Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Brick, New Jersey, has been sentenced in federal court to five years probation on his conviction of identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Tadas Petrauskas, 23.

According to information presented to the court, the court was advised that on or about July 16, 2008, Petrauskas, known on the Internet as "Dr. Smurf," sold the user names and passwords of 39 employees of a data hosting center with approximately 10,000 customers, enabling the purchaser to access the data hosting center's computer systems.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the National Cyber Forensics Training Alliance, the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the United States Department of Justice, and Lithuanian authorities, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Tadas Petrauskas.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Joseph Dees, a/k/a Joseph Lee, a/k/a Jay Dees, 52, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, Dees conspired with other persons to obtain unauthorized credit card account information to purchase merchandise in stores in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for April 23, 2013. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, in addition to a mandatory minimum sentence of 24 months incarceration, and a fine of $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dees.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Western Pennsylvania corporate and foundation leaders, law enforcement and cyber professionals will hear from one of the nation's leading experts on cyber security over the next two days. Paul G. Kaminski, chair of the RAND Corporation and chairman and CEO of Technovation, Inc., is visiting Pittsburgh to deliver a series of speeches dealing with the cyber threat and national and economic security. U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton invited Dr. Kaminski to visit the area to stress the importance of addressing the contemporary cyber threat.

Cybersecurity has been one of U.S. Attorney Hickton's areas of focus during his tenure. "Cyber threats represent both a real challenge for Western Pennsylvania, as illustrated by last year's bomb threats against the University of Pittsburgh and the continuing denial-of-service attacks on area banks, and an opportunity given the resources at our universities," he said.

Dr. Kaminski will be available for interviews on Jan. 11, at 11:15 a.m. in the U.S. Attorney's Office.

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

George A. Robinson, 22, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on May 10, 2011, Robinson possessed a Taurus PT111 Millennium Pro 9mm pistol. On August 27, 2009, Robinson was convicted in Cambria Co., Pa., of criminal attempt burglary, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 10, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Johnstown Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Robinson.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The ten-count indictment named Peter Jerard Turk, 60, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from in and around January 2009 to in and around September 2012, Turk used a Nigerian advance fee scheme to defraud a former acquaintance out of over $700,000.00.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 200 years in prison, a fine of $2,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Tyrone, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael L. Miller, 45, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Nov. 1, 2006, Miller knowingly possessed videos and images as computer graphic files containing images of child pornography, which had been shipped and transported in interstate or foreign commerce by means of a computer.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 6, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

Pennsylvania State Police Troop G-Computer Crime Unit, Hollidaysburg, Pa. conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Miller.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse, led by the United States Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Three residents of Pittsburgh, Pa., have been sentenced in federal court on their convictions of violating federal narcotics trafficking and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose sentenced Gary Moorefield, 45, to 300 months (25 years) imprisonment followed by five years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws;

Dequillarae Zellous, 39, to 120 months (10 years) imprisonment followed by eight years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics trafficking laws; and

David Michael Jones, 31, to 120 months (10 years) imprisonment followed by eight years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics trafficking laws.

Moorefield, Zellous and Jones pleaded guilty on Sept. 7, 2012, several days into their anticipated lengthy trial. The investigation resulted in the prosecution of 10 individuals charged with conspiring to distribute large quantities of heroin. According to information presented to the court, the investigation culminated in wiretaps on two cell phones utilized by Gary Moorefield. The wiretaps, conducted from the end of July 2010 through mid-September 2010, confirmed that Moorefield obtained kilogram quantities of heroin from a supplier in the New York/New Jersey area approximately one to two times per week through with the assistance of a courier. Moorefield would supply his courier with large sums of U.S. currency (often in excess of $100,000 per trip), and the courier would travel to Newark, New Jersey and/or New York City to obtain the heroin from the supplier.

The courier would then drive back to the Pittsburgh area and deliver the large quantities of heroin directly to Moorefield at either Moorefield’s residence in Penn Hills, Pa., or at his penthouse apartment located in Monroeville, Pa.

After receiving the heroin from his courier, Moorefield would contact his primary drug distributors, including Dequillarae Zellous and David Michael Jones, and arrange to meet the distributors to supply them with large quantities of heroin.

On Aug. 11, 2010, federal agents (working in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Police) seized $103,000 in U.S. currency from Moorefield’s courier who was en route to meet with the heroin source in the New York/New Jersey area.

On Sept. 17, 2010, federal agents in New Jersey seized a bag containing $89,000 in U.S. currency that Moorefield personally delivered to the heroin source in New York City shortly before the seizure.

On Sept. 23, 2010, federal agents executed a search warrant at Moorefield’s residence. Inside the residence agents discovered approximately $72,000 in U.S. currency, a bulletproof vest, and four loaded firearms.

Additionally, trial testimony revealed that on Aug. 29, 2009, officers with the Wilkinsburg Police Department responded to a reported burglary in progress in Wilkinsburg, Pa. Once inside, officers observed an assault rifle and various other items of contraband in the ransacked home, including numerous glassine packets (a/k/a “stamp bags”) commonly used to package heroin for distribution. A subsequent search of the residence resulted in the seizure more than 616 grams of heroin, a pistol, a sawed-off shotgun, two assault rifles, approximately 25,000 empty stamp bags, and other heroin packaging material (e.g., digital scales used to weigh illegal drugs, as well as rubber ink stamps and ink pads used to stamp the stamp bags with a name or logo identifying a particular batch of heroin). Testimony revealed that the residence was used as a "stash house" by Moorefield, and that between $500,000 to $1,000,000 was stolen from the residence during the burglary.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Moorefield, Zellous and Jones. The task force was headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and was comprised of members drawn from the Baldwin Borough Police, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the Munhall Police, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Duquesne Police, the West Homestead Police, the Allegheny County Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistance in the investigation was provided by the Penn Hills Police, the Monroeville Police, the McKees Rocks Police, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Ridgway, Pa., and a resident of Johnsonburg, Pa., have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The five-count indictment named Francis Anthony Milliard, 55, and David Allen Blashaw, 55, as defendants.

According to the indictment, Milliard and Blashaw entered into a conspiracy for Milliard to possess firearms while being a convicted felon and Blashaw aided Milliard in the crime by storing and providing firearms to Milliard. Blashaw is charged with providing firearms to a convicted felon and possession of firearms by a drug user.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both for each defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

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

Senior United States District Judge Alan N. Bloch imposed the sentence on Gregory Izear Corbin a/k/a G-World, 32.

According to certified court records, the defendant was previously convicted of firearm, drug-dealing, terroristic threats, escape and theft-type charges. On Oct. 28, 2010, Pittsburgh Police observed an individual named Coley Davis drinking from an open container of alcohol in public, in violation of a city ordinance. Defendant Anthony White was with Davis and was observed shoving his hands into his sweatshirt where an unnatural bulge was located. Police asked White to remove his hands and saw him to be in possession of a (stolen) gun. Corbin was also present and had a large object in his sweatshirt. A pat-down revealed it to be the pistol listed in the Indictment, loaded with ammunition. White was sentenced to 46 months federal imprisonment on Sept. 6, 2012.

On July 17, 2011, witnesses stated that Corbin was observed breaking into a vehicle. When confronted by the victim, who was on crutches, Corbin allegedly used a silver 9mm semi-automatic pistol to rob, shoot and pistol whip his victim and then fled the scene on foot while shooting at others. The assault and robbery charges from that incident are scheduled for trial before Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judge Jill E. Rangos on March 11, 2013. On July 21, 2011, Corbin was located in a residence and arrested. The two silver pistols and ammunition listed in the Indictment were located in that residence. They included a bloody 9mm pistol found with his belongings and a disassembled .22 pistol. After the .22 was assembled from just the parts present, it and the 9mm were both found to be operable. The 9mm was used in five additional shootings between Feb. 15, 2011 and June 18, 2011.

In essence, the lab identified the blood on the 9mm as Corbin's, since the probability of randomly selecting an unrelated individual exhibiting a DNA profile common to the bloodstain on the pistol and Corbin's DNA sample is approximately 1 in 157 X 10 to the 15th power. This number is more than all of the people who have ever been on the planet combined.

ATF experts determined that the three firearms are not antique, that the ammunition and firearms were not manufactured in Pennsylvania and that all of them affected interstate and/or foreign commerce.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bloch considered the seriousness of the offenses and the defendant's extensive criminal background.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKees Rocks, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 12 years in prison for his conviction of various violations of federal narcotics offenses, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Alan N. Bloch imposed the 144-month sentence on Lopes-Viera, 25, on Jan. 3, 2013.

According to information presented to the court, on May 21, 2010, May 27, 2010, and again on March 8, 2011, Lopes-Viera possessed with intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.

On both dates in May of 2010, Lopes-Viera was in the Canonsburg area when he sold heroin in a sticky, highly potent form known as "black tar," packaged in small colored balloons. On March 8, 2011, Lopes-Viera was arrested with just over two grams of the same substance, packaged in the same way.

At the time he entered his plea of guilty, Lopes-Viera additionally admitted to selling balloons of "black tar" heroin on Feb. 11, 2011, to a certain female customer. That customer shared the heroin with a friend later in the evening. The friend, an individual named James O'Donnell, died of an overdose as a result of his use of the "black tar" heroin that same night.

Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Swartz prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Saul Lopes-Viera.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - On Jan. 7, a resident of Houston, Texas, was sentenced in federal court to 240 months imprisonment followed by five years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Alan N. Bloch imposed the sentence on Vincent D. Middlebrooks, 40.

According to information presented to the court, from on or about Dec. 4, 2009, and continuing thereafter to on or about Sept. 29, 2011, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Middlebrooks conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Additionally, during the same time period, Middlebrooks conspired with others to launder money.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bloch stated that the sentence was based, in part, on the "enormous scope" of the drug trafficking conspiracy.

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

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

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

Marc Anthony Malone, 34, of Hogansville, GA, pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with a flight crew before United States District Senior Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on October 10, 2012, Malone was onboard an AirTran flight from Atlanta, Ga., to Pittsburgh, Pa. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, Malone began acting erratically. At one point during the flight, Malone asked a flight crew member, "Where are we?" Upon hearing that the plane was on its way to Pittsburgh, Malone stated "I need to get off now," and attempted to get to the front of the aircraft. One of the flight attendants tried to calm Malone and asked him to sit in his seat, at which point, Malone continued to leave his seat, stating "Why are you mad at me?" Shortly thereafter, Malone attempted to force his way to the front of the plane, at which point two flight attendants physically stopped him, and Malone yelled "F- you!" over and over. As Malone refused to comply with commands to return to his seat, he attempted to get to the front of the plane by pushing a flight attendant with his hands, knocking the attendant backward. At that time two flight attendants and five passengers wrestled Malone to the ground to restrain him and place flex cuffs on him. While Malone kicked and attempted to bite those that attempted to restrain him, Malone yelled, "I'm going to get you! When I get out of here, I can't wait to get a hold of you!" As such, Malone had to be restrained by flight crew members for the duration of the plane's landing instead of being able to attend to their normal duties.

Judge Diamond scheduled sentencing for May 8, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Malone on bond.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Malone.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Franklin, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of failure to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Thomas K. Baker, 55, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Baker knowingly failed to update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Marshal’s Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Mexico has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Miguel Angel Mejia-Ciciliano, 28, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about Dec. 19, 2012, Mejia-Ciciliano was found to be unlawfully present within the United States. Mejia-Ciciliano had been previously deported and removed from the United States on May 14, 2009. The defendant subsequently reentered the United States, and was found to be present in this country without the permission of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Christine A. Sanner is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. - Two residents of Bradford, Pa., have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal explosives laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Jarred Douglas Major, 27, and Rechelle Lea Judd, 30, as defendants.

According to the indictment, Major and Judd distributed explosive materials to a person who was not a licensee.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both for each defendant. 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 defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Christine A. Sanner is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bradford Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Bradford, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal explosives laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment named John Louis Vanyo, Jr., 28, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Vanyo possessed and improperly stored stolen explosive materials.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 11 years in prison, a fine of $350,000, 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 Christine A. Sanner is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bradford Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Ashville, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

David Michael Lopus, 42, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Sean J. McLaughlin.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Lopus traveled from New York to Pennsylvania on four separate occasions for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with minors. As part ofhis plea agreement, Lopus agreed to a sentence of21 years of imprisonment and lifetime supervised release.

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

Judge McLaughlin scheduled sentencing for May 13, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of90 years in prison, a fine of$750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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 Conewango Township Police Department, the City of Warren Police Department and the Corry Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lopus.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

John A. Hinton, 32, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on April 3, 2012, Hinton, who had been convicted in 2007 in Cambria County, Pa., of delivery of cocaine, unlawfully possessed an H & R pistol. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year from possessing ammunition or firearms. Delivery of cocaine is such a crime.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 4, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Johnstown Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hinton.

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

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

James Robert Reynolds, 54, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on March 30, 2011, Reynolds knowingly possessed videos and images as computer graphic files containing images of child pornography, which had been shipped and transported in interstate or foreign commerce by means of a computer.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 4, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Conemaugh Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Reynolds.

According to Mr. Hickton, James Robert Reynolds is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse, led by the United States Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Washington, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating the Hobbs Act, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Donald Abraham Solomon, 56, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Solomon was the Chief of Police of East Washington Borough, Pa. He received payments from a purported drug dealer, who was an undercover FBI agent, to protect drug shipments and to purchase law enforcement restricted police equipment.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for May 3, 2013, at 3:30 pm. The law provides for a total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $750,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Mr. Solomon on bond.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Lee J. Karl are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Donald Abraham Solomon.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A citizen of Honduras has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of re-entry into the United States after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The indictment, returned on Jan. 2, named Alex Omar Colindres-Ortiz, formerly from Choluteca, Honduras, as the sole defendant.

According to indictment, Colindres-Ortiz, an alien, was removed from the United States on September 3, 2010. Colindres-Ortiz was found in New Castle, Lawrence County, on Dec. 5, 2012, without having been given permission to re-enter the United States.

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

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Duquesne, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on Jan. 2, named Shane Brooks, 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from December 2010 to January 2012, Brooks conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A suspended Catholic priest was sentenced in federal court for violating federal child sexual exploitation laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Bartley Sorensen, 63, was sentenced by United States District Judge Alan N. Bloch to serve 97 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for receiving and possessing thousands of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Sorensen was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.

On Dec. 9, 2011, Sorensen was a Catholic priest assigned to Saint John Fisher Parish in Churchill, Pa. On that day, a parish employee observed Sorensen viewing an image on the screen of his computer of a young boy wearing nothing but a shirt. The employee promptly reported what she observed to the Catholic Child Abuse Hotline. Search warrants were thereafter served at the rectory that resulted in the seizure of, among other things, over 100 CD's most of which were loaded with thousands of images of children being sexually abused, including one that depicted a nude male child with a rope around his genitals and what appeared to be blood on his genitals.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Churchill Police Department for the successful investigation leading to the conviction and sentence 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, 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.