Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Pittsburgh Resident Indicted on a Charge of Theft of Funds from the Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of funds from the Social Security Administration, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Theodore George Mills, 40, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from March 2012 through May 2019, Mills accessed the Social Security benefits that were legally due to his late mother, who had died in February of 2012. Over the period of the indictment, it is alleged that Mills took more than $60,000 in social security benefits to which he was not entitled.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years; or any or all of the above. 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.
The Office of the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Johnstown Couple Pleads Guilty to Tax Violations, Fraud and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, PA – Two residents of Northern Cambria, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal tax, anti-fraud, and money laundering laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
On August 2, 2023, Sarah Stiles, age 38, and David Bachik, age 52, both of Northern Cambria, PA pleaded guilty to two counts each before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
According to the criminal Information, Stiles served as Vice President of Life Changing Support Services (LCSS), a business located in Northern Cambria that provides housing to individuals with intellectual disabilities. As Vice President, Stiles was personally responsible for the withholding and payment of employment taxes related to LCSS employees. In connection with the guilty plea, in the quarter ending in December of calendar year 2019, Stiles, did willfully fail to truthfully account for and pay over to the Internal Revenue Service payroll taxes due and owing to the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of LCSS employees in the amount of $21,284.89. Additionally, according to information presented to the Court, Stiles admitted to willfully failing to account for and pay over a total of $2,063,544 in employment taxes between March 2013 and December 2019.
Further, on or about August 2, 2019, and continuing until February 26, 2020, Stiles and Bachik, knowingly and willfully did conspire, combine, confederate, and agree with one another to commit wire fraud. According to the criminal Information, in and around 2019, Stiles was removed as a signature authority from LCSS bank accounts, but remained in her role as Vice President of LCSS. Stiles and Bachik believed that Stiles was being unfairly compensated as compared to other LCSS officers/employees. Thus, it was the object of the conspiracy for Stiles and Bachik to embezzle and steal LCSS monies for themselves. Accordingly, Stiles and Bachik devised a scheme by which Stiles would direct payments from LCSS to a fake company controlled by Bachik, and Bachik would disburse the stolen money to Stiles and himself. To that end, in 2019, Stiles and Bachik agreed to form “Stonewall Business Management” a fictitious company to be used to receive payments from LCSS. Stiles deceived LCSS into believing that LCSS was a legitimate business that offered worker’s compensation and general liability insurance. From on or about July 3, 2019 to on or about February 28, 2020, Stiles deceived LCSS into issuing twelve cashier’s checks totaling $56,308.10 to Stonewall Business Management, which Bachik deposited into bank accounts held in the name of Stonewall Business Management.
Additionally, on or about August 14, 2019, Bachik, did knowingly conduct and attempt to conduct a financial transaction affecting interstate commerce which involved the proceeds of specified unlawful activity, knowing that the property involved represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity and knowing that said financial transaction was designed in whole or in part to conceal and disguise the location, source, ownership and control of the proceeds of specified unlawful activity. That is, Bachik withdrew from one Stonewall Business Management bank account $9,000 in LCSS funds that had been provided to Stonewall Business Management as a result of the fraud scheme.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for December 6, 2023. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecutions of Stiles and Bachik.
Jury Recommends Sentence of Death for Pennsylvania Man Convicted for Tree of Life Synagogue ShootingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – After two months of trial, a federal jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, unanimously recommended today that a Pennsylvania man be sentenced to death for killing 11 congregants at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, critically wounding two others, and injuring five responding police officers in October 2018.
On June 16, after three weeks of hearing evidence, the jury found Bowers guilty on 63 counts, including hate crimes resulting in death and obstruction of the free exercise of religion resulting in death, that were potentially punishable by a death sentence.
After hearing additional evidence, the jury found on July 13 that Robert Bowers, 50, was eligible to receive a death sentence. During the Sentence Selection phase of the trial, which lasted from July 17 through July 31, 2023, the jury then heard testimony on aggravating and mitigating factors before arriving at its unanimous recommendation of a death sentence.
“The horrific attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27, 2018, stole the lives of 11 innocent victims, shattered their families, gutted their congregation and the Pittsburgh community, and struck fear in the lives of Jewish people across the country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Hate crimes like this one inflict irreparable pain on individual victims and their loved ones and lead entire communities to question their very belonging. All Americans deserve to live free from the fear of hate-fueled violence and the Justice Department will hold accountable those who perpetrate such acts.”
“The evidence in this trial proved that the defendant acted because of white supremacist, anti-Semitic and bigoted views that unfortunately are not original or unique to him,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Our Constitution protects a person’s right to hold repugnant beliefs. But our Constitution also protects every person’s right to practice his or her faith. When people who espouse white supremacist, anti-Semitic, and bigoted views pick up weapons and use them to kill or try to kill people because of their faith, our Office and our partners in law enforcement will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Each and every time.”
“The men and women of the FBI hold the Tree of Life Synagogue victims and the Pittsburgh community in our hearts as we continue to protect communities of faith from violent acts of hate,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The damage caused by antisemitism cannot be understated, just as the tragic loss of the eleven victims cannot be measured. Healing will be a life-long journey for the survivors, families, and communities affected by this vile attack, and the FBI will be there to support them throughout that journey.”
“The massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue imposed grievous and far-reaching harms and is a reminder about the ongoing threat that we face as a result of antisemitic violence and hatred in our country,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The victims of these senseless murders were community and religious leaders and loving family members and friends. A jury of his peers held the defendant accountable for his hateful actions and provided justice for those killed and injured. The verdict, though, cannot bring back the 11 people killed at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Nor can it heal the physical and psychological wounds of the survivors or dispel the hurt and fear of community members. We hope that this civil rights prosecution brings a measure of closure and highlights the determination of the Justice Department to protect people from antisemitic violence and other hate crimes in our country.”
“I hope today’s decision brings some comfort to those impacted by this terrible crime and to our community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “As we all work to heal together, I want to remind the community that none of us can do this alone. I want to commend the work by my FBI personnel, the Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and our partner agencies who put in countless hours at the scene that day and every day since preparing for this trial. I want to assure everyone that the FBI will keep doing everything we can for the people who need it most in every community across the country.”
The evidence showed that, on Oct. 27, 2018, Bowers drove to the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where members of the Tree of Life, Dor Hadash and New Light Jewish congregations gathered to engage in religious worship. Bowers entered the building armed with multiple firearms, including three Glock .357 handguns and a Colt AR-15 rifle. While inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, Bowers opened fire, killing and injuring members of the three congregations, as well as injuring multiple responding police officers as they attempted to rescue surviving victims.
The victims include 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue who were killed: Joyce Fienberg, 75; Richard Gottfried, 65; Rose Mallinger, 97; Jerry Rabinowitz, 66; Cecil Rosenthal, 59; David Rosenthal, 54; Bernice Simon, 84; Sylvan Simon, 86; Daniel Stein, 71; Melvin Wax, 87; and Irving Younger, 69. In addition, the defendant critically injured two congregants. Another 12 congregants escaped physical injury. Additionally, the victims include five responding police officers who were injured while attempting to rescue surviving victims and apprehend the defendant.
The evidence showed that the defendant meticulously planned his attack based on his violently antisemitic beliefs, reflected in dozens of online posts admitted into evidence.
The court will impose the sentence on Aug. 3.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case, with assistance from many other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The case was prosecuted by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Troy Rivetti, Soo C. Song, and Nicole Vasquez Schmitt of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania; Trial Attorney Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division; and Barry K. Disney of the Capital Case Unit of the United States Department of Justice. Special Litigation Counsel Julia Gegenheimer of the Civil Rights Division and Trial Attorney Sonia Jimenez of the Criminal Division also made significant contributions to the prosecution of this case.
Jury Recommends Sentence of Death for Pennsylvania Man Convicted for Tree of Life Synagogue ShootingRead the Press Release
After two months of trial, a federal jury in Pittsburgh unanimously recommended today that a Pennsylvania man be sentenced to death for killing 11 congregants at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, critically wounding two others, and injuring five responding police officers in October 2018.
On June 16, after three weeks of hearing evidence, the jury found Bowers guilty on 63 counts, including hate crimes resulting in death and obstruction of the free exercise of religion resulting in death, that were potentially punishable by a death sentence.
After hearing additional evidence, the jury found on July 13, that Robert Bowers, 50, was eligible to receive a death sentence. During the Sentence Selection phase of the trial, which lasted from July 17 through July 31, the jury then heard testimony on aggravating and mitigating factors before arriving at its unanimous recommendation of a death sentence.
“The horrific attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27, 2018, stole the lives of 11 innocent victims, shattered their families, gutted their congregation and the Pittsburgh community, and struck fear in the lives of Jewish people across the country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Hate crimes like this one inflict irreparable pain on individual victims and their loved ones and lead entire communities to question their very belonging. All Americans deserve to live free from the fear of hate-fueled violence and the Justice Department will hold accountable those who perpetrate such acts.”
“The men and women of the FBI hold the Tree of Life Synagogue victims and the Pittsburgh community in our hearts as we continue to protect communities of faith from violent acts of hate,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The damage caused by antisemitism cannot be understated, just as the tragic loss of the eleven victims cannot be measured. Healing will be a life-long journey for the survivors, families, and communities affected by this vile attack, and the FBI will be there to support them throughout that journey.”
“The massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue imposed grievous and far-reaching harms and is a reminder about the ongoing threat that we face as a result of antisemitic violence and hatred in our country,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The victims of these senseless murders were community and religious leaders and loving family members and friends. A jury of his peers held the defendant accountable for his hateful actions and provided justice for those killed and injured. The verdict, though, cannot bring back the 11 people killed at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Nor can it heal the physical and psychological wounds of the survivors or dispel the hurt and fear of community members. We hope that this civil rights prosecution brings a measure of closure and highlights the determination of the Justice Department to protect people from antisemitic violence and other hate crimes in our country.”
“The evidence in this trial proved that the defendant acted because of white supremacist, anti-Semitic and bigoted views that unfortunately are not original or unique to him,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Our Constitution protects a person’s right to hold repugnant beliefs. But our Constitution also protects every person’s right to practice his or her faith. When people who espouse white supremacist, anti-Semitic, and bigoted views pick up weapons and use them to kill or try to kill people because of their faith, our Office and our partners in law enforcement will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Each and every time.”
The evidence showed that on Oct. 27, 2018, Bowers drove to the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, where members of the Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light Jewish congregations gathered to engage in religious worship. Bowers entered the building armed with multiple firearms, including three Glock .357 handguns and a Colt AR-15 rifle. While inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, Bowers opened fire, killing and injuring members of the three congregations, as well as injuring multiple responding police officers as they attempted to rescue surviving victims.
The victims include 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue who were killed: Joyce Fienberg, 75; Richard Gottfried, 65; Rose Mallinger, 97; Jerry Rabinowitz, 66; Cecil Rosenthal, 59; David Rosenthal, 54; Bernice Simon, 84; Sylvan Simon, 86; Daniel Stein, 71; Melvin Wax, 87; and Irving Younger, 69. In addition, the defendant critically injured two congregants. Another 12 congregants escaped physical injury. Additionally, the victims include five responding police officers who were injured while attempting to rescue surviving victims and apprehend the defendant.
The evidence showed that the defendant meticulously planned his attack based on his violently antisemitic beliefs, reflected in dozens of online posts admitted into evidence.
The court will impose the sentence on Aug. 3.
U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Troy Rivetti, Soo C. Song and Nicole Vasquez Schmitt for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Trial Attorney Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division, and Trial Attorneys Barry K. Disney and Aaron J. Stewart of the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Unit prosecuted the case. Special Litigation Counsel Julia Gegenheimer of the Civil Rights Division and Trial Attorney Sonia Jiminez of the Criminal Division also made significant contributions to the prosecution of this case.
Johnstown Resident Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. A resident of Johnstown, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for federal child pornography charges, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The three-count Superseding Indictment named Mikhail Martin, 25, of Johnstown, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment, Martin is alleged to have produced and attempted to produce material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor on or about February 20, 2023, and April 22, 2023. Martin is also alleged to have possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor on or about May 13, 2023.
The law provides for a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 70 years, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney DeMarr W. Moulton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Northern Regional Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
This case is being prosecuted 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.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Fugitive charged in scheme that misdirected millions in charitable donations intended for Christian outreach in ChinaRead the Press Release
DUBLIN, GA: A former Dublin, Ga., resident is being sought internationally on multiple federal charges alleging he orchestrated a scheme that misdirected more than $30 million donated for Christian ministry in China.
Jason Gerald Shenk, 45, is charged in a newly unsealed federal indictment with four counts of Wire Fraud; three counts of International Concealment Money Laundering; 13 counts of Concealment Money Laundering; 21 counts of Money Laundering Involving Transactions Greater than $10,000; and one count of Failure to File Report of Foreign Bank Account, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Conviction on the charges would subject Shenk to statutory penalties of up to 20 years in prison, forfeiture of any property involved in or traceable to the offenses, substantial financial penalties, and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison sentence.
There is no parole in the federal system.
Warrants have been issued for Shenk’s arrest. He is considered innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
“When people of faith donate money for evangelistic purposes, they reasonably expect those who solicit their donations to act as faithful stewards of those funds,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “This case alleges an egregious breach of that trust at the expense of multiple charities and individual donors.”
As spelled out in the indictment, Shenk is alleged to have planned and executed a scheme in which he obtained more than $30 million from faith-based charities and individual donors, primarily from religious communities in Ohio and North Carolina, based on his promises that he would use the funds for producing and distributing Bibles and Christian literature in the People’s Republic of China.
Instead, the indictment alleges Shenk converted a significant amount of the funds to his own use, including:
Payments of approximately $1 million to an online sports gambling website;
• Purchases of equity shares of approximately $850,000 in a privately held nuclear energy company;
• Approximately $4 million in purchases of at least 16 life insurance policies in various people’s names;
• Purchases of diamonds, gold, and precious metals in amounts totaling approximately $1 million;
• Purchases of domestic and foreign stocks totaling more than $188,000;
• Payments of approximately $7 million to the company running Shenk’s family farm;
• Purchases on at least 10 personal credit cards totaling more than $820,000; and,
• Purchases of $320,000 in real estate in the “Galt’s Gulch” development in Santiago, Chile.
The indictment alleges Shenk obtained approximately $22 million from one charitable organization and its donors, and approximately $10 million from another charity and its donors, along with other donations from individuals. The funds were directed to a variety of shell corporations as a result of Shenk’s claims to those religious communities that he was a missionary dedicated to various Christian mission projects around the world and would use the funding to produce and distribute Bibles and Christian literature in China.
Companies that served as conduits for these donations included Morning Star Ministries, with a bank account in Dublin, Ga.; Connect Connect Asia BV, with multiple bank accounts in Singapore; CLF Asia Limited, owner of a bank account in Hong Kong; Autumnvale Group Limited, owner of multiple bank accounts in Singapore; BCB International LLC, an entity registered in Georgia with bank accounts in the United States; Heartland Plantations LLC, an entity registered in Georgia with bank accounts in the United States; Global Paradigm LTD, an entity associated with bank accounts in the United States; and Shenkland LLC, an entity registered in North Carolina and owner of bank accounts in the United States.
The indictment alleges Shenk perpetrated the scheme from as early as April 2010 until July 2019, and that Shenk renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2016 to avoid financial reporting requirements under federal law.
If you believe you sent money directly or indirectly to Jason Gerald Shenk or one of the entities listed in the indictment for charitable purposes, please contact federal authorities at 478-752-6810. In addition, if you have information regarding the whereabouts of Jason Gerald Shenk, please contact federal authorities at this same number.
The case is being investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, and prosecuted for the United States of America by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew A. Josephson.
Former Erie Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Malicious Destruction of Property by FireRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years in jail and ordered to pay $3,295 in restitution on his conviction of malicious destruction of property by fire, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Melquan Barnett, 31.
According to information presented to the court, Barnett set fire to the Ember + Forge building located at 401 State Street in Erie on May 30, 2020.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Barnett.
Pittsburgh Resident Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Firearm LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Isaac Duku, Jr., 22, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on May 28, 2022, Duku Jr. unlawfully possessed ammunition as a convicted felon. Under federal law, a convicted felon is prohibited from possessing ammunition.
The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. 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.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Isaac Duku, Jr.
Pittsburgh Resident Pleads Guilty to Charges of Robbery, Brandishing and Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of robbery, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Eric Lee Jones, age 34, of Pittsburgh, PA pleaded guilty to 7 counts before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Jones robbed or attempted to rob four Allegheny County businesses in March 2022. On March 6, 2022, Jones robbed the Fox’s Pizza in Oakmont. During that robbery, Jones shot the owner of the restaurant, who was working at the time, several times in the chest, stomach, and legs. The owner survived, but was seriously injured. On March 10, 2022, Jones robbed the Sunoco on Hulton Road in Verona, and pointed a gun at the head of an employee as he did so. On March 15, 2022, Jones attempted to rob the Family Dollar on Frankstown Avenue in Pittsburgh, and during the attempted robbery he brandished a pistol, and fired it one time in the store. Less than 30 minutes later, Jones attempted to rob the Edgewood Avenue Express on Edgewood Avenue. During this last attempted robbery, Jones shot the owner of the Edgewood Avenue Express once, and attempted to shoot him again but Jones’ pistol malfunctioned. Fortunately, the storeowner was not seriously hurt.
Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for November 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 17 years and a maximum sentence of life, a fine of $1,750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Doug Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The successful investigation and prosecution was based on significant and timely interagency cooperation between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, as well as the Oakmont and Edgewood Police Departments.
Coalport Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing with the Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Coalport, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Jacob Troxell, age 33, of Coalport, PA pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about on or about July 22, 2019, Troxell did possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for November 29, 2023. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Troxell.
Ashville Man Pleads Guilty to Producing and Possessing Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Ashville, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of production and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Michael Sollenberger, age 41, of Ashville, PA pleaded guilty to Counts One, Two, and Three of the Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about Jan. 8, 2019 to Jan. 8, 2020, and from on or about Feb. 21, 2018 to Feb. 21, 2019, Sollenberger produced images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Further, from on or about June 10, 2020 to June 12, 2020, Sollenberger possessed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The images were produced using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for November 30, 2023. The law provides for a total sentence of 120 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. According to the terms of the plea agreement accepted by the Court, Sollenberger will be sentenced to at least 35 years in prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sollenberger.
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.
Johnstown Woman Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison and 4 Years of Supervised Release for Conspiring to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and HeroinRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Johnstown, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 70 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release on her conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine, and heroin, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Willette Cooper, age 41, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, from on or about April 2019, to on or about July 2021, Cooper did conspire to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Cooper. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Erie Resident Indicted on Sex Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of sex trafficking of a child and attempted sex trafficking of a child, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Ali Matthew McCoy, 20, 615 Payne Avenue, 1st Floor, Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from May 2022 through July 2022, McCoy is alleged to have sex trafficked and attempted to sex traffic a child.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Millcreek Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Six Pennsylvania Residents and One Resident of North Carolina Indicted on Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Computer Fraud, ID Theft and Possession of Child Sex Abuse Material ChargesRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - Six residents of Pennsylvania and one resident of North Carolina have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, fraud in connection with unlawful computer access, aggravated identity theft, and receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The sixteen-count Indictment named the following:
Richard Alan Martz, Jr., 33, Meadville, Pennsylvania
Dylan Michael Miller, 30, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
Christopher Clampitt, 33, Clemmons, North Carolina
Edward Grabb, 31, Jeanette, Pennsylvania
Michael Yackovich, 27, West Newton, Pennsylvania
Luke Robert Swinehart, 22, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
Karlin Terrell Jones, 26, Beaver Falls, PennsylvaniaAccording to the Indictment presented to the court, the seven co-defendants conspired to hack into Snapchat accounts for the purpose of removing explicit images and videos depicting the victim account holders. After obtaining the explicit material, the co-defendants would then share the images and videos with each other and others online unbeknownst to the victim account holders.
“As alleged, the defendants used deception and hacking techniques to unlawfully access social media accounts so that they could steal, hoard, and trade explicit and otherwise private content of hundreds of unsuspecting victims,” U.S. Attorney Olshan said. “This Office and our law enforcement partners will reach far and wide to identify and prosecute those who victimize our communities via the internet, especially when they seek to victimize our most vulnerable population—our children.”
“The seven people charged today exploited their victims and engaged in a predatory behavior that will not be tolerated,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Hacking into social media accounts, stealing intimate pictures of unsuspecting victims and then selling and trading them in online forums is nothing short of reprehensible. These victims were re-victimized multiple times as their personal pictures were recirculated. We believe there is an extensive network of victims who still haven’t been identified.”
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 69 years in prison, a fine of $1,750,000, or both for Martz; 34 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both for Miller; 22 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both for Clampitt; 22 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both for Grabb; 29 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both for Yackovich; 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both for Swinehart and Jones. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
If you believe you are a victim in this case and would like to opt-in to receive case notifications or if you have any questions about your rights, please contact the Victim Witness Coordinator at [email protected].
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Jury Finds Pittsburgh Man Guilty of Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Randale Chapman was convicted of firearm and drug trafficking crimes at the conclusion of a jury trial, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Chapman, age 35 of Pittsburgh, was convicted of committing the following crimes on April 30, 2020: (1) possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, or methylenedioxyamphetamine with intent to distribute, (2) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and (3) possession of a firearm after a prior felony conviction. He was also convicted of possessing oxycodone or methamphetamine with intent to distribute on February 5, 2021.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the convictions in this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Former Delmont Resident Sentenced to 5+ Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Delmont, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 63 months on his conviction of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Joshua K. Minehart, 47, formerly of Delmont, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, Minehart had knowingly possessed 40 videos of child pornography, some which involved children who had not attained the age of 12.
Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Vasquez-Schmitt and DeMarr W. Moulton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Minehart.
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.
Derry Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Production, Distribution and Possession of Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Derry, Pennsylvania was sentenced in federal court to a total term of 240 months’ imprisonment (20 years) on his conviction for four counts of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor; one count of distribution and attempted distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor; and one count of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Michael Wilson, age 44. Judge Ranjan also ordered a period of 15 years’ supervised release following Wilson’s incarceration sentence and ordered that Wilson pay restitution totaling $6,000. Judge Ranjan further ordered Wilson to pay a $600 criminal monetary penalty pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.
According to information presented to the court, on multiple occasions during 2019 through May 15, 2021, Wilson surreptitiously recorded five different minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a video recording device that he was able to access from his cellular telephone. Further, the court was advised that from September, 2019 to October, 2019, Wilson communicated with another individual through online chat applications about the sexual abuse of minors and distributed to this other individual some of the images that he had secretly recorded of one minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Wilson also possessed several other images of child sexual abuse material, including one image of a prepubescent minor.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations – Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Derry Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wilson.
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.
Canonsburg Man Indicted for Violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection ActRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan and Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Rodney Thomas, 50, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, Thomas shot and killed a mature bald eagle with an air rifle on or about May 12, 2023, in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania.
“This Office remains committed to investigating and prosecuting environmental and wildlife offenses under federal law, including the unlawful killing of bald eagles—the United States’ national bird since 1782,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan. “This prosecution is the result of strong coordination with our state and local partners at the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and the Mt. Pleasant Township Police Department.”
“The bald eagle is our national bird and is widely known as being symbolic of our independence as a country,” said Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh. “A symbolic species such as the bald eagle deserves our protection. My office, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and the Mt. Pleasant Police Department worked diligently coordinating with each other to identify and charge the individual responsible and bring him to justice.”
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service, along with investigators from the Mt. Pleasant Township Police Department, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, and the Pennsylvania State Game Commission, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Washington County Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Washington, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months’ imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release on his conviction for conspiring to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Patrick Ellis, 49, of Washington, Pa.
According to the information presented to the court, in November of 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police began investigation a drug trafficking organization that operated in Washington County, Pennsylvania, of which Ellis was a member. Beginning in April of 2020 and continuing into November of 2020, the FBI received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Ellis was intercepted discussing the distribution of cocaine. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized cocaine, heroin-fentanyl mixtures, firearms, ammunition, bulletproof vests, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization. They seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine from Ellis.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mark V. Gurzo and Jerome A. Moschetta prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ellis. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Munhall Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Munhall Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Zai Quan Henderson, age 25, formerly of Munhall, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on January 12, 2022, Allegheny County Police observed Henderson with a suspected firearm. Henderson fled and attempted to conceal the firearm in an abandoned house. The Allegheny County Detectives, however, recovered the firearm, which was loaded and stolen. As a convicted felon, Henderson is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for November 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court remanded Henderson into the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Allegheny County Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Henderson.
Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to over 24 Years in Prison for Conviction of Robbery and Discharging a Firearm During a RobberyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to over 24 years in prison on his conviction of robbery and discharging a firearm during a robbery, as well as for violations of supervised release, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Deon Reese, age 48, of Pittsburgh.
According to information presented during a jury trial earlier this year and to the court, in March 2017, Reese participated in a robbery in which the victim was shot and nearly killed. The victim suffered extensive injures as a result of the shooting. Additionally, Reese engaged in efforts to obstruct justice by trying to convince the victim not to cooperate with the investigation and prosecution of him.
Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Ranjan stated that the sentence was based on a number of factors, including the seriousness of the offense and Reese’s criminal history. Reese was on federal supervised release at the time of the offense, and the robbery constituted a violation of that supervised release. Judge Ranjan imposed a sentence of 271 months, or around 22 ½ years, of incarceration in connection with the robbery conviction, and an additional sentence of 24 months, or 2 years, of incarceration for the supervised release violations.
Assistant United States Attorney Doug Maloney and Assistant United States Attorney Shaun Sweeny prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Reese.
Aliquippa Resident Sentenced to One Day of Imprisonment for Bank Fraud and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to one (1) day of imprisonment and three (3) years of supervised release on her conviction of bank fraud and conspiracy, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Lee Ann Benninghoff, age 45, Aliquippa.
According to information presented to the court, Benninghoff owned and operated Complete Escrow and Bella Casa Realty. From February 2014 through March 2017, Benninghoff used her position and connections in real estate financing, and conspired with others in the industry, to submit fraudulent gift letters in support of mortgage loan applications. The gift letters misrepresented the source of the funds and their purported purpose.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Benninghoff.
Ohio Resident Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Kaylor Brown was sentenced to 60 months in prison for conspiring to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Brown, age 31 of Warren, Ohio, was sentenced by United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan. Judge Horan ordered that Brown serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Judge Horan also ordered that Brown’s 60-month federal prison sentence be served consecutively to the federal prison sentence he was serving at the time he committed the crime for which he was sentenced in this case.
Brown was convicted in this case for conspiring to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine between January 2020 and January 2021. He committed this cocaine trafficking crime from a federal prison. He was in federal prison as a result of a 70-month sentence that was imposed in 2018 in the Eastern District of Michigan for a prior cocaine trafficking crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Farrell Police Department, the Mercer Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the federal Bureau of Prisons led the investigation that resulted in the conviction and sentence in this case.
Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to 90 Months Imprisonment for Attempted Receipt of Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 90 months imprisonment followed by 7 years of supervised release on his conviction of attempted receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of a child, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Thomas Hunt, 32 on July 10, 2023.
According to information presented to the court, Hunt attempted to meet who he believed to be a 13-year-old minor in person and attempted to receive material, from this minor, involving the sexual exploitation of minors from September 13, 2023, to October 13, 2021. Instead, Hunt was speaking to an undercover law enforcement officer.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Mitchell prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hunt.
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.
Pittsburgh Resident Pleads Guilty to Concealing a Material Fact in Connection with a Naturalization MatterRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of concealing a material fact in connection with a naturalization matter, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Man Ho, age 34, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Man Ho, a citizen of Vietnam, married a U.S. citizen in July 2011 for the sole purpose of gaining permanent residency in the United States and that in matters before immigration authorities she failed to advise that the marriage was a sham marriage.
The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 6 months in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000, 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 Attorneys Yvonne Saadi and DeMarr Moulton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Man Ho.
Las Vegas Resident Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Access Device FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Hector Ofelio Podio Gutierrez, age 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Podio Gutierrez used counterfeit credit cards encoded with stolen bank account information to purchase MasterCard gift cards at Sam’s Club stores in the Pittsburgh area, as well as in Florida and California. During the month of December 2017, Podio Gutierrez and his codefendant, Yoandy Pou Torres, using an encoding device, created counterfeit credit cards, and then used the cards to make fraudulent gift card purchases totaling more than $382,000 at various Sam’s Club locations, approximately $170,000 of which were purchases conducted at Pittsburgh area stores.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for November 1, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Podio Gutierrez remains on bond pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Podio Gutierrez.
Las Vegas Resident Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Access Device FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Hector Ofelio Podio Gutierrez, age 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Podio Gutierrez used counterfeit credit cards encoded with stolen bank account information to purchase MasterCard gift cards at Sam’s Club stores in the Pittsburgh area, as well as in Florida and California. During the month of December 2017, Podio Gutierrez and his codefendant, Yoandy Pou Torres, using an encoding device, created counterfeit credit cards, and then used the cards to make fraudulent gift card purchases totaling more than $382,000 at various Sam’s Club locations, approximately $170,000 of which were purchases conducted at Pittsburgh area stores.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for November 1, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Podio Gutierrez remains on bond pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Podio Gutierrez.
Cairnbrook Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison and 3 Years of Supervised Release for Violating Federal Narcotics and Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Cairnbrook, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 33 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on his convictions of possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and unlawfully possessing a firearm, United States Attorney Eric Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie Haines imposed the sentence on Travis Emert, age 44, of Cairnbrook, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on or about November 9, 2021, Emert knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully, possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Further, on or about November 9, 2021, Emert knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully, possessed firearms and ammunition, after having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, the Pennsylvanian State Police, and the Somerset County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Emert.
Two Pittsburgh Residents Indicted on Charges of Conspiracy and Obstruction of Law Enforcement During Civil DisorderRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - Two residents of Pittsburgh, PA, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy and obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Brian DiPippa, age 36, and his wife, Krystal DiPippa, age 40, as defendants.
According to the Indictment, on April 18, 2023, the DiPippas participated in a protest at the O'Hara Student Center on the University of Pittsburgh campus, at which time Brian DiPippa ignited and dropped two homemade smoke bomb containers in and around a line of persons waiting to enter the O’Hara Student Center to attend a scheduled event featuring guest speakers. The Indictment further alleges that, when Pitt Police officers gathered and formed a barrier to prevent the protesters from entering the rear of the building, Brian DiPippa, concealed by his wife, Krystal DiPippa, ignited and threw a large explosive firework into the group of Pitt officers, causing a loud explosion and injuries to several officers. Brian DiPippa was also charged with using an explosive to commit a federal felony.
For the charges of conspiracy and obstruction of law enforcement, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. The charge of using an explosive to commit a federal felony has a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment, with a maximum fine of $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force, of which the University of Pittsburgh Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police are all members, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Interstate Transportation of a Stolen VehicleRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Garfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Angel Alfonso Arias-Miranda, age 53, pleaded guilty to one count of transporting a stolen motor vehicle in interstate commerce before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Arias-Miranda, on October 11, 2020, transported a stolen vehicle, namely, a 2012 Mack drilling rig, from Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, to New Jersey, knowing that the vehicle had been stolen.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for Arias-Miranda on October 16, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten (10) years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The court ordered that the defendant remain on bond pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Karen Gal-Or is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Arias-Miranda.
Florida Resident Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A Florida resident has been sentenced in federal court to 36 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, plus restitution of $158,250 on his conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Adrian Orozco Perez, 26, of Kissimmee, Florida.
According to information presented to the court, Orozco Perez was part of a scam that targeted elderly victims in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Georgia. As part of the scam, the elderly victims were falsely informed that their grandchildren were being detained by law enforcement and needed cash in order to pay their bail. Orozco Perez, who functioned as a courier for the scam, picked up cash from the elderly victims at their homes while posing as a bail-bondsman.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan stated that Orozco Perez’s conduct had been egregious and emphasized the emotional and financial harm done to vulnerable victims. Orozco Perez was taken into the custody of the United States Marshals at the conclusion of the hearing.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Orozco Perez.
Pittsburgh Resident Indicted on Charges of Assault of a Federal Employee, Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of forcible assault of a federal employee, use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Martinel Humphries, age 28, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on January 5, 2023, Humphries used a firearm in assaulting a United States Postal Service employee. Because of his prior felony convictions, including a prior conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, Humphries was not permitted to have a firearm.
The law provides for a ten year minimum sentence on the charge that Humphries used a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison on the forcible assault charge and not more than 15 years in prison on the felon in possession charge, a fine of not more than $250,000 on each count, a term of supervised release of not more than five years on the forcible assault and use of a firearm counts and not more than three years on the felon in possession count, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney William B. Guappone is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case, with assistance from the Pittsburgh Police Department and Ross Township Police Department.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Los Angeles Resident Indicted on Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Los Angeles, California, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of conspiring to commit health care fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Seyed Hamed Razavi Rahmani, also known as Hamed Ramni, age 39, who resides in Los Angeles, California, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Rahmani was part of the Insure Nutrition enterprise that provided bariatric patients with free nutritional shakes as an inducement to get patients’ medical insurance information in order to market expensive medications that were of questionable medical value to those patients. In the process, Insure Nutrition gained access to the purchasers’ personal information and insurance coverage, thereby allowing them to bill insurance companies for these products. As a part of the scheme in which Rahmani was an active participant, Insure Nutrition did not collect co-payments on the excessively expensive medications and fabricated procedures to mislead auditors concerning the critical issue of co-payments.
Pursuant to previous Indictments associated with this scheme, other defendants who have entered guilty pleas have forfeited more than $54,000,000 in fraudulent proceeds that have been sent to the victim insurance carriers as partial reimbursement for losses they sustained.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The FBI conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Uniontown Resident Pleads Guilty to Distributing Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A previous resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distributing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
William Kenneth Bosley, Jr., age 53, who is currently incarcerated at the Somerset State Correctional Institution on a previous felony conviction, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Bosley sent a sexually explicit photograph of a minor via text message.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 16, 2023. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered the defendant be detained.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of William Bosley.
Erie Resident Sentenced to Eight Years for Violating Federal Laws Relating to the Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to eight years in jail, five years supervised release, ordered to make restitution in the amount of $18,000 and pay a special assessment in the amount of $5,200 on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Randy Lee Eicher, of Erie, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, from September 2018 to December 2018, Eicher received and distributed images and videos depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Boone, North Carolina Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Eicher.
Pittsburgh Resident Indicted on a Charge Relating to Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge relating to Social Security Fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Susan Mentser, age 70, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from in and around June 2018, through in and around March 2020, Mentser stole and converted approximately $21,483.00 in Supplemental Security Income benefits, which had been deposited into her deceased mother’s bank account, to which Mentser knew she was not entitled.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten (10) years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Woman and Detroit Man Indicted on Fraud Conspiracy and Bank Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh and a resident of Detroit, Michigan, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Fraud Conspiracy and Bank Fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The ten-count Indictment named Matthew Lloyd Parker, Jr., age 36, of Detroit, MI, and Virginia R. Humphries, age 35, of Pittsburgh, PA.
According to Indictment, between March 2020 and August 2021, Parker and Humphries defrauded the Small Business Administration and lenders of over $14,000,000 million dollars in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Parker, a licensed CPA from Detroit, Michigan, and Humphries, a credit repair specialist in Pittsburgh, recruited hundreds of small businesses in Pittsburgh and Detroit and falsified PPP loan applications of which the SBA approved 226 applications, resulting in loans totaling approximately $14.5 million to businesses, the largest known PPP fraud in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Services and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Twenty-Four Defendants Indicted in Pittsburgh Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has returned an Indictment following a five-month Title III wiretap investigation targeting a drug trafficking organization operating in the Pittsburgh area. The Indictment charges a total of 24 individuals residing in Pittsburgh with violations of federal drug and firearm laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The nine-count Indictment names the following 24 individuals as the defendants:
- LAMONT BELL, 54, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- DELANO BROWN, 36, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- ANDRE CAIN, 46, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- MARVIN COATES, 49, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- ANTHONY COKER, 46, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- MARK COOK, 55, of Clairton, Pennsylvania.
- ROBERT FIELDS, 29, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- MARVIN GRIMMIT, 68, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- TYRON HARRISON, 30, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- BRIAN HORTON, 22, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- ERIC HOWARD, 35, of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.
- WILLIAM JONES, 28, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- MICAH LATIMER, 22, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- ANTHONY LEE, 43, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- WILLIAM LEWIS, 45, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- SHAWN NORWOOD, 32, of South Park, Pennsylvania.
- EDWIN PEOPLES, 44, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- ERIC PEOPLES, 46, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- DAMON PETERS, 19, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- KEVIN RUCKER, 52, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- MAURICE SMITH, 28, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- JAMONE WATSON, 28, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- ROY WOOD, 47, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- SEAN WOODY, 32, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.According to the Indictment, from July 2022 until June 2023, Rucker was a large-scale distributor of cocaine in the Pittsburgh area, and supplied several individuals, including Coker, with substantial quantities of cocaine. Coker, in turn, supplied several other Pittsburgh-area drug traffickers, many of whom were members and associates of the “Drizzy Gang” street gang. Members and associates of this gang trafficked firearms and narcotics in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, operating an open-air drug market on Watson Street.
Specifically, from July 2022 through June 2023, Rucker, Cain, Lewis, Bell, Coker, Woody, Latimer, Brown, Lee, Watson, Cook, Eric Peoples, Edwin Peoples, Fields, Coates, Wood, Norwood, and Grimmitt allegedly conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and/or crack cocaine, Schedule II controlled substances. Additionally, between March 2023 and May 23, 2023, Jones, Watson, Peters, and Brown allegedly conspired to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. In a third alleged conspiracy, between February 2023 and June 2023, Howard and Brown conspired to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. Lastly, Latimer, Smith, Lee, Jones, Harrison, and Horton allegedly possessed firearms and ammunition despite being prohibited as a result of prior felony convictions.
On June 22, 2023, a 25th defendant was charged by criminal complaint. According to the charging documents, John Johnson, age 46, has been charged with drug trafficking and firearms offenses following execution of a search warrant at his residence and the resulting recovery of suspected cocaine and a loaded firearm.
“This office is committed to protecting the residents of Western Pennsylvania from those whose violent and destructive actions jeopardize the safety and well-being of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Together with our trusted law enforcement partners at the FBI, DEA, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, we will continue our effort to hold accountable the most dangerous offenders through effective enforcement of federal drug and firearm laws.”
“Violent groups don’t belong in our community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “We will continue to do everything we can to ensure the public can live free of fear, violence, and intimidation. These arrests are the direct result of the hard work and dedication of the FBI’s Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force and our partners in their efforts to combat gang members who distribute dangerous drugs like heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl in our communities.”
“Today’s announcement deals a significant blow to a drug trafficking organization that has dealt misery and pain throughout the communities of Western Pennsylvania. The DEA and our law enforcement partners are committed to safeguarding the health and safety of our communities and to keeping Americans safe from the menace of drugs and the violence associated with their distribution,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Keith Hart, who is the head of DEA operations across Western Pennsylvania. “I commend the extreme hard work of the members of the DEA and our partners in making our communities safer.”
“With this indictment, several communities are breathing a little more easily today, reassured that the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and our federal law enforcement partners are consistently committed to disassembling criminal networks and inhibiting drug and gun pipelines which hurt children and families,” said Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto. “We will continue to work closely with our local and federal partners and community members to prevent violent crime, because everyone deserves to live in secure and thriving neighborhoods.”
For Rucker, Cain, and Coker, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years in prison and up to life, a fine of no greater than $10,000,000.00, a term of supervised release of at least five years, or a combination thereof. For Lewis and Woody, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years in prison and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of no greater than $5,000,000, a term of supervised release of at least four years, or a combination thereof. For Bell, Latimer, Brown, Lee, Watson, Cook, Eric Peoples, Edwin Peoples, Fields, Coates, Wood, Norwood, Grimmitt, Jones, Peters, and Howard the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of no greater than $1,000,000, a term of supervised release of at least three years, or a combination thereof. As to the firearms charges for Latimer, Smith, Lee, Jones, Harrison, and Horton, the law provides for a maximum sentence of 15 years, a fine of no greater than $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. For Johnson, the firearm charge carries a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years in prison up to life, a term of supervised release of not less than three years, a fine of up to $1,500,000, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Douglas C. Maloney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. FBI Pittsburgh’s Safe Streets Task Force comprises investigators from the FBI, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s office, PA Attorney General’s Office, Penn Hills Police Department, and Allegheny County Probation and Parole.
This prosecution is a result of two Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Troutville Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Troutville, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to violation of federal narcotics and money laundering laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.Derek Hillebrand, age 27, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possesses with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a quantity of marijuana as well as one count of conspiracy to launder money before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Charlan was one of 47 defendants charged in six related indictments as part of the Return to Sender investigation.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Hillebrand received at least 220 pounds of methamphetamine and over 100 kilograms of marijuana that was shipped from California and Nevada. Hillebrand shipped a large amount of United States currency to the Stockton, California area to pay for the narcotics.
Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Hillebrand on October 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The court ordered that the defendant remain detained pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Belle Vernon Resident Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Belle Vernon, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Patty Lynn Mavrakis, 65, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in September 2016, Mavrakis was the Branch Manager for Valley 1st Community Federal Credit Union in Belle Vernon, Pa. The Court was further advised that, on September 5, 2016, the Credit Union was closed because of Labor Day, but Mavrakis entered the Credit Union, accessed the safe, and left the Credit Union with multiple boxes, at least one of which contained cash from the safe. On the following day, September 6, 2016, Mavrakis arrived at the Credit Union before any other employees and staged a fire in the safe. As the only witness to the fire, Mavrakis falsely claimed that an alarm wire “caught on fire” and consumed $340,200 in cash. On September 7, 2016, Mavrakis submitted an insurance claim to the Credit Union’s insurance company and again falsely claimed that an alarm wire caused the fire. The insurance company processed and paid the claim.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for October 11, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Mavrakis may remain released on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mavrakis.
Burkina Faso Man Sentenced to Prison for Fraud, Interstate Vehicle Theft and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A citizen of Burkina Faso has been sentenced in federal court to 57 months in prison and ordered to pay $131,338.45 in restitution on his conviction of wire fraud, interstate vehicle theft, and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Serge Ahmed Zeba, age 32.
According to information presented to the court, from November 2020 to January 2022, Zeba executed a scheme to steal high-end vehicles from car dealerships located throughout the United States. During the course of the scheme, Zeba stole seven vehicles and attempted to steal 19 more from numerous car dealerships using fake or altered money orders and the stolen personal identifiable information of at least 16 individuals.
Assistant United States Attorney Karen Gal-Or prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Department of State and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Zeba.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Lamont Bray pled guilty to fentanyl trafficking and gun crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Bray, age 23 of Pittsburgh, pled guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan. Bray pled guilty to conspiring to falsify a firearm purchase form and to possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. Judge Horan ordered sentencing to occur on October 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
In support of the guilty plea, the Court was informed that, between October 2020 and February 2021, Bray and his co-defendant formed and carried out a scheme whereby the co-defendant would purchase firearms, from federally licensed firearms dealers, as if she was the actual purchaser, and as if she would be the actual possessor, of the firearms when Mr. Bray would, in fact, be the actual purchaser and actual possessor of the firearms. Bray also possessed fentanyl with intent to distribute on April 10, 2021.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.
Southfield, MI Resident Pleads Guilty to Possessing with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Heroin and CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Deyon Robinson pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin and 28 grams or more of cocaine base, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Robinson, age 22 of Southfield, Michigan, pled guilty before United States District Judge William S. Stickman. Stickman ordered sentencing to occur on October 4, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.
In support of the guilty plea, the Court was informed that, on April 26, 2021, Robinson got caught possessing with intent to distribute 150 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin and 70 grams of crack. He got caught as a result of a Pennsylvania State Police investigation and traffic stop in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Robinson also possessed a loaded Glock pistol and over $2,400 in cash at that time.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.
Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to 63 Months for Attempting to Provide a Prohibited Object to a Federal Inmate and Attempting to Obtain a Prohibited Object by a Federal InmateRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Omari Patton was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for attempting to provide a prohibited object to a federal inmate and attempting to obtain a prohibited object by a federal inmate, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Patton, age 44 of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge William S. Stickman. Patton was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Patton was convicted at the conclusion of a jury trial in February 2023. As established at trial, Patton operated a scheme to distribute K2 paper into and inside federal prisons. The K2 paper was saturated with powerful Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances. He was serving a federal prison sentence at the time for prior large-scale heroin and cocaine trafficking convictions. He recruited his son into the scheme, resulting in his son’s conviction as well.
Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Farrell Resident Sentenced to 60 Months for Conspiring to Distribute Crack Cocaine and to Launder Drug Trafficking ProceedsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Eugene Phillips was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine and to launder drug trafficking proceeds, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Phillips, age 31 of Farrell, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon also ordered Phillips to serve four years of supervised release after his prison sentence.
Between March and June 2021, Phillips was detained at the Mercer County Jail because of state crack cocaine trafficking charges. The charges were pending until April 27, 2021, when he was convicted and sentenced to serve 27-54 months in state prison. During that time period, both prior to and after his state conviction and sentence, Phillips kept trafficking crack cocaine from the Mercer County Jail.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the Mercer County Drug Task Force, the New Castle Police Department, the Sharon Police Department, the Hermitage Police Department, and the Farrell Police Department led the investigation resulting in the convictions and sentence in this case.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Ellwood City Resident Pleads Guilty to Attempted Production and Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Ellwood City, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of attempted production and production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
David Bates, age 63, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan on June 12, 2023.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in or between July 2020 and October 2020, Bates and another individual attempted to and did use, persuade, induce entice and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of the minor engaged in such conduct.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for October 3, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 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, Bates remains detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bates.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
- Pittsburgh and Clymer Residents Indicted for Violating Federal Narcotics Laws
Ohio Resident Indicted for Violating Federal Narcotics LawsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Cleveland, OH, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Antoine Darnell Toodle, age 31, of Cleveland, OH, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about June 29, 2022, Toodle possessed with intent to distribute and distributed 50 grams of methamphetamine, and a quantity of fentanyl and crack cocaine.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Mitchell is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Eric G. Olshan Sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Eric G. Olshan was sworn in yesterday as the 60th United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania and began his duties immediately. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark R. Hornak administered the oath to Mr. Olshan, 42, of Pittsburgh.
“I have spent my entire career litigating on behalf of the United States, and I’m honored to continue that service in my new role,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “I look forward to working with the dedicated attorneys and staff in our office, as well as our trusted partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement, to pursue our shared goal of securing justice and protecting communities throughout the district.”
Prior to becoming United States Attorney, Mr. Olshan served as the Chief of the Economic/Cyber/National Security Crimes Section. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an Assistant United States Attorney in 2017, focusing primarily on white collar prosecution. During his time in the district, Mr. Olshan has served as the Civil Rights Coordinator, Public Corruption Coordinator, Health Care Fraud Coordinator, Environmental Crime Coordinator, and District Election Officer.
From 2007 to 2017, Mr. Olshan served in the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., first as a Trial Attorney from 2007 to 2013 and then as Deputy Chief from 2013 to 2017. Mr. Olshan entered the Department of Justice through the Attorney General’s Honors Program after serving as a law clerk for Judge Richard C. Tallman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2006 to 2007.
Mr. Olshan graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003, where he earned a B.S. in physics with highest distinction. He received his J.D., cum laude, from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in 2006.
Mr. Olshan was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on March 21, 2023, and confirmed by the United States Senate on June 8, 2023. He will lead an office currently staffed with 115 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and support staff in offices in Pittsburgh, Erie, and Johnstown.
The Western District of Pennsylvania covers the 25 westernmost counties in the Commonwealth.
Waterbury, CT Resident Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Kevin Francisco Torres-Gerena, 29, of Waterbury, Connecticut was sentenced to four years imprisonment, and ten years supervised release before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
The Court was advised that investigators identified Torres-Gerena on a peer-to-peer network where offenders, like Torres-Gerena, could access and share child sexual abuse material (commonly referred to as “child pornography”). The court was further informed that law enforcement officials executed a federal search warrant at Torres-Gerena’s residence on September 5, 2018, and later uncovered 116 videos, ranging from 1 minute and 10 seconds to 9 minutes and 37 seconds, and 36 images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, many of which involved children under the age of twelve. Torres-Gerena informed investigators that he would view the images/videos and then delete them but use the same search terms in subsequent searches to conceal his activity.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigations San Antonio Field Office, the North Strabane Police Department and the Canonsburg Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Torres-Gerena.
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.