Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Duquesne Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin for Neighborhood Street GangRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, and a fugitive from 2019 to 2022, pleaded guilty on Jan. 11, 2023, in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics law in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Delbert Pate, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around the Braddock Borough outside of Pittsburgh and identified several members and associates of a neighborhood-based street gang, self-titled “SCO” that were responsible for distributing controlled substances in Western Pennsylvania, which was led by Pate’s half-brother, who has previously been sentenced, Howard McFadden.
Pate was identified as a member of SCO and involved in McFadden’s drug-trafficking business. Intercepted communications revealed that in addition to acting as a drug runner/courier for McFadden, Pate was one of McFadden’s trusted associates, and received distributor quantities of heroin from McFadden. Pate admitted that he was responsible for distributing over 100 grams of heroin.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2023, at 9:30 AM. The law provides for a total sentence of at least five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered defendant remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Other assisting agencies include the Allegheny County Adult Probation, Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Shaler Township Police Department and Wilkinsburg Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Pate.
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.
Jefferson County Woman Pleads Guilty in Return to Sender Drug Trafficking InvestigationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violation of federal narcotics, firearms, and money laundering laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced today.
Kristy Lepionka, age 40, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possesses with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, on count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Lepionka was one of 47 defendants charged in six related indictments as part of the Return to Sender investigation.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Lepionka received parcels that were shipped from California to the Western District of California containing a total of between 5 kilograms and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine. Investigators searched Lepionka’s residence on August 31, 2021, pursuant to a federal search warrant and seized over a small amount of methamphetamine and a firearm, which Lepionka is prohibited from possessing due to a prior felony conviction.
Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Lepionka on May 18, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The court ordered that the defendant remain on bond pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Eastern PA Woman Pleads Guilty to Possessing Drugs in Butler Hotel RoomRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, was convicted of a possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectible amount of heroin and a detectible amount of fentanyl, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectible amount of cocaine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Shameekha Mu-Min, 31, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on June 24, 2020, during a search of a hotel room in Butler, Pennsylvania, in which Mu-Min was located, investigators recovered multiple cell phones on Mu-Min’s bed, a grinder with residue, and $3,920.00 of drug-trafficking proceeds. During a subsequent search of Mu-Min’s person, investigators recovered approximately 4.824 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectible amount of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and 3.029 grams of a mixture and substance containing detectible amounts of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.
udge Colville scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Yvonne M. Saadi and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Butler County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force led the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.
Clearfield Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Clearfield, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Toby Lee Coker, age 37, of Clearfield, PA, pleaded guilty to Counts Two and Eight 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, Coker did conspire to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Further, on or about February 20, 2020, Coker did distribute a quantity of methamphetamine.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for May 30, 2023. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of $20,000,000 or both, for Count Two and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000 or both, for Count Eight. 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 Coker. 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.
Two Pennsylvania Men Sentenced for Roles in Return to Sender Drug InvestigationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Two Pennsylvania men have been sentenced 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 imposed a sentence of 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on Darryl Isaacs, age 57, of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. According to information presented to the court, Isaacs transported approximately 50 kilograms of marijuana and 250 grams of cocaine between distributors based in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Judge Wiegand also sentenced Brandon Coder, age 34, of Penfield, Pennsylvania, to 41 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. According to information presented to the court, Coder received parcels that were shipped from California to the Western District of California containing a total of between 1.5 kilograms and five kilograms of methamphetamine. Coder also mailed parcels containing United States currency to California at the direction of Derek Hillebrand, the leader of the drug trafficking organization.
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.New Jersey Man Sentenced to Prison for Transporting Stolen Vehicles from PA to New JerseyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, has been sentenced in federal court to three years imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Herbert Lee White, age 51.
According to information presented to the court, on several occasions between January of 2016 and December of 2018, White traveled from New Jersey to retail dealerships in Pennsylvania and Maryland for the purpose of stealing heavy equipment and utility vehicles from those dealerships and then transported the stolen items to New Jersey to be sold there.
Judge Cercone also ordered restitution in the amount of $145,000 to be paid to victims and their insurance companies.
Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Pennsylvania State Police Western Regional Auto Theft Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of White.
McKean County Man Sentenced for Impersonating a United States MarshalRead the Press Release
-ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Smethport, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 6 months of probation on his conviction of possessing a fake United States Marshal badge and impersonating a Deputy United States Marshal, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Ernest Lathrop, Sr., 60.
According to information presented to the court, Lathrop falsely portrayed himself as a Deputy United States Marshal and during his false impersonation possessed a fake United States Marshal badge.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the United States Marshal’s Service and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lathrop.
Former Certified Nurse Practitioner Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Drug Diversion and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was sentenced in federal court on charges of drug diversion and health care fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Larry J. Goisse, Jr., 38, of the City’s Mt. Washington neighborhood, was sentenced to 24 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. On October 4, 2022, Goisse pled guilty to one count of an Indictment charging him with drug diversion, and five counts of an Information charging him with health care fraud.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in September 2018 through January 2019, Goisse, a former certified nurse practitioner, illegally prescribed the scheduled drug Aderall after his state medical license was revoked and he lost his DEA registration. In order to continue to receive payments from Medicare, Goisse submitted claims to Medicare for office visits under a co-worker’s license after suspension.
Judge Fischer stated that Aderall, the drug diverted by Goisse, is a highly addictive drug and could cause harm if incorrectly prescribed. Goisse’s conduct in diverting Aderall created a serious harm beyond monetary loss and that Goisse’s actions had a destructive effect on his patients relying on him for health care.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting 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 Investigations, 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.
Cheswick Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Cheswick, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics law, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Eric Armes, 44, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that The Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a federal Title III investigation, from August to November of 2020, which resulted in the interception of wire and electronic communications over a total of ten telephones.
One of the intercepted telephones belonged to the defendant, Eric Armes. During intercepted communications, Mr. Armes speaks with, among others, his co-defendants, regarding his drug-trafficking activity, including trafficking of methamphetamine. Mr. Armes acknowledged that he was responsible for the sale of and could otherwise have foreseen the distribution of more than 200 but not less than 350 grams of methamphetamine.
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for May 26, 2023, at 11:00 AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered the defendant remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case that led to the prosecution of Armes, which also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations. Other assisting agencies include the Allegheny County Police Department Homicide, Baldwin Police Department, Brentwood Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department and West Deer Township 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.
Plum Felon Charged with Possessing Drugs, Guns and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Plum Borough, 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 two-count Indictment named Taiwan Donje Rodgers, 25, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about May 18, 2020, Rodgers unlawfully possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. Additionally,Rodgers possessed firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. Under federal law, a convicted felon is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years, 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 offenses 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 Duquesne Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former West Virginia Man Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Expensive Mining EquipmentRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Beckley, West Virginia, has been sentenced in federal court to four years’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release and ordered to pay approximately $2.9 million in restitution on his conviction for stealing specialized mining equipment, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on David Stanley, 48, following his Nov. 15, 2019, guilty plea to conspiring to transport across state lines specialized mining equipment from the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Kentucky to West Virginia and transporting this equipment from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to West Virginia.
According to information presented to the court, five break-ins and thefts occurred in and around February 2017 through May 2017, at mining sites located in the Indiana and Armstrong counties, in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Stanley admitted, in conjunction with his guilty plea, that he and other individuals, including his co-defendant Eudell Dickerson, stole high-value mining equipment, valued at approximately $2.9 million, from these sites and sold it to a company in the business of selling new and/or used mining equipment in Beckley, West Virginia. Special Agents, the court was informed, located some of the stolen equipment at the reseller’s facility and also identified trucks operated by Dickerson and Stanley as those involved in the thefts. Stanley also admitted that he, and other individuals, were involved in additional thefts at mining sites in Virginia and Kentucky.
The Court noted that the sentence in this case, four years, was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing. Judge Hornak emphasized the seriousness of Stanley’s conduct – that it was a considerable theft, executed with specificity for only the high-value mining equipment. The Court also recognized that the defendant, who has a substantial criminal history, including a felony federal conviction for witness tampering, which occurred after he pled guilty in this case, has “difficulty following rules” and the sentence also reflected the need to deter the defendant from committing crimes.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Stanley.
Youngstown Man Sentenced to Prison for Using False IDs at East Coast CasinosRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Ohio has been sentenced in federal court to 10 months incarceration and three years of supervised release on his conviction of identity theft, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Robert Lee Weaver, III, 38, of Youngstown, OH 44509.
According to information presented to the court, in 2017 Weaver used false identifications cards to negotiate counterfeit checks at casinos along the east coast, including Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh.
The Court also ordered restitution totaling $31,050 to be paid to DiTronics Corporation.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Weaver.
Pittsburgh Man Admits Robbing Local BanksRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to bank robbery charges, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Calvin Leavy, 68, pleaded guilty to three counts before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Jan. 31, 2022, Leavy entered the First National Bank located at 3721 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, approached the bank employee and attempted to rob the bank, requesting the bank employee provide him with all of the money. Leavy left the bank, however, without receiving any money. Approximately 12 minutes later, Leavy entered the PNC Bank located at 4600 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, wearing the exact same clothing and matching the description of the individual that had attempted to rob the First National Bank. Leavy informed the bank employee, “I have a gun. Give me the money.” Leavy took approximately $1,338 from the PNC.
Then, on Feb. 8, 2022, Leavy entered the First National Bank, located at 307 4th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, approached the bank employee and stated he had a gun and demanded money. Leavy took approximately $1,238 from the First National Bank.
With the assistance of surveillance footage, investigators determined that Leavy used a Port Authority bus to travel to and from each of the bank robberies and used his bus card to pay for the fare. After tracking Leavy’s movements, investigators located Leavy, wearing the same clothing that he wore for the robbery, and arrested him.Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for May 16, 2023, at 11:00 AM. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, Calvin Leavy remains in custody.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Calvin Leavy.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Cocaine from a Butler ApartmentRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A former resident of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Keith Massey, age 40, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between May 2018 and December 2018, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and Butler County Drug Task Force conducted an investigation into Keith Massey and Marshall Grimes, a known drug dealer from Columbus, Ohio, who was operating in Butler, Pennsylvania. Throughout the investigation, law enforcement conducted several controlled purchase operations from Massey out of an apartment in Butler. On Dec. 11, 2018, law enforcement recovered approximately 200 grams of cocaine, digital scales, and indicia for Massey in the apartment.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for May 23, 2023, at 11:00 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 Massey on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and Butler County Anti-Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Massey.
Grand Jury Returns Indictment Charging Two Michigan Men with Stealing Vehicles from Butler County DealershipsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging two residents of Michigan with Conspiracy and Interstate Transportation of Stolen Motor Vehicles, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The three-count Superseding Indictment named Dorale Leshawn Doyle, age 40, of Southfield, MI 40833, and Ladon Richard Rogers, age 39, of Allen Park, MI 48101, as defendants.
According to the Superseding Indictment, from Nov 1, 2021, to Aug. 3, 2022, Doyle and Rogers engaged in a scheme in which they would travel from Michigan to various locations in the Western District of Pennsylvania to steal Dodge Challenger Hellcats. Two of the victim dealerships were located in Butler County, Pennsylvania.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Western Regional Auto Theft Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Butler Township Police, Southfield Michigan Police Department, Livingston County Michigan Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police and DEA Detroit Group 15 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.
Owner of Ninja Electronics Retail Stores Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has entered pleas of guilty to three separate criminal charges arising out of his ownership and operation of a series of electronics reseller stores in the greater Pittsburgh area, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced today. Milton I. Barr, age 36, entered pleas to separate counts charging him with Criminal Conspiracy, Mail Fraud and Money Laundering.
Barr was, during the time period of the Indictment, the owner / operator of Ninja Electronics, a series of retail stores that was initially in the business of selling used and refurbished electronic items. The evidence presented to the Court showed that during the period January 2016 through August 2018 Barr oversaw an operation that generated substantial revenue by purchasing health and beauty aids such as Crest White Strips, cosmetics, razor blades, hair care products and similar items, as well as over the counter medications such as name brand cough and cold medications, pain relievers, heartburn treatments and the like. Barr’s employees purchased these items from sellers who walked into his stores from off the street. The evidence showed that these walk-in sellers were invariably drug addicts who had shoplifted the items from local drug stores, grocery stores and retail chains. The records in the case showed that these addict sellers came into Ninja Electronics frequently, often multiple times in the same day or multiple times in the same week, offering items for sale to Ninja that were purchased by Ninja for pennies on the dollar of their original price. Ninja in turn took these stolen goods, always new and in the box, and then offered them for sale on websites like Amazon, shipping them to their ultimate purchasers through the United States mail. The evidence showed that in only one of the multiple Ninja bank accounts Barr received in excess of $540,000 in payments from Amazon during the less than three-year indictment period.
The evidence showed that Barr’s stores operated on a kind of “Don’t ask, Don’t tell’ policy. That is, employees were instructed not to ask the drug addict sellers where they obtained the merchandise they were selling, and if a seller told an employee that the item had been shoplifted employees were instructed not to buy the item. However, it was common knowledge among all the employees that the walk-in sellers were stealing the merchandise that Ninja was buying.
The Court set sentencing for Barr on May 17, 2023. The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to five years for the conspiracy count, up to 20 years on the wire fraud count and up to ten years on the money laundering count. The statutes in question each also carry a fine provision of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. Police departments from the City of Pittsburgh, Ross Township and Shaler Township also assisted in the overall investigation.
Local Man Sentenced for Obstructing Pittsburgh Police during May 30, 2020 Pittsburgh ProtestRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on a charge of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Jordan Coyne, 26, was sentenced to 18 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Judge Schwab permitted the defendant to remain on bond and self-report by March 10, 2023, to begin his sentence.
The court was previously advised that on May 30, 2020, Coyne did knowingly and willfully throw multiple pieces of concrete at a vehicle occupied by police officers. The defendant was caught on video throwing numerous items that struck police officers, including rocks, bricks, pieces of concrete, and a tear gas canister. The tear gas canister struck an officer in the hand, causing the officer’s thumb to bleed and swell. Coyne’s actions caused the obstruction, impediment and interference of law enforcement officers engaged in the lawful performance of their official duties.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation.
California Man Gets 8-Year Prison Term for Transporting Kilos of Meth to Western PARead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Stockton, California has been sentenced in federal court to 100 months of imprisonment followed by four years 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 Jose Villalobos, age 41.
According to information presented to the court, Villalobos transported between five and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine between methamphetamine suppliers in California that was then sent to methamphetamine distributors located 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.
Three Plead Guilty in OCDETF Operation: Return to SenderRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Three Pennsylvania men have pleaded guilty in federal court to violation of 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 Chung announced today.
Jeffrey Peters, age 66, of Hyde, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possesses with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Peters was a methamphetamine distributor who obtained between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine as part of a large-scale methamphetamine distribution conspiracy and redistributed it to methamphetamine users. Peters also conspired with two other individuals to retrieve parcels containing methamphetamine and marijuana that were shipped from Nevada and transported them to Derek Hillebrand, the head of the drug trafficking organization.
Terrence Dougherty, age 28, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possesses with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine before Judge Wiegand.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that intercepted communications revealed that Dougherty ordered at least 60 pounds of methamphetamine from George Charlan, a methamphetamine distributor based in Oregon. Individuals working for Charlan shipped from Nevada to Dougherty, and approximately 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine intended for Dougherty was interdicted by federal agents. Agents seized approximately half of a pound of methamphetamine, a large amount of marijuana, a firearm, and approximately $18,840 in United States currency during a search of Dougherty’s residence.
Yusuf Adekunle, age 27, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and one count of conspiracy to distribute a quantity of marijuana before Judge Wiegand.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Oct. 22, 2020, Adekunle and three other individuals chartered a private plane and transported six kilograms of cocaine from Houston to Pittsburgh International Airport. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the plane and seized the cocaine from two pieces of luggage. The court was further advised that the defendant obtained and distributed between 20 kilograms and 40 kilograms of marijuana between July of 2020 and August of 2021. Agents seized approximately 700 grams of marijuana and a firearm during a search of Adekunle’s residence.
Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Peters on May 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.; for Judge Dougherty on May 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.; and for Adekunle on May 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both for all defendants. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The court ordered that Peters and Dougherty remain on bond pending sentencing. The court ordered that Adekunle remain detained pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Johnstown Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute and Possess FentanylRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Johnstown, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 30 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Anthony Andrews, age 41, on January 5, 2023.
According to information presented to the court, from on or about April 2019, to on or about July 2021, Andrews did conspire to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Ms. Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Andrews. 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.
Erie Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Erie, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 60 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Keegan McChesney, age 24.
According to information presented to the court, from July 2019 to June 2020, McChesney did conspire 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.
Ms. Chung commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of McChesney. 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.
McKeesport Man Pleads to Possessing Multiple DrugsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Vincent Chambers, age 42, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Scott Hardy.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Allegheny County Police detective were conducting surveillance in the McKeesport area and encountered Chambers. Chambers fled, but the detectives caught up with Chambers and found in his person quantities of fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine that Chambers intended to distribute.
Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2023, at 9:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of thirty years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Chambers.
Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl PossessionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with the intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Nicholas Lamont Carter, age 33, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Carter was an occupant of a vehicle pulled over for a traffic violation by detectives from the Allegheny County Police. Carter attempted to flee the scene, but he was quickly captured and a search of the vehicle revealed more than 200 grams of fentanyl that Carter intended to distribute.
The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court detained the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Carter.
Wexford Woman Sentenced for Failing to File Business and Personal TaxesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA A resident of Wexford, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to three years' probation and 180 days home confinement on her conviction of various violations of the Internal Revenue Code, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Shelley L. Fant, 52.
According to information presented to the court, Fant both failed to collect and to pay over FICA taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202, and also failed to file personal income tax returns, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7203.
The Court also ordered restitution payable to the IRS totaling $658,895.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Fant.
Sharon Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Jeronte Robinson was sentenced to 24 months in prison for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Robinson, age 27 of Sharon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon ordered Robinson to serve three years of supervised release after his prison sentence.Robinson’s sentence is a result of conduct between June 2020 and June 2021. During that time period, Robinson and co-conspirators frequently distributed crack cocaine from Robinson’s residence on Euclid Avenue in Sharon, Pennsylvania. Robinson’s sentencing guideline range was increased because he possessed a gun when he was conspiring to distribute crack cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the Mercer County Drug Task Force, the New Castle Police Department, the Sharon Police Department, the Hermitage Police Department, and the Farrell Police Department led the investigation in this case.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Removed Alien Charged with Illegally Re-entering the U.S.Read the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Guatemala has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of reentry of removed alien, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Milton Arnoldo Montenegro-Rodas, 40, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about October 2, 2022, Montenegro-Rodas was found to be unlawfully present within the United States. Montenegro-Rodas had been previously ordered deported and removed from the United States on March 26, 2013 and was removed from the United States on April 30, 2013. The defendant subsequently reentered the United States and was found to be present in this country without the permission of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 2 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Molly W. Anglin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement 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 Admits Setting Fire to Local Coffee Shop in May 2020Read the Press Release
ERIE Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of malicious destruction of property by fire, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Melquan Barnett, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Barnett set fire to the Ember + Forge building located at 401 State Street in Erie on May 30, 2020.
Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for May 2, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Barnett on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Barnett.
Former Greene County Man Indicted in Project Safe Childhood CaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Travel With Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, Transportation With Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity, and Receipt and Attempted Receipt of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The three-count Indictment, returned on Dec. 13, 2022, named James Jordan, age 30, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from Jan. 11, 2022, until Jan. 12, 2022, Jordan traveled in interstate commerce to engage in any illicit sexual conduct a minor and also transported the minor from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the State of West Virginia, with the intent that the minor engage in criminal sexual activity. Further, on Nov. 18, 2021, Jordan knowingly received and attempted to received visual depictions of a minor, via interstate commerce; namely, several digital files, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and which depicted a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security—Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Waynesburg Police Department, and the Lewisburg (WV) Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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 McKeesport Felon Guilty of Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - After deliberating for approximately an hour and 15 minutes yesterday, a federal jury of four men and eight women found Deamonte Law guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Law, 29, formerly of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was tried before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to Assistant United States Attorneys Barbara K. Doolittle and DeMarr Moulton, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Law possessed a Smith and Wesson, Model M&P, .40 caliber pistol on Sept. 4, 2020, despite having previously been convicted of a felony. In May of 2015, Mr. Law was convicted of conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of this drug trafficking crime, at Criminal No. 13-202 in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for April 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s detention.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the McKeesport Police Department, and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Deamonte Law.
Erie Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation ChargeRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Robert Mark Dyer IV, 31, 2136 Knoll Avenue, Erie, 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 from November 2020 to April 2022, Dyer possessed and accessed with intent to view visual images and videos in individual computer files depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for April 25, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Dyer on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dyer.
Business Owner Sentenced for Failing to File Corporate Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – The owner of a land and mineral acquisition company has been sentenced in federal court to five years' probation and restitution of $548,412.00 on his conviction of failing to file corporate tax returns for his company, Deep Rock Mineral Group, Inc., United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Thomas E. Wingard, 39, of Bethel Park, PA.
According to information presented to the court, Wingard pled guilty to One Count of failing to file a corporate tax return for his company, Deep Rock Mineral Group, Inc., for the year 2017.
Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Wingard.
Sextortion Crimes on the Increase: Talk to Your Kids NowRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations – Philadelphia (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Pittsburgh (FBI), and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), is issuing a public safety alert regarding an alarming increase in the online exploitation of children and teens.
Reports of the online enticement of minors have dramatically spiked in recent months—including reports of sextortion. “Sextortion”—a term that combines the words “sex” and “extortion”—occurs when an individual, often a child, is threatened or blackmailed, usually online, by a person demanding sexual content (photos/videos) or money from the child against his or her will. This may happen when a child or teen shares an image with someone they thought they knew or trusted, but the individual has gained the child’s trust through deceit, coercion, or deception (and sometimes, predators falsely claim that they have obtained photos that the child may have shared with someone else). Once predators acquire the images, they threaten to release the compromising material unless the victim sends additional images, money, or gift cards. Often the predators demand payment through a variety of peer-to-peer payment applications. In many cases, however, predators release the images even if payments are made. The shame, fear, and confusion that victims experience when they are caught in this cycle often prevents them from asking for help or reporting the abuse.
Sextortion schemes occur in online environments where young people feel most comfortable—using common social media sites, gaming sites, or video chat applications that feel familiar and safe. On these platforms, online predators often use fake female accounts and target minor males between 14- and 17-years old but victims as young as 10 years old have been interviewed.
RESOURCES FOR TALKING TO YOUR CHILD
Information, resources, and conversation guides for talking with your child are available at fbi.gov/StopSextortion.
WHAT IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD IS A VICTIM?
HSI and the FBI encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity. You can contact HSI through its toll-free tip line at 1-866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock. From outside the United States and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users may call TTY 802-872-6196.
Contact your local FBI field office (in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia at 412-432-4000), call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has outlined steps parents and young people can take if they or their child are a victim of sextortion, including:
• Remember, the predator is to blame, not your child or you.
• Get help before deciding whether to pay money or otherwise comply with the predator. Cooperating or paying rarely stops the blackmail and continued harassment.
• REPORT the predator’s account via the platform’s safety feature.
• BLOCK the predator and DO NOT DELETE the profile or messages because that can be helpful to law enforcement in identifying and stopping them.
• Let NCMEC help get explicit images of you off the internet.
• Visit org/IsYourExplicitContentOutThere to learn how to notify companies yourself or visit cybertipline.org to report to us for help with the process.
• Ask for help. This can be a very complex problem and may require help from adults or law enforcement.
• If a victim does not feel that they have adults in their corner, the child can reach out directly to NCMEC for support at [email protected] or call NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST.
LAW ENFORCEMENT WORK IN THIS DISTRICT
Reported sextortion can be investigated and often prosecuted. For example, the FBI – Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated Markell Smith who used many different Instagram usernames to threaten and extort minor females online in 2018 and 2019. On July 6, 2022, U.S. District Judge William S. Stickman IV sentenced Smith to 17-and-a-half years in prison. See https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/pittsburgh-man-sentenced-17-years-sexual-exploitation-minor. Similarly, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General-Child Predator Unit, and various local law enforcement partners investigated Jacob Kolonis for threatening and extorting numerous minors within the Western District of Pennsylvania and Ohio in late 2019 through early 2020. Kolonis extorted his victims by falsely telling them he had obtained nude images of his minor victims; using this leverage, Kolonis extorted his victims into creating sexually explicit material over Snapchat. On Aug. 4, 2022, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Colville sentenced Kolonis to 20 years in prison for his online exploitation of the minors. See https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/judge-sentences-southwest-pa-man-20-years-prison-production-and-attempted-production.
“It is vitally important to provide parents and caregivers the information they need to prevent this crime before it happens and to help victims come forward if it does,” said U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung. “We will continue to partner with federal, state and local law enforcement to protect children from sexual exploitation in all its despicable forms.”
“HSI has seen a disturbing rise in sextortion cases recently. I want every parent and child to know that HSI has a unique array of skilled agents and resources working diligently as we take a victim-centered approach to these atrocious crimes,” said William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s Philadelphia office. “These cases are incredibly challenging to investigate and therefore require immediate law enforcement attention to identify the predators behind these schemes. Please do not succumb to these predators alone. Reach out to our tip line or go to our website to get help.”
"These criminals have become very good at luring in and extorting young children,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “They try to hide behind the anonymity of the internet, but the FBI is not going to let them prey on our children. In addition to community education, we want adults to talk with kids about the dangers of sextortion and sending pictures or other information to people they don’t know. Together, we can all work to keep our most vulnerable citizens safe.”
“The sexual exploitation of children is a deplorable crime. HSI special agents will continue to exhaust every resource to identify, locate, and apprehend predators to ensure they face justice,” said Steve K. Francis, HSI Acting Executive Associate Director. “Criminals who lurk in platforms on the internet are not as anonymous as they think. HSI will continue to leverage cutting-edge technology to end these heinous acts.”
Penn Hills Felon Charged with Drug and Gun Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics trafficking and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Harry E. Duncan, age 35, formerly of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about Nov. 18, 2022, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Duncan was found to have possessed with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine base (in the form commonly known as “crack”), fentanyl, and cocaine, all of which are Schedule II controlled substances Additionally, Duncan was found in possession of a Winchester Model 1300 defender 12-gauge, pump action shotgun; 41 rounds of 12-gauge ammunition with bandolier; 38 rounds of .45 auto ammunition; 144 total rounds of 9mm ammunition; 50 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition; and 337 rounds of 5.56 cal. ammunition with metal ammunition container. As a convicted felon, it is unlawful for Duncan to be in possession of firearms and ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ohio Felon Charged with Violating Federal Drug and Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Columbus, Ohio, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on charges of violating federal narcotics trafficking and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Lester Rondale Moore as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about Oct. 10, 2022, Moore traveled from his primary residence in Columbus, Ohio, to an apartment complex in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, where he was found in possession of, and with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine base (in the form commonly known as crack) and cocaine. Moore was further charged with possession of a loaded Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistol. As a convicted felon, Moore is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
As to the drug charge, the law provides for a total sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. As to the firearms charge, the law provides for a total sentence of not more than 15 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Moore is currently being held at Allegheny County Jail on an Ohio state parole violation detainer, pending his arraignment on the federal charges.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Agency and Monroeville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New Castle Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Pennsylvania resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Tony McKnight, 57, of New Castle, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine from March of 2019 through September of 2020 before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. McKnight is one of thirteen defendants charged in the Indictment returned in this case.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating a cocaine and fentanyl trafficking organization that operated throughout the United States, including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. Beginning in December of 2019 and continuing through August of 2020, the DEA received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. McKnight, as a member of this multistate drug trafficking organization, was intercepted discussing acquiring and distributing cocaine throughout western Pennsylvania. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization, including McKnight.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for May 15, 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The DEA in Pittsburgh, PA; the DEA, Columbus, OH; the DEA, Harrisburg, PA; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Pittsburgh, PA; HSI, Orlando, FL; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations; United States Postal Service, Columbus, Ohio; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Lawrence County Drug Task Force – Special Investigations Unit; and New Castle Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of McKnight.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Farrell, PA Man Admits Role in Multi-State Drug Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Pennsylvania resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Trevor Austin, 48, of Farrell, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine from March of 2019 through September of 2020 before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Austin is one of thirteen defendants charged in the Indictment returned in this case.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating a cocaine and fentanyl trafficking organization that operated throughout the United States, including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. Beginning in December of 2019 and continuing through August of 2020, the DEA received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Austin, as a member of this multistate drug trafficking organization, was intercepted discussing acquiring and distributing cocaine throughout western Pennsylvania. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for May 15, 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The DEA in Pittsburgh, PA; the DEA, Columbus, OH; the DEA, Harrisburg, PA; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Pittsburgh, PA; HSI, Orlando, FL; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations; United States Postal Service, Columbus, Ohio; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Lawrence County Drug Task Force – Special Investigations Unit; and New Castle Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Austin.
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.
Truck Driver Sentenced to 37 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking a Minor Victim and Producing Videos of the AbuseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Hammond, Indiana, has been sentenced in federal court to 444 months in prison followed by lifetime supervision on his conviction of sex trafficking a minor and production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Roderick King, 33, formerly of the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.
According to information presented at trial and to the Court, the Minor Victim was just 14 years-old when King, an over-the-road truck driver, first paid her to have sex in the back of his semi-truck. He initially enticed the Minor Victim by offering to give her cash to “hang out” though his true interest was sexual abuse of the child.
Over a three-year period, King paid the Minor Victim hundreds of dollars in cash for sex on approximately 10 occasions and produced two videos of his sexual exploitation of the Minor Victim. In addition to paying the Minor Victim, King bought her shoes, clothes, and other items that teenage girls wanted, engaging in what is known as “grooming” behavior. King maintained control over the Minor Victim, when he was away from her, by using his social media accounts.
In imposing the sentence, the Court called King’s conduct “extraordinarily serious” and noted that of the “many disturbing facts” of the case, one of the most disturbing was King’s “lack of remorse.”
Assistant United States Attorney’s Rebecca L. Silinski and Jeffery R. Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
“This defendant will spend the next 37 years in prison for preying upon, exploiting and abusing a vulnerable young girl for his own sexual gratification,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “This sentence sends a clear message that predatory crimes, such as child sex trafficking and exploitation offenses, will continue to be vigorously prosecuted by this office.”
U.S. Attorney Chung further praised the work of local, state and federal law enforcement involved in this investigation, which began in 2017 by the Butler Township Police Department and was reopened federally, in 2020, by special agents with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Group, and special agents with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General Child Predator Section after the Minor Victim reported King’s conduct to law enforcement. Federal investigators were further assisted by the Butler Township Police Department, Butler City Police Department, Butler City School District, and Butler County Children and Youth Services.
The charges for which King has been sentenced concern a specific victim. Members of the public who may have additional information about King’s or other perpetrators’ involvement in sex trafficking and child exploitation are encouraged to call HSI’s tip-line at 866-347-2423.
This prosecution is part of Operation T.E.N. (Trafficking Ends Now), an umbrella coalition for law enforcement, community, and non-profit partners in the 25 counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania, formed and led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Asst. U.S. Attorney Rebecca Silinski serves as the Human Trafficking Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and oversees Operation T.E.N. and community outreach. This coordinated effort aims to end human trafficking through education and improved cooperation among law enforcement partners, victim service providers and community members, thereby enhancing the Office’s ability to empower victims of human trafficking to become thriving survivors.
Judge Sentences Heroin Distributor to More Than 8 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 100 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 Sean McHenry, 30, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, in 2018, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a heroin trafficking organization 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. McHenry, as one of the leaders of this multi-member drug trafficking organization, was intercepted orchestrating and directing the distribution of heroin throughout Pittsburgh by various members of the organization. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized heroin, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization, including McHenry. In sentencing, Judge Stickman referenced the seriousness of the offense as well as McHenry’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 McHenry.
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 Sentenced to 25 Years for Trafficking Cocaine and Shooting an ATF Special Response Team MemberRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today that Dion Williams has been sentenced in federal court to 20 years (240 months) on his conviction of violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws and for assaulting a federal agent with a dangerous weapon, and to an additional five years (60 month) for violating the terms of his supervised release for a previous drug crime conviction.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Williams, 46, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The court was previously advised that beginning in 2019, agents with the FBI and other agencies investigated drug trafficking activity in Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood, and elsewhere. As part of that investigation, agents conducted court-authorized interceptions of telephonic communications over two telephones used by a co-defendant between February 2020 through May 2020. During this period, agents intercepted Williams communicating regarding the purchase and redistribution of cocaine. In connection with his guilty plea, Williams admitted that the amount of cocaine that was attributable to him, through his conduct and through the foreseeable conduct of co-conspirators, was between 500 grams and two kilograms.
The court was also previously informed that on June 18, 2020, an ATF Special Response Team (SRT) arrived at Williams’ residence to execute search warrants on the building and to arrest Williams on the indictment charging Williams with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. After the SRT operators loudly and repeatedly announced themselves, including through the PA system of an ATF SRT vehicle, one of the ATF agents on the SRT team rammed open a door to the structure. The door swung back shut, and the agent had to try breach it again. After the agent breached the door the second time, Williams, who was inside the building, shot the SRT operator one time through the shoulder. Fortunately, the operator was quickly taken to a hospital and was not fatally injured. After Williams shot the agent, he apparently disassembled the firearm and hid different components of it in the residence; the disassembled firearm was later found underneath the basement steps of the residence, while the magazine and ammunition were recovered hidden in a false ceiling on the second floor. Williams did not immediately surrender but rather, was taken into custody, without further incident, several minutes after the shooting.
“Convicted felon Dion Williams will spend the next 25 years in prison for shooting an ATF agent, for conspiring to traffic cocaine, and for violating the terms of his supervised release for a previous federal drug conviction,” said U.S Attorney Chung. “Removing violent criminals from the community is a top priority of this office.”
“This attack on one of our agents illustrates the direct correlation between drug trafficking and firearms violence,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “By working with our local, state, and federal partners, we strive to maintain public safety and make sure these types of violent individuals are taken off our streets.”
“Today, Mr. Williams will finally face the consequences for his blatant disregard for our ATF partner and the community,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Mr. Williams’ actions that day further demonstrate the connection between violence and drug trafficking. Mr. Williams is a career criminal who thrived on selling dangerous drugs. The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to pursuing the worst and most violent offenders who continue to terrorize our neighborhoods.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome Moschetta and Doug Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The narcotics investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, which led the multi-agency investigation that included the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (Bureau of Narcotics Investigations), the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. That 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 and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation that led to the prosecution of Williams for his involvement in the shooting of the ATF agent.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted in Project Safe Childhood CaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for violating various federal child exploitation laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced.
The six-count Indictment, returned on Dec. 6, 2022, and unsealed today, named Jacob Lexso, 41, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Lexso is alleged to have distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor on or about Sept. 22, 2020, and on or about Sept. 24, 2020. Lexso is also alleged to have received material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor on or about Sept. 22, and Sept. 24, 2020. On or about June 24, 2022, Lexso is alleged to have possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 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 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 was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Possessing Carfentanil He Intended to SellRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced by a federal judge in Pittsburgh on a charge of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
On Dec. 14, 2022, U.S. District Judge Nora Barry Fischer sentenced Oshay Love, 30, to 87 months of imprisonment with four years of federal supervised release to follow. Love was also ordered to pay a special assessment of $100 and forfeit property, namely over $700 in U.S. currency and a Chevy Blazer that was derived from or used in the commission of his federal offense.
On August 17, 2022, Love pleaded guilty to One Count of possessing with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of carfentanil, a Schedule II controlled substance. Love’s charge was based upon his conduct on July 23, 2019 whereby he traveled from Ohio to the Western District of Pennsylvania to sell carfentanil, which is a fentanyl analog and considered to be about 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 more potent than morphine. Love was apprehended by law enforcement before being able to distribute this substance in this district. When being apprehended, Love attempted to evade arrest by fleeing in his vehicle, damaging multiple police vehicles, and jumped off a cliff before he was apprehended, which factored into his sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the Monroeville, Elizabeth, and Wilkinsburg police departments conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
Titusville Woman Sentenced to 10 Years for Role in Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Titusville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months in jail on her conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Sarah Umanita Bloom, 31.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around June 2018, to on or about February 28, 2020, Bloom conspired with co-defendants to possess with intent to distribute and distributed five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine as they participated in a methamphetamine distribution network that trafficked methamphetamine from Akron, Ohio and Erie, Pennsylvania into Crawford, Venango and Warren Counties.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop E, Vice Unit, the Titusville Police Department, the Warren County Drug Task Force, the Warren County Sherriff’s Office and the Crawford County Sherriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bloom.
Texas Woman Sentenced for Courier Role in Return to Sender OCDETF InvestigationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Highlands, Texas has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months of incarceration followed by four years of supervised release on a conviction of 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 Chung announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Isniel Cantu, age 48. Cantu was one of 47 defendants charged in six related indictments as part of the Return to Sender investigation.
According to information presented to the court, investigators seized approximately ten kilograms of pure methamphetamine from Cantu and her boyfriend, David Smallwood at a hotel in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. Investigators determined that Cantu and Smallwood were couriers who previously transported approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine from Houston, Texas to a location in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania during two prior trips.
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 Service - Criminal Investigation, 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.
Derry, PA Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Derry, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges involving the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Michael Wilson, age 44, pleaded guilty to six counts before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on multiple occasions during 2019 through May 15, 2021, Wilson attempted to and did use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce various minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct. Further, the court was advised that from September 2019 to October 2019, Wilson distributed visual depictions, namely, images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and, on May 15, 2021, Wilson knowingly possessed visual depictions, namely, videos and images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for March 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than fifteen 15 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine of up to $2,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, Wilson remains detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations – Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Derry Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wilson.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Clearfield Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Clearfield, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Logan Mactavish, age 40.
According to information presented to the court, from July 2019 to June 2020, Mactavish conspired to distribute 500 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.
Ms. Chung commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Mactavish. 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.
Illinois Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Transport Stolen Merchandise Across State LinesRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Maple Park, Illinois, has been sentenced in federal court to 37 months in jail and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,787 on his conviction of conspiracy to transport stolen goods across state lines, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Shawn Ashley Pena, 40.
According to information presented to the court, from March 2018 to May 2018, Pena and a co-defendant conspired to steal merchandise from business and retail establishments in multiple states and transport the stolen items across state lines. As part of the scheme, Pena admitted that he and his co-defendant stole jewelry from the former K-Mart in Millcreek Township and transported the stolen merchandise to New York as they continued their multi-state theft spree.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Baxter noted that Pena had nineteen prior convictions and had failed to give any indication that he was interested in working hard and avoiding future criminal activity.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pena.
Former Police Chief Admits Stealing and Using Heroin Seized in Two Federal InvestigationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former Elizabeth Borough Police Chief pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Timothy L. Butler, Jr., 46, of Finleyville, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from June 2017 until December 2018, Butler, the former Chief of Police, stole hundreds of bricks and bundles of heroin from the Elizabeth Borough Police Department for his own personal use. The heroin was evidence that had been seized in two federal drug trafficking investigations and stored in the evidence locker at the police station.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for April 4, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 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 Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Butler.
McKeesport Man Admits Role in Cocaine and Fentanyl Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Brandon Jetter, 41, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine from March of 2019 through September of 2020, before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Jetter is one of 13 defendants charged in the Indictment returned in this case.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a cocaine and fentanyl trafficking organization that operated throughout the United States, including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. Beginning in December of 2019 and continuing through August of 2020, the DEA received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Jetter was intercepted communicating with his codefendant and coconspirator about purchasing and distributing cocaine. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for March 30, 2023. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration in Pittsburgh, PA; the DEA, Columbus, OH; DEA, Harrisburg, PA; Homeland Security Investigations, Pittsburgh, PA; HSI, Orlando, FL; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations; United States Postal Service, Columbus, Ohio; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Lawrence County Drug Task Force – Special Investigations Unit; and New Castle Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Jetter.
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.
Imperial, PA Daycare Operator Sentenced for Failing to Account for and Pay over TaxesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Imperial, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to one day of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release, the first six months of which are to be served on home detention, and ordered to pay $367,956.89 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, on her conviction for failing to account for and pay over payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Rebecca Lynn Boyce, age 44.
Previously, in connection with her guilty plea, the court was advised that from at least 2006 through at least 2019, Boyce owned and operated Cutie Patootie Daycare, a childcare center in Imperial, Pennsylvania. During that period, Cutie Patootie employed staff and withheld payroll taxes from the paychecks of its employees. Cutie Patootie was required to pay over payroll taxes to the IRS on a periodic basis and was required to account for payroll taxes by filing with the IRS on a quarterly basis Form 941, an Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return. Boyce failed to pay over payroll taxes to the IRS and failed to file any Forms 941 from the quarter ending March 31, 2015, through the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2018. Boyce was informed of her obligation to file Forms 941 and make payroll tax payments during IRS audit and collections activities that preceded the periods charged in the Indictment.
Assistant United States Attorney David Lew prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Boyce.
Warren Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation ChargeRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Warren, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Vincent Dexter Swanson, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from April 2020 to March 2021, Swanson possessed and accessed with intent to view visual images and videos in individual computer files depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. As part of his guilty plea, Swanson agreed to a four-year jail sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for April 7, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Swanson on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Swanson.