Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Houtzdale Woman Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Houtzdale, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Joanna Shylock, 36, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around March 2020 to in and around April 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Shylock conspired with others to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Shylock was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that she distributed to others.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Shylock. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Wexford Resident Charged with Attempting to Transmit Obscene Material to Minor and Coerce Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Wexford, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of attempting to transmit obscene material to a minor and attempting to induce a minor to engage in sexual activity, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The four-count Indictment named Albert Maximillian Jeremias, 79, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on multiple occasions between January 2023 and May 2023, Jeremias made contact via internet chats with undercover agents in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Coral Gables, Florida, areas who he believed were young girls between the ages of 12 and 15. During those conversations, Jeremias sent pornographic photographs and livestream images of himself to the undercover agents and requested that the agents send sexually explicit pictures of themselves to him, even sending one of them a $50 gift card as enticement.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Brown is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Northern Regional Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
James Pearcy, 60, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson on August 20, 2024.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around January 2021 to in and around June 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Pearcy conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Pearcy was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of cocaine that he distributed to others.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of no less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Pearcy. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Johnstown Woman Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Amanda Weidner, 40, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around February 2021 to in and around June 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Weidner conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of heroin and cocaine base. Weidner was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that she distributed to others.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for January 7, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Weidner. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Former Crafton Resident Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine and Heroin from Mexico and Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Crafton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Andrew Beatty, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon: conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one kilogram or more of heroin, and conspiring to commit money laundering. Beatty has a prior federal drug trafficking conviction from 2007 for which he was sentenced to 78 months in prison.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that communications intercepted on federal wiretaps by law enforcement between September 2013 and March 2014 revealed that Beatty was obtaining kilogram quantities of heroin and cocaine from a Mexican drug trafficking organization, communicating directly with an unidentified Mexican male known only as “Guero.” Guero arranged for heroin and cocaine to be hidden in vehicles in California and then transported to Pittsburgh and several other cities via car carrier trucks. Beatty, with the assistance of conspirators, would receive the cars and unload the heroin and cocaine, and also sell the drugs to other individuals, who further distributed the drugs throughout Western Pennsylvania. Once the drugs were sold, Beatty, again with the assistance of co-conspirators, hid the money in vehicles that he shipped to the Mexican organization in California. Often, the vehicles involved were older model Acura sedans equipped with sophisticated concealed compartments with hydraulic arms that were opened through a series of actions.
In December 2013, DEA agents arranged for the Ohio Highway Patrol to conduct a traffic stop of a car carrier truck based on information obtained through Beatty’s intercepted communications. The truck was carrying a car that Beatty had shipped to the Mexican organization in California, a search of which resulted in the seizure of approximately $130,000 in U.S. currency.
On January 12, 2014, and again on February 9, 2014, an undercover DEA agent posing as a money courier received from Beatty and his associates approximately $225,000 (on each occasion). The money was then deposited into bank accounts specified by the Mexican organization.
In early March 2014, agents intercepted communications between Guero and Beatty that revealed a car containing cocaine had been shipped to Pittsburgh and left in a parking lot for Beatty. On March 5, 2014, the agents located and towed the car before Beatty had the opportunity to retrieve it. A search warrant was executed, resulting in the seizure of approximately six kilograms of cocaine hidden in metal containers bolted to the wheels inside of the tires.
On March 19, 2014, agents executed search warrants, along with arrest warrants for Beatty and others, and seized approximately $400,000 in cash, the bulk of which was found in Beatty’s storage locker. A search of a conspirator’s residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 40 bricks of heroin and $40,000 in cash. During the execution of the search warrant at Beatty’s home, Beatty showed the agents how to open the concealed compartment of a silver Acura located at the residence, the only contents of which was marijuana, and claimed that he had sold the gold Acura for which the agents also had a warrant.
The following day, agents located the gold Acura belonging to Beatty parked on a city street near a conspirator’s home. The vehicle had an anti-theft steering wheel lock, the key to which, along with the key to the car itself, was found in Beatty’s residence on March 19. The agents also had observed Beatty move the same vehicle the previous night via a pole camera they had installed outside of Beatty’s residence. Upon the execution of a search warrant for the vehicle, agents found approximately 3.5 kilograms of heroin, three firearms, and four cell phones belonging to Beatty inside of a trap compartment in the door panel, which opened in the same unique manner that Beatty showed the agents on the silver Acura located at his residence the previous day. A later search of those cellular telephones revealed that they were among the cellular telephones that were intercepted during the wiretaps, as well as other incriminating evidence.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Baldwin Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Scott Township Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Duquesne Police Department, West Homestead Police Department, and Ohio Highway Patrol conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Beatty.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted on Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Cocaine Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Eric Gerome Clancy, 38, of Pittsburgh’s East Hills neighborhood as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about May 15, 2024, Clancy knowingly possessed with intent to distribute crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and a mixture containing methamphetamine and fentanyl. Following a stop for traffic violations by Mt. Lebanon police and subsequent search of Clancy’s vehicle, officers discovered nine “bricks” containing a mixture of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Officers also recovered from the vehicle several ounces of crack and powder cocaine, as well as a scale, in addition to finding a large amount of U.S. currency on Clancy.
At the time of the offense, Clancy was on federal supervised release following a 90-month sentence in federal prison for a drug trafficking and firearms conviction.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Mt. Lebanon Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pair of Clearfield County Men Charged in Connection with Targeted Bombing Resulting in Death of Victim Who Owed One Defendant Drug DebtRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Two residents of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, Clint Addleman, 47, and Kris Joseph Nevling, 47, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of conspiracy to maliciously destroy property by explosive or fire and possession of an unregistered destructive device, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Addleman is also charged with malicious destruction of property by explosive or fire resulting in death, and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The four-count Superseding Indictment was returned today against Addleman of Morrisdale, Pennsylvania, and Nevling, of Houtzdale, Pennsylvania.
According to the Superseding Indictment, Addleman was a drug dealer operating in and around Clearfield, Pennsylvania, who obtained large quantities of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, from one or more sources of supply and sold and redistributed the methamphetamine to his customers, including co-defendant Nevling and a Clearfield resident identified as S.L.C. In and around the summer of 2019, Addleman “fronted” several hundred dollars’ worth of methamphetamine to S.L.C.—i.e., he provided the drugs to S.L.C. without an upfront payment. As alleged, S.L.C. did not repay the drug debt owed to Addleman during the following months. On multiple occasions, Addleman allegedly threatened violence against S.L.C. in connection with her failure to repay him.
The Superseding Indictment further alleges that, in and around early October 2019, Nevling and Addleman aided and abetted each other in the construction and possession of a destructive device—a bomb—which was subsequently concealed inside a package addressed to S.L.C. using her nickname. In the early morning hours of October 4, 2019, the package containing the bomb, pictured below, was delivered to a multi-unit rental property in Clearfield, where S.L.C. rented an apartment on the first floor.
Later that morning, the bomb detonated inside S.L.C.’s apartment, killing S.L.C. and causing significant damage to the property, including by fire. A picture of the building after the fire was extinguished appears below:
“As alleged, Clint Addleman and Kris Joseph Nevling were responsible for building a bomb that was used to murder one of Addleman’s methamphetamine customers and almost completely leveled the building where she lived,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “This conduct—involving lethal retaliation over nothing more than an outstanding drug debt—shocks the conscience and has no place in our communities or anywhere else. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners in our shared commitment to investigate and prosecute those whose conduct presents such a clear and present danger to others, whether in the form of distributing illegal drugs, building and detonating deadly bombs, or, in this case, both.”
“Our ATF Special Agents worked tirelessly alongside our federal, state, and local partners to seek justice in this brutal murder case,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Office. “The perpetrators tried to hide their crime through the illegal use of explosives, but using our unique forensic tools, we were still able to recover the evidence that ultimately indicted them.”
The law provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million for Addleman and $250,000 for Nevling, 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 of the defendant.
Addleman is currently incarcerated serving an unrelated state sentence, and Nevling remains detained after being arrested on his original Indictment last fall.
Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Shaun E. Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Previously Convicted Felon from McKees Rocks Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on August 15, 2024, to 12 years of prison on his convictions for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Reginald Bernard Blunt, 32.
According to information presented to the Court, an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police between August 2022 and June 2023 into a drug trafficking organization operating in McKees Rocks revealed that Blunt was a member of the organization and lived at a residence where firearms and controlled substances were being stored. On June 14, 2023, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant upon that residence and recovered from Blunt’s bedroom a backpack containing two prescription pill bottles bearing Blunt’s name, a loaded handgun containing 17 rounds of ammunition, and a “Glock switch” that, when attached to the handgun, would render the firearm fully automatic. Law enforcement also recovered from the residence approximately 60 grams of a fentanyl and methamphetamine mixture, 20 grams of fentanyl, and approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition, in addition to seizing $4,300.
The firearm recovered by law enforcement was determined to be the same one that Blunt—who has previous felony drug trafficking and firearms convictions—had used just before law enforcement responded to a call at Blunt’s residence nearly one month earlier, where it was reported that two individuals were fighting and that one of the individuals possessed a gun. Traffic camera footage of this May 16, 2023, incident obtained by investigators in preparation for the federal search warrant revealed Blunt repeatedly pointing a firearm at an adult male who was accompanied by a child, with the adult carrying the child while ducking behind a vehicle to avoid Blunt as he pointed the firearm. The footage further recorded Blunt permitting the adult to place the child in the vehicle before Blunt brought the individual back to his residence, where, on the porch, the two males began exchanging punches. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Blunt.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Trafficking of Fentanyl, Fluorofentanyl, and CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on August 15, 2024, to 15 years of imprisonment on his convictions for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of fluorofentanyl, and 500 grams or more of cocaine, as well as to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Andre Nunley, 50.
According to information presented to the Court, between June 2022 and December 2023, Nunley was the subject of a joint investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement operating under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program in Beaver County. As part of the investigation, law enforcement seized over 500 grams of cocaine from a mid-level drug dealer as he left a brief meeting with Nunley. In January 2023, law enforcement executed federal search warrants upon both of Nunley’s known stash houses, resulting in the seizure of approximately 15,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills, 4,200 stamp bags, 40 boxes containing empty glassine bags, and bulk U.S. currency. A laboratory confirmed that the seized substances contained about 1,352 grams of fentanyl, 797 grams of a fluorofentanyl and fentanyl mixture, and 199 grams of fluorofentanyl. Fluorofentanyl and fentanyl are Schedule I and II controlled substances, respectively.
Following that seizure, law enforcement continued to investigate Nunley’s drug trafficking operation and identified a third residence used by Nunley. In December 2023, law enforcement intercepted a parcel addressed to that residence, which contained about two kilograms of fentanyl. During a controlled delivery operation of the seized parcel to the third residence, law enforcement encountered Nunley, who confessed to expecting a parcel containing drugs.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Nunley.
Former California Resident Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Role in Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Oxnard, California, was sentenced in federal court on August 14, 2024, to five years of imprisonment on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Christopher Andrew Salgado, 24.
According to information presented to the Court, between March 2022 and September 2022, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The investigation revealed that a cocaine source of supply in California would mail parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine to a residence in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. After investigators seized a parcel containing two kilograms of cocaine before it reached the Aliquippa residence, the source of supply began sending the parcels to Salgado in West Virginia. Thereafter, mobile and electronic surveillance confirmed that Salgado would drive the parcels from West Virginia to the Pittsburgh International Airport, pick-up co-defendant Jose Sanchez, who would arrive on flights from California, and transport both the parcel and Sanchez to another co-defendant, Romaro Foster Sr., in Aliquippa.
Following one re-supply of cocaine to Foster, law enforcement followed Salgado as he drove Sanchez back to the Pittsburgh airport, and observed Salgado dispose of a box in the trash of a fast food restaurant parking lot. Investigators recovered the box, observing a shipping label with Salgado’s West Virginia address as well as drug packaging material within the box. A field test of the packaging revealed the presence of cocaine.
In August 2022, investigators seized a parcel sent from California to Salgado in West Virginia. The parcel contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine. Investigators conducted a controlled delivery operation of the parcel at Salgado’s residence, executing a federal search warrant at the residence in conjunction with the operation. From Salgado’s bedroom, investigators recovered a separate parcel sent from California to Salgado containing approximately two kilograms of cocaine, along with a loaded 9mm handgun, an empty pistol magazine, a box of ammunition, and a digital scale.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Salgado.
This prosecution is part of an OCDETF investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
South Carolina Residents Ordered to Pay $50,000 Fine and More Than $400,000 in Restitution Following Their Conviction in “Rent-A-Vet” Construction Fraud Scheme Targeting the United States Department of Veterans AffairsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Two residents of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, each were sentenced in federal court on August 13, 2024, to a one-year term of probation, including 100 hours of community service, and ordered to pay a fine of $50,000 along with $403,142 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs following their guilty pleas to committing a major fraud against the United States, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentences on Edward DiGorio Jr., 66, and Edward Kessler, 69. Both men formerly resided in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the Court in connection with the defendants’ earlier guilty pleas, DiGorio and Kessler were the owners of two construction companies, ADDVETCO, Inc., and Hi-Def Contracting, Inc., operating in Pittsburgh. DiGorio and Kessler formed the companies for the purpose of bidding on and acquiring “set-aside” contracts issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to small businesses owned and operated by service-disabled veterans of the U.S. military and pre-certified by the VA as Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs). Neither DiGorio nor Kessler had served in the military, nor were they service-disabled. DiGorio and Kessler executed a classic “Rent-A-Vet” scheme, in which they paid service-disabled veterans to falsely represent themselves as the primary owners and operators of ADDVETCO and Hi-Def, and to falsely attest to ownership of the companies on critical documents submitted to the VA as part of the SDVOB certification process. During the period of 2007 to 2018, ADDVETCO and Hi-Def were awarded 67 contracts that were intended for SDVOBs, 50 of which were valued at $1 million or more. The two charges to which DiGorio and Kessler each pleaded guilty in March 2024 arose from the two most recent contracts awarded to the companies, for which the defendants received more than $400,000 in profits.
“For more than a decade, the defendants in this case cheated a laudable and important program established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and designed to benefit service-disabled veterans,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “DiGorio and Kessler profited shamelessly while defrauding the United States government and depriving many deserving veterans of the opportunity to perform lucrative construction work for the government. We are grateful for the important law enforcement partnerships that helped bring the defendants’ scheme to light and hold them accountable under federal law.”
“These sentencings hold the defendants accountable for their role in an elaborate scheme to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars in government contracts from programs designed to benefit service-disabled veteran business owners,” said Special Agent in Charge Kim R. Lampkins of the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General’s Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “The VA OIG remains committed to diligently pursuing these cases in an effort to maintain the integrity of VA programs. The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the FBI for their partnership in this joint investigation.”
“The actions of these two individuals to manipulate a system meant to help honest, legitimate veteran-owned businesses not only defrauded the government, but also undermines the integrity of these programs,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The FBI and our partners will not tolerate the exploitation of the honor and sacrifice of those who have served for personal gain.”
In imposing the sentences, Judge Stickman emphasized the serious nature of the defendants’ offenses and their shameful disregard for the disabled servicemembers who had served their country, characterizing the defendants’ conduct as akin to “stolen valor.” Judge Stickman further opined that he viewed the defendants’ crimes as driven by “greed and pride.”
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of DiGorio and Kessler.
Rockwood Man Sentenced for Tax Evasion and Filing False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Rockwood, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a fine of $40,000 and restitution of $207,378 (which has already been paid) to the Internal Revenue Service on his conviction of tax evasion and filing false income tax returns, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jason R. Svonavec, 45.
According to information presented to the Court, Svonavec evaded tax liability in 2017 by illegally expensing the construction of his home in Somerset, Pennsylvania, through entities he operates called Heritage Coal and Natural Resources LLC and Banshee Crane. In 2018, he filed a tax return reporting false tax deductions for Heritage Coal.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Internal Revenue Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Svonavec.
Moon Township Man Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Return, Admits to Causing $1.03 Million Tax LossRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of willfully filing a false tax return, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Albert Boyd Jr., 53, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, for each year from 2017 to 2022, Boyd failed to report income from his company, Boyd Roll-Off Services, Inc., on the business’s tax return for the relevant tax year, causing a total tax loss of at least $1,030,000. Specifically, Boyd ensured that much of the company’s income from the sale of scrap metal went unreported by causing cash proceeds not to be deposited in the business bank account and causing checks to be deposited into accounts other than the business bank account. Boyd then failed to provide his tax return preparer with records relating to the undeposited cash and diverted checks.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss of the offense, 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 William B. Guappone is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Boyd.
Arizona Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Role in Transnational Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering OperationRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced in federal court to 180 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Jairo Morales, 22, on August 8, 2024. Morales was one of 35 defendants charged through a Second Superseding Indictment unsealed in January for their participation in a domestic and international narcotics and money laundering conspiracy involving substantial quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
According to information presented to the Court, from in and around August 2021 to in and around June 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Morales conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Further, from in and around April 2022 to in and around March 2023, Morales conspired with others to commit money laundering. Morales was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine that he distributed to others. The Court found that Morales was responsible for conspiring to distribute 7.48 kilograms of cocaine, 83 kilograms of fentanyl, and 72 kilograms of methamphetamine and that Morales possessed firearms in connection with that drug trafficking activity.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Morales. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Previously Convicted Felon from Beaver Falls Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Repeated Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to firearms charges and was sentenced to 77 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Eric Kalif Hubbard, 41.
According to evidence presented to the Court, on May 23, 2023, an officer with the New Brighton Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Hubbard. In approaching the vehicle, the officer observed an open container and the odor of alcohol, as well as a black satchel bag in the vehicle. When asked by the officer to exit the vehicle due to suspicion of drunk driving, Hubbard sped away in the vehicle. Officers pursued Hubbard and, upon finding his crashed vehicle, arrested Hubbard hiding in the brush and searched the nearby Beaver River, where they recovered a black satchel floating in the water. That bag contained three pill bottles bearing Hubbard’s name and a loaded revolver.
On July 14, 2023, an officer with the Beaver Falls Police Department initiated a traffic stop on Hubbard after observing that there was no inspection sticker on his windshield. The officer, who was aware of the prior traffic stop and also knew that Hubbard had a suspended license, determined that the vehicle was a rental, that Hubbard was not on the rental agreement, and that the vehicle had to be towed. Upon conducting an inventory of the vehicle while awaiting a tow truck, the officer discovered contraband, stopped the inventory, and applied for a search warrant, with the resulting search leading to the recovery of three black ski masks, three pairs of black gloves, a loaded 12 gauge shotgun with a cut stock, and a loaded semiautomatic rifle.
At the time Hubbard possessed the firearms and ammunition seized in these instances, he had been convicted of seven felony offenses. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the New Brighton Police Department, Beaver Falls Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hubbard.
Palestinian National Sentenced to 7.5 Years in Prison for Travel with Intent to Engage in Sexual Conduct with MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Palestinian national was sentenced in federal court to 90 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his conviction of one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Huthayfa Almassri, 33, who had pleaded guilty to the charge on April 15, 2024.
According to information presented to the Court, Almassri traveled from Palestine on May 31, 2022, and was admitted to the United States as a Lawful Permanent Resident. On June 14, 2022, Almassri initiated an online relationship with an individual he believed to be a minor but was actually a law enforcement officer acting in an undercover capacity. In his conversations with the minor, Almassri lied about his age and real name. On October 16, 2022, Almassri arranged to meet with the minor for sex. Almassri was arrested when he arrived to meet with the minor. In conjunction with his guilty plea, Almassri agreed to the judge’s entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Almassri.
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.
Clinton Resident Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Clinton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 124 months of imprisonment, to be followed by lifetime supervised release, on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Roderick T. Long, 59.
According to information presented to the Court, on March 9, 2020, Long—who had previously served a 121-month federal sentence of imprisonment for receiving material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor—was found in possession of more than 500 videos and still images in computer graphics and digital files depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, many of whom had not attained the age of 12 years. The Pennsylvania State Police had obtained a search warrant for Long’s home, where they found the sexually exploitive material saved in his laptop computer and cellular telephone.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan stated that the nature of Long’s offense, the harm and trauma caused to the child victims, and Long’s previous conviction for receiving sexually exploitive imagery of children warranted a significant term of imprisonment and lifetime supervised release.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Long.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Recidivist Large-Scale Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Life in Prison Following Conviction at Trial for Violating Federal Kingpin StatuteRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Jamaican national was sentenced in federal court on August 6, 2024, to life imprisonment for his conviction on six counts, including violating the federal “Kingpin” statute for leading a continuing criminal enterprise, as well as federal offenses involving cocaine trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Racoco Williams, 43. A Pittsburgh jury found Williams guilty of the six counts in September 2023 following a three-week trial.
Evidence introduced at trial established that Williams, who is originally from Jamaica, was the leader of a large-scale drug trafficking organization that distributed more than 150 kilograms of cocaine between 2012 and 2018. Williams obtained cocaine from near the Southwest border through a base of operations in Phoenix, Arizona. He then arranged to transport the cocaine to various cities on the east coast of the United States, including Charlotte, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; New York City; and Pittsburgh. Although he relied on a variety of methods for transporting bulk cocaine, he regularly used young women—including a 16-year-old—as couriers, directing them to travel by bus or on domestic airlines with checked luggage filled with drugs. Williams then used many of these same women, who often faced dire financial circumstances, to transport cash proceeds of his cocaine trafficking back to Phoenix concealed in secret compartments in suitcases. To ensure the couriers’ obedience, Williams threatened them with violence, including threatening to kill one courier and her entire family if she cooperated with law enforcement.
“Racoco Williams orchestrated a years-long, cross-country drug trafficking and money laundering organization that distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine in various cities throughout the country, including communities in this district,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Williams stayed behind the scenes, using couriers to transport bulk cocaine and cash to fuel his enterprise, and he maintained obedience through threats of violence, including a threat to kill a courier and her family. This prosecution makes clear yet again that our office and our law enforcement partners, here and across the country, are dedicated to identifying the most dangerous offenders and holding them accountable to the fullest extent of federal law.”
“This sentence is the culmination of years of investigative and prosecutorial work, diligence, and expertise,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Sara Bay. “As a result of this investigation, special agents and prosecutors were able to dismantle a vicious transnational drug trafficking organization and free the young women who Racoco Williams controlled through threats of violence. The partnership that HSI Pittsburgh has developed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania is truly remarkable and continues to work to ensure the safety of communities in western Pennsylvania.”
During the conspiracy, Williams was associated with multiple seizures involving large quantities of drugs, cash, and jewelry, with a total of approximately $895,000 in cash seized from Williams and his associates throughout the investigation. In 2012, for example, a search of the home he used for a drug transaction revealed $337,000 in cash concealed in secret compartments in eight suitcases. Although he pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal syndicate and received a sentence of two years of probation, Williams’s drug trafficking continued unabated. In 2014, he was again arrested in Arizona, and a search of two suitcases in his vehicle revealed approximately $160,000 in cash.
Evidence at trial further established significant trafficking activity in 2017. In April of that year, a search of an acquaintance’s home in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, uncovered six kilograms of cocaine and $78,500 in cash. Williams previously had arranged for a courier to travel with the same suitcase filled with cocaine from Las Vegas two days earlier. Less than a month later, in May 2017, a traffic stop by the Swissvale Police and later search of Williams’s car and hotel room revealed approximately $120,000 in cash and valuable jewelry. About three months later, a search of Williams’s Monroeville, Pennsylvania, hotel room revealed 17 kilograms of cocaine concealed in two suitcases, and approximately $192,000 in cash and $150,000 in jewelry concealed in another suitcase. Williams’s cross-country operation involved other individuals, including co-conspirators working out of the Penn Hills area of Pennsylvania who distributed cocaine supplied by Williams.
The evidence presented at trial further established that, even after he was incarcerated, Williams continued to arrange for shipments of cocaine from Phoenix to the Pittsburgh area. One such shipment in March 2018 comprised five kilograms of cocaine concealed inside a BMW sport utility vehicle on a car carrier destined for Pittsburgh that was seized by Arizona law enforcement officials. At trial, the jury further concluded that approximately $400,000 in cash, $200,000 worth of jewelry, and that BMW sport utility vehicle were forfeitable to the government.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Karen Gal-Or prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams. Numerous other law enforcement agencies and departments in Pennsylvania and Arizona assisted in the investigation, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Allegheny County Police Department, Swissvale Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Maricopa County (Arizona) Sheriff’s Office, and Yavapai County (Arizona) Sheriff’s Office.
Mt. Lebanon Resident Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on August 6, 2024, to 23 years of incarceration, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his conviction related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Andrew Kalyl Foxx, a/k/a James Andrew Liles, a/k/a Andrew James Liles, 43. Foxx pleaded guilty to two counts on May 15, 2024.
According to information presented to the Court, on or about March 3, 2023, Foxx secretly recorded himself sexually abusing a minor. On March 9, 2023, the defendant knowingly possessed this video file depicting the child sexual exploitation.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, Allegheny County Police Department, and Mt. Lebanon Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Foxx.
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.
Youngstown, Ohio, Resident Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in Death and Conspiring to Distribute Large Quantities of Fentanyl, Fluorofentanyl, and CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Youngstown, Ohio, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of distributing fentanyl resulting in death and conspiring to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Eliot Gentry, 27, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab to distributing fentanyl resulting in the death of an individual in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, on January 23, 2022, and conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of fluorofentanyl, and five kilograms or more of cocaine from May 2021 to October 2022.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for December 4, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Mercer County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Sharon Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Gentry.
Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
George Mazey, 53, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Eight of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around February 2021 to in and around April 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Mazey conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing heroin, and quantities of a mixture and substance containing cocaine and cocaine base in the form commonly known as crack. Further, in and around April 2021, Mazey possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine and fentanyl. Mazey was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for December 11, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of no less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both.
Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mazey. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Erie Man Convicted at Trial of Brokering the Illegal Transfer of Fully Automatic Machineguns, Including One with an Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - After deliberating for four hours, a federal jury on August 2, 2024, found Erie, Pennsylvania, resident Joseph Leonard Stratton-Kiehlmeier guilty of one count of aiding and abetting the transfer of unregistered fully automatic firearms, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Stratton-Kiehlmeier, 36, was tried before Senior United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone in Pittsburgh.
According to evidence presented during the four-day trial, in January 2020, law enforcement learned that Stratton-Kiehlmeier was offering to broker the sale and transfer of illegal, unregistered machineguns. Those firearms – a Yugo rifle with an obliterated serial number and a Tikkakoski submachine gun – were both operable and fully automatic. Pursuant to the National Firearms Act, machineguns must be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. In January 2020, a confidential source, acting under the direction and supervision of federal law enforcement, traveled with Stratton-Kiehlmeier to a barn in Erie County to receive the illegal weapons. During the meeting, which was recorded, the source paid $2,000 for the machineguns, which he turned over to law enforcement after the meeting.
“Joseph Stratton-Kiehlmeier brokered the unlawful sale and transfer of two fully automatic machineguns—weapons that are capable of unleashing devastating violence with a single pull of the trigger,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “The defendant sought to fuel the dangerous black market in illicit firearms, indifferent to who was acquiring these unregistered weapons and what they might do with them. This conduct poses a grave danger to the citizens of Western Pennsylvania, and our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to take these illegal weapons off of our streets.”
“High-powered weapons in the hands of criminals endangers our community and increases the risk for deadly violence,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “Public safety is a shared mission, and the FBI and our partners stand committed to protecting the lives of innocent citizens everywhere.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Molly W. Anglin and Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 2, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Safe Streets Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stratton-Kiehlmeier. A specialist from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also testified during the trial.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Ohio Man Currently Imprisoned for Assault with Firearm Sentenced to Additional 17.5 Years of Prison for Series of Armed Pharmacy RobberiesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced on July 31, 2024, to 210 months of incarceration on his conviction for a series of pharmacy robberies throughout Western Pennsylvania and distribution of the narcotics from those robberies, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
In March, following a four-day trial before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab, a Pittsburgh jury found Abdulrahman Abdelaziz Jamea, 26, guilty of seven crimes: one count each of conspiracy to commit armed pharmacy robbery and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, three counts of armed pharmacy robbery, and two counts of pharmacy robbery.
Evidence introduced during the trial established that Jamea participated in a conspiracy to rob pharmacies of Schedule II controlled substances—that is, highly addictive opioids and stimulants—between September 2018 and July 2019. This conspiracy included the robberies of pharmacies in Beaver, Bridgeville, Edinboro, Erie, and the Oakland area of Pittsburgh. During three of the robberies, Jamea and his co-conspirators brandished a firearm to threaten the lives of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and to intimidate them into opening the locked safes where the controlled substances were kept. Evidence also established that Jamea returned to the Columbus area to sell these stolen drugs to both prescription drug abusers and other traffickers.
“Jamea’s armed robbery spree across western Pennsylvania risked the lives of pharmacy employees and ordinary civilians who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time—all so he and his co-conspirators could steal dangerous drugs and later sell them on the street,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “This sentencing reflects both the serious and violent nature of these robberies, which have no place in this district or anywhere. Our office is grateful as always for the exceptional work of our law enforcement partners and for the resolve of the victims during the course of this important prosecution.”
In imposing sentence, Judge Schwab specifically noted Jamea’s use of a silver handgun to threaten employees at a pharmacy in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, while a co-conspirator stole thousands of Schedule II controlled substances such as opioids and amphetamines from the store’s safe.
Jamea is currently serving a separate sentence of more than 40 years following a conviction in Ohio for eight counts of felonious assault with a firearm. Judge Schwab ordered that the 210-month sentence in this case be served consecutively to Jamea’s term of imprisonment in Ohio.
Assistant United States Attorneys Barbara K. Doolittle and Michael R. Ball prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Erie Police Department, Edinboro Police Department, Beaver Police Department, Bridgeville Police Department, and Ohio Highway Patrol for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jamea.
Nineteen Defendants from Western Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio Charged with Participating in Interstate Drug Trafficking Operation Involving Large Quantities of Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine, and OxycodoneRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Nineteen individuals from the New Castle, Pennsylvania, and Detroit, Michigan, areas have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for their participation in a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating throughout and between those regions, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment charges the defendants with conspiring to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, five kilograms or more of cocaine, 100 grams or more of heroin, and a quantity of oxycodone from August 2023 to July 2024. The Indictment and a related search warrant were unsealed today. A complete list of the defendants is included at the bottom of this release.
According to the Indictment and information provided to the Court, the defendants operated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) based in Detroit and New Castle that was responsible for the acquisition of kilograms of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, including in the form of crack, as well as other controlled substances such as oxycodone, via interstate sources of supply. The DTO distributed those drugs to other dealers throughout and beyond Western Pennsylvania, and several members of the DTO regularly travelled back and forth between New Castle and Detroit in furtherance of the illegal drug activities. A number of the defendants have extensive criminal records, some stretching back more than three decades, including prior felony drug-trafficking and firearms convictions.
The search warrant affidavit alleges that, in March 2024, one of the leaders of this DTO, Christian Frierson, was arrested following a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in the vicinity of Omaha, Nebraska. Frierson, who was driving eastbound from California, was found in possession of a safe containing over 1,000 grams of fentanyl and nearly 250 grams of heroin. Frierson was charged with drug crimes in Nebraska state court and released on bond. The affidavit asserts that he promptly resumed his large-scale drug trafficking activities in furtherance of the Detroit/New Castle DTO.
According to the search warrant affidavit, agents utilized confidential sources and informants, extensive surveillance and analysis of phone records, controlled purchases of drugs, search warrants, and eventually court-authorized wiretaps from May 2024 to the present (among other investigative tools) to gather evidence in an effort to ascertain the scope of the illegal drug activities. Intercepted wiretap calls and text messages revealed that several members of the DTO in Detroit recruited individuals to work at “trap houses” (i.e., drug processing and distribution locations) in New Castle. The DTO, on an ongoing basis, distributed large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl/oxycodone pills.
“This conspiracy involved a tight-knit network of family and friends—many of whom previously have been convicted of felony drug and firearms crimes—who allegedly trafficked large quantities of lethal narcotics, like fentanyl and heroin, between Detroit and Western Pennsylvania, supplying them to other dealers along the way,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Dismantling large-scale drug-trafficking organizations in order to keep our communities safe is at the center of what our office does, and we could not accomplish this critical mission without the support of the public and the strength of our partnerships at all levels of law enforcement here in Pennsylvania and across the country.”
“Multi-state and multi-jurisdictional operations like what took place today show that the FBI and our partners stand shoulder to shoulder when it comes to keeping this poison out of communities everywhere,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The message to those who want to peddle illegal drugs and guns is clear: we will not stand idle while our neighborhoods are held hostage by crime.”
The law provides for a sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal histories, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorneys Craig W. Haller and Vincent Joseph Sonson are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Mercer County Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security, and Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment unsealed today.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
List of Defendants
Name
Age
Place of Residence
Christian Frierson
33
Detroit, MI
Devail Adams
54
Oak Park, MI
Christopher Barton
24
New Castle, PA
Patrick Brown
32
Detroit, MI
Roy Brown
55
Westland, MI
Frank Christian
51
Youngstown, OH
Tyrone Davis
35
Detroit, MI
Edward Dietrich
59
New Castle, PA
Alexis Donnell
29
New Castle, PA
Dedric Higginbotham
55
Detroit, MI
Kiara Jones
24
New Castle, PA
Quinten Jones
38
Detroit, MI
Kenneth King
37
New Castle, PA
Jermaine Lett
52
Detroit, MI
Marcus Mason
32
New Castle, PA
Daniel Rasnick
27
New Castle, PA
Kendra Sager
32
New Castle, PA
Jauan Searcy
42
New Castle, PA
George Wyatt
61
New Castle, PA
Belle Vernon Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on July 30, 2024, to charges of bank robbery and attempted bank robbery, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Dylan Adams, 29, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
According to information presented to the Court, on July 9, 2021, surveillance footage from a Monessen, Pennsylvania, bank recorded a male wearing a baseball cap, a mask, and white sneakers walk into the bank and slide a note to the teller demanding $15,000 and threatening to “shoot” if the police were called. In response, the teller provided the male $3,731, and the male fled before law enforcement’s arrival.
Forensic evidence identified Adams as the individual who committed the bank robbery, with investigators also finding a photograph of Adams on his social media account that showed the same white sneakers worn during the bank robbery.
Following the July 9 bank robbery, law enforcement released still images of the surveillance footage. On July 23, 2021, an employee of a credit union in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, contacted law enforcement indicating that he recognized the male from those still images as someone who had entered the credit union and then left after observing that all of the tellers were occupied with other customers. An employee of the credit union quickly locked the door behind the man, who attempted to re-enter the bank through that and another door, but was told that the bank was closed. Law enforcement again identified Adams as the individual who attempted to commit this bank robbery.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for December 19, 2024. The maximum penalty at each count is up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Adams.
Arnold Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Arnold, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 132 months in prison, to be followed by six years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Milton Paschal, 44.
According to information presented to the Court, from in and around September 2021 to in and around March 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Paschal conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine. Further, in and around December 2022, Paschal possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine. Paschal was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of cocaine that he distributed to others.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Paschal. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Sharon Resident Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Cocaine, Fentanyl, and Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Sharon, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 108 months in federal prison on his conviction of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Nicholas Ostheimer, 26. Judge Bissoon also ordered Ostheimer to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Ostheimer previously pleaded guilty in this case to (1) conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and 100 grams or more of heroin between June 2020 and June 2021; (2) distributing cocaine on November 18, 2020; and (3) possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base on June 17, 2021. According to information presented to the Court, Ostheimer conspired to and did distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin throughout much of 2020 and 2021, with $58,375 in drug trafficking proceeds, 859 grams of cocaine, and wrappers for kilograms of cocaine among the items found in his residence on June 17, 2021.
Assistant United States Attorneys Craig W. Haller and Benjamin C. Dobkin prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Pennsylvania State Police; Lawrence County Drug Task Force; Mercer County Drug Task Force; New Castle Police Department; Sharon Police Department; Hermitage Police Department, and Farrell Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ostheimer.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Greenville Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Greenville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 77 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm and ammunition after a prior felony conviction, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Devon Smith, 26.
According to information presented to the Court, on December 22, 2021, Smith unlawfully possessed two pistols and ammunition after having been convicted of drug trafficking and aggravated assault crimes through two state prosecutions in 2020 as well as several other crimes through prior state prosecutions. Smith was on parole for the drug trafficking and aggravated assault convictions at the time of his 2021 offense. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Florida Man Indicted for Assault of Federal Courthouse Security OfficersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Sarasota, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of assaulting federal officers, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Steven M. Seitz, 34, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about July 9, 2024, Seitz entered the Joseph F. Weis, Jr., U.S. Courthouse in Pittsburgh looking for the Central Intelligence Agency and refused several requests from Courthouse Security Officers to leave the building. When Courthouse Security Officers attempted to escort Seitz from the building, Seitz unlawfully and forcibly assaulted, resisted, and opposed the officers, resulting in bodily injuries to at least two of the officers. Seitz remains detained since his arrest under a federal criminal complaint for these charges on July 9, 2024.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service and United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Defendants Convicted at Trial on All Counts in Fraudulent Check Scheme Targeting Pittsburgh-Area BusinessesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A federal jury in Pittsburgh convicted Rodney Blake, 39, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Robert Morrisey Jr., 32, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and multiple counts of possessing forged securities in federal court in Pittsburgh, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
According to evidence introduced during the four-day trial, from March 2019 to March 2020 and again from June 2021 to April 2022, the defendants orchestrated a fraudulent check scheme in which they and their conspirators stole mail to obtain valid business checks, which were then used to create large numbers of forged checks drawing on the businesses’ bank accounts. The fraudulent checks were made payable to individuals—many of whom were homeless or struggling with addiction—who had been recruited by Blake and Morrisey to cash the checks in exchange for a small share of the proceeds. At trial, the government introduced evidence concerning 115 fraudulent checks with a combined value of more than $225,000, drawn on the bank accounts of over 20 Pittsburgh-area businesses and organizations.
“Robert Morrisey Jr. and Rodney Blake used people addicted to drugs and otherwise living on the margins to cash hundreds of thousands of dollars in counterfeit checks drawn on the business accounts of more than 20 victims,” stated U.S. Attorney Olshan. “This prosecution and the jury’s verdict brought the defendants out of the shadows, shining a light on their conduct and holding them accountable for a brazen fraud scheme. Businesses in this district should be able to mail checks without fear that this simple act will lead to financial ruin, and this office and our law enforcement partners remain committed to ensuring that they can.”
Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge of the Pittsburgh Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, said: “As a primary focus of our mission, Postal Inspectors worked aggressively on this case to track down and identify the subjects involved with stealing mail and committing fraud. It’s our job to protect the sanctity of the mail and ensure the public’s trust in using it. I commend the collaborative efforts of all the agencies involved to bring these individuals to justice.”
“The investigation of Rodney Blake and Robert Morrisey Jr. highlights Homeland Security Investigations’ focus on dismantling financial fraud networks. Together with our partner agencies, we have successfully removed two predators who preyed on business owners and struggling citizens alike,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Nathan R Abel. “This investigation and prosecution is a testament to the power of interagency cooperation and the strength of our partnership with the prosecutors of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of
Pennsylvania.”Conspiracy to commit bank fraud is punishable by a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Possession of a forged security is punishable by a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey R. Bengel and William B. Guappone prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Secret Service, and Richland Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the convictions in this case.
Wampum Resident Indicted for Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Wampum, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Thomas Hyatt-Baney, 21, formerly of Wampum, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Hyatt-Baney, on or about May 28, 2023, and June 25, 2023, produced visual depictions of the sexual exploitation of a minor. The Indictment also charges Hyatt-Baney with possessing, on or about September 9, 2023, videos and still images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom were prepubescent and under the age of 12 years.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years or more than 30 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 Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police and Homeland Security Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States Sues National General Holdings Corp. and Subsidiaries for Falsely Placing Insurance on Hundreds of Thousands of Borrowers’ VehiclesRead the Press Release
The United States has filed a civil complaint under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) against National General Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, National General Insurance Company, National General Lender Services Inc. and Newport Management Corporation (National General), alleging that, for over a decade, National General erroneously force-placed its Collateral Protection Insurance (CPI) product on vehicles financed through Wells Fargo, despite borrowers already having insurance through other carriers.
“Companies must deal fairly and honestly with consumers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s lawsuit demonstrates that the department will use all of the tools at its disposable to protect the American public against deceptive and fraudulent business practices.”
“Today’s complaint alleges a long-running scheme to defraud hundreds of thousands of car buyers,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “For years, these defendants saddled ordinary Americans, including residents of this district, with allegedly unnecessary insurance, leading to dire real-world consequences like repossessed vehicles and other unwarranted collection activities. This enforcement action reinforces an important message: our office, together with our law enforcement partners, will take decisive action to combat fraud in the insurance industry, protect consumers and hold companies accountable for their wrongdoing under federal law.”
The government’s complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, alleges that, from at least 2008 and through the latter part of 2016, National General systemically failed to accurately track whether cars financed by Wells Fargo had the requisite insurance coverage from an outside carrier, and thereby knowingly or recklessly force-placed its own, much costlier CPI on at least 655,000 vehicles that already had outside insurance. In particular, the United States alleges that National General’s tracking efforts were deficient for a variety of reasons, including that National General repeatedly mailed letters seeking insurance information to borrowers at addresses that had previously been returned as undeliverable; in many instances, National General made no phone calls to insurance carriers, agents or borrowers to obtain outside insurance information, despite internal requirements to make a certain number of phone calls; and National General often failed to match insurance information in its possession to financed vehicles.
According to the complaint, National General knew for years that its so-called tracking system was wholly ineffective and that it was routinely imposing force-placed CPI on hundreds of thousands of borrowers in error. National General allegedly received thousands of complaints from borrowers and tracked and reported, both internally and to Wells Fargo, its high “false placements” rates throughout the relevant period.
The complaint further alleges that, as a result of falsely placing CPI, borrowers were charged duplicative and unnecessary CPI premiums in connection with their loans, often without adequate notification to the borrowers. The United States also contends that National General’s conduct had a range of additional negative consequences for borrowers, including improper charges for late fees and interest, negative effects on credit scores and improper repossession of some financed vehicles.
FIRREA authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action for penalties for violations of certain criminal predicate offenses — as established by a preponderance of the evidence — that involve financial institutions or particular government agencies. The United States’ complaint alleges that National General violated FIRREA by committing the predicate acts of mail fraud, wire fraud and bank fraud.
The Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania handled the matter. The United States is represented in this matter by Trial Attorneys Lindsay DeFrancesco and Laura Hill of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Fischer for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Ohio Resident Pleads Guilty to Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Peter Williams was convicted of cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Williams, age 57 of Northfield, Ohio, pled guilty before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti. He pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base on January 5, 2021. Judge Conti scheduled sentencing to occur on December 4, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.
Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Heroin ChargesRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Joshua Edmonds, 31, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before United States Senior District Judge Kim R. Gibson on July 23, 2024.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around February 2021 to in and around April 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Edmonds conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin. Edmonds was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin that he distributed to others.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for November 26, 2024. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Edmonds. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Indian National Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Attempting to Entice a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - An Indian national has been sentenced in federal court to 12 years in jail and 10 years supervised release on his conviction of attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Upendra Aduru, 32.
According to information presented to the court, from September 20, 2022, to October 6, 2022, Aduru, an Indian national in the United States on a student visa, communicated via social media with a detective posing as a thirteen-year-old girl. During the communication, Aduru repeatedly expressed his desire to engage in sexual activity with the purported thirteen-year-old and even sent the undercover detective several images of adult pornography. Aduru also repeatedly sought to meet with the girl and eventually traveled to a park in Millcreek Township after setting up a meeting with the girl. He was arrested after his arrival and a search of his phone revealed the social media communications between Aduru and the undercover detective.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Erie Police Department, the Millcreek Police Department, the Erie County Detectives, the Shaler Township Police Department and the Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Aduru.
Four Individuals Indicted for Violating Federal Firearms and Narcotics LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, PA, a resident of Monroeville, PA, a resident of Penn Hills, PA, and a resident of Murrysville, PA have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms laws, and federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The eight-count Indictment names the following four individuals as defendants:
- Derrick Lyman, 58, of McKeesport, PA.
- Kenneth Hamlin, Jr., 59, of Murrysville, PA.
- Daniel Jackson, 47, of Penn Hills, PA.
- Devlin Clifford, 46, of Monroeville, PA.According to the Indictment, on or about June 27, 2024, Lyman is alleged to have unlawfully possessed with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 100 grams or more of heroin. Further, on June 27, 2024, Lyman, Hamlin, Jackson, and Clifford are alleged to have unlawfully possessed a firearm as convicted felons. Hamlin and Jackson are further alleged to have possessed with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and Clifford possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on the same date.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $20,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
The conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Tampa Resident Pleads Guilty to Charges Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Tampa, Florida pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Thomas Edward Grossman, 49, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Grossman transported a minor female from Pennsylvania to West Virginia with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Grossman also persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct and enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. The Court was also advised that the parties agreed as part of the plea agreement that the appropriate sentence in this case is a twenty-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years and not more than life, 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the West Virginia State Police and the Summersville, West Virginia Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Grossman.
Former Franklin Resident Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Receipt and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Franklin, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 7 years in jail, 5 years supervised release and ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution on his conviction of receipt and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Aaron Ray McClelland, 29.According to information presented to the court, in and around October 2020 and July 2021, McClelland received images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, and Indiana County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McClelland.
Erie Resident Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Attempting to Distribute Materials Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distributing and attempting to distribute material depicting the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Michael Paul Ambrose, 43, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in and around November 2022, Ambrose distributed and attempted to distribute images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The Court was also advised that the parties agreed as part of the plea agreement that the appropriate sentence in this case is a twelve-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie Police Department and the Erie County Detectives Bureau conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ambrose.
New Castle Men Plead Guilty in Puerto Rico/Western Pennsylvania Region Drug Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two residents of New Castle, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Kevin Tulla Torres, age 28, pleaded guilty to distributing and conspiring to distribute cocaine. Luis Rivera Otero, age 37, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine. Tulla Torres, with the help of Rivera Otero, managed a drug trafficking operation that sold drugs in Western Pennsylvania, specifically in the New Castle/Lawrence County area. The arrests of Tulla Torres, Rivera Otero, and another co-conspirator, as well as 14 others charged by separate Indictment, were the result of a 13-month investigation into drug trafficking in and around Lawrence County.
According to information presented to the Court, members of the group utilized the United States Postal Service to receive drug shipments from a supplier in Puerto Rico. Tulla Torres, Rivera Otero, and others then worked together to sell the cocaine as part of an ongoing criminal drug-trafficking conspiracy within Western Pennsylvania.
With regard to Tulla Torres, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both for the most serious offense. The total maximum sentence for Rivera Otero is not more than 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of each defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictments in this case in close collaboration with the Lawrence County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Castle City Police Department, Ellwood City Police Department, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, United States Department of Agriculture, Union Township Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and Pennsylvania State Police.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Lawrence County is one of six western Pennsylvania counties officially designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. The county received its HIDTA designation in July 2022, allowing it to receive dedicated federal resources to coordinate federal, state, and local governments in fighting drug trafficking and abuse.
McKees Rocks Resident Sentenced to Prison for Violation of Federal Firearm LawRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on July 23, 2024, to 51 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Darnell Maurice Manson, 23.
According to information presented to the Court, Manson possessed a firearm after being convicted of several felonies for conduct that occurred in or around October 2018 in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Under federal law, a convicted felon is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
On or about August 8, 2021, pursuant to a search warrant following a traffic stop, Brentwood Borough Police Department discovered a Smith & Wesson Model 9 M&P Shield, 9mm caliber pistol, and 9mm ammunition, as well as stamp gangs of heroin in the vehicle that Mason was driving.
On February 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh indicted Manson for this conduct. On October 4, 2023, Manson pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, which is a violation of federal firearms law.
Manson’s federal sentence will be imposed consecutively to his state sentence of 24 months for violating his conditions of state parole.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Brentwood Borough Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Manson.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
West Mifflin Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug Conspiracy and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – On July 18, 2024, a resident of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 27 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of federal supervised release, on his convictions for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Marcus Valenzi, 35.
According to information presented to the court, between August 2022 and November 2023, federal and state law enforcement conducted an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating within the Western District of Pennsylvania. The investigation identified Valenzi as a member of the conspiracy, and federal search warrants executed upon residences used by the conspirators in McKees Rocks, PA, resulted in the seizure of fentanyl, firearms, and cellular phones. A subsequent federal search warrant executed upon Valenzi’s residence resulted in the seizure of over $16,000, multiple cellular phones, and xylazine, a dangerous substance used as a cutting agent for fentanyl. A search of Valenzi’s phones revealed communications with a drug customer, who requested the return of his firearm. Valenzi responded that he threw the gun in the river after the “fed raided that house in rocks.” At the time Valenzi possessed his drug customer’s firearm, he had been convicted in Florida of robbery, a felony. Under federal law, felons are prohibited from the possession of firearms and ammunition.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Pennsylvania State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Valenzi.
Former Detroit Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges and is Sentenced to Nine Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – On July 18, 2024, a former resident of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking charges and was sentenced to nine years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Senior United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Andrew Brent Steel, 33.
According to evidence presented during a prior hearing, federal, state, and local law enforcement operating under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program in Beaver County conducted a joint investigation into a drug trafficking organization from Detroit, Michigan, that was distributing controlled substances in and around Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Several controlled purchase operations revealed that drug customers would call a cellular telephone to purchase drugs. After negotiating the sale, the dealer would direct customers to one of several drug runners from apartments in Ambridge or New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement identified the members of the conspiracy through the interception of members transporting controlled substances from Detroit into Beaver County, in addition to controlled purchase operations. In total, law enforcement seized 130 grams of acetyl fentanyl, 330 grams of a fentanyl and heroin mixture, and 200 grams of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack. At the time of Steel’s arrest, he was found in possession of the cellular phone used in all controlled purchase operations.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Steel and his conspirators.
Eight Members and Associates of the Zhoove Street Gang Indicted for Conspiring to Traffic Fentanyl and Cocaine, with Two of the Defendants Additionally Charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A total of twelve individuals from the Pittsburgh area have been charged with narcotics and firearms charges, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh returned a three-count Indictment naming Cody Duncan, 33, of Verona; Ronell Cathie, 30, of Pittsburgh; Melvin Gaines, 29, of Oakmont; Curtis Williams, 27, of Pittsburgh; Malik Martinez, 27, of Pittsburgh; Cayce Williams, 22, of Pittsburgh; Devaughn Faulk, 27, of Pittsburgh; and Antonio Arrington, 22, of Pittsburgh, as defendants. The Indictment was unsealed today following their arrests.
According to the Indictment, the defendants were members and associates of the Zhoove street gang that operated in and around the Allentown, Beltzhoover, Knoxville, and Mount Washington neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. From March 2024 until July 2024, the defendants allegedly participated in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, both Schedule II controlled substances. The Indictment also alleges that Arrington and Curtis Williams each possessed a 9mm handgun and ammunition after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of federal law.
Indictments against three related defendants—Morisee Williams, 41; Syere Franklin, 24; and Charles Stephens, 60; all of Pittsburgh—were also unsealed today, charging each defendant with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Finally, Oneal Olive, 31, of Pittsburgh, was arrested this morning during execution of search warrants in this investigation and charged by criminal complaint with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. These defendants allegedly possessed a variety of firearms, including, as to Williams, an AR-style semiautomatic rifle, and, as to Stephens, a Polymer-80 privately made firearm or “ghost gun.”
“Street gangs like the so-called Zhoove gang terrorize our law-abiding neighbors who simply want to live in communities free of deadly drugs and guns,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Today’s arrests demonstrate our ceaseless commitment to protecting the people of western Pennsylvania, and we are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our partners at the FBI who stand shoulder to shoulder with us every day.”
“Armed traffickers who funnel this poison into our neighborhoods act with utter disregard for human life, and today’s arrests should send a clear message there are serious consequences for this illegal activity,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will remain relentless in our efforts to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who are a danger to our communities.”
The drug-trafficking conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. The felon-in-possession charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of each defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment or complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Saint Marys Resident Charged with Conspiring to Traffic Illegal Firearms into CanadaRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Saints Marys, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie for violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Gary James Murray, 44, as the sole defendant and was unsealed on July 15, 2024, following his arrest.
According to the Indictment, from October 1, 2022, to April 4, 2024, Murray conspired with individuals in Canada to conceal and ship Glock pistols from the United States to Canada without the required license and contrary to exportation regulations. The firearms Murray allegedly smuggled across the border were prohibited weapons in Canada. Specifically, the Indictment alleges that Murray communicated with multiple buyers in Canada who were interested in purchasing firearms from him and arranging to have them smuggled over the border. Murray, who communicated with the buyers using the encrypted Telegram messaging application, allegedly purchased numerous Glock handguns from local dealers in the Western District of Pennsylvania, disassembled the weapons, and concealed the parts inside household objects such as glue guns, camping kits, and staplers. Murray then allegedly packaged the items and shipped them to British Columbia via the U.S. Postal Service and UPS. As alleged, Murray provided the buyers with instructions on how to reassemble the firearms after they had received the packages in Canada. In exchange for purchasing and smuggling the firearms, Murray allegedly received payments from buyers via Cash App, including more than $20,000 in payments during a two-week period in late January and early February 2024.
“Gary Murray allegedly used his ready access to firearms in the United States to pursue a lucrative cross-border trafficking enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “This prosecution demonstrates once again the resolve of our office and our partners at the ATF to track down and put a stop to illicit firearms sales—including those that span international borders—as well as our commitment to keeping guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them.”
“Stopping firearms trafficking, which puts guns in the hands of violent criminals and other prohibited people, is a top priority at ATF,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “Far from being a victimless crime, trafficking presents a grave threat to public safety. Through enhanced cooperation and coordination with Canadian authorities, including expanded access to the eTrace systems, we disrupted this international firearms trafficking operation, keeping many illegal guns from criminals in the U.S. and Canada.”
Murray is charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit firearms smuggling, unlawful transfer of a firearm to an out-of-state resident, and firearms smuggling. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $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 Molly W. Anglin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment, with critical assistance from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit from British Columbia, Canada.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Armstrong Group Agrees to Pay $6.5M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Subsidies Under the Federal Communications Commission’s High-Cost ProgramRead the Press Release
Butler, Pennsylvania, based Armstrong Group has agreed to pay $6.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly violating the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rules governing the agency’s High-Cost Program and submitting improper costs in order to inflate the subsidies it received from the federal Universal Service Fund (USF).
The FCC established the USF to help ensure that all people in the United States have access to rapid, efficient, nationwide communications service with adequate facilities at reasonable charges. The High-Cost Program is one of four programs that comprise the USF and aims to ensure that consumers in rural, insular, and high-cost areas have access to modern communications networks capable of providing reasonably comparable voice and broadband service, both fixed and mobile, at rates that are reasonably comparable to those in urban areas. In pursuit of that goal, the High-Cost Program provides federal funds to qualified eligible telecommunications carriers, including incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), that receive subsidies to expand connectivity infrastructure within the United States.
The United States alleged that, between 2008 and 2023, five ILECs owned by Armstrong Group (Armstrong Telephone Company – Maryland, Armstrong Telephone Company – New York, Armstrong Telephone Company – Northern Division, Armstrong Telephone Company – Pennsylvania, and Armstrong Telephone Company – West Virginia) failed to comply with FCC regulations that governed what costs they were allowed to report for purposes of claiming subsidy payments from the government, and as a result these companies received greater subsidy payments than those to which they were entitled.
“Telecommunications providers that seek to participate in important FCC programs like the High-Cost Program must comply with applicable rules, including those governing how they report the costs used to calculate their subsidies,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our continuing commitment to protect the integrity of the FCC’s operations and services.”
“When providers like the Armstrong Group fail to follow federal law and FCC regulations, they jeopardize not only critical government programs but also consumers’ ability to access a modern lifeline — rapid, reliable, and efficient telecommunications services,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our office’s dedication to ensuring the business community plays fairly, particularly with respect to public funds, and further assures our rural neighbors throughout the district that we will work vigorously to protect their access to essential services that many people take for granted.”
“In the digital age, it is critical for everyone, everywhere to have access to reliable, high-speed broadband, including in rural and underserved areas. That is why we are laser-focused on pursuing waste, fraud, and abuse in these critical programs and ensuring that available funds flow to companies that play by the rules,” said General Counsel Michele Ellison for the FCC. “I applaud the continuing collaboration among the Office of General Counsel, the Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Justice toward this important objective.”
“Carriers receiving support from the USF or any FCC benefit program must understand that actions undermining the claims process will not be tolerated and will be investigated vigorously,” said Inspector General Fara Damelin of the FCC. “The FCC Office of Inspector General will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the FCC to ensure the integrity of the FCC’s programs. I would like to thank the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania for their unrelenting dedication to this case.”
Contemporaneous with the civil settlement, Armstrong Group has entered into a robust corporate compliance agreement with the FCC, requiring Armstrong to adopt concrete changes in the company’s internal controls and implement comprehensive oversight and monitoring mechanisms.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by James Ranko, Armstrong Group’s former Controller. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any subsequent recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Ranko v. Armstrong Group of Companies, et. al., Case No. 17-1052 (W.D. Pa.). The whistleblower will receive $1,267,500 as his share of the recovery.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the FCC’s Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the FCC’s Office of General Counsel.
Senior Trial Counsel Benjamin C. Wei and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Skirtich for the Western District of Pennsylvania handled the matter. Investigative Attorneys Elliot Lowenstein and Peter Feinberg of the FCC Office of Inspector General provided investigation support.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
SettlementArmstrong Group Agrees to Pay $6.5M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Subsidies Under the Federal Communications Commission’s High-Cost ProgramRead the Press Release
Butler, Pennsylvania, based Armstrong Group has agreed to pay $6.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly violating the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rules governing the agency’s High-Cost Program and submitting improper costs in order to inflate the subsidies it received from the federal Universal Service Fund (USF).
The FCC established the USF to help ensure that all people in the United States have access to rapid, efficient, nationwide communications service with adequate facilities at reasonable charges. The High-Cost Program is one of four programs that comprise the USF and aims to ensure that consumers in rural, insular, and high-cost areas have access to modern communications networks capable of providing reasonably comparable voice and broadband service, both fixed and mobile, at rates that are reasonably comparable to those in urban areas. In pursuit of that goal, the High-Cost Program provides federal funds to qualified eligible telecommunications carriers, including incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), that receive subsidies to expand connectivity infrastructure within the United States.
The United States alleged that, between 2008 and 2023, five ILECs owned by Armstrong Group (Armstrong Telephone Company – Maryland, Armstrong Telephone Company – New York, Armstrong Telephone Company – Northern Division, Armstrong Telephone Company – Pennsylvania, and Armstrong Telephone Company – West Virginia) failed to comply with FCC regulations that governed what costs they were allowed to report for purposes of claiming subsidy payments from the government, and as a result these companies received greater subsidy payments than those to which they were entitled.
“Telecommunications providers that seek to participate in important FCC programs like the High-Cost Program must comply with applicable rules, including those governing how they report the costs used to calculate their subsidies,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our continuing commitment to protect the integrity of the FCC’s operations and services.”
“When providers like the Armstrong Group fail to follow federal law and FCC regulations, they jeopardize not only critical government programs but also consumers’ ability to access a modern lifeline — rapid, reliable, and efficient telecommunications services,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our office’s dedication to ensuring the business community plays fairly, particularly with respect to public funds, and further assures our rural neighbors throughout the district that we will work vigorously to protect their access to essential services that many people take for granted.”
“In the digital age, it is critical for everyone, everywhere to have access to reliable, high-speed broadband, including in rural and underserved areas. That is why we are laser-focused on pursuing waste, fraud, and abuse in these critical programs and ensuring that available funds flow to companies that play by the rules,” said General Counsel Michele Ellison for the FCC. “I applaud the continuing collaboration among the Office of General Counsel, the Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Justice toward this important objective.”
“Carriers receiving support from the USF or any FCC benefit program must understand that actions undermining the claims process will not be tolerated and will be investigated vigorously,” said Inspector General Fara Damelin of the FCC. “The FCC Office of Inspector General will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the FCC to ensure the integrity of the FCC’s programs. I would like to thank the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania for their unrelenting dedication to this case.”
Contemporaneous with the civil settlement, Armstrong Group has entered into a robust corporate compliance agreement with the FCC, requiring Armstrong to adopt concrete changes in the company’s internal controls and implement comprehensive oversight and monitoring mechanisms.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by James Ranko, Armstrong Group’s former Controller. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any subsequent recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Ranko v. Armstrong Group of Companies, et. al., Case No. 17-1052 (W.D. Pa.). The whistleblower will receive $1,267,500 as his share of the recovery.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the FCC’s Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the FCC’s Office of General Counsel.
Senior Trial Counsel Benjamin C. Wei and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Skirtich for the Western District of Pennsylvania handled the matter. Investigative Attorneys Elliot Lowenstein and Peter Feinberg of the FCC Office of Inspector General provided investigation support.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
SettlementGibsonia Resident Pleads Guilty to Insider Trading of Dick’s Sporting Goods SecuritiesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of securities fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Frank T. Poerio, Jr., 62, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Poerio used sensitive, material non-public information (MNPI) obtained from a Dick’s Sporting Goods (Dick’s) employee to engage in 160 trades of the company’s securities on the New York Stock Exchange. These transactions included the purchase of individual shares and call option contracts and occurred between August 2019 and May 2021, when the insider worked in a data analytics role at the company’s corporate offices in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. The trades netted approximately $823,000 in profits for Poerio, who often spoke with the employee about finances and investing. Several of the trading incidents occurred in the days immediately preceding Dick’s release of periodic earnings statements—so called “blackout” periods, when Dick’s employees were prohibited from trading in the company’s securities.
“Frank Poerio admitted to gaming the system by using material non-public information from a company employee to conduct well more than a hundred trades over the course of several years that resulted in nearly a million dollars in profit,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Our office is dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners and fellow agencies to protect the integrity of our public trading systems and ensure that anyone who cheats those systems to score easy profits is held accountable under the law.”
“Insider trading erodes the foundation of our economy and undermines public trust in our institutions. This is not simply a casual, petty crime,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The FBI will persistently pursue those who believe they can abuse their position to unfairly reap financial gains at the expense of others. The FBI and our partners remain vigilant in fighting for fairness and integrity in our financial system.”
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for October 31, 2024. At each count, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a $5 million fine, 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, among other factors.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Poerio.
Farrell Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Cocaine Near Public HousingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Farrell, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of cocaine trafficking within 1,000 feet of a public housing location, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Cleo Johnson, 33, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Johnson possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base within 1,000 feet of public housing on October 29, 2021.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for November 5, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than one year and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, 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, among other factors.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Mercer County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Johnson.
Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Interstate Extortion ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Ellenwood, Georgia, has been sentenced in federal court to two years of imprisonment on his conviction of conspiring and traveling interstate to commit extortion, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Richard W. Long, 50.
According to information presented to the Court, in July of 2022, Long participated in a conspiracy to extort money from victims in Western Pennsylvania. Conspirators who had access to cell phones while incarcerated in a Georgia prison called victims and falsely represented themselves as sheriff’s deputies who had arrest warrants for the victims. Victims were told that these warrants were the result of their purported failure to appear for a court hearing pursuant to a subpoena that had supposedly been served on them. The callers convinced victims that, to avoid arrest, they needed to appear at bail bond agencies in Pittsburgh, where victims then paid cash “bonds” or “fines” to Long when he met them in the parking lot. Three victims paid a total of approximately $39,750 to Long and his co-conspirators.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman spoke to the “reprehensible” conduct of the conspirators, noting that they specifically targeted good, hard-working citizens to get their money.
Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Allegheny County Sheriff's Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Long.