Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Somerset County Felon Charged with Attempted Murder of U.S. Marshals Service Officers and Related Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Rockwood, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of attempted murder of federal officers and violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The 14-count Indictment named Christopher Eric Fisher, 41, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about April 16, 2026, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Fisher fired at and attempted to murder a Deputy U.S. Marshal and five U.S. Marshals Service Task Force Officers while the officers were engaged in and on account of the performance of their official duties. The Indictment also charges Fisher—who was previously convicted of both drug and firearm felonies—with carrying, using, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to the attempted murder of the officers and unlawfully possessing that firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
“The defendant here is charged with the most serious of offenses: the attempted murder of law enforcement personnel with a firearm,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “We will not tolerate these assaults, which strike at the very fabric of our social order. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will ensure that individuals who carry out or seek to carry out such attacks on officers or employees of the government are prosecuted and punished fully for their crimes.”
“This indictment reflects our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “This individual’s attempt to kill brave law enforcement officers demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life and the rule of law. ATF and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue those who threaten the safety of our community and those sworn to protect it.”
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life imprisonment, 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 of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Arnold P. Bernard Jr. are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ahold Delhaize USA Inc. to Pay $40M for Allegedly Reporting Inflated Drug Prices on Claims to Federal Healthcare ProgramsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Ahold Delhaize USA Inc. (Ahold Delhaize), headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, has agreed to pay the United States and participating states a total of $40 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and state analogs by reporting inflated “usual and customary” prices on claims to federal healthcare programs.
“Federal healthcare programs rely on pharmacies reporting accurate pricing information used in the applicable payment formulas,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “If pharmacies report inflated ‘usual and customary’ prices on claims to federal healthcare programs, the programs pay more than they should on those claims.”
“Pharmacies are trusted with charging the contracted prescription prices to Medicare and Medicaid and not unfairly and unlawfully taking advantage of the government and the public,” said U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “This settlement confirms that the United States will take all necessary steps to bring to justice dishonest pharmacies.”
“Pharmacies in federal health care programs must report truthful prices. Inflating those prices, as alleged here, puts the integrity of taxpayer funded programs at risk,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampertof the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, HHS OIG will continue to aggressively pursue such conduct to protect these critical programs and all the people who rely on them.”
The United States alleged that Ahold Delhaize supermarkets with in-store retail pharmacies – including supermarket chains operating under the names Giant, Hannaford, Stop & Shop, Food Lion, and others – operated prescription savings programs pursuant to which enrolled members received discounted prices on prescription drugs. The United States contends that, in light of the features and operations of those savings programs, and the applicable Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and TRICARE program requirements (including, where applicable, contractual requirements), the discounted prices should have been reported as “usual and customary” prices on claims submitted to Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and TRICARE. Reported “usual and customary” prices serve as ceiling prices on payments to pharmacies under the applicable healthcare program payment formulas. The United States contends that Ahold Delhaize pharmacies failed to accurately report their discounted prices as their “usual and customary” prices on claims to Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and TRICARE, causing those programs to pay inflated amounts on such claims.
The Medicaid Program is jointly funded by the federal government and the states. Of the $40 million resolution announced today, the federal share is $32.9 million and the remainder will be paid to states participating in the settlement.The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Lawrence LaBenne, who was a pharmacist at an Ahold Delhaize supermarket in Pennsylvania. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Mr. LaBenne will receive $6,083,587 from the federal share of the settlement. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. LaBenne v. Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V., et al., Civil Action No. 18-CV-925 (W.D. Pa.).
This settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Defense Health Agency, and state Medicaid programs.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was handled by Trial Attorney Jeffrey A. Toll and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Skirtich for the Western District of Pennsylvania.The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Ahold Delhaize USA Inc. to Pay $40M for Allegedly Reporting Inflated Drug Prices on Claims to Federal Healthcare ProgramsRead the Press Release
Ahold Delhaize USA Inc. (Ahold Delhaize), headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, has agreed to pay the United States and participating states a total of $40 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and state analogs by reporting inflated “usual and customary” prices on claims to federal healthcare programs.
“Federal healthcare programs rely on pharmacies reporting accurate pricing information used in the applicable payment formulas,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “If pharmacies report inflated ‘usual and customary’ prices on claims to federal healthcare programs, the programs pay more than they should on those claims.”
“Pharmacies are trusted with charging the contracted prescription prices to Medicare and Medicaid and not unfairly and unlawfully taking advantage of the government and the public,” said U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “This settlement confirms that the United States will take all necessary steps to bring to justice dishonest pharmacies.”
“Pharmacies in federal health care programs must report truthful prices. Inflating those prices, as alleged here, puts the integrity of taxpayer‑funded programs at risk,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, HHS‑OIG will continue to aggressively pursue such conduct to protect these critical programs and all the people who rely on them.”
The United States alleged that Ahold Delhaize supermarkets with in-store retail pharmacies – including supermarket chains operating under the names Giant, Hannaford, Stop & Shop, Food Lion, and others – operated prescription savings programs pursuant to which enrolled members received discounted prices on prescription drugs. The United States contends that, in light of the features and operations of those savings programs, and the applicable Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and TRICARE program requirements (including, where applicable, contractual requirements), the discounted prices should have been reported as “usual and customary” prices on claims submitted to Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and TRICARE. Reported “usual and customary” prices serve as ceiling prices on payments to pharmacies under the applicable healthcare program payment formulas. The United States contends that Ahold Delhaize pharmacies failed to accurately report their discounted prices as their “usual and customary” prices on claims to Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and TRICARE, causing those programs to pay inflated amounts on such claims.
The Medicaid Program is jointly funded by the federal government and the states. Of the $40 million resolution announced today, the federal share is $32.9 million and the remainder will be paid to states participating in the settlement.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Lawrence LaBenne, who was a pharmacist at an Ahold Delhaize supermarket in Pennsylvania. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Mr. LaBenne will receive $6,083,587 from the federal share of the settlement. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. LaBenne v. Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V., et al., Civil Action No. 18-CV-925 (W.D. Pa.).
This settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Defense Health Agency, and state Medicaid programs.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was handled by Trial Attorney Jeffrey A. Toll and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Skirtich for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Jamaica Resident Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracy in Relation to International Lottery Scam Targeting ElderlyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Jamaica pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Jason Plummer, 33, of Montego Bay pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Plummer participated in a “lottery scam” in which elderly victims were contacted by telephone and falsely informed that they had won a sweepstakes, often totaling millions of dollars, and then were directed to send money in the form of checks, cash, money orders, and/or wires to pay purported taxes due on their winnings. Specifically, Plummer communicated directly with victims about their purported “winnings,” and with co-conspirators about the broader scam. He also maintained records containing personally identifiable information of various victims and received funds directly from other members of the lottery scam.
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for October 13, 2026. At Count One (conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud), the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of the greater of $250,000 or an alternative of twice the pecuniary gain or loss, or both. At Count Two (conspiracy to commit money laundering), the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of the greater of $500,000 or an alternative of twice the amount of criminally derived property, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Court continued Plummer’s detention.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Plummer, with assistance from Jamaican authorities and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs in the arrest and extradition of the defendant.
Elizabeth Man Sentenced to Prison for Making Antisemitic Threat to Injure Public Official and False Statements to FBIRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of making a threat to injure a local public official and making false statements to government agents, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Edward Arthur Owens Jr., 30.
“Today’s sentencing sends two strong and unequivocal messages,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “First, it reaffirms that our community remains stronger than hate. Time and again, the people of this district have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to unity, resilience, safety, and dignity for all. Second, it again shows that our office and our law enforcement partners at every level will continue to work side by side to ensure that individuals who commit crimes driven by hate—who harm, threaten, or attempt to intimidate others because of who they are—will be held accountable to the fullest extent of federal law.”
“Nearly 250 years ago, this country fought to establish a foundation of mutual respect and security for every citizen. The threats made by this individual go beyond just hate-fueled words – it is an attack on the very principles of our United States,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “Hatred and deception have no place here. The FBI and our partners stand united in defending every corner of our community from hate and deception, and making sure those who threaten our peace face the full force of the law.”
According to information presented to the Court, on May 20, 2025, Owens knowingly and willfully transmitted via a social media messaging app the following threat to injure a local public official: “We’re coming for you [emoji of person raising right hand] [German flag emoji] be afraid. Go back to Israel or better yet, exterminate yourself and save us the trouble. 109 countries for a reason. We will not stop until your kind is nonexistent.” The reference to “109 countries” is an antisemitic assertion that Jews have been expelled from 109 different countries; it is used by antisemites to call for the expulsion of Jews from other countries and otherwise to promote hatred.
Additionally, on or about May 30, 2025, Owens made false statements to special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, telling the agents that his firearms—which included a .22 LR caliber rifle, an AR-15 style rifle, and a 9mm caliber Smith & Wesson pistol—were all in the custody of his mother, that he did not know where the firearms were, and that he did not have access to any of them. Those statements were false in that Owens did, in fact, know that his 9mm caliber Smith & Wesson pistol was still in his custody and control (located inside the vehicle Owens drove immediately prior to making his false statements to the FBI agents), that he still had access to this pistol, and that the pistol was not in his mother’s custody.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer noted that the defendant’s threat “created real fear and trepidation” for the victim and “caused the victim to have to change their way of living.”
Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Owens.
Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five months of incarceration on his conviction of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Michael Allen Barnes, 42, also ordering Barnes to serve two years of supervised release following his imprisonment, with the first 150 days of supervised release to be served on home detention with location monitoring.
According to information presented to the Court, on April 11, 2024, law enforcement arrested Barnes in downtown Pittsburgh pursuant to an outstanding Georgia arrest warrant. From the waistband of Barnes’ pants, law enforcement recovered a chambered pistol loaded with approximately nine rounds of ammunition. Barnes had been previously convicted of burglary in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Barnes.
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.
Inmate Sentenced to Additional 57 Months of Incarceration for Racketeering Activity at Cambria County PrisonRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A former inmate at the Cambria County Prison was sentenced in federal court to an additional 57 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of conducting and participating in the affairs of an enterprise through racketeering activity, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The defendant is among 10 individuals charged through an Indictment unsealed in July 2025 with racketeering charges related to the Cambria County Prison (read the Indictment news release here).
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Blake Young, 37, on June 5, 2026. Judge Haines ordered the sentence to be served consecutively to the 92-month prison sentence imposed on Young in May 2024 on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of heroin, cocaine base, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.
According to information presented to the Court, from in and around July 2023 to in and around December 2023, while incarcerated at the Cambria County Prison, Young conducted and participated in the affairs of an enterprise through racketeering activity. Specifically, Young bribed correctional officers and medical staff to smuggle contraband into the prison, namely cell phones, K2, and Suboxone, which were then sold to other inmates for a substantial profit.
To date, four of the 10 defendants in the case have pleaded guilty, with two now having been sentenced.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, and the Cambria County Prison for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Young.
Blair County Man Sentenced to over Eight Years in Prison for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Claysburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 97 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Derek Hunter, 34, on June 5, 2026.
According to information presented to the Court, from in and around June 2024 to in and around August 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Hunter conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine. Further, in and around August 2024, Hunter distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hunter.
West Mifflin Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Davion Xavier Thompson, 22, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on January 23, 2026, Thompson—who has several prior firearms-related felony convictions—possessed an unserialized Glock-style handgun with an extended magazine. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for October 20, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 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 offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, Thompson will remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Narcotics Task Force, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Narcotics Enforcement Team (DANET), Stowe Township Police Department, and McKees Rocks Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thompson.
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.
Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to 54 Months in Prison for Use of Stolen Identities and Credit Card Information in Rental Car Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 54 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal identity theft laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on William Knight, 32, on June 3, 2026.
According to information presented to the Court, from in and around October 2022 to in and around February 2023, Knight and other conspirators used personal identification information and credit card numbers of individuals that the conspirators had purchased through the dark web to rent vehicles from a rental car company. An employee of the rental car company was also part of the conspiracy. The conspirators then rented the vehicles to others in the community, many of whom were involved in drug trafficking and other illegal conduct.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Secret Service and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Knight.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearms Stolen During Gun Store RobberyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on June 3, 2026, to possessing stolen firearms, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Jaemir Beard, 19, of the Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on March 17, 2025, Beard and two juvenile males were found in possession of six firearms that had been stolen from a firearms store in Mars, Pennsylvania, through a burglary earlier that day. Beard and one of the juveniles were attempting to sell the firearms through social media and text messages. At the time of his arrest, Beard also was in possession of a key to the stolen vehicle used in the commission of the burglary.
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for October 1, 2026. 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 upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Northern Regional Police Department, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Beard.
Clairton Resident Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 216 months in prison, to be followed by 12 years of supervised release, on his convictions of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Joseph Primiero, 28, on June 3, 2026.
According to information presented to the Court, on or about January 24, 2022, Primiero produced images and a video of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and then produced an image and videos of another minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct on or about June 27, 2022. Further, on or about May 22, 2024, Primiero possessed images and videos of other prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Primero.
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.
Luzerne County Resident Indicted on Federal Charges of Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal child sexual exploitation laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Christopher Jones, 27, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on May 1, 2026, Jones did knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully coerce and entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. Additionally, on May 3, 2026, and May 4, 2026, Jones produced and attempted to produce material that depicted the sexual exploitation of a minor.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 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 the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Butler Felon Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Thomas James Clark, 33.
According to information presented to the Court, on January 20, 2024, law enforcement apprehended Clark on an outstanding arrest warrant relating to aggravated assault charges. Upon encountering law enforcement, Clark dropped the belongings in his possession, which included an AR-15-style rifle with no serial number, a revolver, and dozens of rounds of ammunition. Clark was previously convicted in the Court of Common Pleas of Butler County, Pennsylvania, of methamphetamine production and criminal conspiracy. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly M. Locher and Katherine C. Jordan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police’s Butler Patrol and Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and the Butler City Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Clark.
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.
Former DuBois City Employee Pleads Guilty to Helping to Embezzle and Launder $1.5 Million from City FundsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A former employee of the City of DuBois, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of federal program theft and money laundering, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Roberta Shaffer, 61, of DuBois pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on May 27, 2026.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from 2010 until 2022, Shaffer was employed as assistant to the City Manager of DuBois, which received federal assistance through grants, subsidies, loans, guarantees, insurance, and other forms in excess of $10,000 in each of the calendar years from 2008 to 2022. In her role as assistant, Shaffer and then-City Manager John Suplizio opened four secret bank accounts that were neither approved nor signed for by the appropriate City officials as required under Pennsylvania law, with Shaffer instead signing the account opening documents at Suplizio’s direction.
Suplizio then diverted approximately $1.5 million that should have been deposited into accounts controlled by the City into the secret accounts, from which Suplizio used the stolen money to make payments on his personal credit card and to pay for various personal expenses, as well as for substantial cash withdrawals made for Suplizio’s benefit. Shaffer wrote and signed many of the checks that paid for the credit card bills and resulted in the cash withdrawals. The secret accounts were also used to pay for donations to local politicians, a fundraiser dinner for a local judge, and a City employee’s wedding reception. In addition, several cashier’s checks purchased through withdrawals from the secret accounts, as well as numerous large cash deposits, were later deposited into Suplizio’s personal banking accounts.
Judge Haines scheduled Shaffer’s sentencing for September 22, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Suplizio’s trial is scheduled to begin October 5, 2026.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway and Special Assistant United States Attorney Summer Carroll (Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General) are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Shaffer.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.
Sentencing of McKeesport Man Who Pleaded Guilty to Theft of U.S. Government Helicopter Parts Includes $425,000 Judgment in Favor of the U.S.Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property and was sentenced to six months of probation and ordered to pay a judgment to the United States of $425,000, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Douglas Zych, 70, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone and was sentenced on May 27, 2026.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Zych cannibalized parts of a Huey-1 helicopter entrusted to the care and custody of a museum and sold them. The museum had obtained the aircraft pursuant to the Federal Surplus Property Donation Program administered by the U.S. General Services Administration and which provides donees such as museums with surplus government property for use in a manner consistent with the donee’s mission. During the first five years of the donation, title to the property remains vested in the United States, with title then reverting to the donee after five years. The pilfering of the parts in this case occurred while the helicopter was vested in the United States.
“Douglas Zych stole property donated, and still owned, by the U.S. government in an attempt to profit from its sale,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “The conversion of government property for personal enrichment that has been donated and intended to benefit the public is a violation of the law. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who engage in such illegal activity.”
“The integrity of the GSA Federal Surplus Property Program depends on the integrity of its participants and their commitment to serving the public good. Any attempt to exploit the program for personal gain is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Elisa Pellegrini of the U.S. General Services Administration Office of Inspector General Mid-Atlantic Investigations Division. “GSA OIG remains committed to rooting out corruption and ensuring that taxpayer funded programs operate with the highest standards of honesty, accountability, and oversight.”
Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Ivory prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Zych.
Pittsburgh Financial Advisor Sentenced to 27 Months of Prison and Ordered to Pay $4.7 Million in Restitution for Defrauding Investment ClientRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 27 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay more than $4.7 million in restitution on his conviction of defrauding an investment client, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Thomas Pipich, 74.
According to information presented to the Court, Pipich stole millions of dollars from an investment client in order to conceal losses he incurred on behalf of another client. In 2005, Pipich helped to create an investment fund, BarTom Investments, LLC, into which a friend committed millions of dollars. BarTom thereafter suffered catastrophic investment losses that resulted in it having minimal bank and investment account balances as of May 2017. In an attempt to conceal these losses, Pipich created a sham loan between BarTom and another investment client, and transferred a total of more than $3 million from the other client to BarTom pursuant to this purported loan. He also told a series of lies about the purported loan, including providing false asset summaries that overstated the value of the purported loan and pretending that the loan was secured when it was not. Ultimately, Pipich paid himself more than $800,000 from the proceeds of the purported loan, and lost at least $2.6 million through further investment losses.“This defendant, a financial advisor, betrayed his friend and client, and he stole millions of dollars,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our office will continue to ensure that financial advisors who abuse their clients’ trust in order to enrich themselves will be investigated and prosecuted, and as this case demonstrates, face serious consequences and years of incarceration.”
“Fraud schemes like this one directly jeopardize the savings, retirement plans, and financial security victims spent decades building. The harm from this is absolutely life changing,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “The FBI and our partners will follow every dollar to find anyone who thinks they can manipulate investor confidence to pad their own bank account. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that you will be held accountable.”
Assistant United States Attorney William Guappone prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pipich.
East Hills Resident Sentenced to Prison Following Third Conviction for Mail TheftRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on May 26, 2026, to one count of mail theft and was sentenced to 27 months of incarceration on his conviction and corresponding violation of federal supervised release, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Tyrone Mobley, 58, of the East Hills neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
According to information presented to the Court, Mobley stole a package from a resident of an apartment building in the Oakland/Shadyside area. The package had been shipped through the United States Postal Service and was stolen by Mobley from the mailbox receptacle area of the apartment building. This was the third time that Mobley, who was under federal supervision for a previous conviction at the time of the theft, has been federally charged and convicted for mail theft.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hardy stated that mail theft is a very significant offense that is not only a personal invasion to the victim of the theft, but also erodes public trust in the postal system. Judge Hardy added that Mobley’s sentencing should send a message to other individuals who think about stealing mail that they could be imprisoned for such an offense.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mobley.
Troy Rivetti Sworn in as United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Following Appointment by U.S. District CourtRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Acting pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546(d), the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania has appointed Troy Rivetti to serve as the United States Attorney for the District. After being appointed to the role by the Court’s Board of Judges last week, Rivetti was sworn in yesterday afternoon by Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. The appointment is effective May 28, 2026, and follows a 120-day appointment in January 2026 by the United States Attorney General.
“It is a tremendous honor to be appointed United States Attorney by the judges of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania; I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve this office and the citizens and law enforcement partners of our district,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “The Court’s decision is encouraging, as it assures consistency in the leadership of our office and recognizes the ongoing hard work and outstanding commitment to public service and public safety by our attorneys and staff, both individually and collectively.”
Rivetti has led the office since the resignation of United States Attorney Eric Olshan in January 2025, with Rivetti serving as Acting United States Attorney until November 2025 and then as First Assistant United States Attorney—the role Rivetti held prior to being named as Acting United States Attorney—until his appointment as United States Attorney by then-Attorney General Pamela Bondi in late January 2026.
Rivetti’s career in the Department of Justice has spanned nearly 30 years and has included a series of leadership positions in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In addition to previously holding the positions of Acting United States Attorney (February 2023 to June 2023) and First Assistant United States Attorney (November 2021 to January 2025), Rivetti served as Chief of the office’s Criminal Division from 2019 to 2021. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1997.
Throughout his career as a federal prosecutor, Rivetti’s primary area of concentration has involved the investigation and prosecution of violent crime, including large-scale drug trafficking organizations and firearms offenses. Of particular note, Rivetti co-led the multi-year investigation and prosecution of United States v. Robert Bowers, the perpetrator of the worst antisemitic mass shooting in U.S. history. He served as first chair for the trial team throughout the three-month capital jury selection, trial, and sentencing.
Rivetti obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dickinson College and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University. Following graduation from law school, Rivetti was employed for five years as a litigation associate at a large Pittsburgh law firm. He then served as a law clerk for two years for the Honorable D. Brooks Smith.
Penn Hills Felon Indicted for Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Andre Aaron Yates, 26, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on October 8, 2025, Yates, who had been previously convicted of a felony, knowingly possessed a stolen Glock 19 pistol, ammunition, and a 30-round ammunition magazine. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life 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 offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Pennsylvania State Police, and Monroeville Police Department 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.
Berks County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on John Rickenbach Jr., 44.
According to information presented to the Court, from in and around June 2024 to in and around August 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Rickenbach conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine. Further, in and around August 2024, Rickenbach distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl.Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rickenbach.
Canada Resident Charged with Six Counts of Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Alberta, Canada, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal law related to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The six-count Indictment named Cyril Borle, 55, as the sole defendant, and charges Borle with three counts of employing, using, persuading, inducing, and enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct and three counts of receiving a visual depiction involving the sexual exploit of a minor.
According to the Indictment, on three separate dates in early 2020, Borle persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. The Indictment further alleges that, on those same dates, Borle received a visual depiction, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit content.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $1.5 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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment, with the assistance of Canadian law enforcement and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs in the arrest and extradition of the defendant.
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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wilkinsburg Man Indicted for Threatening to Assault and Murder Law Enforcement Officers and Federal Officials Including U.S. President and Member of CongressRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official or federal law enforcement officer by threat, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The five-count Indictment named Raymond Eugene Chandler III, 40, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, between April 18, 2025, and May 1, 2026, Chandler repeatedly called members of Congress and left voicemails related to his disagreements with immigration enforcement actions, armed conflicts, and wealth inequality. In those messages, Chandler advocated for various acts of violence against U.S. officials, their families, ICE agents, and the wealthy; shared his plan to publish personally identifiable information of ICE agents; accused U.S. officials of violating their covenants with God or otherwise inciting God’s anger; implied knowing where members of Congress lived; described his purchase of bladed weapons; and stated “I am willing to personally kill.” The Indictment alleges that Chandler threatened to assault and murder ICE agents, a member of Congress and the member’s daughter, and the President of the United States with intent to impede, intimidate, interfere with, and retaliate against U.S. officials and federal law enforcement on account of the performance of their official duties. Chandler’s voicemails included descriptions of the targeted murder and assassination of ICE agents, as well as his plan to “teach” restaurants how to poison ICE agents. The voicemails further asserted his desire to hang a member of Congress, attack a member of Congress and their family member, and instruct a member of Congress to assassinate the President in the Oval Office.The Indictment further alleges that, on May 1, 2026, Chandler left a voicemail for a member of Congress in which he praised anarchists for committing a historical bombing, ending the message with “I want you to be terrified.” Later that day, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Chandler at his residence. During his subsequent preliminary and detention hearings, the prosecution presented excerpts from Chandler’s journal, which was seized from his residence after his arrest. Chandler wrote in one entry: “I keep calling Congress telling them I want them to kill all the ICE agents and billionaires. I must sound insane to them and yet that is where my heart and head are really at.” In another entry, Chandler wrote: “I emotionally, politically, and intellectually support violence assaults on ICE agents. I actually support it. This is a very scary place to be.” At the conclusion of the hearings, the Court found that the United States had established by clear and convincing evidence that the weight of the evidence against the defendant “is strong,” and that Chandler presents a risk of serious danger to the community and ordered him detained pending trial.
At each count, 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 Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of the Allentown neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics law as part of a Homeland Security Task Force prosecution, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Malik Martinez, 28, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan on May 21, 2026.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, between March 2024 and July 2024, Martinez participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, both Schedule II controlled substances, by functioning as a redistributor of street-level amounts of both substances.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for September 16, 2026. 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Court continued Martinez’s detention.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly M. Locher and Katherine C. Jordan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Western District of Pennsylvania is part of the Philadelphia HSTF, which comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the United States Department of State–Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and state and local law enforcement partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh Felon Indicted for Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of the Greenfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Jadus Stubbs, 21, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about March 22, 2026, Stubbs had two firearms and ammunition in his possession after having been convicted on a prior state felony drug trafficking charge. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 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 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 Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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.
UK/Jamaica Citizen Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering in International Lottery ScamRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of the United Kingdom and Jamaica illegally residing in Massachusetts pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Nicole Lamont, 32, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville on May 20, 2026.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Lamont participated in a “lottery scam” in which elderly victims were contacted by telephone and falsely informed they had won a sweepstakes, often totaling millions of dollars, and then directed to send money in the form of checks, cash, money orders, and/or wires to pay purported taxes due on their winnings.
Specifically, Lamont received funds directly from at least three members of the lottery scam, deposited them into her bank account, and made the funds available to other members of the conspiracy who were located in Jamaica.
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for September 17, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Court continued Lamont’s detention pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lamont.
Pittsburgh Man Charged with Making Interstate Threats to Injure and Kill OthersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of making interstate threats, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The two-count Indictment named John Radford, 31, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Radford transmitted communications containing threats to injure another person on two separate occasions via email. The Indictment alleges that, on or about September 18, 2025, Radford informed one victim that a “list” of “people…ahead of you” was “all there is keeping you alive.” Radford also stated in his email that the victim would not be “too difficult” to locate and identified the victim’s spouse and children. The Indictment further alleges that, in an email to another victim on or about December 3, 2024, Radford communicated “I say we blow your head off with a shotgun!” and then described the shotgun as a “mosberg 940” that would be used “late at night when you’re walk back to your car.”
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both on each count. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Presents Hometown Hero Award to Retired Pittsburgh Police Officer in Recognition of His Bravery and Dedication During Tree of Life Synagogue ShootingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania this morning presented former Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (PBP) officer Daniel Mead with a U.S. Department of Justice/United States Attorney’s Office “Hometown Hero Award” during a brief ceremony held at PBP headquarters. Mead received the award in front of PBP’s command staff.
Offered in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, the Hometown Hero Award honors the enduring ideals of liberty, service, and civic responsibility, and is bestowed in recognition of brave men and women who exemplify steadfast commitment to these ideals and embody the spirit upon which our nation was founded.
The award was presented to Mead, now retired, in recognition of his courage and sacrifice during the October 27, 2018, Tree of Life Synagogue shooting, where Officer Mead and his partner, Michael Smidga, were the first to arrive at the Synagogue that morning in response to the harrowing 911 calls about an active shooter. Armed only with a handgun, Mead quickly approached the entrance of the Synagogue and observed the shooter inside of the building before being shot through the hand and needing to retreat. Mead was one of four police officers and SWAT operators to be shot and injured by the shooter, who killed 11 congregants and seriously wounded two others during his antisemitic attack.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is pleased to honor Daniel Mead with the Western District of Pennsylvania’s Hometown Hero Award in conjunction with the celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday,” said United States Attorney Troy Rivetti. “Nearly eight years after the shooting, our gratitude and admiration for the heroic bravery and selfless dedication of the first responders that day endures. On the morning of October 27, 2018, Officer Mead walked directly into the line of fire in fulfillment of his sworn duty to uphold the law and protect his fellow citizens. Today, we honor him. He is Pittsburgh’s Hometown Hero.”
U.S. Attorney Rivetti with Daniel Mead Daniel Mead with U.S. Attorney Rivetti, Officer Smidga, Tree of Life survivors, and PBP Chief Lando Daniel Mead with PBP command staffFifteen Defendants Charged Following Homeland Security Task Force Investigation into Erie-Focused Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - Fifteen individuals from Erie, Pennsylvania; New York; and Ohio have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal narcotics laws as the result of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today during a press conference held at Erie City Hall.
The defendants were named in two separate but related one-count Indictments. The first of those Indictments charges 13 of the defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute various quantities of fentanyl and/or cocaine. The second Indictment charges two additional defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine. A list of the defendants, the amount and type of drug(s) attributable to each through the conspiracy, and the maximum penalty for each defendant is included below. 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.
“This prosecution is another important example of our office’s commitment to safeguard the people of northwestern Pennsylvania from the scourge of fentanyl and cocaine and—working with our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels—to bring to justice those responsible for endangering our families, friends, and neighbors,” said United States Attorney Rivetti.
“Drug trafficking networks breed violence, organized criminal activity, addiction, and exploitation,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “Illicit operations like this poison communities surrounding Lake Erie far beyond the individuals purchasing the drugs. To those who think they can ship dangerous drugs into the heart of our community, no matter how sophisticated the operation, the FBI and our partners will pursue you across time zones and international borders to protect the American people.”
“These indictments demonstrate the impact of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative and our unwavering commitment to dismantling the drug trafficking networks that push fentanyl and cocaine into Erie and communities across northwestern Pennsylvania,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Nathan Abel of Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia. “HSI, working alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, the FBI, and our federal, state, and local partners, will continue to use every lawful tool at our disposal to identify, investigate, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations that profit from addiction and threaten the safety of our neighborhoods.”
“These defendants violated the law by trafficking illegal drugs within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Capt. Nicholas A. Cortes, Director of the Drug Law Enforcement Division of the Pennsylvania State Police. “The successful outcome of this investigation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement efforts among our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. By dismantling this drug trafficking organization, investigators have disrupted the distribution of dangerous drugs and enhanced public safety throughout the Erie community. The Pennsylvania State Police commends the approximate five-month collaborative efforts of investigators from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Drug Law Enforcement Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations, and recognizes the United States Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Erie City Police Department, the Edinboro Police Department, the Mill Creek Police Department, and the Erie City School Police Department for their continued partnership in keeping our communities safe from dangerous drugs.”
“These traffickers of poisons into our communities believed they could outsmart law enforcement, but this investigation proved otherwise," said Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday. "No matter where these criminal organizations attempt to hide—whether in northwest Pennsylvania or anywhere else in our Commonwealth—we will continue to identify them, dismantle their operations and hold them accountable. I am grateful for the partnerships that made this takedown possible."
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Defendants (Indictment One)
Name
Age
City
Drugs Attributed
Maximum Penalty
Abner Cintron-Melendez40Jamestown, NY400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl
A quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine
Life imprisonmentYirzak Caceres-Perez28West Babylon, NY400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanylLife imprisonmentThalia Dalie Lynch31Jamestown, NY400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl
A quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine
Life imprisonmentAlberto Daniel Arroyo-Amaro27Erie, PA500 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaineLife imprisonmentBrayan Omar Arroyo-Amaro29Erie, PA500 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaineLife imprisonmentYanelite Amaro-Colon39Erie, PAA quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine20 years imprisonmentLuis Serrano-Mojica34Youngstown, OH500 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine40 years imprisonmentJuan Gustavo Cartagena Sr.31Erie, PAA quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine20 years imprisonmentLandy Gerebee Pacheco-Mendez34Erie, PAA quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine20 years imprisonmentLourdes Marie Cartagena30Erie, PAA quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine20 years imprisonmentLuis Ramon Feliciano-Martinez54Erie, PAA quantity of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl
A quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine
20 years imprisonmentJavier Carrasquillo47Jamestown, NYA quantity of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl
A quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine
20 years imprisonmentMariah Arlene Jackson29Jamestown, NYA quantity of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl
A quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine
20 years imprisonment
Defendants (Indictment Two)Name
Age
City
Drugs Attributed
Maximum Penalty
Luis Antonio DeJesus Jr.46
Erie, PAA quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine20 years imprisonmentDaniel Tirado45
Erie, PAA quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine20 years imprisonmentThis prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Western District of Pennsylvania is part of the Philadelphia HSTF, which is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the United States Department of State–Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and state and local law enforcement partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Among the state and local law enforcement partners that coordinated with the HSTF in this investigation were the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Drug Law Enforcement Division and the FBI Erie Resident Agency’s Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Safe Streets Task Force, comprising investigators from the FBI, United States Customs and Border Protection, Erie Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Millcreek Police Department, Oil City Police Department, Franklin Police Department, Meadville Police Department, Edinboro Police Department, and Erie School District Police Department.
The investigation was also conducted in association with the Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative, which was formed following Erie County’s designation as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in 2021. The HIDTA program was created by Congress in 1988 to coordinate and assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in addressing regional drug threats with the purpose of reducing drug trafficking and drug production in the United States. The Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative coordinates personnel and resources between multiple agencies including the Pennsylvania State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Erie Police Department, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County Detectives, United States Postal Inspection Service, the EAGLE Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and other participating agencies.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Participates in Special Naturalization Ceremony Celebrating 250th Birthday of the United StatesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - This morning, members of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania gathered with the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, staff members with the Court and the Clerk’s Office, and members of the community at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall to participate in a Special Naturalization Ceremony in observance and celebration of the United States of America’s 250th birthday.
Sponsored by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the ceremony saw 70 individuals from 27 countries naturalized as United States citizens and included several current and former members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office among its participants. Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Skirtich presented the motion to the Court for the grant of citizenship that led to the administration of the Oath of Allegiance by Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. United States Attorney Troy Rivetti provided brief remarks on the history of Western Pennsylvania during colonial times, and the region’s role in the formation of the United States. Former Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt sang both the national anthem and “America the Beautiful.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is honored to have been a part of this historic ceremony in recognition of our nation’s 250th birthday,” said United States Attorney Troy Rivetti. “Any naturalization ceremony is, of course, memorable for those being naturalized as well as for all participating, but today’s event was a particularly special one and served as a wonderful reminder of the United States’ rich history and the wonderful and intricate background of our citizens that forms the fabric of our nation.”
Johnstown Felon Indicted on Numerous Firearm Charges, Including Possession of Machinegun and Unlicensed Manufacturing/Dealing of FirearmsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The six-count Indictment named Louie Guadalupe, 34, as the sole defendant.
“Gun violence—and, particularly, the increasing rate of that violence involving machinegun conversion devices such as Glock switches and drop-in auto sears—poses a serious threat to the safety of our citizens and to law enforcement,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “The Indictment unsealed today reflects the collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local law enforcement partners aimed at reducing this threat to our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partner federal agencies remain committed to working closely with our state and local counterparts to disrupt the cycle of gun violence and hold accountable those who put dangerous and illegal firearms on our streets.”
“Selling illegal firearms, and switches that transform guns into a fully automatic weapon, means deadlier shootings, more chaotic crime scenes, and increased danger to innocent bystanders,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “Trafficking these devices quickly becomes a critical public safety issue. The FBI and our Safe Streets Task Force partners will use every resource at our disposal to get these extraordinarily dangerous devices out of our communities.”
“Firearms trafficking puts guns in the hands of the criminals who threaten our communities,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “That those firearms included very dangerous machinegun conversation devices makes this case particularly severe. Thanks to our close cooperation with our law enforcement partners, we exposed this criminal enterprise that endangered the Johnstown area.”
“In light of the recent, senseless acts in our community, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office is committed to facilitating efforts that prevent gun violence before it occurs through collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies,” said Cambria County District Attorney Jessica Aurandt. “The indictment of Louie Guadalupe is a manifestation of those collaborative efforts—the result of which removed several firearms and Glock switches from the streets of Johnstown. The DA’s Office would like to express our gratitude to the Johnstown Police Department, Cambria County Detective Bureau, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their incredible diligence and hard work throughout this investigation.”
According to the Indictment, from on or about March 12, 2026, and continuing thereafter until around April 15, 2026, Guadalupe willfully engaged in the business of manufacturing and dealing in firearms without a license. The Indictment further alleges that, on three dates during March of 2026, Guadalupe unlawfully possessed a firearm after previously having been convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Lastly, on or about April 1, 2026, and April 15, 2026, Guadalupe is alleged to knowingly and unlawfully have possessed and transferred a machinegun.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years of imprisonment, 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 of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Role in Network That Brought Kilogram Quantities of Cocaine to Western PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 144 months of incarceration, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction through a Homeland Security Task Force prosecution of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jamal Stoner, 38, on May 13, 2026.
According to information presented to the Court, Stoner conspired with others to bring kilogram quantities of cocaine to the Pittsburgh region for redistribution. On September 27, 2021, law enforcement conducted a search of Stoner’s stash apartment, where they recovered 11 kilograms of cocaine. As part of his plea agreement, Stoner also accepted responsibility for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that the sentence was appropriate given the defendant’s recidivist history and involvement in kilogram quantity drug distribution.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Western District of Pennsylvania is part of the Philadelphia HSTF, which is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the United States Department of State–Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and state and local law enforcement partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
New Castle Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to trafficking fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Melvin Dorsey-Pace, 33, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on February 12, 2025, Dorsey-Pace possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, as well as a quantity of a mixture of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for September 9, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Lawrence County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dorsey-Pace.
Jamaican National Sentenced to 4.5 Years in Prison for Role in International Lottery Scam Targeting ElderlyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of St. James parish in Jamaica has been sentenced in federal court to 54 months of incarceration on his conviction of violating wire fraud and money laundering laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Tajay Singh, 29, of Montego Bay.
According to information presented to the Court, from approximately January 2021 to October 2023, Singh conspired to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering by defrauding elderly victims through a lottery scam. As part of the scam, members of the conspiracy called elderly victims and informed them that they had won a lottery but needed to pay taxes and fees to receive their prize. After sending the money as directed, the victims never received the prize money. The conspirators used a network of other conspirators and victims, as well as bank accounts opened in victims’ names, wire transfers, purchases of physical goods, and ATM withdrawals in Jamaica to execute and obfuscate their scheme.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Singh.
Homewood Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on May 12, 2026, to violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Chaz Mitchell, 36, of the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan to a one-count Indictment charging Mitchell with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on July 5, 2025, following the issuance of a state arrest warrant for Mitchell on unrelated charges, officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police observed Mitchell in possession of an assault rifle and sawed-off shotgun and attempted to execute the state warrant. Mitchell refused to exit a residence until the SWAT unit arrived. Upon Mitchell’s surrender and being taken into custody, officers obtained and executed a state search warrant for the residence, from where they recovered an assault rifle, sawed-off shotgun, pistol, and ammunition. Mitchell had previously been convicted of felony state firearms offenses. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Judge Ranjan scheduled Mitchell’s sentencing for August 21, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 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 offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mitchell.
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.
Butler Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 20 months of incarceration on his conviction of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Robert Schatzman, 21.
According to information presented to the Court, in April 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Schatzman’s home and recovered a Glock pistol from a floor air vent within his bedroom. Schatzman previously had been convicted of robbery in the Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stowe Township Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Schatzman.
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.
Pittsburgh Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Keenan Tolliver, 32, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti to a one-count indictment charging Tolliver with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about February 21, 2025, Tolliver possessed a loaded and chambered pistol and ammunition in the center console of the vehicle he was operating. Tolliver previously had been convicted of 10 felony or first-degree misdemeanor offenses in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for September 16, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 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 offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Court ordered that Tolliver remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tolliver.
Federal Prisoner Sentenced to Additional Two Years of Incarceration for Racketeering Activity at Cambria County PrisonRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A former inmate at the Cambria County Prison was sentenced in federal court to 24 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of conducting and participating in the affairs of an enterprise through racketeering activity, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The defendant is among 10 individuals charged through an Indictment unsealed in July 2025 with racketeering charges related to the Cambria County Prison (read the Indictment news release here).
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Mikal Davis, 48, who was previously sentenced in July 2025 to 180 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of a mixture of heroin, five kilograms or more of a mixture of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, and 28 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine base. Judge Haines ordered today’s sentence to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed for the 2025 conviction.
According to information presented to the Court, from in and around July 2023 to in and around December 2023, while incarcerated at the Cambria County Prison, Davis conducted and participated in the affairs of an enterprise through racketeering activity. Specifically, Davis bribed correctional officers and medical staff to smuggle contraband into the prison, namely Suboxone, which was then sold to other inmates for a substantial profit. Davis directed the bribe payments and accepted payments of drug proceeds to further facilitate the racketeering activity.
To date, four of the 10 defendants in the case have pleaded guilty, with Davis the first to be sentenced.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, and the Cambria County Prison for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Davis.
Berks County Resident Sentenced to Seven and a Half Years in Prison for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 90 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on her convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Kayla Rickenbach, 24.
According to information presented to the Court, from in and around June 2024 to in and around August 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Rickenbach conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine. Additionally, in or around August 2024, Rickenbach possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl.Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rickenbach.
Former Primary Health Network Facilities Manager Sentenced to 2.5 Years in Prison for Role in Defrauding Non-Profit Medical OrganizationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former facilities manager for Primary Health Network (PHN), a non-profit medical organization headquartered in Sharon, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, for conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering and for filing a false tax return, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Mark Marriott, 59, of Sharpsville, Pennsylvania.
Two of Marriott’s co-conspirators, PHN’s former CEOs Drew Pierce and Jack Laeng, were both sentenced in April 2026, with Pierce sentenced to 40 months of imprisonment and Laeng to 24 months of imprisonment (read the news release on those sentencings here).
“This prosecution reflects the unfortunate reality of executives abusing their positions of power to commit fraud on a non-profit organization,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “The sentences here appropriately reflect the serious nature of the defendants’ offenses, and the extensive harm that results from this fraud. Our office and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and prosecute these important cases.”
“These crimes are not victimless, and this was not a mistake or a lapse in judgment,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “This FBI and our partners will continue to uncover and prosecute those who think they can hide calculated fraud schemes under the guise of contracts, middlemen, and paperwork. After years of deception and millions of dollars stolen, these individuals are now being held accountable for their crimes.”
“IRS-CI and our federal law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue individuals who scheme to defraud healthcare institutions and ultimately victimize the people those institutions serve,” said Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Philadelphia Field Office Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty. “Today’s sentence, along with the sentences previously handed down in this case, show that those who commit such offenses will be held to account.”
According to information presented to the Court, Marriott engaged in three schemes to defraud PHN. First, Marriott conspired with Pierce, Laeng, and others in a scheme in which they inserted a company called TopCoat between PHN and the company’s legitimate vendors. PHN paid TopCoat, which provided no services other than to pay the true vendors a lesser price. PHN’s board of directors was unaware that TopCoat performed no actual work and was made up entirely of PHN insiders. The TopCoat scheme caused a loss to PHN of more than $500,000. Second, Marriott engaged in a scheme in which he directed a PHN vendor to provide inflated invoices to PHN in order to fund kickback payments made to Marriott, Pierce, and a company Marriott owned with Pierce. Third, Marriott and Pierce used PHN funds to pay for their own personal expenses. Additionally, Marriott failed to report some of the proceeds of the schemes on his federal income tax returns.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan stated that Marriott played a critical part and active role in the schemes to defraud PHN, and noted the needs for just punishment and general deterrence in his sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys William B. Guappone and Jeffrey R. Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Marriott.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Dominican Republic Man Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Conspiracy in Connection with International Grandparent Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of the Dominican Republic illegally residing in Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Engels Guillermo Almengot Valerio, 26, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer on May 4, 2026.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Valerio was a participant in a conspiracy that targeted elderly individuals, often referred to as a grandparent fraud scheme, from which he then laundered the fraud proceeds. In this scheme, conspirators living in the Dominican Republic called elderly individuals and impersonated the victims’ grandchildren or other relatives, falsely claiming that they were involved in a crisis such as an accident and/or arrest and needed immediate financial assistance, then handing the phone over to someone posing as a lawyer or bail bondsman seeking payment.
The scammers then arranged for unwitting rideshare drivers to pick up cash from the elderly victims, who were located throughout the United States, including in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The drivers drove the stolen money to a location where they met with a member of the conspiracy and handed over the cash.
Using a variety of investigative techniques, law enforcement identified Valerio as a participant in the scheme, determining that the defendant ordered the rides that picked up the cash, collected the fraud proceeds from the rideshare drivers, and further laundered the fraud proceeds once received through various bank accounts. He operated not just in the Western District of Pennsylvania, but also in New York, California, and Nevada. A search of his New Jersey residence uncovered further evidence of his participation in the conspiracy, including $12,000 in cash.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for September 8, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is 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, in conjunction with numerous other federal and state law enforcement agencies, including the New York City Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Valerio.
Canadian Man Sentenced to More Than 15-and-a-Half Years in Prison for Lead Role in Multi-Million Dollar International Elder Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Canadian citizen extradited from Panama has been sentenced in federal court to 188 months of imprisonment, to be followed by one day of supervised release, and ordered to pay a fine of $35,000 and restitution of $780,870 on his convictions of conspiracy to commit both wire fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Stefano Zanetti, 44, on May 4, 2026.
“Zanetti and his co-conspirators inflicted severe financial and emotional injury upon numerous elderly victims and their families through this scheme,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “This prosecution and the sentence imposed confirm that the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners will use all of the resources at our disposal to investigate, identify, and bring to justice those who prey upon vulnerable members of our community, whether these predators are located in the United States or abroad.”
“Preying on seniors by exploiting their love for family—through false claims of emergencies involving their grandchildren—is a particularly cruel form of fraud,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Nathan Abel of Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia. “HSI, working alongside the Pennsylvania State Police, the Bethel Park Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will track down and disrupt these transnational schemes and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
According to information presented to the Court, Zanetti was the leader of a scheme to defraud elderly victims in Pittsburgh and across the United States. Members of the conspiracy contacted victims and falsely claimed that a family member of the victim, usually a grandchild, had been detained in connection with a legal proceeding and needed money for bail. The victims were directed to withdraw cash and provide it to a “courier” who would visit them at their homes. In reality, the victims’ family members had not been detained, and the courier was actually a member of the conspiracy. Through his plea agreement, Zanetti accepted responsibility for $1.5 million to $3.5 million in losses to victims as a result of the scheme.
In September 2021 and again in February 2022, three-man crews reporting to Zanetti traveled to Pittsburgh to execute the fraud and collect money directly from its victims. All six of those individuals—Roderick Feurtado, Tarek Bouanane, Roberto Gutierrez, Hector Enrique Escorihuela Gil, Yhonlester Wuiler Manuel Da Silva Quintero, and Adrian Orozco Perez—have been convicted and sentenced to terms of imprisonment. Samuel David Ferrer Avila and Cesar Javier Chourio Morante, who helped Zanetti execute the scheme to defraud from abroad, were also convicted and sentenced after having been extradited from Panama. A separate indictment returned in the District of Vermont also charged 25 Canadian nationals for their connection to the call centers that targeted victims as part of Zanetti’s conspiracy.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan noted that Zanetti played an important role in the complicated fraud with “perfect knowledge” about its various parts. Judge Ranjan also emphasized the emotional toll and financial losses that Zanetti’s scheme imposed upon the victims.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs secured the arrest and extradition from Panama of Zanetti, Ferrer Avila, and Chourio Morante.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bethel Park Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Zanetti and his co-conspirators.
Westmoreland County Resident Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Producing and Possessing Images of Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Avonmore, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 420 months in prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, on his convictions of production and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Kenneth Bee, 55.
According to information presented to the Court, over a period of several years, Bee produced images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Further, in and around September 2022, Bee possessed images of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bee.
This case was brought as a 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.
Erie Resident Sentenced to over Seven-and-a-Half Years in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 92 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Shawn Geer, 49.
According to information presented to the Court, on or about July 2, 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Geer possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Geer.
Berks County Man Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in Prison for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 262 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Angel Diaz-Gibson, 34.
According to information presented to the Court, from in and around June 2024 to in and around August 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Diaz-Gibson conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine. Further, in and around July 2024, Diaz-Gibson possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Diaz-Gibson.
Sharon Felon Pleads Guilty to Cocaine and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Sharon, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to committing firearm and drug trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Bruce Lindsey, 47, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on March 20, 2025, Lindsey possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, as well as a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime and after previously having been convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for September 1, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1.5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
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 Lindsey.
Four Charged with Cocaine and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Three residents of Western Pennsylvania and one resident of California have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating various federal narcotics and firearm laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The six-count Indictment named Darius Dudley, 33, of Duquesne, Pennsylvania; Robert Gonzales, 41, of Jurupa Valley, California; Vince Kelly, 36, of White Oak, Pennsylvania; and Keontae Spears, 42, of Homestead, Pennsylvania, as defendants.
According to the Indictment, from in and around April 2025 to in and around August 2025, the defendants conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The Indictment also alleges that Kelly and Spears attempted to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on two separate occasions during that timeframe, also attempting to obtain 400 grams or more of fentanyl on one of the occasions. Spears is additionally charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon in August 2025. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. The Indictment further alleges that, in June 2025, Gonzales distributed 500 grams or more of cocaine, and that, in August 2025, Dudley possessed with the intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and 500 grams or more of cocaine.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $20 million, 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 defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Pennsylvania State Police 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.
Aliquippa Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of federal supervised release, on his conviction of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation and prosecution, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Romaro Lanarie Foster Sr., 47.
According to information presented to the Court, Foster was part of an interstate drug trafficking organization that federal authorities investigated between March 2022 and September 2022. The investigation revealed that a source of supply in California would mail parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine to a residence in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. Following law enforcement’s seizure of a parcel containing two kilograms of cocaine en route to the Aliquippa residence, the source of supply began sending the parcels to a co-defendant in West Virginia, who would then drive the parcel from West Virginia to Foster in Aliquippa.
After then also disrupting Foster’s ability to obtain cocaine through the West Virginia co-defendant, law enforcement learned that Foster would be traveling to Georgia in order to obtain cocaine for distribution. In September 2022, local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Foster in South Carolina on his return trip to the Western District of Pennsylvania, during which officers seized approximately four kilograms of cocaine from Foster’s vehicle.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hardy stated that Foster’s prior sentences for attempted murder and possession with intent to distribute narcotics did not deter him from engaging in the instant drug trafficking conspiracy and that a significant sentence of 15 years of imprisonment was warranted.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Western District of Pennsylvania is part of the Philadelphia HSTF, which is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the United States Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and state and local law enforcement partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Five Time-Removed Honduras Man Who Attempted to Lure Children into Wilkinsburg Residence Charged with Another Illegal Reentry into U.S.Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Honduras citizen illegally residing in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Ever Antonio Cerrato-Orellano, 41, as the sole defendant.
“Ever Cerrato-Orellano has remained undeterred from criminal conduct despite his numerous removals from the United States and multiple convictions here,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “Our office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to prosecute recidivist offenders like Cerrato-Orellano who blatantly disregard the laws of the United States and pose an unacceptable danger to innocent members of our communities.”
“Protecting children and safeguarding our communities is the core of the ICE mission,” said Acting Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia Field Office Director John Rife. “ERO Philadelphia is proud to work alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our local partners at the Wilkinsburg Police Department to identify, arrest, and remove illegal aliens who pose a threat to public safety, and we will continue to use every tool available to help protect Pennsylvania’s families and children.”
According to the Indictment, on or about June 29, 2025, Cerrato-Orellano was found in the United States after having been previously deported and removed on five separate occasions between 2010 and 2016. Immigration officials encountered Cerrato-Orellano following the defendant’s arrest by the Wilkinsburg Police Department, who charged Cerrato-Orellano with five counts of luring a child into a motor vehicle or structure and one count of impersonating a public servant after Cerrato-Orellano attempted to lure a group of children into a Wilkinsburg residence. When the children tried to ride away on their bicycles, Cerrato-Orellano chased them and ordered them to stop, claiming that he was a police officer.
Cerrato-Orellano was previously convicted in both Texas and New Mexico of illegal reentry into the United States, in addition to convictions for possession of marijuana (Florida), theft of property (Texas), and tampering with government records and driving under the influence (Texas). Immigration officials removed Cerrato-Orellano from the United States after his convictions for these offenses.
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 offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Hillary M. Weaver and Lee A. Fry are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Wilkinsburg Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to 7.5 Years in Prison for Distribution and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 90 months of incarceration, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on her conviction of distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Marissa Lynn Segal, 32, also ordering Segal to pay approximately $13,000 in restitution to victims of her crimes.
According to information presented to the Court, on July 14, 2025, Segal distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors—including photographs and videos of infant victims and victims engaged in acts of bestiality—via a mobile application. One of the infant victims was just four months old, and the evidence presented to the Court established that Segal had knowledge that the victim was being abused contemporaneous with the creation of the child sexual abuse material, which she then redistributed. Segal also possessed child sexual abuse material including images and videos depicting prepubescent minors.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Segal.
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.