Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Sandy Ridge Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Sandy Ridge, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
David Richard Smith, age 45, of Sandy Ridge, PA, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, Smith did conspire to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for July 6, 2023. The law provides for a minimum of 10 years in prison to a maximum of life in prison, a fine of up to $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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smith. 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, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is 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.
Texas Woman Sentenced for Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracies Targeting Federally Funded Meal Programs for Underprivileged YouthRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced yesterday in federal court for her role in defrauding federally funded meal programs, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab sentenced Tanisha Jackson, 50, of Dallas, Texas, to 36 months’ incarceration following her guilty plea to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Judge Schwab also ordered Jackson to pay restitution to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the amount of $1,500,000 and to forfeit more than $427,000.
During Jackson’s plea hearing on May 18, 2022, she admitted, among other things, that she and co-conspirators Charles Simpson and Paige Jackson—Jackson’s daughter—operated HOIN, Inc. (HOIN), a Texas-based non-profit organization. Jackson caused HOIN (a/k/a Helping Others In Need) to enroll as a “sponsor” in two programs funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the purpose of providing meals to underprivileged youth—the Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) (collectively, “the feeding programs”). CACFP funded after-school meal service during the school year, while SFSP operated in the summer months. In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PADOE) administered the USDA-funded feeding programs. Jackson also acknowledged that she previously had been excluded from participating in the same feeding programs in Texas and Arkansas.
As part of the conspiracy, Jackson admitted that she caused the submission of false enrollment documentation to PADOE on behalf of HOIN in connection with its participation in CACFP and SFSP between 2015 and 2019. Among other misrepresentations, HOIN’s applications to PADOE used aliases for Jackson and Simpson to obscure their involvement and falsely certified that none of the entity’s principals had been excluded from the feeding programs. Jackson further admitted causing HOIN to submit reimbursement claims for hundreds of thousands of meals that were never served to eligible children by either inflating the number of meals that, in fact, were served, or by seeking reimbursements for meals purportedly served on days on which the identified feeding site was not operating at all. To conceal their fraudulent conduct and justify HOIN’s claimed meal service, Jackson and Simpson submitted fabricated documents to PADOE in connection with periodic program reviews. On certain occasions, Jackson would impersonate her daughter Paige Jackson in interactions with PADOE.
Likewise, Paige Jackson used a fictitious name in dealings with PADOE. In total, PADOE issued reimbursement payments to HOIN in excess of approximately $4 million between 2015 and 2019.
In connection with the money laundering conspiracy, Jackson admitted that she and Simpson engaged in numerous financial transactions involving the proceeds of the fraud. Specifically, Jackson and Simpson spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in HOIN reimbursements on shopping sprees at high-end apparel stores, personal air travel and lodging, and the acquisition of at least nine luxury vehicles, including a Bentley, two Land Rovers, two Maseratis, two Mercedes, a Hummer, and a Porsche. Jackson and Simpson also withdrew cash from HOIN bank accounts in excess of $10,000 on more than a dozen occasions.
Simpson and Paige Jackson separately pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy and were sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and three years’ probation, respectively. When announcing Jackson’s sentence, Judge Schwab rejected her claim that she was less culpable than Simpson, noting that Jackson had brought her own daughter, Paige Jackson, into the conspiracy.
Assistant United States Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Nicole Vasquez Schmitt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation of the defendants in this case.
President of Beaver Falls Mineral Processing Company Pleads Guilty to Filing False Income Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – The president of a Pittsburgh-area mineral company pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a charge of filing a false income tax return, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Paul J. Austin pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that from 2012 through 2017, the defendant was the President of J.P. Austin Associates, Inc., a mineral processing company in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. For calendar years 2012 through 2017, the defendant and his spouse, who served as the company’s Treasurer, jointly filed annual Form 1040 federal income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The defendant admitted in Court that during the relevant time period, payments were made from company accounts for college expenses, which were falsely categorized as business expenses using fictitious vendor names. The return preparer for Mr. Austin and his spouse was not informed about these college expense payments, and the payments were not included as taxable income on Form 1040 returns that were ultimately filed with the IRS. Thus, the defendant willfully made and subscribed Form 1040 returns for calendar years 2012 through 2017 that materially underreported his taxable income. In connection with his guilty plea, the defendant agreed to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $159,982.00, plus interest.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for July 19, 2023. The law provides for a maximum sentence of three 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 David Lew is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Information in this case.
Former Penn Hill Man Charged with Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, and Distribution of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The seven-count Superseding Indictment, returned on March 7, 2023, named Kaung Myat Kyaw, age 23, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment, during various periods between August 9, 2020 and September 2021, Kyaw enticed and coerced five minor victims, using the Internet and a cellular telephone service, to engage in sexual activity for which he could be charged with a criminal offense. Additionally, Kyaw is charged from the end of April 2021 through September 2021, with producing and attempting to produce material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, and then on September 22, 2021, with distributing the material to another individual in Texas.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years in prison and up to life, a fine of $1,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Kyaw was arrested on November 18, 2021, by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was detained pending trial.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fairfax County, Virginia Police Department, the Wright County, Minnesota Sheriff’s Office, and other local police departments conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Pain Management Doctor Sentenced for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former physician was sentenced in federal court today following his conviction for health care fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy sentenced John Keun Sang Lee, age 80, to five years of probation. Lee also was ordered to pay restitution totaling $417,960.51 to Medicare and Medicaid, as well as a fine of $50,000. Lee already had forfeited his Drug Enforcement Administration number and Pennsylvania state license to practice medicine prior to the sentencing hearing.
According to information presented to the court, between in and around May 2016 to in and around October 2020, Lee, a physician who owned a pain management practice, Jefferson Pain and Rehabilitation Center, knowingly and willfully submitted claims for steroid injections to Medicare and Medicaid that were neither reasonable nor medically necessary. According to former patients and employees, Lee required patients to submit to steroid injections, even when patients reported that the injections were not helping but rather causing them more pain and other injuries. Lee also instructed employees to withhold patient medication if patients objected to the injections. In order to justify billing insurance companies for the medically unnecessary injections, Lee directed staff to use templates indicating that patients received 80% relief from prior pain injections.
Assistant United States Attorney Karen Gal-Or prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation leading to the filing of charges in this case was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic.
The agencies which comprise the Western Pennsylvania OFADU include: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.
Emsworth Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Attempted Enticement of a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Emsworth, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervision on his conviction of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Thomas Kastory, 32.
According to information presented at the change of plea hearing and in the criminal complaint and indictment, from on or about April 12, 2022, and continuing thereafter until on or about May 29, 2022, Kastory used a facility and means of interstate commerce, specifically the Internet and a cellular telephone network, to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice or coerce an individual who had not attained the age of 18 years to engage in sexual activity.
Specifically, after chatting with an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old child for more than a month over his cell phone and the internet in an effort to entice the purported child to have sex, Thomas Kastory boarded a bus on May 29, 2022, to travel to meet the child where he expected to return to the child’s residence to engage in unlawful sexual activity. Kastory, believing that the child’s parent was out of town and that the child would be alone, brought condoms, lubricant, and a sex toy with him for his anticipated sexual encounter with the child.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the criminal conviction in this case.
Prolific Drug Trafficking Organization DismantledRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN – Fifty-seven defendants have been charged in two separate, but related Indictments, and by Criminal Complaint, with violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations in the Western District of Pennsylvania initially began investigating a violent street gang operating in western Pennsylvania beginning in 2018. Agents received information from confidential sources, conducted more than 50 controlled buys from members of the organization, and used other investigative techniques over the course of this lengthy investigation. In May 2022, agents commenced court-authorized Title III interception of telephones used by members of the drug trafficking organization. The wiretaps revealed that the DTO was conducting drug trafficking operations in the following areas: Indiana, Westmoreland, and Armstrong counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania; Cleveland, Ohio; Phoenix, Arizona; Seattle, Washington; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Wichita, Kansas; and in Mexico. These interceptions revealed that Arizona-sourced drugs, which consisted of fentanyl (in both pill and powdered form), heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine, were being distributed in our communities by the western Pennsylvania members of the DTO. Over the past ten months, investigators have seized more than 673 pounds of fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills, over 400 pounds of methamphetamine, and more than 16 pounds each of fentanyl powder and cocaine, over $600,000 in cash, nine vehicles, and 47 firearms.
“The Department of Justice is working tirelessly to remove deadly fentanyl from our communities and to dismantle and hold accountable the violent cartels and drug-trafficking organizations responsible for distributing it,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti. “We are committed to using every tool at our disposal to save lives. Operation Lake Effect exemplifies that commitment.”
“These defendants exploited our neighborhoods as they dealt deadly fentanyl and other drugs without a second thought to the harm being inflicted on the community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “This multi-state state operation is an outstanding example of what federal, state and local law enforcement can accomplish when we work together to target the individuals who threaten the safety and stability of our neighborhoods. The FBI is committed to working with our partners to rid the streets of this type of criminal activity and the violence that so often accompanies it.”
“The sheer quantity of narcotics seized and the magnitude of defendants charged in this investigation is staggering,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia William S. Walker. “But even more impactful is how this investigation disrupted nearly every distribution apparatus of a prolific drug trafficking organization peddling addictive opioids and narcotics in communities all over the United States. These are the types of far-reaching investigations that bring about real and positive change in our communities, and these successes could not have been achieved without the selfless dedication and seamless cooperation of the many investigators and prosecutors who took part. This investigation will cause ripples within drug trafficking markets throughout the country, underscoring HSI’s worldwide strategy to counter threats posed by opioids and dangerous narcotics. Most importantly, cases like this one save lives.”
The 25 residents of Pennsylvania and Ohio named in a four-count indictment returned on Feb. 14, 2023, and unsealed today are:
Robert Hurst, 44, of North Royalton, OH;
Barry Baker, 44, of Indiana, PA;
Michael Brown, 41, of Indiana, PA;
Kayda Burek, 23, of New Kensington, PA;
Joseph Busch, 43, of New Kensington, PA;
Christine Cafazzo, 53, of New Kensington, PA;
Ernest Clinton, 40, of Leechburg, PA;
Misti Durante, 38, of Indiana, PA;
Travis Ezekiel, 34, of Cleveland, OH;
Melissa Frain, 34, of Indiana, PA;
Frank Gardner, 38, of Indiana, PA;
Keith Hurst, 45, of Tarentum, PA;
Kasmin James, 38, of New Kensington, PA;
Lamar Johnson, 40, of Indiana, PA;
Thomas King, Jr., 55, of New Kensington, PA;
Torrence Lyde, 33, of Cleveland, OH;
Lonnie McCann, 48, of Pittsburgh, PA;
Kareem Middlebrook, 41, Creekside, PA;
Devan Nicholson, 29, of New Kensington, PA;
Milton Paschal, 43, of Arnold, PA;
Cathie Payson, 52, of Indiana, PA;
Kevin Thomas, 46, of Vandergrift, PA;
DeAngelo Ward, 33, of Cleveland, OH;
Ashley Weston, 38, of Muncy, PA; and
David Williams, 60, of Creekside, PA.The Indictment charges all defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances, from August 2018 to February 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania. All defendants are facing a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of incarceration.
Kareem Middlebrook is charged at Count Two with possession with intent to distribute a quantify of fentanyl, on or about May 2, 2022. The statute calls for a maximum sentence of 20 years of incarceration.
Kareem Middlebrook is charged at Count Three with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, on or about May 2, 2022. The statute calls for a maximum sentence of ten years of incarceration.
Kareem Middlebrook is charged at Count Four with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, on or about May 2, 2022. The statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of incarceration.
A one-count Superseding indictment, returned on Feb. 14, 2023, and unsealed today named the following 29 individuals as defendants: Marcos Monarrez-Mendoza, 53, of Phoenix, AZ;
Samuel Aguirre, 21, of Phoenix, AZ;
Marcos Armenta, 22, of Phoenix, AZ;
Mark Camacho, 24, of Phoenix, AZ;
Robert Foster, 25, of Buckeye, AZ;
Donald Garwood, 40, of Glendale, AZ;
Erivan Guerrero, 22, of Phoenix, AZ;
Bryce Hill, 25, Seattle, WA;
Emmanuel Lopez, 27, of Glendale, AZ;
Cesar Monarrez, 25, of Maricopa, AZ;
Marcos Monarrez, Jr., 23, of Phoenix, AZ;
Jairo Morales, 21, of Phoenix, AZ;
Stephanie Ortiz, 24, of Avondale, AZ;
Valerie Sanchez, 35, of Phoenix, AZ;
Heaven West, 21, of Phoenix, AZ;
Carlos Zamora, 27, of Peoria, AZ;
Humberto Arredondo-Soto, 23, of Phoenix, AZ;
Colby Barrow, 29, of Peoria, AZ;
Luis Chavez-Ortega, 26, of Glendale, AZ;
Donnell Collins, 27, of Cleveland, OH;
Mohamed Kariye, 34, of Kent, WA;
Jesus Lopez, 21, of Phoenix, AZ;
Diego Monarrez, 21, of Phoenix, AZ;
Avante Nix, 20, of Saint Paul, MN;
Alicia Parks, 24, of Kent, WA;
James Pinkston, 32, of Pittsburgh, PA;
Jesus Ramirez, 25, of Phoenix, AZ;
Sahal Sahal, 36, of SeaTac, WA; and
Diamond Williams-Dorsey, 29, of Cleveland, OH.The Superseding Indictment charges all defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, from April 2022 to January 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
The statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of incarceration.
Three additional defendants are charged by Criminal Complaint. Raheem Hurst, 25, of Garfield Heights, OH; Leah Jackson, 37, of New Kensington, PA; and Samantha Jones. 40. of Arnold, PA, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. The statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of incarceration.
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 Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting these cases for the government.
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.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, Homeland Security Investigations, and FBI Pittsburgh’s Southwest Pennsylvania Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. Additional federal agencies participating in this investigation include HSI and FBI in Phoenix and Seattle, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Marshals Service, and the Federal Air Marshals Service. Other participating agencies include the Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, New Kensington Police Department, Westmoreland County Detectives, Indiana Borough Police Department, Phoenix (Arizona) Police Department, Scottsdale (Arizona) Police Department, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Valuable assistance was provided by the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, and the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office.
An indictment or a superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal Firearms Licensee Pleads Guilty to 5 Counts of Violating Gun LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearm laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Grant Williams, age 61, pleaded guilty to five counts of failure to make entry in a record by a federal firearms dealer before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Williams held a federal firearm license and sold firearms from his business, Sportsman’s Supply Company, in Butler, Pennsylvania. As a federal firearm licensee, Williams was required to maintain acquisition and disposition books related to the firearms he obtained and sold. When selling a firearm, Williams was required by federal law to record a firearm’s description and the transferee’s name, place of residence, and date of birth. Federal firearm licensees are required to share such records with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to determine the disposition of firearms in the course of a criminal investigation.
In April 2022, the ATF attempted a firearm trace of a firearm sold by Williams that had been used in a crime. Because Williams’ acquisition and disposition books did not record the disposition of that firearm, the trace was unresolved. Due to a subsequent unresolved firearm trace, the ATF conducted an audit of Williams’ records between May and August 2022. The audit revealed that 2,636 firearm acquisitions were neither in William’s possession nor recorded in his disposition records.
The ATF’s investigation revealed that Williams’ annual firearm sales grew to about 50,000 firearms per year during the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigation further revealed that many of Williams’ firearm sales used GunBroker.com, which is an online auction site that operates similar to eBay. Following the close of an auction, the firearm would be mailed from Williams’ possession to a different federal firearm licensee to be transferred to the buyer. However, Williams was still required to record the disposition of those firearms. During the pandemic, Williams’ business was one of the top five sellers on GunBroker.com.
At each count, the law provides for a term of imprisonment not more than one year, a fine of $100,000, 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 placed Williams on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Williams.
Cairnbrook Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Methamphetamine and Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Cairnbrook, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Travis Emert., age 43, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Two of the Indictment, before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, on or about Nov. 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 Nov. 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.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for July 5, 2023. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both, for Count One, and a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, for Count Two. 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 Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Somerset County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Emert.
- Belle Vernon Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Receipt and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
James L. Luketich, M.D., University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and University of Pittsburgh Physicians Agree to Pay $8.5 Million and Implement Monitoring Actions to Resolve False Claims AllegationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today that the United States has finalized a Settlement Agreement with James L. Luketich, M.D., University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (“UPMC”), and University of Pittsburgh Physicians (“UPP”), to resolve the lawsuit the United States filed against those Defendants in September 2021.
As part of that Settlement Agreement, Dr. Luketich, UPMC, and UPP agreed to pay $8.5 million to the United States to resolve the claims against them. The Defendants also agreed to create and effectuate a Corrective Action Plan for Dr. Luketich, and to submit to a year-long, third-party audit of Dr. Luketich’s physician fee services billings to Medicare. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, UPMC, in turn, has the ability to request information, guidance, assurance and/or an advisory opinion from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services regarding certain Medicare regulations pertaining to the types of surgeries at issue in the case.
The United States’ lawsuit was filed under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. 3729, et seq., and was based on a two-year investigation into allegations originally brought by Jonathan D’Cunha, M.D., a former UPMC surgeon. In its Complaint, the United States alleged that Dr. Luketich – the longtime chair of UPMC’s Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery – regularly performed as many as three, complex surgical procedures at the same time, failed to participate in all of the “key and critical” portions of his surgeries, and forced his patients to endure hours of medically unnecessary anesthesia time, as he moved between operating rooms and attended to other patients or matters. According to the United States’ Complaint, those practices amounted to violations of the statutes and regulations which prohibit “teaching physicians” (like Dr. Luketich) from billing the United States for “concurrent surgeries,” were well known to UPMC leadership, and increased the risk of surgical complications to patients.
In June 2022, the Court denied the Defendants’ attempt to dismiss the Government’s Complaint. The Settlement Agreement provides that it is neither an admission of liability by the Defendants nor a concession by the United States that its claims are not well founded. Instead, in order to avoid delay and the expense of protracted litigation, and in consideration of the promises and obligations of the Settlement Agreement, the parties agreed to resolve the case.
“This is an important settlement and a just conclusion to the United States’ investigation into Dr. Luketich’s surgical and billing practices, and UPMC and UPP’s acceptance of those practices,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti. “This Office is committed to safeguarding the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and to protecting those programs’ beneficiaries. No medical provider – however renowned – is excepted from scrutiny or above the law.”
“The Complaint alleged that Dr. Luketich used his position as a trusted doctor to defraud the health care system,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Health are fraud costs our country billions of dollars each year. This money is not just absorbed. It is passed down to the consumer. The Settlement Agreement provides that UPMC will implement a Corrective Action Plan for Dr. Luketich, and he will now have to undergo close scrutiny of his work.”
“Ensuring physicians and other health care entities provide honest and accurate information to their patients and government health care programs, is of the upmost importance,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the HHS-OIG Philadelphia Regional Office. “HHS-OIG will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate health care fraud allegations to protect the safety of patients and the integrity of taxpayer-supported health care programs.”
The False Claims Act is one of the most powerful tools in the United States’ continued efforts to combat health care fraud. The Act’s whistleblower (or “qui tam”) provisions authorize private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in any recovery, and permit the United States to intervene and take over the lawsuit, either in its entirety, or in part (as it did here). Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800 HHS TIPS (800-447-8477).
Assistant United States Attorneys Lee Karl and Adam Fischer litigated this case on behalf of the United States. Prior to the filing of the Government’s Complaint, this matter was investigated by U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and the Pennsylvania’s Office of the Attorney General.
The case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Jonathan D’Cunha, M.D. v. James Luketich. et al., No. 19-cv-495 (W.D. Pa.).
Former Erie Coke Employee Pleads Guilty to Violating the Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
ERIE, PA - A resident of Fairview, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court on Feb. 24, 2023, to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
David Stablein, 54, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.
In connection with the guilty plea, Stablein admitted the facts set forth in the Information filed in the case; that is, from October 2015 to September 2018, Stablein conspired with his supervisor Anthony Nearhoof and others to violate the Clean Air Act while employed at the Erie Coke Corporation. The conspiracy involved employees opening heating flues on top of the coke oven batteries by removing their caps to allow combustion gases to vent directly into the air to avoid the plant’s environmental monitoring system. Stablein and Nearhoof, who is pending trial, personally removed flue caps, and directed others to do so, in order to vent coke oven gas directly into the atmosphere to reduce opacity levels being read by the monitoring system through the smokestack. The improper venting of coke oven gas to bypass the monitoring system and minimize opacity readings resulted in the spread of air pollutants outside the facility’s boundaries to adjoining residential and commercial areas, which presented potential dangers to the public’s health and safety.
Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for June 30, 2023. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, 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 Nicole Vasquez Schmitt and Michael L. Ivory, and Special Assistant United States Attorneys Perry D. McDaniel and Martin Harrell are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Environmental Protection Agency conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stablein.
Brookline Man Admits Robbing Dormont Dollar BankRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal law, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Ahmed Asiri, 26, of the City’s Brookline neighborhood, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on December 7, 2022, Asiri robbed the Dollar Bank located at 3029 West Liberty Ave, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15216. As a result of the robbery, Asiri obtained $20,000 in United States currency. These funds were later recovered by law enforcement.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 21, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Dormont Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ahmed Asiri.
Former Jackson Township Official Sentenced to Prison for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Florida resident has been sentenced in federal court to 100 days in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, plus restitution of $150,000 on her conviction of mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Linda Baun, 73, of Largo, FL 33770.
According to information presented to the court, Baun was formerly employed as the Secretary/Treasurer for Jackson Township, in Mercer County. Between 2011 and 2019, she embezzled at least $150,000 from the Township by making unauthorized ATM withdrawals and by charging personal purchases on Amazon to the Township’s debit card.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Colville stated that Baun committed a serious crime involving public corruption.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police and the Mercer County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Baun.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti Announces Implementation of New Voluntary Self-Disclosure PolicyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania has implemented the new United States Attorney’s Offices’ Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy released yesterday. The policy, which is effective immediately, details the circumstances under which a company will be considered to have made a voluntary self-disclosure (VSD) of misconduct to a United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), and provides transparency and predictability to companies and the defense bar concerning the concrete benefits and potential outcomes in cases where companies voluntarily self-disclose misconduct, fully cooperate and timely and appropriately remediate.
The goal of the policy is to standardize how VSDs are defined and credited by USAOs nationwide, and to incentivize companies to maintain effective compliance programs capable of identifying misconduct, to expeditiously and voluntarily disclose and remediate misconduct, and to cooperate fully with the government in corporate criminal investigations. The policy was developed pursuant to the Deputy Attorney General’s September 15, 2022 memorandum, “Further Revisions to Corporate Criminal Enforcement Policies Following Discussions with Corporate Crime Advisory Group” (Monaco Memo), which directed each Department of Justice (DOJ) component that prosecutes corporate crime to review its policies on corporate voluntary self-disclosure and, if there was no formal written policy to incentivize self-disclosure, draft and publicly share such a policy.
Under the new VSD policy, a company is considered to have made a VSD if it becomes aware of misconduct by employees or agents before that misconduct is publicly reported or otherwise known to the DOJ, and discloses all relevant facts known to the company about the misconduct to a USAO in a timely fashion prior to an imminent threat of disclosure or government investigation. A company that voluntarily self-discloses as defined in the policy and fully meets the other requirements of the policy, by—in the absence of any aggravating factor—fully cooperating and timely and appropriately remediating the criminal conduct (including agreeing to pay all disgorgement, forfeiture, and restitution resulting from the misconduct), will receive significant benefits, including that the USAO will typically not seek a guilty plea; may choose not to impose any criminal penalty, and in any event will not impose a criminal penalty that is greater than 50% below the low end of the United States Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) fine range; and will not seek the imposition of an independent compliance monitor if the company demonstrates that it has implemented and tested an effective compliance program.
The policy identifies three aggravating factors that may warrant a USAO seeking a guilty plea even if the other requirements of the VSD policy are met: (1) if the misconduct poses a grave threat to national security, public health, or the environment; (2) if the misconduct is deeply pervasive throughout the company; or (3) if the misconduct involved current executive management of the company. The presence of an aggravating factor does not necessarily mean that a guilty plea will be required; instead, the USAO will assess the relevant facts and circumstances to determine the appropriate resolution. If a guilty plea is ultimately required, the company will still receive the other benefits under the VSD policy, including that the USAO will recommend a criminal penalty of at least a 50% and up to a 75% reduction off the low end of the USSG fine range, and that the USAO will not require the appointment of a monitor if the company has implemented and tested an effective compliance program.
In cases where a company is being jointly prosecuted by a USAO and another DOJ component, or where the misconduct reported by the company falls within the scope of conduct covered by VSD policies administered by other DOJ components, the USAO will coordinate with, or, if necessary, obtain approval from, the DOJ component responsible for the VSD policy specific to the reported misconduct when considering a potential resolution. Consistent with relevant provisions of the Justice Manual and as allowable under alternate VSD policies, the USAO may choose to apply any provision of an alternate VSD policy in addition to, or in place of, any provision of its policy.
Voluntary Self Disclosures should be directed to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania Acting Criminal Chief Tonya Goodman at 412-644-3500.
The Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC), under the leadership of United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams, requested that the White Collar Fraud Subcommittee of the AGAC, under the leadership of United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace, develop policies in response to the Deputy AG’s memo. The policy announced today was prepared by a Corporate Criminal Enforcement Policy Working Group comprised of U.S. Attorneys from geographically diverse districts, including U.S. Attorney Peace, as well as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Jessica Aber, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut Vanessa Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii Clare Connors, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California Stephanie Hinds, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia Christopher Kavanaugh, and U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Philip Sellinger. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Riedel, White Collar Crimes Coordinator for the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, also participated in the development of the policy.
Coraopolis Man Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Steal Vehicles and Transport them Across State LinesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a charge of violating federal conspiracy law in connection with the theft of 24 vehicles, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Bernard Washington, age 31, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from on or about May 30, 2021, until on or about Oct. 25, 2021, Washington conspired to commit offenses against the United States, namely, transportation and receipt of stolen vehicles. Washington admitted that he worked as a contractor for the Hertz Rent a Car at the Pittsburgh International Airport between May and July 2021. During that time, and for several months thereafter, Washington and co-conspirators accessed the Hertz parking lot and stole approximately 24 vehicles, at least three of which were transported across state lines from Pennsylvania to other states, including Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Washington and his co-conspirators provided these stolen vehicles to other individuals in exchange for payment. Washington also received at least two stolen vehicles from a co-conspirator, one of which had crossed state lines after being stolen.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for May 16, 2023. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Karen Gal-Or and William Guappone are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading that led to the prosecution of Washington.
Woodland Woman Sentenced to 10 Years Conspiring to Distribute and Possessing with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Woodland, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on her convictions of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Cassandra Wallace, age 37, of Woodland, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, from July 2019 to June 2020, Wallace did conspire to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Further, on December 18, 2019, Wallace did distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Rivetti commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Wallace. 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, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is 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.
Troy Rivetti to Serve as Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Troy Rivetti, First Assistant to former United States Attorney to Cindy K. Chung, has been named Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania effective today.
In this position, Mr. Rivetti leads a staff of nearly 120 employees representing the United States in courts throughout Pennsylvania's western 25 counties, including staffed offices in Pittsburgh, Erie, and Johnstown.
Mr. Rivetti’s career in the Department of Justice has spanned more than 25 years. Most recently he served as First Assistant U.S. Attorney beginning in November 2021. Prior to that appointment, Mr. Rivetti held a series of leadership positions in the U.S. Attorney's Office, including serving as the Chief of the Criminal Division from 2019 to 2021. Mr. Rivetti joined the U.S. Attorney's Office in 1997. Throughout his career as a federal prosecutor, Mr. Rivetti’s primary area of concentration has involved the investigation and prosecution of violent crime, including large-scale drug trafficking organizations and firearms offenses.
Mr. Rivetti obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dickinson College and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University. Following graduation from law school, Mr. Rivetti was employed for five years as a litigation associate at a large Pittsburgh law firm. He then served as a law clerk for two years for the Honorable D. Brooks Smith.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Child for SexRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 25 years’ incarceration and lifetime supervised release on his conviction for four counts related to the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Wayne Edward McNutt, age 58.
According to information presented to the court, from Feb. 25, 2021 until July 26, 2021, McNutt communicated with an individual whom he believed had a child available for sexual activity. In reality, McNutt was communicating with law enforcement agents acting in an undercover capacity to investigate the online sexual exploitation of children. During the communications, McNutt made plans to meet the purported child for sex and solicited advice from the child’s purported guardian about how to make the child trust him and feel comfortable during McNutt’s intended sexual abuse of the child. On two occasions, McNutt sent to the undercover agent images and a video depicting child sexual abuse. Ultimately, McNutt sent money for the purported child and the child’s guardian to travel from another state to Pittsburgh, where McNutt had booked a hotel room for all of them. McNutt was arrested by law enforcement on July 26, 2021, when he arrived to meet the purported child at the hotel that he had reserved. McNutt also possessed a cell phone that contained additional videos of minors, including prepubescent minors, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
At the time of his arrest, McNutt was on Pennsylvania state probation for a 2012 conviction for the aggravated indecent assault of a child. In imposing sentence, Judge Conti stated that lifetime supervised release was necessary to protect the community from McNutt’s very serious and repetitive criminal conduct.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the FBI Albany Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, and the FBI Albany Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force for conducting the investigation that led to the prosecution of McNutt.
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.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Distributing NarcoticsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Philadelphia, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 60 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on his conviction of distributing cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Troy Jamal Jones, age 36, on February 15, 2023.
According to information presented to the court, on or about August 21, 2019, Jones did distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base. Further, on or about August 27, 2019, Jones did distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Ms. Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Safe Streets Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Jones.
Former Union Treasurer Charged with Fraud and EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Chisago City, Minnesota,, formerly of Western Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of embezzlement and fraud in violation of federal labor laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Donald W. Byers, age 48, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Byers, who is the former Treasurer for Division 287 of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) which is located in Ashville, Pennsylvania, embezzled over $45,000 from union funds, and created fraudulent records to conceal his embezzlement.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $10,000, 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 Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Erie Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Erie, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Walter Scott McMahon, age 56, of Erie, PA, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, McMahon did conspire to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 20, 2023. The law provides for a minimum of 10 years in prison to a maximum of life in prison, a fine of up to $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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of McMahon. 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, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is 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.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Child Sex Abuse Materials, Immediately Sentenced to 8 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Pittsburgh to distributing and possessing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, and upon conviction, was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment and 10 years’ supervised release, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced today.
U.S. District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Cody Green, age 25.
According to information presented to the court during the guilty plea hearing, Green was communicating with other individuals using private communication applications, to include Wickr and Tumbler, and distributed on July 16, 2021, and Aug. 30, 2021, images and videos to those individuals which depicted the sexual exploitation of prepubescent minors. A search warrant was executed at his residence on Sept. 1, 2021, by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other members of the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. Green’s cellular telephone was seized and found to contain 19 still images and 248 videos containing child sex abuse material, some of which depicted sex acts with children younger than 2 years old.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan emphasized the egregious nature of Green’s conduct and communications, and stated that he hoped that he would take advantage of sex offender and mental health treatment while incarcerated. Judge Ranjan further ordered Green to pay a total of $15,300 in special assessments, as well as restitution to ten child victims totaling $32,000. The court revoked Green’s bond and he was taken into custody.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other members of the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Green.
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.
Jury Finds Pittsburgh Man Guilty of Attempting to Obtain Drug-Soaked Papers while IncarceratedRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - After deliberating for approximately 90 minutes, a federal jury yesterday found Omari Patton guilty of five counts related to attempting to provide to a federal inmate or obtain as a federal inmate a Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substance in federal prisons, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Omari Patton, 44, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was tried before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The evidence presented at trial established that in September and October 2018, Patton, who was incarcerated at the Fort Dix, New Jersey, federal prison, directed his son, Dashawn Burley, who resided in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, to mail three envelopes to Patton at the Fort Dix prison and two envelopes to another federal inmate at the Ray Brook, New York, federal prison. All five of these envelopes, at Patton’s direction, were disguised by Burley to appear as if they were “legal” mail sent by a fake attorney. However, each envelope contained paper that had been saturated with a Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substance, commonly referred to as “K2 paper” or “deuce,” potent synthetic drugs, which law enforcement officers testified disrupts prison life and threatens the health and safety of inmates and staff members.
Mr. Burley, who was also charged for his involvement in the offenses, pled guilty prior to opening statements on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2023, to two counts of attempting to provide to a federal inmate a Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substance in federal prisons.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for Patton on June 15, 2023. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,250,000. Under States Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Judge Stickman also scheduled sentencing for Burley on June 8, 2023. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Under States Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Patton would remain detained and the court continued Burley’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorneys Craig W. Haller and Rebecca L. Silinski are prosecuting 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.
Franklin, PA Felon Admits Illegally Possessing Numerous FirearmsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Franklin, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Phillip John Dechant, 39, 739 Buffalo Street, Franklin, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about April 22, 2020, Dechant possessed numerous firearms while being a convicted felon. As part of his plea agreement, Dechant agreed to a sentence of forty (40) months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for June 8, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Dechant on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dechant. 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.
North Versailles Felon Indicted on Drug and Gun Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of North Versailles, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The six-count Superseding Indictment named Raymar McKenzie, age 34, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about Aug. 12, 2020, Aug. 19, 2020, and Sept. 15, 2020, McKenzie allegedly distributed a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. On Sept. 18, 2020, McKenzie possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing detectable amount of fentanyl. Also on Sept. 18, 2020, McKenzie possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessed a firearm and/or ammunition by a convicted felon. It is prohibited under federal law for a convicted felon to be in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition.
The law provides for a term of imprisonment not more than 20 years, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment 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 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.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New Castle Felon Sentenced to 10 Years for Illegally Possessing Fentanyl, Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years’ imprisonment and six years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Michael Schmidt, age 26, formerly of New Castle, Pennsylvania 16101.
According to information presented to the court, On Oct. 12, 2017, Schmidt possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possessed a Taurus, Model PT738, .380 caliber pistol and ammunition as a convicted felon. It is prohibited under federal law to possess a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The fentanyl and firearm were found when law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Castle Police Department, the Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Schmidt.
Munhall Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Munhall, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Aaron Harper, age 24, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about June 13, 2022, Harper is alleged to have possessed a firearm as a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney DeMarr W. Moulton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment 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 launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Jeannette Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Elder Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on his conviction for conspiring to commit wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines sentenced Michael Galanis, 34, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, to 12 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release. Galanis was also ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution.
In conjunction with the guilty plea and sentencing hearing, the Court was advised that, from in or around March 2016 to in or around August 2017, Galanis participated in an IRS impersonation fraud conspiracy. The IRS impersonation fraud conspiracy involved call centers located in India that would use phone numbers to make their calls appear to originate in the United States. The calls would provide recorded information to individuals in the United States and fraudulently claim that the call was from the IRS concerning the individual’s failure to pay taxes. The call would provide a U.S.-based telephone number for the individual to call in order to resolve the matter. Calls to these U.S.-based telephone numbers would be automatically forwarded to call centers in India, and those who answered would tell callers that they owed money to the IRS and demand immediate payment via gift card or other means.
As the Court was previously advised, Galanis was involved in activating cell phones in the United States to assist in this fraud scheme. Galanis knew that the cell phones that he programmed were used for a fraud scheme. The parties agreed that the total loss in this case is between $150,000 and $250,000.
Assistant United States Attorney Karen Gal-Or prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The matter was investigated by United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, United States Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Anyone with information about allegations of elder fraud can report it by calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 833–372–8311. More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov.
Federal Jury Finds Pittsburgh Man Guilty of Robbery, Conspiracy and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - After deliberating for two days, a federal jury on Friday found Deon Reese guilty of three counts of robbery, conspiracy, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Reese, 47, of Pittsburgh, was tried before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Doug Maloney, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that on March 23, 2017, Reese conspired with others, both known and unknown, to rob the victim of drugs and money. During the robbery, the victim was shot and critically injured, nearly dying from his wounds. Reese then engaged in efforts to prevent the witness from testifying at trial, including soliciting a coconspirator to bribe the victim not to come to court, and requesting others to contact and follow the victim.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered the defendant to remain detained.The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm, and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Reese.
California Man Sentenced for Mailing Marijuana to Western PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Seiad Valley, California, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months of imprisonment followed by one year of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal narcotics 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 Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on James White, age 40.
According to information presented to the court, White transported over 250 pounds of marijuana from Oregon to various post offices located in Nevada. White then mailed parcels containing marijuana on behalf of George Charlan, a supplier living in Oregon, to distributors living in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball prosecuted 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.
Judge Finds Altoona Man Guilty of Distributing Child Sex Assault MaterialsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Altoona, PA, has been found guilty of distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Jamie Lee Richardson, 52, of Altoona, PA, was convicted by Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson following a bench trial to Count One of an Information. According to information presented to the Court, from on or about October 30, 2014, Richardson did knowingly distribute a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. All computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Richardson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 6, 2023.
The law provides for a minimum of 5 years in prison to a maximum of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed on the defendant would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Richardson.
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 better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Erie Man Gets 10 Years for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine, Fentanyl Pills and MethRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Vincent Andrew Feliciano, 32.
According to information presented to the court, Feliciano and others engaged in a conspiracy to distribute multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, approximately 1.7 kilograms of blue fentanyl pills (an estimated 15,000 pills), and methamphetamine within the Western District of Pennsylvania from in and around February 2022 and continuing thereafter to in or around May 2022. During this time, Vincent Feliciano traveled from Pennsylvania to Arizona to facilitate his criminal enterprise involving the distribution of illegal narcotics in Pennsylvania including four hundred grams or more of fentanyl.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Assistant United States Attorney Sellers highlighted the dramatic rise, in recent years, of the trafficking of blue fentanyl pills, the increased potency and lethality of these pills, and the high profit margins enjoyed by drug distributors on the sale of fentanyl.
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.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE), Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of investigators from the FBI, the Erie Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Oil City Police Department, the Titusville Police Department, the Franklin Police Department, and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, in coordination with the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the Erie County Detectives, and the Millcreek Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Feliciano.
The investigation was also conducted in association with the Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative which was formed following Erie County’s designation as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in 2021. The HIDTA program was created by Congress in 1988 to coordinate and assist Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies in addressing regional drug threats with the purpose of reducing drug trafficking and drug production in the United States. The Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative coordinates personnel and resources between multiple agencies including the Pennsylvania State Police, Federal Burau of Investigation, Erie Police Department, Erie County District Attorney’s office, Erie County Detectives, United States Postal Inspection Service, the EAGLE Task Force, and other participating agencies.
Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to Life in Prison for Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to life imprisonment plus 20 years of incarceration on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on James “Al Taric” Byrd, age 46. Judge Bissoon also recommended to the Bureau of Prisons that the Bureau of Prisons house the defendant in a maximum-security prison as far away from the Western District of Pennsylvania as possible.
According to evidence presented at trial, Byrd possessed with intent to distribute quantities of mixtures and substances containing detectible amounts of cocaine, cocaine base (also known as crack cocaine), heroin, and marijuana. Byrd also possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and carried and possessed said firearm during and in relating to a drug trafficking crime.
Specifically, on Feb. 23, 2015, a complainant called 911 to request police assistance regarding Byrd’s behavior outside of the victim’s home. The complainant detailed the threats Byrd was making towards the victim and noted that he said he had a gun. Officers arrived on the scene and approached Byrd’s vehicle. Byrd got into an altercation with officers and then attempted to flee on foot. Once apprehended, officers recovered marijuana, crack cocaine and powdered cocaine. The search of Byrd’s vehicle revealed a loaded firearm, ammunition, a bullet proof vest, two cellphones and heroin.
In its Sentencing Memorandum, the government outlined the defendant’s prior serious criminal history and other misconduct. Dating back to 1998, the defendant’s convictions include Aggravated Assault, Carrying a Firearm without a License, and other offenses. The conduct for these cases includes shooting people as well as the kidnapping and robbery of a drug dealer. The government’s Sentencing Memorandum also addressed additional violent and threatening conduct and the more than 70 prison misconduct reports that defendant accumulated at the Allegheny County Jail.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Benjamin J. Risacher prosecuted 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.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the McKeesport Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Byrd.
Leader of Heroin Trafficking Ring Sentenced to More than 9 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 114 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Martise Smith, age 30.
According to information presented to the court, Smith conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute heroin from June of 2019 through December of 2019. In 2019 the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a heroin trafficking organization operating throughout the greater Pittsburgh area of which Smith was the leader. Beginning in July of 2019 and continuing through August of 2019, the FBI initiated a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Smith was intercepted communicating with his codefendant about selling heroin, acquiring quantities of heroin, prices of heroin, and the purity of the heroin. Through extensive physical and electronic surveillance, Smith was observed meeting with his codefendant to conduct heroin transactions. Judge Stickman referenced the seriousness of the offense as well as Smith’s criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.
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.
Former Employee of Beaver County Health Care Facility Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison Following His Conviction on Federal Hate Crime Charges Related to Assaults Against Disabled ResidentsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court yesterday for committing federal hate crimes and related offenses involving numerous severely disabled victims, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan sentenced Zachary Dinell, 29, formerly of Freedom, Pennsylvania, to 204 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Dinell previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, ten counts of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and one count of concealing material facts in a health care matter.
“Zachary Dinell committed egregious assaults against some of our community’s most vulnerable members,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “His victims could not speak up and were forced to suffer in silence. Hopefully, the significant sentence imposed will bring some measure of closure to the victims’ families and serve as a reminder that this Office will continue to seek justice for victims of hate crimes.”
“No one should have to experience the torture and pain the victims in this case went through,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Mr. Dinell was trusted to care for them; Instead, he targeted them because of their disability. Even worse, the victims were not able to sound the alarm to anyone who could help. This sentencing sends a clear message that individuals like Mr. Dinell will be held accountable for their actions. Protecting the rights of everyone in our communities is among the highest priorities of the FBI.”
According to admissions made during Dinell’s plea hearing, he and co-defendant Tyler Smith were employees of an in-patient health care facility located in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Residents of the facility suffered from a range of severe physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities, and required assistance with all activities of daily life, including bathing, using the bathroom, oral hygiene, feeding, and dressing. As members of the facility’s Direct Care Staff, Dinell admitted that he and Smith were responsible for providing this daily assistance to residents.
From approximately June 2016 to September 2017, Dinell further admitted that he and Smith engaged in a conspiracy to commit hate crimes against residents of the facility because of the residents’ actual or perceived disabilities. Dinell and Smith carried out assaults in a variety of ways, including by punching and kicking residents, jumping on residents, rubbing hand sanitizer in their eyes, spraying liquid irritants, including mouthwash, in their eyes and mouths, and in one instance removing a resident’s compression stocking in a manner intended to inflict pain. Several of these assaults were recorded on Dinell’s cell phone. As part of the conspiracy, Dinell acknowledged that he and Smith exchanged text messages in which they expressed their animus toward the disabled residents, shared pictures and videos of residents, described their assaults, and encouraged each other’s continued abuse of residents.
Dinell further admitted that he and Smith were able to avoid detection by, among other things, exploiting their one-on-one access to residents of the facility and the fact that the victims were non-verbal and could not report the defendant’s alleged abuse. Due to their physical disabilities, the residents also were not able to defend themselves against the alleged assaults.
As part of his sentence, Dinell is prohibited from seeking employment following his release from prison at any facility that provides care for juveniles, the disabled, or both.
The case against Smith remains pending, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
Duquesne Man Pleads Guilty to Escaping from Reentry CenterRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Duquesne, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of escape from custody, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Keenan Williams, age 25, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Sept. 26, 2022, without authorization, Williams knowingly left the Renewal Incorporated Residential Reentry Center, where he was serving a federal sentence pursuant to a conviction for conspiracy to distribute heroin. On Oct. 4, 2022, Williams was arrested by the Monroeville Police Department. At no time between Sept. 26 and Oct. 4, 2022, did Williams return to Renewal Inc. to continue serving his sentence.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for May 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 5 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, Williams remains detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Williams.
Conshohocken Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute and Possess MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Conshohocken, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Gina Petrucci, age 52, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, from on or about April 2019, to on or about July 2021, Petrucci did conspire to distribute and 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 May 31, 2023. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Petrucci. 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 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.
Charleroi Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Receiving Sexual Images of a Minnesota MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty and been sentenced in federal court to 25 years’ incarceration and 12 years of supervised release on his conviction for two counts of receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Joey Leroy Barton, age 52.
According to information presented to the court, on March 28, 2019 and April 11, 2019, Barton, while located within the Western District of Pennsylvania, received and attempted to receive digital images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor who was located in Minnesota. Barton contacted the minor via Facebook Messenger and conversed with the minor online through at least November of 2019. During their conversation, Barton sent to the minor sexually explicit images of himself, as well as adult pornography. Barton also began planning to meet up with the minor in person to engage in sexual activity. In his messages to the minor, Barton acknowledged the minor’s young age and that he knew that his conduct with the minor was illegal.
In imposing sentence, Judge Stickman underscored the seriousness of Barton’s criminal conduct, stating that it “falls below the minimal standards of decency.” Judge Stickman stated that the 25-year incarceration sentence will protect the public while promoting deterrence for Barton and others who may choose to engage in similar criminal activity.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations, the Roseville (Minnesota) Police Department, and the North Strabane Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Barton.
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.
Two Sentenced in Wiretap Investigation into Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A California resident and a Pennsylvania resident have been sentenced in federal court on their convictions for violating federal narcotics 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 Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand sentenced Marco Armenta, age 37, of Stockton, California, to 188 months of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. According to information presented to the court, Armenta supplied at least 160 pounds of methamphetamine that was shipped from California and Nevada to Jefferson County, Clearfield County, and Allegheny County.
Judge Wiegand also sentenced Travis Williams, age 30, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to 51 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. According to information presented to the court, Williams was a methamphetamine distributor who obtained between 350 grams and 500 grams of methamphetamine as part of a large-scale methamphetamine distribution conspiracy and redistributed it to methamphetamine users.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball prosecuted 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.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Heroin and Fentanyl; Acknowledges Responsibility for Causing a DeathRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Devontay Montaze Green, age 29, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti. Green also acknowledged responsibility for distributing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl resulting in death.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on the morning of Oct. 31, 2018, K.K. was found dead in the basement of an Alison Park, PA residence. Paramedics and the McCandless Police Department responded to the residence. Paramedics were unable to resuscitate K.K., and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The McCandless Police Department recovered drug use paraphernalia and ripped, empty stamp bags marked “Hurricane Harvey” in red ink and “Burger King” in blue ink near his body. Law enforcement also recovered K.K.’s cellular phone and provided all evidence to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Opioid Task Force.
K.K.’s cellular phone contained text messages with a third-party from the evening of Oct. 30, 2018. The texts revealed that K.K. and the third-party sought to purchase bundles of a controlled substance from the third-party’s drug dealer. Using these text messages, the FBI contacted the third-party, who confirmed that he and K.K. had purchased four bundles of “Hurricane Harvey” and “Burger King” from an individual known to him as “Trey” on the evening of Oct. 30, 2018. A bundle is typically comprised of ten glassine bags containing controlled substances that are packaged together using a rubber band.
On Nov. 1, 2018, the FBI directed the third-party to text “Trey” to arrange for the controlled purchase of the same stamps recovered at K.K.’s death scene. When asked for “Hurricane Harvey,” “Trey” responded that he had Burger King, which he described as “blue” and “even better.” “Trey” also texted that he had “Hurricane” and that he would save some for the third-party. Subsequently, the third-party met “Trey” in the Carrick area of Pittsburgh. The third-party purchased approximately two bundles from “Trey” marked “Hurricane Harvey” in red ink and “Burger King” in blue ink. The third-party immediately provided the bundles to law enforcement and confirmed that he purchased them from “Trey.”
Following the controlled purchase operation, law enforcement conducted mobile surveillance of “Trey” as he entered a silver Lincoln sedan as a passenger. The Lincoln stopped in a high-drug trafficking area before re-entering traffic. Thereafter, a law enforcement officer detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the Lincoln and requested a marked unit conduct a traffic stop. A dashcam video recorded the Lincoln briefly stop before speeding away and crashing. Law enforcement detained both the driver and “Trey” as they fled on foot from the crash.
From outside the Lincoln, law enforcement observed a plastic bag containing packaged controlled substances in plain view on the floorboard. Law enforcement seized the bag and found 16 bricks, a majority of which bore the “Burger King” stamp in blue ink. A brick is typically comprised of fifty glassine bags containing controlled substances that are packaged together using a rubber band. In addition to the bricks, law enforcement recovered several cellular phones at the scene of the crash.
The FBI then transported “Trey,” who was identified as Green, to an FBI building for an interview. Following a written waiver of his rights, Green admitted to selling heroin prior to the vehicle pursuit, to obtaining about 15 bricks from his source of supply prior to the vehicle pursuit, and to previously obtaining the “Hurricane” stamp from his source of supply.
Also during his interview, Green identified which of the cellular phones recovered near the crash belonged to him. Additionally, Green provided written consent to search his cellular phone. The data extraction of the phone revealed communications between Green and the third-party. The communications reflect Green’s sale of controlled substances to the third-party on or about Oct. 30, 2018, and again on Nov. 1, 2018.
The FBI conducted historical cellular site analysis on the cellular phones used by K.K., the third party, and Green from the evening of Oct. 30, 2018. The analysis revealed that K.K. both communicated and traveled with the third-party to meet with Green. The cellular site analysis further revealed that the three individuals were briefly in the same area before K.K. returned to his Alison Park residence.
The Office of the Medical Examiner, Allegheny County, conducted a death investigation into the cause of K.K.’s death. The drug chemistry section confirmed that the “Hurricane Harvey” and “Burger King” purchased and seized from Green on Nov. 1, 2018, contained a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. The toxicology section determined that K.K.’s blood contained a lethal level of both fentanyl and morphine, which is indicative of heroin use. A forensic toxicologist further determined that K.K.’s toxicology report was consistent with the use of the substances found in “Hurricane Harvey” and “Burger King.” Finally, a forensic pathologist determined that K.K. died of a drug overdose. K.K. would be alive if it were not for the presence of fentanyl and morphine in his blood.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2023, at 1:30 pm. The law provides for a term of imprisonment not more than 20 years, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Green on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Opioid Task Force and the McCandless Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Green.
Duquesne Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 78 months’ imprisonment and six years’ supervised release on his conviction of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Brandon McCaskill, age 28.
According to information presented to the Court, on Aug. 17, 2020, officers with the Duquesne Police Department attempted to locate a suspect in an unrelated investigation at Brandon McCaskill’s residence in Duquesne. Upon arriving at the residence, officers observed McCaskill seated on the front porch with a backpack between his legs. Officers also detected the strong odor of marijuana. As a result, law enforcement applied for and obtained a search warrant for the porch of the residence.
The backpack between McCaskill’s legs contained a loaded handgun, controlled substances packaged into 11 bricks stamped “Dr. Pepper”, and several plastic bags. A “brick” is typically comprised of 50 glassine bags. From on and underneath a couch on the porch, officers recovered two digital scales, bulk United States currency, and additional packaged controlled substances. The Drug Chemistry Section of the Office of the Medical Examiner, Allegheny County, tested the seized substances. The laboratory confirmed that the bricks marked “Dr. Pepper” contained a mixture of fentanyl and tramadol; that other bricks contained a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and tramadol; and that some plastic baggies contained cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the City of Duquesne Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McCaskill.
Pittsburgh Felon Indicted for Illegally Possessing Drugs, a Gun and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The three-count Superseding Indictment, returned on Jan. 24, 2023, named Eugene Key, age 27, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment, Key was arrested on July 2, 2021, in possession of 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing detectable amounts of heroin, fentanyl and a quantity of oxycodone. Key also possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted a joint investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proved to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Greensburg Police Chief Shawn Denning Charged with Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Shawn Denning, the Chief of the Greensburg (Pennsylvania) Police Department, has been arrested and charged with violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced.
The six-count Criminal Complaint charging Denning, age 41, of Delmont, Pennsylvania, was unsealed yesterday in federal court in Pittsburgh. Denning was arrested Wednesday morning at the Greensburg Police Department and made an initial appearance by video before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maureen P. Kelly. Judge Kelly released the defendant on a $250,000 unsecured bond.
According to the Criminal Complaint, Denning is charged with:
• Count One: Aiding and abetting the distribution of a quantity of cocaine in and around November 2021;
• Count Two: Aiding and abetting the distribution of a quantity of cocaine in and around February 2022;
• Count Three: Aiding and abetting the distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine in and around January 2022 through February 2022;
• Count Four: Aiding and abetting the distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine in and around May 2022;
• Count Five: Aiding and abetting the attempted distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in and around July 2022; and
• Count Six: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute quantities of Schedule II controlled substances (methamphetamine and cocaine), in and around June 2021 through October 2022.The complaint alleges that Denning facilitated the acquisition of cocaine and methamphetamine by Confidential Source 1 (CS1) multiple times over a 16-month period between June 2021 and October 2022. The drugs were sourced in California and Arizona, then delivered to CS1 via the United States mail.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, 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 U.S. Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Sentenced to Prison for Participation in Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pennsylvania and a resident of Nevada have been sentenced in federal court on their convictions for violating federal narcotics 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 Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand sentenced James Williams Jr., age 58, of Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, to 46 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. According to information presented to the court, Williams was a methamphetamine distributor who obtained between 350 grams and 500 grams of methamphetamine as part of a large-scale methamphetamine distribution conspiracy and redistributed it to meth users.
Judge Weigand also Christopher Robertson, age 61, of Reno, Nevada, to 23 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release. According to information presented to the court, Robertson transported over 200 pounds of methamphetamine from Stockton, California, to various post offices located in Nevada. Robertson then mailed parcels containing meth on behalf of suppliers in California to distributors based in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball prosecuted these cases 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.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted for Possessing a MachinegunRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Dontrel Bentley, age 37, formerly of the City’s North Side, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about October 24, 2022, Bentley possessed a machinegun.
The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not more than ten years, a fine not to exceed $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Monessen Man Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Monessen, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of federal narcotic and firearm violations, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Trey Zachery Holmes, 27, currently detained at SCI Pine Grove on state charges, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about July 8, 2021, Holmes, did knowingly, intentionally and unlawfully possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, a Schedule II controlled substance. In addition to the possession of controlled substances, on about July 8, 2021, Holmes, knowing he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000 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 Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Possession of CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Covina, California, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Kenneth Kim Parks, age 60, pleaded guilty to one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 19, 2021, the United States Postal Service executed a federal search warrant on a parcel sent from Puerto Rico after a drug K-9 alerted to the presence of a controlled substance. A Pennsylvania State Police laboratory confirmed that the parcel contained over 500 grams of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Subsequently, law enforcement replaced the cocaine with sham, a substance designed to look like cocaine. Law enforcement then prepared for a controlled delivery operation at the residence where the parcel was to be delivered in Troy Hill, Pennsylvania.
Prior to the controlled delivery, law enforcement placed physical surveillance at the Troy Hill residence. Surveillance observed Kenneth Kim Parks, a resident of California, exit his rental vehicle, knock on the door of the residence, and interact with his cellular phone. After no one answered, Parks returned to his vehicle, which was parked in front of the residence.
Thereafter, an undercover postal inspector executed the controlled delivery of the parcel, leaving the parcel on the porch of the residence. Immediately after the undercover departed, Parks exited his vehicle, retrieved the parcel, and returned to his vehicle. Surveillance observed Parks place the parcel behind the driver’s seat. Law enforcement then converged on Parks. Upon seeing law enforcement, Parks stated, “I did nothing wrong, just take me to jail.” The unopened parcel was located behind Parks, and he had three cellular phones on the center console. A phone contained texts with an individual from Puerto Rico, from where the parcel was sent. One of the texts notified Parks of the address where the controlled delivery operation occurred.
Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for May 25, 2023, at 9:30 am. The law provides for a term of imprisonment not more than 20 years, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Parks on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Parks.
Philadelphia Man Brought Distribution-Size Quantities of Heroin to Greater Pittsburgh AreaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Carlos Regalado, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin from September of 2018 through October of 2019, before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV. Regalado is one of 19 defendants charged in the Indictment returned in this case.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2018, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a heroin trafficking organization, of which Regalado was a member, that operated throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area. Beginning in February of 2019 and continuing through September of 2019, the FBI received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Regalado transported distribution-size quantities of heroin from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh for distribution. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized heroin, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for May 22, 2023. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years to a maximum of 40 years of imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Regalado remains in custody pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Regalado.
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.
Latrobe Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Supplying Meth to Members of the Pagan’s Motorcycle ClubRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on charges of violating federal narcotics trafficking laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Joshua Birrell, 40, was sentenced on Jan. 11, 2023, to five years’ imprisonment and four years of supervised release by United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
In conjunction with the sentencing hearing, the Court was informed that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted a long-term investigation into drug-trafficking activity occurring in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Law enforcement identified several individuals, suspected at the time, of illegally distributing controlled substances, including methamphetamine in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Erie, Fayette, and Washington Counties.
During the investigation, investigators learned of individuals involved/associated with the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club (PMC) responsible for distributing methamphetamine, in Westmoreland County. Investigators identified Birrell, who was not a member of the PMC, as a methamphetamine source of supply for the PMC, including among others, co-defendant Zachary Miller.
On May 17, 2020, law enforcement seized a parcel containing methamphetamine intended for Birrell, obtained Facebook drug-facilitation communications between Birrell and Miller, from in and around January 2020 to July 2020, and conducted surveillance of Birrell. Birrell admitted to conspiring to distribute at least 350 grams but less than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Birrell.
This sentencing was the 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.