Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Farrell, PA Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Farrell, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Darwin Lamel Green, 39, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 30, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Green’s residence and recovered a Spikes Tactical Crusader semi-automatic rifle, Ruger semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, and magazines. The court was further advised that Green had been convicted in October 2013 of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, a felony that prohibited him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for Sept. 29, 2022. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan Conway and David Lew are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution on Green.
Windber Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison and 10 Years of Supervised Release for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Windber, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 120 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release on his conviction of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Kristian E. Heller, 46, of Windber, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on or about April 20, 2021, Heller knowingly possessed one or more visual depictions, namely, videos and images in individual computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct and which depict prepubescent minors and minors who have not attained twelve years of age, engaging in sexually explicit conduct, all of which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, by means of a computer, and all of which had been produced using materials which had been mailed and shipped in interstate and foreign commerce.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Ms. Chung commended the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Heller.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Philadelphia, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Joel Butler, 28, pleaded guilty to the offense at Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, on or about February 24, 2022, Butler knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully, possessed firearms and ammunition, after having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for Oct. 12, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Butler.
Oakland Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Sex Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Alabama, who was living in Pittsburgh at the time of the offenses, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years’ imprisonment on his conviction of sex trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Anthony Juskowich, 23, who resided in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood.
According to information presented to the court, Juskowich had been grooming the victim, Jane Doe, since December of 2019, when the two met in Alabama. After a few failed attempts at expanding his sex trafficking business in Alabama and Georgia, Juskowich convinced Jane Doe, who had never traveled outside of the south, to travel with him to Pittsburgh. Once in Pittsburgh, the Court was informed that Juskowich coerced and forced Jane Doe to engage in commercial sex acts based upon the false promise of making enough money to go legitimate someday by purchasing and running a fast-food franchise. Additionally, Juskowich used force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to compel Jane Doe to meet sex customers. While Jane Doe initially tried to resist, to maintain some form of control over her life, Juskowich’s control, manipulation, demands, and intimidation wore down her resistance.
On May 14, 2021, investigators, after conducting an undercover operation, disrupted Juskowich’s crimes and arrested him, which enabled Jane Doe to be physically separated from Juskowich. Even so, Juskowich continued to exercise control over Jane Doe, even from jail.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government and conveyed to the Court, at sentencing, that human trafficking is more than a crime, it is an affront to human dignity and an attack on fundamental humanitarian values. There are no words to adequately describe the experience of a victim of any form of sexual abuse, particularly a victim of sex trafficking. The impact on a victim, including Jane Doe, is not merely physical, it affects one emotionally and psychologically in ways that most cannot begin to understand.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics Division and the Moon Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Juskowich.
This prosecution is part of Operation T.E.N. (Trafficking Ends Now), the United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania’s coalition to end human trafficking. Operation T.E.N. serves as an umbrella coalition for law enforcement, community and non-profit partners in the 25 counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Through this initiative, the US Attorney’s Office is proactively working with local, state and federal law enforcement, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, to identify and prosecute human traffickers and to empower victims to become thriving survivors. This coordinated effort aims to end human trafficking through education, training and improved cooperation, resulting in the successful prosecution of individuals like Juskowich.
Coraopolis Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Coraopolis Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Christopher A. Sennett pleaded guilty to one count of Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on September 26, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Sennett’s residence in Coraopolis, PA, during which the officers seized a computer and Apple iPhone, both of which were found to contain videos and still images of child sexual abuse material. Forensic analysis of the electronic equipment revealed 120 videos and 9 still photographs depicting the sexual exploitation of minor females.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for October 3, 2022, at 1:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Sennett remain on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and other members of the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Christopher A. Sennett.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former McKees Rocks Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 54 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of federal supervised release on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Nehemiah Fisher-Egleston, 28, formerly of McKees Rocks, PA, following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a quantity of heroin, fentanyl, and fluorofentanyl (an analogue of fentanyl) – all of which are scheduled controlled substances under federal law – which occurred from in and around September 2021 and continued through in and around February 2022 in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force investigated drug trafficking activity in Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood (and elsewhere), and beginning in September 2021, as part of that investigation, agents began intercepting the wire and electronic communications of telephones used by codefendants charged in the same indictment as Fisher-Egleston. Through those intercepted communications and other investigative methods, the Government would have proven that codefendants obtained “bricks” (a slang term used to describe 50 individual dosage units containing substances such as heroin, fentanyl, and analogues of fentanyl) which were distributed to Fisher-Egleston. In intercepted communications with other codefendants, Fisher-Egleston expressed his intention to redistribute the “bricks” of heroin, etc., to various individuals in Washington, Pennsylvania. By pleading guilty, Fisher-Egleston admitted to conspiring with other named codefendants to distribute scheduled controlled substances like heroin, fentanyl, and fluorofentanyl.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, which led the multi-agency investigation that also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Probation and Parole Office, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Monroeville Police Department, and Ligonier Township Police Department. The prosecution of Fisher-Egleston was a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Former McKees Rocks Gets Prison for Drug Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 54 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of federal supervised release on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Nehemiah Fisher-Egleston, 28, formerly of McKees Rocks, PA, following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a quantity of heroin, fentanyl, and fluorofentanyl (an analogue of fentanyl) – all of which are scheduled controlled substances under federal law – which occurred from in and around September 2021 and continued through in and around February 2022 in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force investigated drug trafficking activity in Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood (and elsewhere), and beginning in September 2021, as part of that investigation, agents began intercepting the wire and electronic communications of telephones used by codefendants charged in the same indictment as Fisher-Egleston. Through those intercepted communications and other investigative methods, the Government would have proven that codefendants obtained “bricks” (a slang term used to describe 50 individual dosage units containing substances such as heroin, fentanyl, and analogues of fentanyl) which were distributed to Fisher-Egleston. In intercepted communications with other codefendants, Fisher-Egleston expressed his intention to redistribute the “bricks” of heroin, etc., to various individuals in Washington, Pennsylvania. By pleading guilty, Fisher-Egleston admitted to conspiring with other named codefendants to distribute scheduled controlled substances like heroin, fentanyl, and fluorofentanyl.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, which led the multi-agency investigation that also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Probation and Parole Office, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Monroeville Police Department, and Ligonier Township Police Department. The prosecution of Fisher-Egleston was a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Tarentum Man Pleads Guilty in Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Tarentum, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a violation of the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
John William Montgomery, 33, of Tarentum, PA, pleaded guilty to an Indictment charging him, and 26 other codefendants, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Government advised the Court that the prosecution of Montgomery arose out of a two-year investigation into a drug trafficking organization whose members distributed kilograms of cocaine, sourced from Mexico, throughout the United States (in California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere). The Court was advised that co-conspirators obtained kilograms of cocaine in Los Angeles, California, and sent them to the Western District of Pennsylvania (and elsewhere) through the United States Postal Service. In connection with his guilty plea, Montgomery admitted that he received cocaine-laden parcels that were sent by co-conspirators from Los Angeles, California, to the Western District of Pennsylvania, and that he redistributed the kilograms of cocaine to co-conspirators and others. As part his plea, Montgomery admitted that the quantity of cocaine attributable to him, through his conduct and through the conduct of co-conspirators that was reasonably foreseeable to him, was at least 15 kilograms but less than 50 kilograms. The Court was advised that agents seized in excess of 100 kilograms of cocaine during its two-year investigation into the drug trafficking organization, of which Montgomery admitted to being a member.
Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for October 5, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (in Pittsburgh, PA) and the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General led the multi-agency investigation that included members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (in Los Angeles, CA; in Tucson, AZ; in New York, NY; in Nashville, TN; at the Special Operations Division; and in Mexico); the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; the Los Angeles Police Department; the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; the Allegheny County Police Department; the New Castle Police Department; the Monessen Police Department; and the Pennsylvania State Police. This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Three Remaining Defendants Plead Guilty for Their Roles in Extensive Health Care Fraud Conspiracy to Defraud Medicaid Home Care ProgramRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Three residents of the Pittsburgh area pleaded guilty in federal court today for their roles in defrauding the Pennsylvania Medicaid program, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Arlinda Moriarty, 53, of Cranberry, Pennsylvania, her sister Daynelle Dickens, 47, of Pittsburgh, and their uncle Tony Brown, 64, also of Pittsburgh, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Moriarty also pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a scheme to conceal material facts in a health care matter and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to admissions made in connection with the defendants’ guilty pleas, between January 2011 and April 2017, Moriarty, Dickens, and Brown were associated with four related entities controlled by Moriarty—Moriarty Consultants, Inc. (MCI), Activity Daily Living Services, Inc. (ADL), Everyday People Staffing, Inc. (EPS), and Coordination Care, Inc. (CCI). Dickens owned CCI, and Brown was an employee of MCI. MCI, ADL, and CCI were approved under the Pennsylvania Medicaid program to offer certain services to qualifying Medicaid recipients (“consumers”), including personal assistance services (PAS), service coordination, and non-medical transportation, among other services. EPS nominally performed back-office functions for MCI, ADL, and CCI.
Between January 2011 and April 2017, MCI, ADL, and CCI, collectively, received more than $87,000,000 in Medicaid payments based on claims submitted for home health services, with PAS payments accounting for more than $80,000,000 of the total amount. During that time, Moriarty admitted orchestrating a wide-ranging conspiracy to defraud Medicaid for the purpose of obtaining millions of dollars in illegal Medicaid payments through the submission of fraudulent claims for services that were never provided to the consumers identified on the claims, or for which there was insufficient or fabricated documentation to support the claims.
The defendants admitted that the conspiracy and fraud scheme were carried out in a variety of ways. For example, co-conspirators fabricated timesheets to reflect the provision of in-home PAS care that, in fact, they never provided to the consumers identified on timesheets. Members of the conspiracy also paid kickbacks to consumers in exchange for their participation in the scheme. Indeed, Brown admitted paying kickbacks to his then-son-in-law in connection with the submission of fraudulent Medicaid claims stating that Brown had provided in-home care for the son-in-law, when, in fact, he had not. As part of the conspiracy, co-conspirators also caused the submission of
Medicaid claims in the name of “ghost” employees for PAS care that never occurred.Moriarty and Dickens also admitted causing the periodic bulk submission of fraudulent Medicaid claims for so-called “unused” hours—i.e., excess hours of care that consumers had not needed and therefore should not have been billed. Finally, Moriarty admitted that during the course of audits of MCI, ADL, and CCI, she directed the fabrication of various documents for submission to state authorities in an effort to conceal the Medicaid fraud scheme. Among other things, co-conspirators fabricated PAS timesheets, criminal history checks for attendants, child-abuse clearance forms for attendants, and certain consumer affidavits to ensure that files requested as part of the audits appeared complete. During the conspiracy, Moriarty and Dickens received payments from the Moriarty-related companies totaling approximately $1,660,000 and $1,071,000, respectively.
In connection with their guilty pleas, Moriarty, Dickens, and Brown have agreed to pay restitution of $8,700,000, $1,000,000, and $43,113.02, respectively.
A total of 16 defendants were charged in connection with the health care fraud conspiracy and scheme, and 15 have now pleaded guilty. The remaining defendant died during the pendency of the case.
The conspiracy and health care fraud charges each carry a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. The concealment of material facts in relation to a health care matter charge carries a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to run consecutively with any sentence imposed on any other charge and a fine of no more than $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing hearings for Moriarty, Dickens, and Brown on September 28, 2022.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Edward Song are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation of the defendants.
Pittsburgh Felon Pleads to Illegally Possessing a PistolRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Tyrell Johnson, age 32, of the Bon Air section of the City of Pittsburgh, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on August 13, 2020, the defendant possessed a loaded 9mm caliber Taurus pistol while traveling as a passenger in a vehicle. The defendant had four prior felony drug convictions for possession with the intent to deliver controlled substances at the time of the offense.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 12, 2022, at 11:30AM. The law provides for a total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the joint investigation that led to the prosecution of Tyrell Johnson.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Munhall, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of cocaine trafficking and illegal firearm possession, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Shaun Seidling, age 40, pleaded guilty to both counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Seidling arranged to have a kilogram of cocaine mailed to his residence, but postal inspectors seized the package and then executed a search of his residence. There, investigators located items which included the package, additional amounts of cocaine, a 9mm caliber handgun, ammunition for 9mm and .22 caliber firearms, scales and other drug packaging items. Court documents indicate that Seidling has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses which preclude his lawful possession of a firearm or ammunition. One of those convictions was a prior federal conviction for illegally possessing a firearm.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 12, 2022, at 9:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of at least 5 years and up to 50 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Seidling, with valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Southwest PA Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Cocaine PossessionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of southwestern Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years’ imprisonment on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Leonard Jackson, age 45, of Washington, PA and Brownsville, PA.
According to information presented to the Court, Jackson possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Yvonne M. Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Perryopolis Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jackson.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 2½ Years in Prison following Plea to Interstate Stalking and Harassment ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, has pleaded guilty in Pittsburgh yesterday to a charge of interstate stalking and harassment, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today. Sentencing occurred at the same time as the plea.
In connection with the plea and sentencing, the Court was informed that Dev Rimal, age 24, stalked and harassed his victim, including by travelling from Ohio to Pittsburgh to force the victim into his car. The victim jumped from the moving vehicle. Rimal, while subject to a Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse Order (PFA), also used social media accounts to threaten to kill and harm the victim and her family and friends.
United States District Judge Stephanie Haines sentenced Rimal to 30 months’ imprisonment and 36 months of supervised release, with the firstsix months to be served on home incarceration with electronic monitoring. .
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Whitehall Borough Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the charge against Rimal.
Two Charged with Sex Trafficking Adult Women in Pennsylvania, Florida and TexasRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A man from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a woman from Kensington, Maryland, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges related to sex trafficking, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The five-count Indictment, returned on May 19 and unsealed today, named Philip Walker, a/k/a Phillip Walker, a/k/a Sean, a/k/a Sean Santana, a/k/a Money, 36, and Anjali Lindsey, 22, as defendants.
According to the Indictment, from in and around November 2019 to April 2022, Walker and Lindsey conspired to commit sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud or coercion, on adult females, known to the Grand Jury, causing these adult females to engage in commercial sex acts. The conspiracy charges that their conduct occurred in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas. Walker and Lindsey are also charged with interstate travel or transmission, using the internet and cell phones, in aid of the prostitution business.
Further, Walker is separately charged with two counts of sex trafficking two different adult females, known to the Grand Jury, using force, threats of force, fraud or coercion to cause them to engage in commercial sex acts. He is also charged with inducing and enticing of one of these adult females to travel from Ohio to Pennsylvania with the intent that the adult female engage in prostitution.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence, as to Walker, of not less than 15 years to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000.00 or both. As to Lindsey, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics Division, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
The sex trafficking charges in the indictment concern specific victims. Additional members of the public who may have information about Walker and Lindsey’s involvement in sex trafficking are encouraged to call the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office at (412) 432-4000.
This prosecution is part of Operation T.E.N. (Trafficking Ends Now). Operation T.E.N. serves as an umbrella coalition for law enforcement, community, and non-profit partners in the 25 counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania. This coordinated effort aims to end human trafficking through education and improved cooperation across agencies and service providers, thereby enhancing the office’s ability to empower victims of human trafficking to become thriving survivors.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Dubois Man Pleads Guilty in Meth Ring Operating in Clearfield, Jefferson and Allegheny CountiesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Dubois, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Brent Coder, age 55, pleaded guilty to three counts related to the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Coder was one of 47 defendants charged in six related indictments as part of the Return to Sender investigation.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on August 19, 2020, Coder sold another individual two ounces of methamphetamine for $2,300. On September 17, 2020, Coder was stopped by Pennsylvania State Police troopers on the way to a drug transaction, and 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine was seized from his vehicle. Coder consented to a search of his residence, and an additional quantity of methamphetamine and a handgun were seized. Finally, on August 31, 2021, federal agents seized over 400 grams of methamphetamine and four firearms during a search of Coder’s residence.
Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for September 13, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered the defendant remain in custody.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout
the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.Perryopolis Man Indicted on Charges Involving the Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Perryopolis, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges involving the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The two-count Indictment, returned on May 18, 2022, and unsealed today, named Sean Ryan McKenzie, 37, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on June 8, 2021, McKenzie attempted to and did use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct. Further, the Indictment alleges that on March 1, 2022, McKenzie knowingly possessed visual depictions, namely, videos and images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of minors, including prepubescent minors who have not attained 12 years of age, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
For the charge of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, the law provides for a sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. For the charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, the maximum penalty is a term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations—Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
McKeesport Felon Charged with Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of city/stateMcKeesport, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on May 19, named Ramon Howard, age 36, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, on or about February 11, 2022, Howard possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
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 in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Florida Man Charged with Operating a “Grandparent Scam” in the Pittsburgh AreaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Florida has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The two-count Indictment, returned on May 19, named Adrian Orozco Perez, 25, currently detained at the Walton County Jail in Monroe, GA, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, in February 2022, the defendant traveled to the Pittsburgh area to execute a scheme to defraud targeting elderly victims. To execute the scheme, members of the conspiracy called the victims, posed as an attorney, and falsely represented that one of the victim’s relatives, typically a grandchild, had been incarcerated and needed money for bail and legal fees. The defendant then posed as a courier or bail bondsman, visited the victims at their homes, and collected the fraudulently obtained money. Perez engaged in similar conduct in Georgia and Tennessee.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police, and Walton County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty in Drug and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Tracey Phillips, 36, formerly of the City’s Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around June 2013, and continuing thereafter to on or about March 19, 2014, Phillips conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least five but less than 15 kilograms of cocaine and at least three but less than 10 kilograms or more of heroin. Additionally, from in and around June 2013, and continuing thereafter to on or about March 19, 2014, Phillips conspired with others to knowingly conduct and attempt to conduct financial transactions involving property representing the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2022, at 1:45 pm The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine of not more than $10,500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater, 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 Charles A. Eberle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation led the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tracey Phillips.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Three Defendants Plead Guilty to Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracies Targeting Federally Funded Meal Programs for Underprivileged YouthRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Two residents of Texas and a resident of Tennessee pleaded guilty in federal court this week for their roles in defrauding federally funded meal programs, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Charles Simpson, 44, and Paige Jackson, 30, both of Dallas, Texas, as well as Tanisha Jackson, 49, of Memphis, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Simpson and Tanisha Jackson also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.
During Simpson’s, Tanisha Jackson’s, and Paige Jackson’s plea hearings on May 18 and 19, 2022, the defendants admitted, among other things, that they controlled and operated HOIN, Inc. (HOIN), a Texas-based non-profit organization. The defendants caused HOIN (a/k/a“Helping Others In Need) to enroll as a “sponsor” in two programs funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the purpose of providing meals to underprivileged youth—the Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) (collectively, the feeding programs). CACFP funded after-school meal service during the school year, while SFSP operated in the summer months. In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PADOE) administered the USDA-funded feeding programs. Each defendant further admitted having previously been excluded from participating in the feeding programs in other states.
As part of the conspiracy, Simpson and Tanisha Jackson caused the submission of false enrollment documentation to PADOE on behalf of HOIN in connection with its participation in CACFP and SFSP between 2015 and 2019. Among other misrepresentations, HOIN’s applications to PADOE used aliases for Simpson and Tanisha Jackson as a means to obscure their involvement and falsely certified that none of its principals had been excluded from the feeding programs. The defendants further admitted causing HOIN to submit reimbursement claims for hundreds of thousands of meals that were never served to eligible children by either inflating the number of meals that, in fact, were served, or by seeking reimbursements for meals purportedly served on days on which the identified feeding site was not operating at all. To conceal their fraudulent conduct and justify HOIN’s claimed meal service, Simpson and Tanisha Jackson admitted submitting fabricated documents to PADOE in connection with periodic program reviews, and Tanisha Jackson admitted that on certain occasions she would impersonate Paige Jackson, her daughter, in interactions with PADOE. Likewise, Paige Jackson admitted that she used a fictitious name in dealings with PADOE. In total, PADOE issued reimbursement payments to HOIN in excess of approximately $4 million between 2015 and 2019.
In connection with the money laundering conspiracy, Simpson and Tanisha Jackson also admitted engaging in numerous financial transactions involving the proceeds of the fraud. Specifically, Simpson and Tanisha Jackson admitted spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in HOIN reimbursements on shopping sprees at high-end apparel stores, personal air travel and lodging, and the acquisition of at least nine luxury vehicles, including a Bentley, two Land Rovers, two Maseratis, two Mercedes, a Hummer, and a Porsche. Simpson and Tanisha Jackson also withdrew cash from HOIN bank accounts in excess of $10,000 on more than a dozen occasions.
In connection with their guilty pleas, Simpson and Tanisha Jackson have agreed to pay restitution to USDA totaling $1,500,000, and Paige Jackson has agreed to pay restitution of approximately $190,000. Simpson and Tanisha Jackson have each also agreed to forfeit approximately $427,000.Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years and a fine not more than the greater of $250,000 or an alternative fine in an amount not more than the greater of twice the gross pecuniary gain to any person or twice the pecuniary loss to any person other than the defendant. Likewise, the money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years and a fine of not more than $250,000 or an alternative fine of not more than twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved in the relevant transactions. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Nicole Vasquez Schmitt are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation of the defendants in this case.
Monessen Woman Sentenced to Prison for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A former resident of Monessen, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release on her conviction of five counts of mail fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Amanda Fairfax, age 37.
In order to combat the devastating impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the United States, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law. The CARES Act created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program, which provided unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits. Individuals are eligible for PUA if they were unemployed due to the pandemic and could accept a job if one were offered
According to information presented to the court, between June and July 2020, Fairfax knowingly filed claims for PUA benefits on behalf of five individuals, all of which contained fraudulent statements. The U.S. Postal Service transported the resulting benefits to two addresses associated with Fairfax. In total, Fairfax fraudulently obtained $66,240.00 over the course of her scheme.
As part of the sentence imposed, the defendant was also ordered to pay a special assessment of $500 and restitution in the amount of $66,240.00.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the United States Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General and the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Amanda Fairfax.
Houston, Texas, Man Played Role in Large Meth Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced today.
Diego Zamudio, age 24, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Zamudio was one of 47 defendants charged in six related indictments as part of the Return to Sender investigation.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on April 21, 2021, investigators received information that couriers were transporting a large amount of methamphetamine from Houston, Texas, to Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. Investigators obtained a search warrant and seized over ten kilograms of pure methamphetamine from a truck parked in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn located in Clearfield County. Investigators determined that the methamphetamine was destined for a residence in Clearfield County. Upon further investigation, investigators determined that Zamudio directed the transport of over 40 kilograms of methamphetamine to the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Zamudio on August 25, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain out on bond.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Pittsburgh Felon Admits Illegally Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Douglas Wright, age 41 pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Wright, a convicted felon, possessed firearms and ammunition. The defendant directed a “crack” addict to purchase two firearms for him. He also admitted to acquiring a third from that same individual. The ATF recovered two of the three firearms. The defendant admitted to throwing the third firearm out of a vehicle because he believed that law enforcement intended to conduct a traffic stop on him while the firearm was in his possession. Possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon is prohibited under federal law.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for September 7, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wright.
DuBois, PA Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of DuBois, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
William R. Mumma, 32, pleaded guilty to a one-count Information before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on or about Oct. 26, 2017, to on or about Sept. 12, 2018, Mumma possessed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for September 14, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mumma.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
California Man Pleads Guilty in Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Michael Wright pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Wright, age 44 of San Diego, California, pled guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan. Judge Horan scheduled sentencing to occur on September 7, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 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 Farrell Police Department, the Mercer Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office led the investigation that resulted in the conviction in this case.
U.s. Attorney Chung Joins Attorney General Garland in Recognizing Police WeekRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH— In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Cindy Chung will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
“The men and women who protect our communities have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives to guarantee our safety,” stated U.S. Attorney Chung. “We here at the USAO could not do our work without the hard work, collaboration, and sharing of information from our Western Pennsylvania law enforcement partners. Our Chiefs, deputies, troopers, and officers not only react to crime but disrupt and de-escalate tense and potentially violent situations. They also engage with their communities to build positive relationships with the citizens they serve.”
U.S. Attorney Chung today visited the Western Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Officer Memorial on Pittsburgh’s North Shore to place a wreath in honor of those who have sacrificed their lives for their communities. She also presented commendations to officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and tactical medics involved in de-escalation efforts. On May 19th, U.S. Attorney Chung will visit the Warren County Sheriff’s Department to honor a Deputy Sheriff for de-escalating a standoff stemming from a domestic violence incident. Later that evening, she will attend the Beaver County Police Memorial Ceremony Candlelight Vigil at sundown. On May 20th in the morning, she will recognize four individuals involved in the investigation and prosecution of a Brownsville man for producing and possessing images of his sexual assault of children.
“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021. Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19.
Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year. In 2021, unprovoked attacks[1] were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program.
The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial were read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.
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[1] An unprovoked attack is defined as an attack on an officer not prompted by official contact at the time of the incident between the officer and the offender. Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program.
Pittsburgh Drug Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court on Friday to 37 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction for charges of violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Timothy Robinson age 26, formerly of the Brighton Heights section of the City of Pittsburgh.
According to the information presented to the court, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers observed a picture on social media that depicted Robinson holding a firearm with an extended magazine. Officers recognized the decoration of the hotel room where the photo was taken and proceeded to that hotel. They seized a stolen firearm equipped with an extended magazine during a search of the hotel room, and Robinson admitted that the firearm was his. Robinson is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony drug conviction.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Robinson.
25 Indicted in Erie-Based Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – Twenty-five people - twenty residents of Erie, Pennsylvania, a resident of Meadville, Pennsylvania, a resident of New Jersey, a resident of Orlando, Florida, and two residentsof Puerto Rico - have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The seven-count Indictment returned on May 10, 2022, and unsealed yesterday named:
Miguel Antonio Pabon Rivera, 27, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Eric Suarez Robles, 42, of Orlando, Florida;
Victor Felix Ogando De Leon, 27, of San Juan, Puerto Rico;
Limarys Quiles Negron, 23, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Pedro Rosado Ortiz, 29, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Enrique Cotto, 58, of Vineland, New Jersey;
Maria Del Pilar Rivera, 55, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Gloria Marie Robles Gonzalez, 23, of Manati, Puerto Rico;
Felix Jimenez Lopez, 25, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Kechawn Jabre Douglas, 24, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Vincent Andrew Feliciano, 31, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Luis Anthony Lopez, 25, of Meadville, Pennsylvania;
Jamir Marcel Feliciano, 23, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Alexander Feliciano, 37, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Tymeen Deltuan Williams, 30, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Peter Daniel Gambill, Jr., 24, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Dikwan Onnyx Plott, 24, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Ashliannie Zayas Agosto, 25, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
William David Condon, Jr., 33, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Maurice Ali Fortune, Jr., 20, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Isaiah Jechaun Camp, 22, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Dante Lashawn Husband, 30, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Quincy Aaron McCloud, 23, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
Tina Marie Defoy, 46, of Erie, Pennsylvania; and
Shana Latrice Mathis, 29, of Erie, Pennsylvania.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, Miguel Rivera, Eric Suarez, Victor De Leon, and others engaged in an inter-territorial, multi-kilogram, cocaine distribution conspiracy that extended between the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Middle District of Florida, the District of Puerto Rico, and elsewhere from in and around January 2020 and continuing thereafter to in and around May 2022. From in and around February 2020, and continuing thereafter to in and around May 2022, Miguel Rivera and Eric Suarez engaged in interstate money laundering transactions intended to promote the conspiracy and conceal the proceeds of the conspiracy.
The Indictment further alleges that Kechawn Douglas, Vincent Feliciano, Luis Lopez, Jamir Feliciano, Tymeen Williams, and others engaged in a conspiracy to distribute multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, hundreds of grams of fentanyl, and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine within the Western District of Pennsylvania from in and around February 2022 and continuing thereafter to in or around May 2022. During this time, Vincent Feliciano and Luis Lopez traveled from Pennsylvania to Arizona to facilitate a business enterprise involving the distribution of illegal narcotics in Pennsylvania including four hundred grams or more of fentanyl. In addition, multiple defendants, to include Isaiah Camp, Dante Husband, Quincy McCloud, and Luis Lopez, were involved in the distribution of fifty grams or more of methamphetamine.
“These charges are the result of tremendous effort and collaboration among the FBI, and our law enforcement partners, including the City of Erie Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service, Erie County District Attorney’s Drug Taskforce, Erie County Detectives, and the Titusville, Millcreek, Oil City and Franklin Police Departments.” said United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung. “The law-abiding, hard-working people of Erie deserve safe streets and peaceful neighborhoods. Through the collaboration of the agencies represented here today, we have dismantled a dangerous drug trafficking organization operating in Erie County.”
“These arrests disrupted a criminal conspiracy that posed a tremendous threat to the city,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Our message is clear- illegal drugs and the violence they often bring with them have no place in this community. I am extremely proud of the collaborative efforts put forth by the dedicated personnel of my office and the partners on the FBI’s EAGLE Task Force. We are committed to working side by side with our state, local and federal partners to rid our communities of violent drug offenders and the destruction their activities create.”
“The Pennsylvania State Police is always honored to cooperate in joint investigations with our municipal and federal partners,” said Captain Kirk Reese of the Pennsylvania State Police Troop E. “We appreciate the support of the public as we interrupt their daily routines to seek justice and enforce the laws of the Commonwealth. We hope the arrests made in this investigation help to improve the quality of life for all.”
“The Erie Police department is proud to work together with all our partnering agencies on this important investigation,” said Erie Police Chief Daniel Spizarny Sr. “Taking down large drug organizations such as this one requires multiple resources that no one agency can do alone. Working together makes our community safe and secure.”
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both for De Leon, Negron, Ortiz, Cotto, Maria Rivera, Gonzalez, Felix Lopez, Plott and Fortune; a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,500,000, or both for Miguel Rivera and Robles; a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $15,000,000, or both for Douglas; a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,010,000, or both for Jamir Feliciano and Gambill; a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,000, or both for Alexander Feliciano, Defoy and Mathis; a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $5,010,000, or both for Williams and Condon; a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000 for Camp, Husband and McCloud; a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $15,260,000 for Vincent Feliciano; and a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $20,260,000 for both for Luis Lopez. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE), Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of investigators from the FBI, the Erie Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Oil City Police Department, the Titusville Police Department, the Franklin Police Department, and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case in coordination with the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Erie County Detectives, and the Millcreek 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, FBI, Erie Police Department, Erie County District Attorney’s office, Erie County Detectives, United States Postal Inspection Service, the EAGLE Task Force, and other participating agencies.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Californians Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Tech-Support Scam Targeting Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - Two residents of Santa Ana, California, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy relating to their participation in a scheme to defraud elderly victims in the United States.
The two-count Indictment, returned on April 26, 2022, and unsealed today, named Thien Phuc Tran, 32, and Ton Huynh Bui, 29, both of Santa Ana, CA, as defendants. The brothers-in-law were arrested today in Santa Ana and will make their initial appearances this afternoon in federal court in the Central District of California.
According to the Indictment, from December 2020 to December 2021, Tran and Bui participated in a multi-million-dollar conspiracy to defraud elderly persons residing in the Western District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere. As alleged, members of the conspiracy contacted potential victims on their computers through pop-up messages falsely purporting to be from reputable technology companies, convinced victims that their financial accounts had been compromised and that their funds needed to be moved, and subsequently gained control over the victims’ computers and personal funds. Members of the conspiracy also allegedly used stolen personally identifiable information (PII) from additional unwitting victims to open financial accounts and create email addresses to receive and move the proceeds of the fraud. Conspirators also converted stolen victim funds to cryptocurrency, and moved money through multiple accounts, including accounts affiliated with the defendants, in an attempt to conceal their fraudulent activities. The Indictment alleges that one victim in the Western District of Pennsylvania was caused to liquidate retirement accounts totaling $1,288,073.
“The Department of Justice prioritizes protecting the elderly from all types of financial crime,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “Members of the alleged conspiracy in this case preyed on this vulnerable population by convincing victims that their personal funds were not secure and needed to be moved to other accounts controlled by the defendants. My office will continue to seek justice for these victims and hold accountable those who would perpetrate fraudulent schemes against the elderly. Indeed, one of the best ways to prevent financial fraud is to educate yourself about the many types of scams.”
“Cyber criminals are targeting our aging population at an ever-increasing rate,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “This conspiracy targeted members of the senior population in western Pennsylvania and across the United States. In some cases, these criminals have stolen the life savings of unsuspecting and trusting seniors through social engineering, computer intrusions and other means. The FBI will continue to work to put an end to these types of cyber schemes and help prevent our senior citizen population from becoming victims.”
“Cryptocurrencies are increasingly being used to facilitate illicit activities,” said U.S. Secret Service Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Timothy Burke. “We are proud to work with our partners to investigate schemes like those charged in the indictment. At the Secret Service we are committed to keeping pace with innovations in the financial system as we continue to safeguard Americans from fraud and other illicit activities.”
Millions of older Americans lose money to financial fraud and scams each year. Scammers will try to contact victims in person, on the phone, through the computer, radio, TV ads, email and text message. They often pressure targets to act quickly. But everyone has the power to stop scammers and the right to say “No.”
Six of the most common scams affecting older Americans are:
• Tech Support: Scammers pose as tech support and offer to fix computer problems that are not real. They ask targets to give them access to their computer and steal their personal information.
• Posing as Utility Companies: The scammer threatens to shut off utility service if a payment is not made immediately.
• Online Shopping: Scammers pretend to be a real business but have a fake website or a fake ad on a genuine retailer’s site.
• Business Imposters: Scammers send emails or text messages pretending to be a major retailer to get your money or personal information.
• Government Impersonation: Scammers pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute targets unless they agree to pay an amount claimed to be owed to the government.
• Romance Scams: Scammers pose as interested romantic partners and convince targets to give them money for various fictitious reasons.The best way to avoid being exploited is to NEVER give out personal or financial information over the telephone or by email or text in response to a solicitation. Victims of financial fraud are encouraged to call the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
To learn about types of financial scams visit www.consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts or www.elderjustice.gov/senior-scam-alert.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Stephen R. Kaufman are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Indictment Charges Two with Violating Federal Drug LawsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - Two former residents of Erie, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The four-count Superseding Indictment named Jose Anibal Martinez, Jr., 34 and David Michael Sullivan, 43, as defendants.
According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the court, on or about November 5, 2021, Martinez and Sullivan conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than fifty grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. In addition, on or about July 16, 2021, Martinez possessed with intent to distribute and distributed more than fifty grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. On March 16, 2022, Martinez possessed with intent to distribute more than forty grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and more than one hundred grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 120 years in prison, a fine of $15,000,000, or both for Martinez and a maximum total sentence of 80 years in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both for Sullivan. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE) task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Erie Bureau of Police, the Oil City Police Department, the Franklin Police Department, and the Titusville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A Superseding Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Corsica Official Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding the Borough of More than $300,000Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh to 21 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release on her conviction of wire fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Nora Berry Fischer imposed the sentence on Tammy Laird, 49, of Corsica, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, from January 2009 through August 2017, while Laird was employed as the Secretary and Treasurer of Corsica Borough, she defrauded the borough of more than $300,000 by issuing checks from the borough’s bank accounts to her father, her husband, and herself, by extracting funds from the borough’s bank accounts to pay personal expenses and credit card bills, and by making personal purchases on the borough’s business account at Staples. To hide her activity, Laird supplied the Corsica Borough Council and state auditors with altered bank statements and other falsified financial documentation. In 2020, Laird entered a guilty plea to all 26 counts of wire fraud charged.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer stated that although Laird had demonstrated remorse and post-conviction rehabilitation efforts, she had perpetrated a multi-year fraud upon the borough, a small community with very limited operating funds, and as such, she deserved a sentence of imprisonment commensurate with the significant financial harm caused. Judge Fischer further ordered Laird to pay restitution to Corsica Borough in the amount of $265,200.79.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Laird.
Erie Convenience Store Owner Sentenced for Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 2 years probation and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $52,236.68 on his conviction of food stamp fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Bader Al-Dhumani, 57, 836 East 11th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2015 to in and around April 2020, Al-Dhumani, who is the owner and operator of Palm Tree Market in Erie, committed food stamp fraud by accepting food stamps for cash, store credit, and ineligible items. Al-Dhumani also took possession of customers’ PA Access Cards so that he could use the customers’ food stamp benefits at other stores to purchase inventory for his store.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Al-Dhumani.
Imperial, PA Daycare Operator Pleads Guilty to Failing to Account for and Pay over TaxesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Imperial, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of failing to account for and pay over payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Rebecca Lynn Boyce, age 43, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nicholas Ranjan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from at least 2006 through at least 2019, Boyce owned and operated Cutie Patootie Daycare, a childcare center in Imperial, Pennsylvania. During that period, Cutie Patootie employed staff and withheld payroll taxes from the paychecks of its employees. Cutie Patootie was required to pay over payroll taxes to the IRS on a periodic basis and was required to account for payroll taxes by filing with the IRS on a quarterly basis Form 941, an Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return. Boyce failed to pay over payroll taxes to the IRS and failed to file any Forms 941 from the quarter ending March 31, 2015, through the quarter ending December 31, 2018. Boyce was informed of her obligation to file Forms 941 and make payroll tax payments during IRS audit and collections activities that preceded the periods charged in the Indictment. Boyce agreed to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $299,830.20, plus interest.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for September 20, 2022. The law provides for a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney David Lew is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
South Hills Pharmacist Sentenced to Prison for Prescription Drug Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Venetia, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to one year in prison, two years of supervised release, a fine of $10,000, and ordered to pay $649,524 in restitution on his conviction of obtaining controlled substances by fraud, misbranding of drugs, and health care fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David Steward Cercone imposed the sentence on Timothy W. Forester, 46.
Forester pled guilty on September 17, 2021. Forester owned and operated four pharmacies in the Pittsburgh region. Forester would order scheduled narcotics, mostly oxycodone and hydrocodone, from suppliers, intercept those deliveries, falsify pharmacy inventories and transport the drugs to his residence, where he would consume them. In addition, Forester would place labels for brand named drugs on bottles of generic drugs, and bill insurance companies and customers as if the drugs were the higher priced brand drugs. Finally, he would change the computer billing codes for drugs to falsely represent to payors that the drugs were brand, resulting in a much higher reimbursement.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation leading to the filing of charges in this case was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, which combines personnel and resources from the following agencies to combat the growing prescription opioid epidemic: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun Possession a Gun and Dealing Fentanyl/Cocaine MixtureRead the Press Release
PITTBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotic and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Hazeon Kidd, age 21 of the City’s Highland Park neighborhood, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on May 13, 2021, there was a shooting in Clairton, and Allegheny County Police detectives responded. They were following a separate vehicle, which had a brief interaction with a red Kia automobile occupied by four individuals. When the detectives drove by the Kia, which was parked, one of the detectives saw Jamiel Green and recognized him as someone who was wanted. Green had two outstanding warrants. The detectives then got out of their car and approached the Kia on foot. As they approached, Green got of the vehicle and began to run. A detective tased him and found a gun on his person. Green is a felon and therefore precluded under federal law from possessing a firearm.
When the detectives went back to the vehicle, they observed multiple firearms in plain view. Each of the three remaining occupants of the red Kia had a loaded firearm. Kidd was not a felon, but he admitted that he is a regular user of marijuana and was smoking on the day of the arrest. Users of illegal narcotics are not permitted under federal law to possess firearms.
Also found on Kidd’s person was what later laboratory results confirmed was thirteen grams of a fentanyl and cocaine mixture. The detectives also found more than $10,000 in the vehicle and other evidence indicating that the occupants were involved in drug trafficking. Kidd was arrested that day and he was released on bond. The conditions of bond included, among other conditions, that the defendant not violate any federal law.
Despite that condition, the defendant continued to sell fentanyl and cocaine. The North Huntington Police Department developed a confidential informant who indicated that he regularly purchased drugs from an individual later identified as the defendant. The confidential informant, working under the direction of the North Huntington Police Department contacted the defendant via cell phone and arranged for a three-gram purchase for $600. Ultimately, the transaction occurred outside of a hotel room and the detective was able to observe the transaction. Directly after the transaction, officers arrested Kidd. Kidd was in possession of the pre-recorded buy money and the cell phone he used to arrange for the transaction. The State Police laboratory determined that substance purchase from Kidd was a fentanyl and cocaine mixture, and that the weight was approximately three grams.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for August 24, 2022, at 1:45 p.m.. The law provides for a term of imprisonment not more than 45 years in prison, a fine of $2,250,000, or both.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Allegheny County Police Department and the North Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kidd.
Heroin Dealer Goes Back to Prison for Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A federal felon has been sentenced in federal court to an additional one year and one day of incarceration in the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for violating his supervised release, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jamar Lorenzo Harper, age 41, of Homestead, PA 15120.
According to court documents, Harper previously served a 10-year federal prison sentence for his involvement in heroin trafficking. Information presented to the court indicated that on Dec. 7, 2021, Harper went to his former girlfriend’s house and entered without her permission. While there, he struck her in the face and head, causing swelling, bleeding, cuts and scratches before stealing her purse. The victim was treated for her injuries by local EMS and at area hospitals.
The victim did not want to pursue the assault charges filed by the Jeannette Police Department, so they were dismissed in Westmoreland County. Despite this, federal prosecutors sought Harper’s incarceration for violating his federal supervision. Facing a federal violation guideline range between 51 and 63 months, the Defendant agreed to admit his actions and requested that Judge Bissoon impose the agreed-upon sentence. The defendant told the Court that he apologized to the victim for “putting my hands” on her, indicated that he was taking anger management classes in jail, and stated that he believed the agreed-upon sentence to be appropriate for his regrettable actions.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon considered the victim’s request that the defendant not be sentenced to prison and stated that after taking a “holistic” view of the entire matter, the sentence imposed was sufficient, but not greater than necessary. Judge Bisson also ordered the United States Probation Office to supervise the Defendant for six years after he is released from the BOP and ordered Harper to pay $8,162.50 for the victim’s medical bills.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Jeannette Police Department and the United States Probation Office for their work leading to the successful prosecution of Harper.
Blawnox Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Blawnox, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release on his conviction for possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Michael Marlette, 56.
According to information presented to the court, on August 19, 2018, investigators with Homeland Security Investigations and the Blawnox Police Department executed a federal search and seizure warrant at Marlette’s residence. Investigators seized numerous electronic devices from the residence. A subsequent search of Marlette’s electronic devices revealed approximately 9,746 images and 291 videos that depicted child pornography.
Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Stickman referenced the seriousness of the offense and the number of victims in Marlette’s child pornography collection.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Blawnox Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Marlette.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Two Federal Prison Inmates Charged with Possessing and Attempting to Possess Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Ross Landfried and David Curran were indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for prison contraband crimes, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The Indictment charges Landfried, age 40, formerly of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, and Curran, age 39, formerly of Pittsburgh, with possessing and attempting to obtain contraband while in federal prison between July 2017 and January 2019. The Indictment states that the contraband was a Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substance.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Under States 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 Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service - Crimoinal Investigation, the federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Distributing Images and Videos of the Sexual Abuse of MinorsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years’ imprisonment and 10 years’ supervised release on his conviction of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Shawn O’Brien, age 51, of the City’s South Side neighborhood.
According to information presented to the court, from May 17, 2016, to May 18, 2016, O’Brien knowingly distributed images and videos in computer graphics files, which depicted the sexual exploitation of minors to individuals with whom he was communicating over the KIK Messenger software application. Agents of the FBI seized numerous electronic devices from O’Brien’s residence during the execution of a federal search warrant. Forensic analysis of the contents of the electronic devices revealed that O’Brien was in possession of more than 1200 still images and 23 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, many of whom were under the age of 12 years.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that a five-year term of imprisonment reflected the very serious nature of the criminal conduct and O’Brien’s acceptance of responsibility.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County District Attorney Investigations Unit, the Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of O’Brien.
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.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl and Heroin and Illegally Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTBURGH, PA -- A resident of Rankin, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearm and narcotic laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Royal Lee Griffin, age 32, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman in connection with two instances.
In the first matter, the court was advised that on August 24, 2018, Griffin possessed two firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Also on August 24, 2018, Griffin possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin. Those offenses were uncovered after a search of his person and the vehicle he occupied by the White Oak Police Department.
In the second matter, the Court was advised that Allegheny County Police detectives working on a violence suppression detail observed Griffin in the Mon View Heights housing complex concealing a firearm. When the detectives approached Griffin, they found the firearm on Griffin’s person. Griffin has multiple felony convictions, including Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Carrying Firearms Without a License, and escape, and he is therefore precluded from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for September 15, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a term of imprisonment not more than ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Allegheny County Police, White Oak Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Griffin.
Uniontown Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Production and Attempted Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The 13-count Indictment named David Straitiff, age 48, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on April 4, 2010; July 5, 2010; January 3, 2011; January 21, 2011; January 25, 2011; February 2, 2011; February 3, 2011; February 15, 2011; June 12, 2012; June 29, 2012; and July 2, 2012, Straitiff persuaded and coerced Minor A, a minor female known to the grand jury, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. The grand jury further alleges that on June 1, 2021, and December 17, 2021, Straitiff knowingly possessed visual depictions, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years, nor more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $3,250,000 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 Karen Gal-Or is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Uniontown Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Production and Attempted Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The 13-count Indictment named David Straitiff, age 48, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on April 4, 2010; July 5, 2010; January 3, 2011; January 21, 2011; January 25, 2011; February 2, 2011; February 3, 2011; February 15, 2011; June 12, 2012; June 29, 2012; and July 2, 2012, Straitiff persuaded and coerced Minor A, a minor female known to the grand jury, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. The grand jury further alleges that on June 1, 2021, and December 17, 2021, Straitiff knowingly possessed visual depictions, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years, nor more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $3,250,000 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. Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known
Assistant United States Attorney Karen Gal-Or is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Pittsburgh-Area Men Charged with Prison Contraband CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Omari Patton and Dashawn Burley were indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for prison contraband crimes, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The Indictment charges Patton, age 43, formerly of Pittsburgh, and Burley, age 23, of Monroeville, with multiple counts of providing, or attempting to provide, contraband to an inmate of a federal prison in September and October 2018. The Indictment also charges Patton with multiple counts of possessing, and attempting to obtain, contraband while in federal prison in September 2018. The Indictment states that the contraband was a Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substance.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,250,000. Under the Under States 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 Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Inmate Pleads and is Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Possessing a Prohibited Object in PrisonRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An inmate at Cambria County Prison pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison, and immediately following, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Peter Augustus Wright, 43, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, on October 22, 2020, Wright, while an inmate at Moshannon Valley Correctional Center, possessed a cellular telephone, as well as, a six-inch sharpened toothbrush, a weapon.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Ms. Chung commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Wright.
Cameroonian Citizen Sentenced for Online Pet Purchasing ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Cameroonian national was sentenced today to 21 months in prison and two years of supervised release for his role in a scheme to trick American consumers into paying fees for pets that were never delivered and for using the COVID-19 crisis as an excuse to extract higher fees from victims.
“The Department of Justice will pursue criminals anywhere in the world when they target and exploit American consumers through fraud schemes, including when they take advantage of the circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We appreciate our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the FBI, as well as the assistance from Romanian law enforcement in arresting and extraditing this defendant.”
Desmond Fodje Bobga, 29, was extradited to the United States from Romania in April 2021. According to court documents, from approximately June 2018 to approximately June 2020, Bobga conspired with others to offer pets for sale on internet websites. He and others communicated by text message and email with potential victims to induce purchases. Following each purchase, Bobga and co-conspirators claimed that a transportation company would deliver the pet and provided a false tracking number for the pet. Bobga and his co-conspirators, posing as the transportation company, then claimed the pet transport was delayed and that the victim needed to pay additional money for delivery of the pet.
Bobga and co-conspirators told some victims that they needed to pay more money for delivery because the pet had been exposed to COVID-19. The perpetrators used false promises and bogus documents regarding shipping fees and COVID-19 exposure to extract successive payments from victims. Once Bobga and the co-conspirators received money directly and indirectly through wire communications from the victims, they never delivered any pets.
“While many people came together to support each other during the pandemic, this defendant chose to use COVID-19 as a means to defraud the victims in this matter and he will now serve a prison sentence to answer for that crime,” said U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung. “Our office remains committed to addressing all types of fraud committed in relation to the pandemic.”
"Mr. Bobga was a scam artist, plain and simple," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. "He exploited those who were looking for comfort during the COVID pandemic and cashed in at their expense. The FBI is firmly committed to holding fraudsters like Mr. Bobga accountable."
The FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. Law enforcement authorities in Romania,
including the Romanian National Police, Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and the Cluj Brigade for Combating Organized Crime, provided significant cooperation.Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Cook for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Wei Xiang of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866‑720‑5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted for Early March Robbery Spree, Firearms Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of robbery, attempted robbery, and firearms violations, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The nine-count Indictment named Eric Jones, 32, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Jones committed four robberies and attempted robberies from March 6, 2022, until March 15, 2022. Specifically, on March 6, 2022, Jones is alleged to have committed a robbery at the Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakmont. Jones is also accused of committing a robbery at a Sunoco gas station and convenience store in Verona on March 10, 2022. On March 15, 2022, Jones is accused of attempting to rob a Family Dollar on Frankstown Road in Pittsburgh, and the Edgewood Avenue Express in Edgewood. The Indictment further alleges that Jones discharged a firearm during three of those robberies, and brandished a firearm in connection with another. Jones also is also accused of possessing a semiautomatic pistol from March 6, 2022 until March 19, 2022.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $2,225,000 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 Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation was the result of a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Oakmont Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Edgewood Police Department, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Jamaican Wedding Trip Lands Felon Back in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood neighborhood and current resident of the suburb of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in prison for violating his federal supervised release, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Kevin Carter, age 50, of MacFarlane Drive, Penn Hills, PA 15235.
According to information presented to the court, Carter was released from federal prison on January 19, 2018, after serving 168 months for multiple federal heroin trafficking crimes. He was found to have travelled outside western Pennsylvania without permission when a Pennsylvania State Trooper stopped him as he was driving back from New Jersey on March 3, 2021. Then, on April 7, 2021, Carter was stopped by a Pittsburgh Police Officer for driving a motorcycle while holding a three-year-old child on the tank. In addition to not having a helmet or eye protection for himself or the child, Carter was found to be driving without registration, insurance, or a motorcycle license while he possessed a small amount of marijuana.
When Carter obtained a passport and booked a flight to Jamaica to attend his cousin’s wedding, the Court issued a warrant and he was arrested shortly before boarding the flight to Montego Bay on March 17, 2022. Records showed that Carter had actually had his girlfriend book many additional airline trips in order to hide them from the Court. Specifically, evidence during the April 26, 2022, court hearing revealed that Carter took at least 14 trips to various out-of-state locations including Las Vegas, Disney World and Los Angeles, between his 2018 release from prison and the March 17, 2022, flight that resulted in his arrest.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan rejected the defendant’s request for a sentence of time served and instead sentenced him to 24 months of incarceration, a sentence within the guideline range of 21 to 27 months of incarceration applicable to Carter’s violations.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the United States Probation Office, United States Customs and Border Protection Officers and the United States Marshal Service for the investigation and efforts leading to the successful prosecution of Carter.
Dubois Woman Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering for Drug OrganizationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Dubois, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to violation of a federal money laundering law related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced today.
Taylor Thomas, age 27, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to launder money before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Thomas was one of 47 defendants charged in six related indictments as part of the Return to Sender investigation.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Thomas was intercepted communicating with other members of the conspiracy, including Derek Hillebrand and Yusuf Adekunle. Those communications revealed that Thomas sent multiple parcels containing United States currency to individuals in California on behalf of Hillebrand, Adekunle, and other members of the drug trafficking organization. That money represented drug proceeds that were used to purchase additional methamphetamine and marijuana for the members of the organization, who would then receive shipments of methamphetamine and marijuana in mail parcels sent from suppliers in California, Nevada, and Oregon.
Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Thomas on Aug. 30, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain out on bond.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Pittsburgh Man Admits Possessing Deadly Opioids in August 2019Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Raymond Moon, age 33, of the Brighton Heights neighborhood, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that the defendant, on August 30, 2019, possessed with the intent to distribute 10 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of acetyl fentanyl, 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and quantities of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and Carfentanil.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for Sept. 12, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Yvonne M. Saadi is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution in this case.
Jury Finds Gang Member Guilty of Firearms Offenses and Trafficking Large Quantities of Multiple DrugsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - After deliberating 9½ hours, a federal jury of four men and eight women found Duane Eugene Cash, Jr. guilty of four counts of various violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Cash, age 50, of Penn Hills, PA 15235, was tried before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Cash participated in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of heroin, acetyl fentanyl, and fentanyl, possessed with the intent to distribute large quantities of heroin, acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, possessed a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessed a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense. He was part of a drug trafficking organization who used the moniker of Hustlas Don’t Sleep which distributed large quantities of illegal narcotics from 2017 to 2019, mostly in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, including Penn Hills, Wilkinsburg, and Monroeville.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for Sept. 6, 2022 The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years in prison and not more than life, a fine not to exceed $10,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court revoked the defendant’s bond.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Monroeville Police Department, and the Penn Hills Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cash.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.