police Dept, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the superseding indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A West Mifflin, Pa., woman was convicted of conspiring to launder money, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Lori Page, 30, pled guilty before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing to occur on March 20, 2014, at 9 a.m.

In support of the guilty plea, the Court was informed that Page, from January 2012 through June 2012, rented, or arranged for the rental of, at least seven cars for a Pittsburgh-area heroin dealer. Page made payments to the rental car companies, either directly or through a female associate, totaling over $11,000. The funds Page used to cover the rentals were the proceeds of interstate heroin trafficking. Page was aware that the funds were from unlawful activity and that the rental transactions were designed to conceal those activities and the nature and source of the funds.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, 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 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.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Oaklyn, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of access device fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Raymond Hasaan Matthews, 37, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, it was represented to the court that Matthews used a counterfeit American Express credit card in November 2011 at Casa D'Oro Jewelers to purchase two watches totaling approximately $15,605.00, as well as at other stores such as Dicks Sporting Goods and Home Depot where he purchased additional merchandise.

Judge McVerry scheduled the sentencing for January 24, 2014, at 1:30 p.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 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 Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Suwanee, Ga., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of laundering of monetary instruments, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Steve Park, 56, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between Jan. 1, 2010, and Dec. 10, 2010, Park, while the owner of The SunSet Health Spa, located on Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona, Pa., conducted financial transactions which involved proceeds derived from the unlawful interstate transportation of individuals for illegal sexual activity. By conducting these financial transactions with the illicit proceeds, he intended to engage in conduct constituting a violation of Sections 7201 or 7206 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 24, 2014, at 11:00 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 would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the 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, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Park.

PITTSBURGH - United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today that Brandon Lee Price, 28, of East Liberty, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Terrence F. McVerry to eight months in prison to be followed by two years supervised release. Price was also ordered to pay $658 in restitution.

In sentencing Price on his plea to four counts of bank fraud Judge McVerry found that Price had attempted to cause a financial loss of greater than $15,000 to Citibank, N.A., by convincing Citibank N.A. to send account information of a Citibank customer, Paul Allen, the cofounder of Microsoft, to Price at his mother’s residence in East Liberty. Mr. Price then used the account information to pay off an outstanding loan and he attempted to access Mr. Allen’s accounts and funds through the use of a debit card that Price convinced the bank to send to him.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation which led to the indictment and guilty plea in this case.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of receipt, distribution, and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment named James Stover, 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about March 19, 2013, Stover received images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. The indictment further alleges that on or about May 29, 2013, Stover distributed images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. The indictment further alleges that on or about Aug. 15, 2013, Stover knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic 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 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.