Western District of Pennsylvania

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A former employee of the City of DuBois, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of federal program theft and money laundering, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Roberta Shaffer, 61, of DuBois pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on May 27, 2026.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from 2010 until 2022, Shaffer was employed as assistant to the City Manager of DuBois, which received federal assistance through grants, subsidies, loans, guarantees, insurance, and other forms in excess of $10,000 in each of the calendar years from 2008 to 2022. In her role as assistant, Shaffer and then-City Manager John Suplizio opened four secret bank accounts that were neither approved nor signed for by the appropriate City officials as required under Pennsylvania law, with Shaffer instead signing the account opening documents at Suplizio’s direction.

Suplizio then diverted approximately $1.5 million that should have been deposited into accounts controlled by the City into the secret accounts, from which Suplizio used the stolen money to make payments on his personal credit card and to pay for various personal expenses, as well as for substantial cash withdrawals made for Suplizio’s benefit. Shaffer wrote and signed many of the checks that paid for the credit card bills and resulted in the cash withdrawals. The secret accounts were also used to pay for donations to local politicians, a fundraiser dinner for a local judge, and a City employee’s wedding reception. In addition, several cashier’s checks purchased through withdrawals from the secret accounts, as well as numerous large cash deposits, were later deposited into Suplizio’s personal banking accounts.

Judge Haines scheduled Shaffer’s sentencing for September 22, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Suplizio’s trial is scheduled to begin October 5, 2026.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway and Special Assistant United States Attorney Summer Carroll (Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General) are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Shaffer.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property and was sentenced to six months of probation and ordered to pay a judgment to the United States of $425,000, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Douglas Zych, 70, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone and was sentenced on May 27, 2026.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Zych cannibalized parts of a Huey-1 helicopter entrusted to the care and custody of a museum and sold them. The museum had obtained the aircraft pursuant to the Federal Surplus Property Donation Program administered by the U.S. General Services Administration and which provides donees such as museums with surplus government property for use in a manner consistent with the donee’s mission. During the first five years of the donation, title to the property remains vested in the United States, with title then reverting to the donee after five years. The pilfering of the parts in this case occurred while the helicopter was vested in the United States.

“Douglas Zych stole property donated, and still owned, by the U.S. government in an attempt to profit from its sale,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “The conversion of government property for personal enrichment that has been donated and intended to benefit the public is a violation of the law. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who engage in such illegal activity.”

“The integrity of the GSA Federal Surplus Property Program depends on the integrity of its participants and their commitment to serving the public good. Any attempt to exploit the program for personal gain is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Elisa Pellegrini of the U.S. General Services Administration Office of Inspector General Mid-Atlantic Investigations Division. “GSA OIG remains committed to rooting out corruption and ensuring that taxpayer funded programs operate with the highest standards of honesty, accountability, and oversight.”

Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Ivory prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Zych.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 27 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay more than $4.7 million in restitution on his conviction of defrauding an investment client, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Thomas Pipich, 74.

According to information presented to the Court, Pipich stole millions of dollars from an investment client in order to conceal losses he incurred on behalf of another client. In 2005, Pipich helped to create an investment fund, BarTom Investments, LLC, into which a friend committed millions of dollars. BarTom thereafter suffered catastrophic investment losses that resulted in it having minimal bank and investment account balances as of May 2017. In an attempt to conceal these losses, Pipich created a sham loan between BarTom and another investment client, and transferred a total of more than $3 million from the other client to BarTom pursuant to this purported loan. He also told a series of lies about the purported loan, including providing false asset summaries that overstated the value of the purported loan and pretending that the loan was secured when it was not. Ultimately, Pipich paid himself more than $800,000 from the proceeds of the purported loan, and lost at least $2.6 million through further investment losses.

“This defendant, a financial advisor, betrayed his friend and client, and he stole millions of dollars,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our office will continue to ensure that financial advisors who abuse their clients’ trust in order to enrich themselves will be investigated and prosecuted, and as this case demonstrates, face serious consequences and years of incarceration.”

“Fraud schemes like this one directly jeopardize the savings, retirement plans, and financial security victims spent decades building. The harm from this is absolutely life changing,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “The FBI and our partners will follow every dollar to find anyone who thinks they can manipulate investor confidence to pad their own bank account. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that you will be held accountable.”

Assistant United States Attorney William Guappone prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pipich.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on May 26, 2026, to one count of mail theft and was sentenced to 27 months of incarceration on his conviction and corresponding violation of federal supervised release, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Tyrone Mobley, 58, of the East Hills neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

According to information presented to the Court, Mobley stole a package from a resident of an apartment building in the Oakland/Shadyside area. The package had been shipped through the United States Postal Service and was stolen by Mobley from the mailbox receptacle area of the apartment building. This was the third time that Mobley, who was under federal supervision for a previous conviction at the time of the theft, has been federally charged and convicted for mail theft.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hardy stated that mail theft is a very significant offense that is not only a personal invasion to the victim of the theft, but also erodes public trust in the postal system. Judge Hardy added that Mobley’s sentencing should send a message to other individuals who think about stealing mail that they could be imprisoned for such an offense.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mobley.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Acting pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546(d), the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania has appointed Troy Rivetti to serve as the United States Attorney for the District. After being appointed to the role by the Court’s Board of Judges last week, Rivetti was sworn in yesterday afternoon by Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. The appointment is effective May 28, 2026, and follows a 120-day appointment in January 2026 by the United States Attorney General.

“It is a tremendous honor to be appointed United States Attorney by the judges of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania; I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve this office and the citizens and law enforcement partners of our district,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “The Court’s decision is encouraging, as it assures consistency in the leadership of our office and recognizes the ongoing hard work and outstanding commitment to public service and public safety by our attorneys and staff, both individually and collectively.”

Rivetti has led the office since the resignation of United States Attorney Eric Olshan in January 2025, with Rivetti serving as Acting United States Attorney until November 2025 and then as First Assistant United States Attorney—the role Rivetti held prior to being named as Acting United States Attorney—until his appointment as United States Attorney by then-Attorney General Pamela Bondi in late January 2026.

Rivetti’s career in the Department of Justice has spanned nearly 30 years and has included a series of leadership positions in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In addition to previously holding the positions of Acting United States Attorney (February 2023 to June 2023) and First Assistant United States Attorney (November 2021 to January 2025), Rivetti served as Chief of the office’s Criminal Division from 2019 to 2021. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1997.

Throughout his career as a federal prosecutor, Rivetti’s primary area of concentration has involved the investigation and prosecution of violent crime, including large-scale drug trafficking organizations and firearms offenses. Of particular note, Rivetti co-led the multi-year investigation and prosecution of United States v. Robert Bowers, the perpetrator of the worst antisemitic mass shooting in U.S. history. He served as first chair for the trial team throughout the three-month capital jury selection, trial, and sentencing.

Rivetti obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dickinson College and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University. Following graduation from law school, Rivetti was employed for five years as a litigation associate at a large Pittsburgh law firm. He then served as a law clerk for two years for the Honorable D. Brooks Smith.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Andre Aaron Yates, 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on October 8, 2025, Yates, who had been previously convicted of a felony, knowingly possessed a stolen Glock 19 pistol, ammunition, and a 30-round ammunition magazine. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Pennsylvania State Police, and Monroeville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on John Rickenbach Jr., 44.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around June 2024 to in and around August 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Rickenbach conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine. Further, in and around August 2024, Rickenbach distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rickenbach.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Alberta, Canada, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal law related to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The six-count Indictment named Cyril Borle, 55, as the sole defendant, and charges Borle with three counts of employing, using, persuading, inducing, and enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct and three counts of receiving a visual depiction involving the sexual exploit of a minor.

According to the Indictment, on three separate dates in early 2020, Borle persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. The Indictment further alleges that, on those same dates, Borle received a visual depiction, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit content.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $1.5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment, with the assistance of Canadian law enforcement and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs in the arrest and extradition of the defendant.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official or federal law enforcement officer by threat, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The five-count Indictment named Raymond Eugene Chandler III, 40, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, between April 18, 2025, and May 1, 2026, Chandler repeatedly called members of Congress and left voicemails related to his disagreements with immigration enforcement actions, armed conflicts, and wealth inequality. In those messages, Chandler advocated for various acts of violence against U.S. officials, their families, ICE agents, and the wealthy; shared his plan to publish personally identifiable information of ICE agents; accused U.S. officials of violating their covenants with God or otherwise inciting God’s anger; implied knowing where members of Congress lived; described his purchase of bladed weapons; and stated “I am willing to personally kill.” The Indictment alleges that Chandler threatened to assault and murder ICE agents, a member of Congress and the member’s daughter, and the President of the United States with intent to impede, intimidate, interfere with, and retaliate against U.S. officials and federal law enforcement on account of the performance of their official duties. Chandler’s voicemails included descriptions of the targeted murder and assassination of ICE agents, as well as his plan to “teach” restaurants how to poison ICE agents. The voicemails further asserted his desire to hang a member of Congress, attack a member of Congress and their family member, and instruct a member of Congress to assassinate the President in the Oval Office.

The Indictment further alleges that, on May 1, 2026, Chandler left a voicemail for a member of Congress in which he praised anarchists for committing a historical bombing, ending the message with “I want you to be terrified.” Later that day, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Chandler at his residence. During his subsequent preliminary and detention hearings, the prosecution presented excerpts from Chandler’s journal, which was seized from his residence after his arrest. Chandler wrote in one entry: “I keep calling Congress telling them I want them to kill all the ICE agents and billionaires. I must sound insane to them and yet that is where my heart and head are really at.” In another entry, Chandler wrote: “I emotionally, politically, and intellectually support violence assaults on ICE agents. I actually support it. This is a very scary place to be.” At the conclusion of the hearings, the Court found that the United States had established by clear and convincing evidence that the weight of the evidence against the defendant “is strong,” and that Chandler presents a risk of serious danger to the community and ordered him detained pending trial.

At each count, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of the Allentown neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics law as part of a Homeland Security Task Force prosecution, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Malik Martinez, 28, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan on May 21, 2026.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, between March 2024 and July 2024, Martinez participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, both Schedule II controlled substances, by functioning as a redistributor of street-level amounts of both substances.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for September 16, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Court continued Martinez’s detention.

Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly M. Locher and Katherine C. Jordan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Western District of Pennsylvania is part of the Philadelphia HSTF, which comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the United States Department of State–Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and state and local law enforcement partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of the Greenfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Jadus Stubbs, 21, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about March 22, 2026, Stubbs had two firearms and ammunition in his possession after having been convicted on a prior state felony drug trafficking charge. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of the United Kingdom and Jamaica illegally residing in Massachusetts pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Nicole Lamont, 32, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville on May 20, 2026.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Lamont participated in a “lottery scam” in which elderly victims were contacted by telephone and falsely informed they had won a sweepstakes, often totaling millions of dollars, and then directed to send money in the form of checks, cash, money orders, and/or wires to pay purported taxes due on their winnings.

Specifically, Lamont received funds directly from at least three members of the lottery scam, deposited them into her bank account, and made the funds available to other members of the conspiracy who were located in Jamaica.

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for September 17, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Court continued Lamont’s detention pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lamont.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of making interstate threats, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The two-count Indictment named John Radford, 31, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Radford transmitted communications containing threats to injure another person on two separate occasions via email. The Indictment alleges that, on or about September 18, 2025, Radford informed one victim that a “list” of “people…ahead of you” was “all there is keeping you alive.” Radford also stated in his email that the victim would not be “too difficult” to locate and identified the victim’s spouse and children. The Indictment further alleges that, in an email to another victim on or about December 3, 2024, Radford communicated “I say we blow your head off with a shotgun!” and then described the shotgun as a “mosberg 940” that would be used “late at night when you’re walk back to your car.”

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both on each count. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania this morning presented former Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (PBP) officer Daniel Mead with a U.S. Department of Justice/United States Attorney’s Office “Hometown Hero Award” during a brief ceremony held at PBP headquarters. Mead received the award in front of PBP’s command staff.

Offered in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, the Hometown Hero Award honors the enduring ideals of liberty, service, and civic responsibility, and is bestowed in recognition of brave men and women who exemplify steadfast commitment to these ideals and embody the spirit upon which our nation was founded.

The award was presented to Mead, now retired, in recognition of his courage and sacrifice during the October 27, 2018, Tree of Life Synagogue shooting, where Officer Mead and his partner, Michael Smidga, were the first to arrive at the Synagogue that morning in response to the harrowing 911 calls about an active shooter. Armed only with a handgun, Mead quickly approached the entrance of the Synagogue and observed the shooter inside of the building before being shot through the hand and needing to retreat. Mead was one of four police officers and SWAT operators to be shot and injured by the shooter, who killed 11 congregants and seriously wounded two others during his antisemitic attack.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is pleased to honor Daniel Mead with the Western District of Pennsylvania’s Hometown Hero Award in conjunction with the celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday,” said United States Attorney Troy Rivetti. “Nearly eight years after the shooting, our gratitude and admiration for the heroic bravery and selfless dedication of the first responders that day endures. On the morning of October 27, 2018, Officer Mead walked directly into the line of fire in fulfillment of his sworn duty to uphold the law and protect his fellow citizens. Today, we honor him. He is Pittsburgh’s Hometown Hero.”

ERIE, Pa. - Fifteen individuals from Erie, Pennsylvania; New York; and Ohio have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal narcotics laws as the result of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today during a press conference held at Erie City Hall.

The defendants were named in two separate but related one-count Indictments. The first of those Indictments charges 13 of the defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute various quantities of fentanyl and/or cocaine. The second Indictment charges two additional defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine. A list of the defendants, the amount and type of drug(s) attributable to each through the conspiracy, and the maximum penalty for each defendant is included below. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

“This prosecution is another important example of our office’s commitment to safeguard the people of northwestern Pennsylvania from the scourge of fentanyl and cocaine and—working with our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels—to bring to justice those responsible for endangering our families, friends, and neighbors,” said United States Attorney Rivetti.

“Drug trafficking networks breed violence, organized criminal activity, addiction, and exploitation,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “Illicit operations like this poison communities surrounding Lake Erie far beyond the individuals purchasing the drugs. To those who think they can ship dangerous drugs into the heart of our community, no matter how sophisticated the operation, the FBI and our partners will pursue you across time zones and international borders to protect the American people.”

“These indictments demonstrate the impact of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative and our unwavering commitment to dismantling the drug trafficking networks that push fentanyl and cocaine into Erie and communities across northwestern Pennsylvania,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Nathan Abel of Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia. “HSI, working alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, the FBI, and our federal, state, and local partners, will continue to use every lawful tool at our disposal to identify, investigate, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations that profit from addiction and threaten the safety of our neighborhoods.”

“These defendants violated the law by trafficking illegal drugs within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Capt. Nicholas A. Cortes, Director of the Drug Law Enforcement Division of the Pennsylvania State Police. “The successful outcome of this investigation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement efforts among our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. By dismantling this drug trafficking organization, investigators have disrupted the distribution of dangerous drugs and enhanced public safety throughout the Erie community. The Pennsylvania State Police commends the approximate five-month collaborative efforts of investigators from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Drug Law Enforcement Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations, and recognizes the United States Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Erie City Police Department, the Edinboro Police Department, the Mill Creek Police Department, and the Erie City School Police Department for their continued partnership in keeping our communities safe from dangerous drugs.”

“These traffickers of poisons into our communities believed they could outsmart law enforcement, but this investigation proved otherwise," said Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday. "No matter where these criminal organizations attempt to hide—whether in northwest Pennsylvania or anywhere else in our Commonwealth—we will continue to identify them, dismantle their operations and hold them accountable. I am grateful for the partnerships that made this takedown possible." 

Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Defendants (Indictment One)

Name

Age

City

Drugs Attributed

Maximum Penalty

400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl

A quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine

400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl

A quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine

A quantity of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl

A quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine

A quantity of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl

A quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine

A quantity of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl

A quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine

Defendants (Indictment Two)

Name

Age

City

Drugs Attributed

Maximum Penalty

46

45

This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Western District of Pennsylvania is part of the Philadelphia HSTF, which is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the United States Department of State–Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and state and local law enforcement partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Among the state and local law enforcement partners that coordinated with the HSTF in this investigation were the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Drug Law Enforcement Division and the FBI Erie Resident Agency’s Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Safe Streets Task Force, comprising investigators from the FBI, United States Customs and Border Protection, Erie Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Millcreek Police Department, Oil City Police Department, Franklin Police Department, Meadville Police Department, Edinboro Police Department, and Erie School District Police Department.

The investigation was also conducted in association with the Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative, which was formed following Erie County’s designation as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in 2021. The HIDTA program was created by Congress in 1988 to coordinate and assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in addressing regional drug threats with the purpose of reducing drug trafficking and drug production in the United States. The Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative coordinates personnel and resources between multiple agencies including the Pennsylvania State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Erie Police Department, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County Detectives, United States Postal Inspection Service, the EAGLE Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and other participating agencies.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - This morning, members of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania gathered with the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, staff members with the Court and the Clerk’s Office, and members of the community at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall to participate in a Special Naturalization Ceremony in observance and celebration of the United States of America’s 250th birthday.

Sponsored by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the ceremony saw 70 individuals from 27 countries naturalized as United States citizens and included several current and former members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office among its participants. Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Skirtich presented the motion to the Court for the grant of citizenship that led to the administration of the Oath of Allegiance by Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. United States Attorney Troy Rivetti provided brief remarks on the history of Western Pennsylvania during colonial times, and the region’s role in the formation of the United States. Former Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt sang both the national anthem and “America the Beautiful.”

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is honored to have been a part of this historic ceremony in recognition of our nation’s 250th birthday,” said United States Attorney Troy Rivetti. “Any naturalization ceremony is, of course, memorable for those being naturalized as well as for all participating, but today’s event was a particularly special one and served as a wonderful reminder of the United States’ rich history and the wonderful and intricate background of our citizens that forms the fabric of our nation.”

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The six-count Indictment named Louie Guadalupe, 34, as the sole defendant.

“Gun violence—and, particularly, the increasing rate of that violence involving machinegun conversion devices such as Glock switches and drop-in auto sears—poses a serious threat to the safety of our citizens and to law enforcement,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “The Indictment unsealed today reflects the collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local law enforcement partners aimed at reducing this threat to our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partner federal agencies remain committed to working closely with our state and local counterparts to disrupt the cycle of gun violence and hold accountable those who put dangerous and illegal firearms on our streets.”

“Selling illegal firearms, and switches that transform guns into a fully automatic weapon, means deadlier shootings, more chaotic crime scenes, and increased danger to innocent bystanders,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “Trafficking these devices quickly becomes a critical public safety issue. The FBI and our Safe Streets Task Force partners will use every resource at our disposal to get these extraordinarily dangerous devices out of our communities.”

“Firearms trafficking puts guns in the hands of the criminals who threaten our communities,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “That those firearms included very dangerous machinegun conversation devices makes this case particularly severe. Thanks to our close cooperation with our law enforcement partners, we exposed this criminal enterprise that endangered the Johnstown area.”

“In light of the recent, senseless acts in our community, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office is committed to facilitating efforts that prevent gun violence before it occurs through collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies,” said Cambria County District Attorney Jessica Aurandt. “The indictment of Louie Guadalupe is a manifestation of those collaborative efforts—the result of which removed several firearms and Glock switches from the streets of Johnstown. The DA’s Office would like to express our gratitude to the Johnstown Police Department, Cambria County Detective Bureau, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their incredible diligence and hard work throughout this investigation.”

According to the Indictment, from on or about March 12, 2026, and continuing thereafter until around April 15, 2026, Guadalupe willfully engaged in the business of manufacturing and dealing in firearms without a license. The Indictment further alleges that, on three dates during March of 2026, Guadalupe unlawfully possessed a firearm after previously having been convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Lastly, on or about April 1, 2026, and April 15, 2026, Guadalupe is alleged to knowingly and unlawfully have possessed and transferred a machinegun.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 144 months of incarceration, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction through a Homeland Security Task Force prosecution of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jamal Stoner, 38, on May 13, 2026.

According to information presented to the Court, Stoner conspired with others to bring kilogram quantities of cocaine to the Pittsburgh region for redistribution. On September 27, 2021, law enforcement conducted a search of Stoner’s stash apartment, where they recovered 11 kilograms of cocaine. As part of his plea agreement, Stoner also accepted responsibility for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that the sentence was appropriate given the defendant’s recidivist history and involvement in kilogram quantity drug distribution.

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Western District of Pennsylvania is part of the Philadelphia HSTF, which is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the United States Department of State–Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and state and local law enforcement partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to trafficking fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Melvin Dorsey-Pace, 33, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on February 12, 2025, Dorsey-Pace possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, as well as a quantity of a mixture of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for September 9, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Lawrence County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dorsey-Pace.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of St. James parish in Jamaica has been sentenced in federal court to 54 months of incarceration on his conviction of violating wire fraud and money laundering laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Tajay Singh, 29, of Montego Bay.

According to information presented to the Court, from approximately January 2021 to October 2023, Singh conspired to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering by defrauding elderly victims through a lottery scam. As part of the scam, members of the conspiracy called elderly victims and informed them that they had won a lottery but needed to pay taxes and fees to receive their prize. After sending the money as directed, the victims never received the prize money. The conspirators used a network of other conspirators and victims, as well as bank accounts opened in victims’ names, wire transfers, purchases of physical goods, and ATM withdrawals in Jamaica to execute and obfuscate their scheme.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Singh.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on May 12, 2026, to violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Chaz Mitchell, 36, of the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan to a one-count Indictment charging Mitchell with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on July 5, 2025, following the issuance of a state arrest warrant for Mitchell on unrelated charges, officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police observed Mitchell in possession of an assault rifle and sawed-off shotgun and attempted to execute the state warrant. Mitchell refused to exit a residence until the SWAT unit arrived. Upon Mitchell’s surrender and being taken into custody, officers obtained and executed a state search warrant for the residence, from where they recovered an assault rifle, sawed-off shotgun, pistol, and ammunition. Mitchell had previously been convicted of felony state firearms offenses. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Ranjan scheduled Mitchell’s sentencing for August 21, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mitchell.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 20 months of incarceration on his conviction of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Robert Schatzman, 21.

According to information presented to the Court, in April 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Schatzman’s home and recovered a Glock pistol from a floor air vent within his bedroom. Schatzman previously had been convicted of robbery in the Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stowe Township Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Schatzman.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Keenan Tolliver, 32, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti to a one-count indictment charging Tolliver with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about February 21, 2025, Tolliver possessed a loaded and chambered pistol and ammunition in the center console of the vehicle he was operating. Tolliver previously had been convicted of 10 felony or first-degree misdemeanor offenses in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for September 16, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Court ordered that Tolliver remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tolliver.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A former inmate at the Cambria County Prison was sentenced in federal court to 24 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of conducting and participating in the affairs of an enterprise through racketeering activity, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The defendant is among 10 individuals charged through an Indictment unsealed in July 2025 with racketeering charges related to the Cambria County Prison (read the Indictment news release here).

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Mikal Davis, 48, who was previously sentenced in July 2025 to 180 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of a mixture of heroin, five kilograms or more of a mixture of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, and 28 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine base. Judge Haines ordered today’s sentence to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed for the 2025 conviction.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around July 2023 to in and around December 2023, while incarcerated at the Cambria County Prison, Davis conducted and participated in the affairs of an enterprise through racketeering activity. Specifically, Davis bribed correctional officers and medical staff to smuggle contraband into the prison, namely Suboxone, which was then sold to other inmates for a substantial profit. Davis directed the bribe payments and accepted payments of drug proceeds to further facilitate the racketeering activity.

To date, four of the 10 defendants in the case have pleaded guilty, with Davis the first to be sentenced.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, and the Cambria County Prison for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Davis.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 90 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on her convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Kayla Rickenbach, 24.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around June 2024 to in and around August 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Rickenbach conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine. Additionally, in or around August 2024, Rickenbach possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rickenbach.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former facilities manager for Primary Health Network (PHN), a non-profit medical organization headquartered in Sharon, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, for conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering and for filing a false tax return, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Mark Marriott, 59, of Sharpsville, Pennsylvania.

Two of Marriott’s co-conspirators, PHN’s former CEOs Drew Pierce and Jack Laeng, were both sentenced in April 2026, with Pierce sentenced to 40 months of imprisonment and Laeng to 24 months of imprisonment (read the news release on those sentencings here).

“This prosecution reflects the unfortunate reality of executives abusing their positions of power to commit fraud on a non-profit organization,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “The sentences here appropriately reflect the serious nature of the defendants’ offenses, and the extensive harm that results from this fraud. Our office and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and prosecute these important cases.”

“These crimes are not victimless, and this was not a mistake or a lapse in judgment,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “This FBI and our partners will continue to uncover and prosecute those who think they can hide calculated fraud schemes under the guise of contracts, middlemen, and paperwork. After years of deception and millions of dollars stolen, these individuals are now being held accountable for their crimes.”

“IRS-CI and our federal law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue individuals who scheme to defraud healthcare institutions and ultimately victimize the people those institutions serve,” said Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Philadelphia Field Office Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty. “Today’s sentence, along with the sentences previously handed down in this case, show that those who commit such offenses will be held to account.”

According to information presented to the Court, Marriott engaged in three schemes to defraud PHN. First, Marriott conspired with Pierce, Laeng, and others in a scheme in which they inserted a company called TopCoat between PHN and the company’s legitimate vendors. PHN paid TopCoat, which provided no services other than to pay the true vendors a lesser price. PHN’s board of directors was unaware that TopCoat performed no actual work and was made up entirely of PHN insiders. The TopCoat scheme caused a loss to PHN of more than $500,000. Second, Marriott engaged in a scheme in which he directed a PHN vendor to provide inflated invoices to PHN in order to fund kickback payments made to Marriott, Pierce, and a company Marriott owned with Pierce. Third, Marriott and Pierce used PHN funds to pay for their own personal expenses. Additionally, Marriott failed to report some of the proceeds of the schemes on his federal income tax returns.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan stated that Marriott played a critical part and active role in the schemes to defraud PHN, and noted the needs for just punishment and general deterrence in his sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys William B. Guappone and Jeffrey R. Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Marriott.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of the Dominican Republic illegally residing in Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Engels Guillermo Almengot Valerio, 26, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer on May 4, 2026.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Valerio was a participant in a conspiracy that targeted elderly individuals, often referred to as a grandparent fraud scheme, from which he then laundered the fraud proceeds. In this scheme, conspirators living in the Dominican Republic called elderly individuals and impersonated the victims’ grandchildren or other relatives, falsely claiming that they were involved in a crisis such as an accident and/or arrest and needed immediate financial assistance, then handing the phone over to someone posing as a lawyer or bail bondsman seeking payment.

The scammers then arranged for unwitting rideshare drivers to pick up cash from the elderly victims, who were located throughout the United States, including in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The drivers drove the stolen money to a location where they met with a member of the conspiracy and handed over the cash.

Using a variety of investigative techniques, law enforcement identified Valerio as a participant in the scheme, determining that the defendant ordered the rides that picked up the cash, collected the fraud proceeds from the rideshare drivers, and further laundered the fraud proceeds once received through various bank accounts. He operated not just in the Western District of Pennsylvania, but also in New York, California, and Nevada. A search of his New Jersey residence uncovered further evidence of his participation in the conspiracy, including $12,000 in cash.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for September 8, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with numerous other federal and state law enforcement agencies, including the New York City Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Valerio.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Canadian citizen extradited from Panama has been sentenced in federal court to 188 months of imprisonment, to be followed by one day of supervised release, and ordered to pay a fine of $35,000 and restitution of $780,870 on his convictions of conspiracy to commit both wire fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Stefano Zanetti, 44, on May 4, 2026.

“Zanetti and his co-conspirators inflicted severe financial and emotional injury upon numerous elderly victims and their families through this scheme,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “This prosecution and the sentence imposed confirm that the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners will use all of the resources at our disposal to investigate, identify, and bring to justice those who prey upon vulnerable members of our community, whether these predators are located in the United States or abroad.”

“Preying on seniors by exploiting their love for family—through false claims of emergencies involving their grandchildren—is a particularly cruel form of fraud,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Nathan Abel of Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia. “HSI, working alongside the Pennsylvania State Police, the Bethel Park Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will track down and disrupt these transnational schemes and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

According to information presented to the Court, Zanetti was the leader of a scheme to defraud elderly victims in Pittsburgh and across the United States. Members of the conspiracy contacted victims and falsely claimed that a family member of the victim, usually a grandchild, had been detained in connection with a legal proceeding and needed money for bail. The victims were directed to withdraw cash and provide it to a “courier” who would visit them at their homes. In reality, the victims’ family members had not been detained, and the courier was actually a member of the conspiracy. Through his plea agreement, Zanetti accepted responsibility for $1.5 million to $3.5 million in losses to victims as a result of the scheme.

In September 2021 and again in February 2022, three-man crews reporting to Zanetti traveled to Pittsburgh to execute the fraud and collect money directly from its victims. All six of those individuals—Roderick Feurtado, Tarek Bouanane, Roberto Gutierrez, Hector Enrique Escorihuela Gil, Yhonlester Wuiler Manuel Da Silva Quintero, and Adrian Orozco Perez—have been convicted and sentenced to terms of imprisonment. Samuel David Ferrer Avila and Cesar Javier Chourio Morante, who helped Zanetti execute the scheme to defraud from abroad, were also convicted and sentenced after having been extradited from Panama. A separate indictment returned in the District of Vermont also charged 25 Canadian nationals for their connection to the call centers that targeted victims as part of Zanetti’s conspiracy.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan noted that Zanetti played an important role in the complicated fraud with “perfect knowledge” about its various parts. Judge Ranjan also emphasized the emotional toll and financial losses that Zanetti’s scheme imposed upon the victims.

Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs secured the arrest and extradition from Panama of Zanetti, Ferrer Avila, and Chourio Morante.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bethel Park Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Zanetti and his co-conspirators.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Avonmore, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 420 months in prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, on his convictions of production and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Kenneth Bee, 55.

According to information presented to the Court, over a period of several years, Bee produced images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Further, in and around September 2022, Bee possessed images of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bee.

This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 92 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Shawn Geer, 49.

According to information presented to the Court, on or about July 2, 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Geer possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Geer.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 262 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Angel Diaz-Gibson, 34.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around June 2024 to in and around August 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Diaz-Gibson conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine. Further, in and around July 2024, Diaz-Gibson possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Diaz-Gibson.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Sharon, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to committing firearm and drug trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Bruce Lindsey, 47, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on March 20, 2025, Lindsey possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, as well as a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime and after previously having been convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for September 1, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1.5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Mercer County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lindsey.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Three residents of Western Pennsylvania and one resident of California have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating various federal narcotics and firearm laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The six-count Indictment named Darius Dudley, 33, of Duquesne, Pennsylvania; Robert Gonzales, 41, of Jurupa Valley, California; Vince Kelly, 36, of White Oak, Pennsylvania; and Keontae Spears, 42, of Homestead, Pennsylvania, as defendants.

According to the Indictment, from in and around April 2025 to in and around August 2025, the defendants conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The Indictment also alleges that Kelly and Spears attempted to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on two separate occasions during that timeframe, also attempting to obtain 400 grams or more of fentanyl on one of the occasions. Spears is additionally charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon in August 2025. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. The Indictment further alleges that, in June 2025, Gonzales distributed 500 grams or more of cocaine, and that, in August 2025, Dudley possessed with the intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and 500 grams or more of cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $20 million, or both for each defendant. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of federal supervised release, on his conviction of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation and prosecution, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Romaro Lanarie Foster Sr., 47.

According to information presented to the Court, Foster was part of an interstate drug trafficking organization that federal authorities investigated between March 2022 and September 2022. The investigation revealed that a source of supply in California would mail parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine to a residence in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. Following law enforcement’s seizure of a parcel containing two kilograms of cocaine en route to the Aliquippa residence, the source of supply began sending the parcels to a co-defendant in West Virginia, who would then drive the parcel from West Virginia to Foster in Aliquippa.

After then also disrupting Foster’s ability to obtain cocaine through the West Virginia co-defendant, law enforcement learned that Foster would be traveling to Georgia in order to obtain cocaine for distribution. In September 2022, local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Foster in South Carolina on his return trip to the Western District of Pennsylvania, during which officers seized approximately four kilograms of cocaine from Foster’s vehicle.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hardy stated that Foster’s prior sentences for attempted murder and possession with intent to distribute narcotics did not deter him from engaging in the instant drug trafficking conspiracy and that a significant sentence of 15 years of imprisonment was warranted.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Western District of Pennsylvania is part of the Philadelphia HSTF, which is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the United States Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and state and local law enforcement partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Honduras citizen illegally residing in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Ever Antonio Cerrato-Orellano, 41, as the sole defendant.

“Ever Cerrato-Orellano has remained undeterred from criminal conduct despite his numerous removals from the United States and multiple convictions here,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “Our office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to prosecute recidivist offenders like Cerrato-Orellano who blatantly disregard the laws of the United States and pose an unacceptable danger to innocent members of our communities.”

“Protecting children and safeguarding our communities is the core of the ICE mission,” said Acting Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia Field Office Director John Rife. “ERO Philadelphia is proud to work alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our local partners at the Wilkinsburg Police Department to identify, arrest, and remove illegal aliens who pose a threat to public safety, and we will continue to use every tool available to help protect Pennsylvania’s families and children.”

According to the Indictment, on or about June 29, 2025, Cerrato-Orellano was found in the United States after having been previously deported and removed on five separate occasions between 2010 and 2016. Immigration officials encountered Cerrato-Orellano following the defendant’s arrest by the Wilkinsburg Police Department, who charged Cerrato-Orellano with five counts of luring a child into a motor vehicle or structure and one count of impersonating a public servant after Cerrato-Orellano attempted to lure a group of children into a Wilkinsburg residence. When the children tried to ride away on their bicycles, Cerrato-Orellano chased them and ordered them to stop, claiming that he was a police officer.

Cerrato-Orellano was previously convicted in both Texas and New Mexico of illegal reentry into the United States, in addition to convictions for possession of marijuana (Florida), theft of property (Texas), and tampering with government records and driving under the influence (Texas). Immigration officials removed Cerrato-Orellano from the United States after his convictions for these offenses.

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

Assistant United States Attorneys Hillary M. Weaver and Lee A. Fry are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Wilkinsburg Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 90 months of incarceration, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on her conviction of distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Marissa Lynn Segal, 32, also ordering Segal to pay approximately $13,000 in restitution to victims of her crimes.

According to information presented to the Court, on July 14, 2025, Segal distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors—including photographs and videos of infant victims and victims engaged in acts of bestiality—via a mobile application. One of the infant victims was just four months old, and the evidence presented to the Court established that Segal had knowledge that the victim was being abused contemporaneous with the creation of the child sexual abuse material, which she then redistributed. Segal also possessed child sexual abuse material including images and videos depicting prepubescent minors.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Segal.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Two former CEOs of Primary Health Network (PHN), a non-profit medical organization headquartered in Sharon, Pennsylvania, have been sentenced in federal court to terms of imprisonment on their convictions for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentences on Drew Pierce, 58, of West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, and Jack Laeng, 72, of Lake Milton, Ohio, sentencing Pierce on April 23, 2026, to 40 months of imprisonment and Laeng on April 16, 2026, to 24 months of imprisonment.

According to information presented to the Court, Pierce engaged in multiple schemes to defraud PHN over the course of almost a decade, with Laeng joining him in two of those schemes. First, Pierce, Laeng, and others agreed to enter into contracts with a developer on behalf of PHN in return for kickback payments of 50% of the funds the developer received from PHN. PHN’s board of directors was not aware of the kickback payments, which ultimately caused a loss to the company of more than $1.5 million. Laeng was the CEO of PHN for the beginning of the scheme, from 2011 to about 2014, at which time Pierce took over as CEO.

Pierce, Laeng, and others also engaged in a scheme in which they inserted a company called TopCoat between PHN and the company’s legitimate vendors. Through the scheme, PHN paid TopCoat, which provided no services other to then pay the true vendors a lesser price. PHN’s board of directors was unaware that TopCoat performed no actual work and was made up entirely of PHN insiders. The TopCoat scheme caused a loss to PHN of more than $400,000. In addition to these schemes, Pierce separately engaged in another kickback scheme, as well as in a scheme to pay his own personal expenses out of PHN accounts and conceal those payments as business expenses.

Another co-defendant in some of the schemes, Mark Marriott, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8, 2026.

Assistant United States Attorneys William B. Guappone and Jeffrey R. Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of the defendants.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of wire fraud and theft of government property, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The five-count Indictment named Elizabeth Goss, 43, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from in and around June 2020, to in and around February 2023, Goss, while working at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, accepted unauthorized payments from unemployment compensation claimants to approve and expedite Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and other pandemic-related unemployment claims even though the claimants were not entitled to those benefits. The Indictment alleges that Goss’s actions resulted in the payment of approximately $528,449 in unemployment compensation benefits to which claimants were not entitled.

“This investigation and the resulting Indictment send a clear message that government employees who steal and misuse public funds will be brought to justice,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “Our office and our law enforcement partners are committed to rooting out fraud and safeguarding the public treasury.”

“At the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, we are relentless in protecting the integrity of unemployment insurance programs,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we are going on offense against fraud—tracking down those who exploit these benefits and holding them accountable. Fraud will not be tolerated. If you try to game the system, we will find you.”

“Postal Inspectors remain steadfast in pursuing individuals who misuse the mail to defraud government programs intended to support the American public in times of need,” said Acting Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Pittsburgh Division, Dave Cunningham. “We are grateful for the continued partnership and coordinated efforts of our law enforcement and prosecutorial colleagues, whose dedication was instrumental throughout this investigation.”

The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both at each of Counts One through Four (wire fraud) and a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both at Count Five (theft of government property). Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Irwin, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Kyle Patrick Ryan, 37, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about April 2, 2025, Ryan distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor via text message. Additionally, Ryan possessed child sexual abuse material including images and videos depicting, in part, prepubescent minors.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for July 31, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Court ordered Ryan detained to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ryan.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to depositing an altered U.S. Treasury check and stealing government money, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Andre Pitts, 21, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone to one count of uttering counterfeit obligations or securities and one count of theft of government property.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on June 12, 2023, Pitts deposited an altered version of a U.S. Treasury check in the amount of $62,211. The check had been issued in February 2023 to another individual related to that person’s income tax return, with the memo line of the check identifying both the individual and tax year of 2021. The payee information and memo line of the deposited check had been altered to identify Pitts, his residence, and a tax year of 2022. Following his deposit of the altered check, Pitts quickly made several transactions, including withdrawing $500 in cash and having a $25,000 cashier’s check issued to himself.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for August 13, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison on the uttering counterfeit obligations or securities count and up to 10 years of prison on the theft of government property count, a fine of up to $250,000 at each offense, 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.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Pitts.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on her conviction of violating federal drug trafficking laws as part of a Homeland Security Task Force prosecution, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Alexis Donnell, 30, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine between August 2023 and August 2024.

According to information presented to the Court, Donnell was part of a drug trafficking conspiracy that was based in Detroit, Michigan, and in New Castle. Donnell participated in the conspiracy by retailing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine to her customers in both Lawrence County and Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Donnell had several prior convictions for crimes involving violence, drugs, and theft.

Assistant United States Attorneys Craig W. Haller and V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Mercer County Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Donnell.

This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Farrell, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possessing a firearm and ammunition after a felony conviction, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Aurienn Jones, 31, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Jones, who had previously been convicted of a felony, possessed a firearm and ammunition on January 27, 2025. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for September 1, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Farrell Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jones.

Amanda Leigh Fourez, of Catlin, Illinois, pleaded guilty today to charges of distributing and conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos through online chat groups.

According to court documents and statements made in court during the change of plea hearing, Fourez paid thousands of dollars to commission bespoke sexual torture videos of monkeys, and later she distributed the obscene crush videos over the Internet. Fourez archived and controlled the distribution of animal crush videos. She was a member of several online chat groups and private payment groups dedicated to the creation, distribution, and discussion of sexual and violent videos depicting monkeys being tortured, including baby and adult monkeys being burned and their genitals mutilated.

Fourez is the second individual to be charged in this animal crush conspiracy ring. Another member of these groups, Joseph Garrett Buckland, of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos earlier this month.

Fourez faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and a maximum penalty of seven years in prison for the distribution charge and a fine of up to $500,000. A judge will determine the sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other factors.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans, and Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office made the announcement.

HSI New Orleans’ Cyber and Human Exploitation Investigations and the FBI investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Emily R. Stone of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly M. Locher for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Catlin, Illinois, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos and then distributing those videos through online chat groups, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Amanda Leigh Fourez, 33, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.

According to court documents and statements made in court during the change of plea hearing, Fourez and others conspired to pool their money to commission the creation of animal crush videos—that is, videos that show actual obscene conduct in which living non-human mammals, in this case, monkeys, were purposely crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled, or otherwise subjected to serious bodily injury—and then distributed those videos to other group members and chat groups via an instant messaging application. Fourez acknowledges sending at least 11 payments to others to commission animal crush videos, and then knowingly distributing animal crush videos on at least 10 occasions. Fourez archived and controlled the distribution of animal crush videos.

Another member of these groups, Joseph Garrett Buckland of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos earlier this month (read the news release regarding Buckland’s plea here).

Judge Wiegand scheduled Fourez’s sentencing for August 27, 2026. The law provides for a total sentence of up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Emily Stone of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans’ Cyber and Human Exploitation Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Fourez.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to making threats to assault and murder President Donald J. Trump, other United States officials, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

Shawn Monper, 33, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy to two counts of threatening to assault and murder United States officials and federal law enforcement officers with the intent to impede, intimidate, interfere with, and retaliate against the officials and agents while they were engaged in, and on account of, the performance of official duties. As part of his plea agreement, Monper also accepted responsibility for the other counts for which he was charged.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on April 8, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Threat Operations Section (NTOS) received an emergency disclosure regarding threats posted to YouTube by user “Mr Satan.” The subsequent federal investigation affirmed that the internet activity associated with “Mr Satan” corresponded with Shawn Monper’s residence in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

The investigation further established that Monper sought and obtained a firearms permit shortly following President Trump’s inauguration. In February 2025, Monper commented using his “Mr Satan” account: “I have bought several guns and been stocking up on ammo since Trump got in office.” Further, in March 2025, Monper posted: “Eventually im going to do a mass shooting.” One week later, Monper commented: “I have been buying 1 gun a month since the election, body armor, and ammo.”

Investigators determined that Monper posted several threatening statements regarding President Trump, other United States officials, and ICE agents during the period between January 15, 2025, and April 5, 2025, including the two to which Monper specifically pleaded guilty: in February, “Nah, we just need to start killing people, Trump, Elon, all the heads of agencies Trump appointed, and anyone who stands in the way…” and, in mid-March, “ICE are terrorist people, we need to start killing them.” On April 9, 2025, law enforcement arrested Monper on federal charges based on these threats, and he has been detained since that time.

Judge Hardy scheduled Monper’s sentencing for August 12, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence on each count of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Butler Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Monper.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on April 7, 2026, to a charge of theft on an aircraft and was sentenced to one year of supervised release, including 90 days of home detention, and ordered to pay a $250 fine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Jaymer Ferrell, 23.

According to information presented to the Court, on April 9, 2025, the Allegheny County Police Department was called about an unruly passenger vaping on a Pittsburgh-bound flight from Los Angeles, California. A flight attendant told investigators that he had observed the passenger, Ferrell, vaping and going through numerous bags in the overhead bins during the flight. Based on Ferrell’s behavior over the course of the hours-long flight, the attendant believed that Ferrell had stolen from other passengers’ luggage.

Upon arrival at Pittsburgh International Airport, Ferrell was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant, and found in possession of a backpack containing the wallet, debit card, and credit cards of another passenger on the flight.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Allegheny County Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ferrell.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 144 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Jonathan Brunson, 54.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around April 2019 to July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Brunson conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, 28 grams or more of crack, 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, and quantities of heroin and cocaine. Additionally, at different times during the first half of 2021, Brunson possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture of fentanyl. Brunson was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Brunson. Additional agencies participating in the investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Detroit, Michigan, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearm laws as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Christopher Barton, 26, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine between August 2023 and August 2024, and possessing a firearm after a felony conviction.      

According to information presented to the Court, Barton was part of a drug trafficking conspiracy that was based in Detroit and in New Castle, Pennsylvania.  Barton participated in the conspiracy by retailing controlled substances to customers in the New Castle area.  On February 7, 2024, a search warrant was served at a New Castle location from which members of the conspiracy were dealing drugs.  Barton was present when the search warrant was executed, with law enforcement also seizing two pistols.  Barton had prior felony convictions that prohibited him from lawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition.    
 
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Mercer County Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Barton.

This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.  Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children.  The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years of incarceration on his conviction of distributing child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Justin Hughes, 45, on April 2, 2026. Hughes was also sentenced to 10 years of federal supervision following his release from prison and ordered to pay restitution to one victim.

According to information presented to the Court, Hughes sent at least two emails including 11 video files and one image containing child sexual abuse material to another individual in Ohio. Law enforcement was able to attribute these emails and the email account to Hughes, who is a registered sex offender in Pennsylvania with a prior sexual abuse conviction around 2007.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak commented on the very serious nature of Hughes’ offense, which, in turn, required serious punishment. The judge also noted the harm to Hughes’ victim and the impact of distributing child sexual abuse material.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hughes.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

William Jermaine Rodgers III, 29, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab to a one-count Indictment charging Rodgers with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on July 1, 2025, law enforcement reported to a home in the Knoxville neighborhood of Pittsburgh after learning that Rodgers—who had been a fugitive since at least February 2025—may be staying there. Upon arriving at the home, law enforcement discovered Rodgers in a second-story master bedroom. After taking Rodgers into custody, law enforcement recovered a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition stowed between the mattress and box spring of the bed in the room in which Rodgers had been staying. Rodgers was previously convicted of numerous federal felony drug offenses in Indiana, Westmoreland, and Allegheny counties, and had also been previously convicted of a felony offense for issuing terroristic threats in Westmoreland County. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Schwab scheduled Rodgers’ sentencing for July 30, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rodgers.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.