Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Aliquippa Man Pleads to Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Dana Penney pled guilty to committing firearm and drug trafficking crimes in 2017 and 2018, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Penney, age 41, of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Sentencing will be scheduled to occur on a later date.
Penney pled guilty to three crimes: (1) conspiracy to distribute cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances; (2) possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine; and (3) brandishing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
The law provides for a sentence of at least seven years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $4,250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to 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 that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Warren County Man Charged with Violating Child Sexual Exploitation LawsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Sheffield, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The sixteen-count superseding indictment named Jeffrey Colin Rogers, 59, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the court, in November 2017, Rogers took sexually explicit photos of two victims who were under the age of eighteen. The Superseding Indictment further alleges that from November 2017 and February 2018, Rogers possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 400 years in prison, a fine of $4,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wilkinsburg Teen Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Unlawfully Acquire GunsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Katrae Smith, age 19, formerly of Pittsburgh PA 15221.
According to information presented to the court, in and around April 2021 and June 2021, Smith conspired with others to obtain firearms using his co-defendant, the “straw purchaser.” The conspirators communicated with each other using their cellular phones on multiple occasions in order to unlawfully acquire firearms. Smith’s offense occurred over several months and resulted in the unlawful acquisition of multiple firearms. The Wilkinsburg Police Department recovered one of those firearms while responding to a 911 call. Smith was found with a loaded Glock model 19x, 9mm caliber pistol near him. A trace of the firearm revealed that his co-defendant had purchased that firearm six days prior.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.
Verona Man Indicted on Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. A resident of Verona, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating various federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Anthony Kenney, age 31, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Kenney is alleged to have possessed with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fluorofentanyl and fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl on or about Jan. 4, 2022. Additionally, Kenney is alleged to have possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and Kenny is also alleged to have possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon on or about Jan. 4, 2022.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney 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.
Two Clearfield County Men Plead Guilty in Operation Return to Sender Meth CaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Two residents of Penfield, Pennsylvania each pleaded guilty in federal court to violation 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.
Terry Kelly, age 48, and Jason Whitaker, age 60, each 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. Kelly and Whitaker were two 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 shared by Kelly and Whitaker.
Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Whitaker on August 25, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. and Kelly on August 25, 2022, at 1:00 p.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 that both defendants 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.
Erie Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing A Firearm while Subject to a PFARead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Dustin Robert Patterson, 29, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, in and around February 2022, Patterson possessed a firearm while being a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm. In addition, the firearm was possessed while Patterson was subject to a Protection From Abuse order.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevent and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The law provides for a maximum total 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 Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Marshal’s 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.
Contracted Accountant Sentenced to Prison for Second Embezzlement ConvictionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pleasant Hills, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 21 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of wire fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Walter Tymoczko, age 48.
According to information presented to the court, Tymoczko was an independent contractor performing accounting work for a local company. From October 2018, until October 2019, Tymoczko embezzled funds from the company by utilizing an Inuit QuickBooks payroll program. Tymoczko used the program multiple times to transfer funds from the victim’s bank account to his own bank account and a family member’s bank account for a total of $73,206.77. The Court was further advised that Tymoczko has a previous federal felony conviction for embezzling from various clients. In the previous case, Tymoczko was sentenced to 24 months in prison and ordered to pay a total of $254,974.60 in restitution to various victims.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl 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 Tymoczko.
Baden Man with Prior Conviction for Child Porn Possession Indicted AgainRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Baden, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Andrew Kincaid, age 34, as the sole defendant.
According to U.S. Probation Officers, on or about March 16, 2021, a federal probation compliance inspection discovered explicit content on a computer in violation of federal law and the conditions of Kincaid’s supervised release. In 2009, Kincaid pleaded guilty to one count of possession of materials depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and was sentenced to 36 months in prison and a term of supervised release of 10 years. Since his release from federal prison, Kinkaid has violated his terms of release on at least four occasions by engaging in child pornography-related conduct.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian W. Castello is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Following the inspection by U.S. Probation, Homeland Security Investigations 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.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads to Producing and Attempting to Produce Child Sexual Exploitation MaterialsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Anthony Cerasi, age 47, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on April 13, 2021, Cerasi employed and used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a video recording of such conduct.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Aug. 30, 2022, at 9:30 AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years but not more than 30 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 Cerasi remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cerasi.
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.
North Dakota Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. A resident of Williston, North Dakota, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal child exploitation laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The six-count Indictment named Nicholas Nesdahl, age 27, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, in October 2021, Nesdahl is alleged to have produced and attempted to produce material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and received and attempted to receive material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations 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.
North Belle Vernon Felon Charged with Illegal Possession of a Gun and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of North Belle Vernon, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on a charge of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Jashawn Anthony Mackall, 28, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on Aug. 8, 2021, Mackall is alleged to have 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 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 Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Erie Woman Sentenced for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three months in jail and ordered to pay $66,789 in restitution on her conviction of violating federal tax laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Erika A. Grandberry, 47.
According to information presented to the court, Grandberry, while working as a free-lance tax preparer, knowingly and repeatedly reported false and fraudulent income and expenses for non-existent businesses on Individual Tax Returns from 2015 to 2017.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Grandberry.
Erie Woman Sentenced for Buying Firearms for a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to one year probation on her conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Kathryn Nicole Shaw, 25.According to information presented to the court, from March 9, 2020, to July 21, 2020, Shaw conspired with two co-defendants to violate federal straw purchase laws and acquired firearms for a co-defendant who was prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior criminal convictions.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Pennsylvania State Police, Conewango Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shaw.
Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing NarcoticsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Johnstown, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Troy Jamal Jones, 36, of Johnstown, PA, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Two of the Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on or about August 21, 2019, Jones did distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base. Further, on or about August 27, 2019, Jones did distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Aug. 23, 2022. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jones.
Former PWSA Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Violating the Clean Water ActRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to violate the Clean Water Act, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Glenn Lijewski, 71, of the City’s Brookline neighborhood, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Lijewski was the supervisor at the Aspinwall Drinking Water Plant, which is operated by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (“PWSA”). Between 2010 and 2017, Lijewski and another supervisor at the plant discharged clarifier sludge directly into Allegheny River in violation of a federal permit. Lijewski also directed PWSA employees to discharge sludge into the river. Lijewski also admitted to submitting reports containing false information about the amount of sludge it was to sending to ALCOSAN’s waste treatment plant. Under the terms of an industrial user permit, the Aspinwall plant was permitted to send up to one million of sludge per day to the waste treatment facility. At one point, three of the five sludge flow monitors broke. Lijewski and others at the plant began using estimated sludge-flow figures. This information, in turn, was included in reports PWSA was required to submit to ALCOSAN pursuant to the industrial user permit. Sludge is generated during the process by which raw water is transformed into potable drinking water and consists of solid material removed from the water through the use of chemicals and sedimentation. Over time, an island formed in the river at the point where the discharges were taking place. According to the indictment, a number of employees at the plant referred to the buildup as “Glenn’s Island.”
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for August 16, 2022, at 1:30 pm. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Lijewski’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory and Special Assistant Martin Harrell are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lijewski.
“Midnite Da Nitemare” Convicted of Dealing Deadly Fentanyl after Federal Firearms ConvictionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of McKees Rocks, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
David Anthony Somerville, a/k/a “Midnite Da Nitemare,” 33, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Two of the Indictment at Criminal No. 17-222 before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Mr. Somerville, on January 9, 2016, was found in possession of eleven bundles of heroin and fentanyl, along with multiple cellular telephones, and $1,200.00 in United States currency.
Mr. Somerville was already on court supervision after serving a previous sentence of 70 months of incarceration after his previous federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition. A jury had been selected and the prosecution had presented all of its witnesses and evidence before Mr. Somerville made the decision to plead guilty.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for July 7, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence at each count of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of not more than $2,000,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Mr. Somerville’s release on electronic monitoring.
Assistant United States Attorneys Ross L. Lenhardt and Benjamin J. Risacher are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Scott Township Police Department (K9 Unit), Robinson Township Police Department, Kennedy Township Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, and the Allegheny County Office of Medical Examiner conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mr. Somerville.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Mid-Level Role in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 77 months’ imprisonment and four years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV, imposed the sentence on Brandon Green, age 37, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, from January 2018 through June 2019, Green participated in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl in the Pittsburgh area. Green was intercepted on a court-authorized wiretap arranging purchases and discussing prior dealings of heroin/fentanyl. He and his codefendants were also the subject of physical surveillance while engaging in drug-trafficking activity. Green took responsibility for distributing 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman noted Green’s mid-level role in the charged conspiracy and his extensive criminal history, which included numerous felony convictions for drug trafficking and fleeing apprehension by law enforcement. The court further recognized Green’s long-standing drug use and recommended that he receive necessary drug treatment while serving his sentence.
Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department. Other assisting agencies include the Green Tree Police Department, New York City Police Department, Mount Oliver Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Yonkers Police Department, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
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.Pagans’ Associate Sentenced for Trafficking Cocaine and Illegally Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, has been sentenced in federal court to 57 months imprisonment and six years’ supervised release on his conviction of drug and firearms offenses, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Jason Evans, 45, formerly of the City’s Esplen neighborhood.
According to information presented to the court, Evans was identified as a member of a large-scale drug trafficking operation, responsible for trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and Ohio. The investigation was the result of the efforts of the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to identify the criminal activity, including drug and firearms trafficking, of individuals who are members and/or associates of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club (PMC).
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation began in January of 2020, and beginning in August of 2020 and continuing through November 2020, the FBI conducted a federal Title III investigation, which resulted in the interception of thousands of wire and electronic communications over a total of ten (10) telephones, including telephones operated by co-defendants Bill Rana and Eric Armes, who were PMC members.
Evans, although not a member of the PMC, was a close associate of Rana’s, who was a “fully patched” member of the PMC and Sergeant of Arms for the Pittsburgh Chapter. Evans served as an “enforcer.” Evans accepted responsibility for distributing over 300 grams of cocaine.
Additionally, the Court was advised that on December 8, 2020, law enforcement executed numerous federal arrest and search warrants, in conjunction with the takedown of this investigation. Specifically, law enforcement conducted a search warrant at Evans’ residence on Earl Street and seized approximately 10 ounces of cocaine as well as two firearms, ammunition, magazines, and over $10,000.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations. Other assisting agencies include the Allegheny County Police Department Homicide, Baldwin Police Department, Brentwood Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department and West Deer Township Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jason Evans.
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.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to 70 Months’ in Prison for Stealing from a Federal Firearms LicenseeRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of North Carolina has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 70 months’ in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release on his conviction of theft from a federal firearms licensee, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on David R. Shahriari, a/k/a ‘David Anderson,” 39, of North Carolina.
In connection with the guilty plea, on August 29, 2011, Shahriari did knowingly steal and unlawfully take, eight firearms from L.B. Toney’s Alamo Gun Shop in DuBois, PA, which is a business licensed to deal in firearms.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Ms. Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the DuBois City Police for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Shahriari.
Texas Man Chartered Private Plane to Transport Cocaine from Houston to PittsburghRead 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.
Adrian Alvarez, age 28, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine before United States District
Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Alvarez 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 October 22, 2020, Alvarez and three other individuals chartered a private plane and transported six kilograms of cocaine from Houston to Pittsburgh International Airport. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the plane and seized the cocaine from two pieces of luggage.
Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for August 23, 2022, at 10:00 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 continued the defendant 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.
Westmoreland County Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Derry, Pennsylvania, 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 nine-count Indictment, returned on March 29 and unsealed yesterday, named Michael Wilson, age 43, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on seven separate occasions during 2019 through May 15, 2021, Wilson attempted to and did use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce various minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct. Further, the Indictment alleges that from September 2019 to October 2019, Wilson distributed visual depictions, namely, images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and, on May 15, 2021, Wilson knowingly possessed visual depictions, namely, videos and images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of $2,500,000, 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. Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations – Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Derry Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Penn Hills Man Admits Robbing a Tire Store and a Convenience MarketRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa - A resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Rudolph McBride 24, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on November 24, 2018, McBride and others robbed employees of the Swifty Tires store, located on Frankstown Road in Penn Hills, at gunpoint. On January 30, 2019, McBride and his coconspirators also robbed what used to be the CoGo’s convenience store located at 2800 Brownsville Road in Pittsburgh.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for August 11, 2022, at 1:30 PM The law provides for a total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that McBride remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The successful prosecution of McBride is the result of a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Monroeville Police Department, and the Penn Hills Police Department.
New Jersey Heroin/Fentanyl Supplier Sentenced to 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former New Jersey resident has been sentenced in federal court to 12 years of imprisonment followed by eight years of supervised release on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Herbert Felder, 53, formerly of East Orange, New Jersey. In December 2019, Felder pled guilty to the one-count Indictment charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin from in and around December 2018 and continuing to May 1, 2019, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
According to information presented to the Court, Felder was identified as source of supply of over 600 “bricks” – more than 31,000 individual dosage units – of heroin/fentanyl mixtures, which he provided to co-conspirators for redistribution in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Agents with the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation surveilled Felder and his co-conspirators in May 2019 at a hotel in Hershey, Pennsylvania. In connection with his guilty plea, Felder admitted to distributing the “bricks” of heroin and fentanyl to co-conspirators while in Hershey, Pennsylvania, at that time. The Court was advised that law enforcement later seized the bricks of heroin/fentanyl pursuant to search warrants, thereby preventing the distribution of this large quantity of narcotics in the Western District of Pennsylvania. In connection with his plea, Felder admitted to knowing that those substances were being trafficked to the Western District of Pennsylvania for further distribution.
Felder has been in the custody of the United States Marshals since his arrest in this matter in August 2019.
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 and the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Felder.
Florida Man Sentenced to Time-Served for Transferring Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Tampa, Florida, has been sentenced in federal court to time-served and 3 years’ supervised release on his conviction of transferring obscene material to a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Robert Fike, age 51, of Tampa, Florida.
According to information presented to the court, in January of 2019 and in February of 2019, Fike sent packages to a minor female residing in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The packages contained obscene material—socks or leggings with Fike’s semen, as confirmed by laboratory testing, and letters addressed to the minor female with graphic, sexually explicit content.
Fike has been in custody related to this case since December 2019 and has served nearly 28 months in prison.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the Penn Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Fike.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Philadelphia Man Stopped by State Police on the PA Turnpike Pleads to Heroin Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Philadelphia resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Cristobal Rosa-Robles, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on March 27, 2019, a Trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police stopped Mr. Rosa-Robles’ vehicle for traffic violations as he drove eastbound on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. After speaking with Mr. Rosa-Robles, the Trooper believed that he may be involved in drug trafficking, so the Trooper asked for his consent to search his vehicle. Mr. Rosa-Robles voluntarily consented to a search of his vehicle. The Trooper searched Mr. Rosa-Robles’ vehicle and discovered an aftermarket hidden compartment that contained approximately 400 bricks, or 20,000 dosage units, of a mixture of heroin; fentanyl; valeryl fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue; and methamphetamine.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for August 8, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Mr. Rosa-Robles remains detained pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mr. Rosa-Robles.
Cleveland Man Sentenced to Prison for Gun Store and Gas Station RobberiesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa - A former Ohio resident has been sentenced in federal court to 87 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release on his conviction of Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, Hobbs Act Robbery, Conspiracy to Steal Firearms from a Licensed Firearm Dealer, Theft from a Licensed Firearms Dealer, Possession of Stolen Firearms, and Interstate Transport of Stolen Firearms, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Reginald Patterson, age 24, formerly of Cleveland, Ohio.
According to information presented to the court, in December of 2017, Reginald Patterson, his brother, Rayshawn Patterson, and other conspirators from the Cleveland, Ohio, area conspired to travel to rural areas of Western Pennsylvania to burglarize Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) and transport the stolen firearms back to Cleveland, Ohio. On December 22, 2017, Reginald and Rayshawn Patterson traveled to Clarion County, Pennsylvania to attempt to locate and burglarize a gun store. However, the brothers and their co-conspirators were unsuccessful in doing so. Prior to returning to Cleveland, Reginald and Rayshawn Patterson and their co-conspirators observed a gas station with only one employee working late at night. The individuals then devised a plan to rob that gas station. The brothers participated in a robbery of the gas station in which the employee was threatened with violence, physically restrained, and brought to another area of the store. The conspirators netted approximately $300 dollars from the robbery before returning to Cleveland.
The next day on December 23, 2017, Reginald Patterson and co-conspirators returned to Western Pennsylvania and burglarized DSD Sports in Brookville, PA by smashing the front door and windows with a sledgehammer and other tools. Once inside the store, Reginald Patterson and co-conspirators stole approximately 16 firearms including 14 handguns and two assault rifles. The co-conspirators then transported the firearms back to Cleveland, Ohio. On December 29, 2017, Cleveland Police recovered two of the stolen handguns from DSD outside the home of the Patterson brothers. On January 10, 2017, agents from the Pittsburgh and Cleveland division of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed search warrants in Cleveland, Ohio, at residences connected to Reginald and Rayshawn Patterson and their co-conspirators. Agents recovered the suspected sledgehammer and other tools used in the burglary.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Douglas Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Brookville Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Cleveland Police Department, and the Cuyahoga Sheriff’s Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Reginald Patterson.
Churchill Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Fentanyl, Fentanyl Analogue, Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of suburban Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearm and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Maurice Miller, age 34, formerly of Churchill, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Miller pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Miller also pleaded guilty to an information charging him with possession with the intent to distribute 10 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl and being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition. Miller was part of a drug trafficking organization who referred to themselves as Hustlas Don’t Sleep which distributed numerous types of illegal narcotics for a number of years, mainly in the eastern part of the City of Pittsburgh and in the bordering communities, including Penn Hills, Wilkinsburg, and Monroeville, among others. On November 19, 2019, federal agents arrested Miller at a home on Wesley Street in Wilkinsburg, and executed a search warrant at that residence, where agents located six firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition of various makes and models, and substantial quantities of acetyl fentanyl, a potent analogue of fentanyl.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for July 26, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court remanded Miller into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway 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.
Erie Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Erie PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal money laundering laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Evarie Magee, 38, of Erie, PA, pleaded guilty to Count Three of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, Magee did conspire to commit money laundering.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 3, 2022. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Magee. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted on Bank Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on bank robbery charges, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The three-count Indictment, returned on March 29, named Calvin Leavy, 67, formerly of the city’s East Liberty neighborhood, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on January 31, 2022, Leavy attempted to rob the First National Bank, located at 3721 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, and did rob the PNC Bank, located at 4600 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, of $1,338.00. Then, on February 8, 2022, Leavy robbed the First National Bank, located at 307 4th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, of $1,238.00
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 Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former VA Pharmacist Sentenced for Stealing Painkillers Meant for VeteransRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 2 years probation on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Matthew Camera, 51.
According to information presented to the court, January 2017 to June 2020, while Camera was employed as the Pharmacy Chief at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Erie, he unlawfully obtained multiple dosage units of Hydrocodone and Oxycodone from pill bottles awaiting delivery to Veterans Affairs patients.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Camera.
Former Coal Company Vice President Arrested and Charged with Foreign Bribery, Money Laundering, and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former coal company executive was arrested today on charges of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), laundering funds, and receiving kickbacks as part of an alleged scheme to pay bribes to government officials in Egypt in connection with contracts with an Egyptian state-owned and state-controlled company, Al Nasr Company for Coke and Chemicals (Al Nasr).
The seven-count indictment alleges that Charles Hunter Hobson, 46, of Knoxville, Tennessee, engaged in the bribery and money laundering scheme between late 2016 and early 2020.
During part of that time, Hobson was the Vice President of a coal company in Pennsylvania (referenced as Company 1 in the indictment) and responsible for the company’s business relationship with Al Nasr. Hobson and others, including Company 1’s sales intermediary, allegedly paid bribes to Al Nasr officials in Egypt to obtain approximately $143 million in coal contracts for Company 1. To effectuate the bribery scheme, the indictment alleges, Hobson and others caused Company 1 to: (1) pay commissions to the sales intermediary, who passed on bribes to Al Nasr officials in exchange for the coal contracts, and (2) transfer the corrupt commission payments from a bank account in the United States to a bank account in the United Arab Emirates. The indictment also alleges that Hobson conspired to secretly receive a portion of the commissions paid to the sales intermediary as kickbacks.
Hobson is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the FCPA, two counts of violating the FCPA, one count of conspiracy to launder money, two counts of money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces up to five years in prison for each of the bribery conspiracy and bribery charges, and up to 20 years in prison for each of the money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, and wire fraud charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The defendant will make his initial court appearance this afternoon in the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Assistant Director in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance.
The FBI’s International Corruption Unit in Washington, D.C., and the Washington Field Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan of the Western District of Pennylvania and Trial Attorneys Leila E. Babaeva and Natalie R. Kanerva of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Coal Company Vice President Arrested and Charged with Foreign Bribery, Money Laundering, and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
A former coal company executive was arrested today on charges of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), laundering funds, and receiving kickbacks as part of an alleged scheme to pay bribes to government officials in Egypt in connection with contracts with an Egyptian state-owned and state-controlled company, Al Nasr Company for Coke and Chemicals (Al Nasr).
The seven-count indictment alleges that Charles Hunter Hobson, 46, of Knoxville, Tennessee, engaged in the bribery and money laundering scheme between late 2016 and early 2020. During part of that time, Hobson was the Vice President of a coal company in Pennsylvania (referenced as Company 1 in the indictment) and responsible for the company’s business relationship with Al Nasr. Hobson and others, including Company 1’s sales intermediary, allegedly paid bribes to Al Nasr officials in Egypt to obtain approximately $143 million in coal contracts for Company 1. To effectuate the bribery scheme, the indictment alleges, Hobson and others caused Company 1 to: (1) pay commissions to the sales intermediary, who passed on bribes to Al Nasr officials in exchange for the coal contracts, and (2) transfer the corrupt commission payments from a bank account in the United States to a bank account in the United Arab Emirates. The indictment also alleges that Hobson conspired to secretly receive a portion of the commissions paid to the sales intermediary as kickbacks.
Hobson is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the FCPA, two counts of violating the FCPA, one count of conspiracy to launder money, two counts of money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces up to five years in prison for each of the bribery conspiracy and bribery charges, and up to 20 years in prison for each of the money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, and wire fraud charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The defendant will make his initial court appearance this afternoon in the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Assistant Director in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance.
The FBI’s International Corruption Unit in Washington, D.C., and the Washington Field Office are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Leila E. Babaeva and Natalie R. Kanerva of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan of the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Cindy Chung Appointed to Serve as Vice Chair on Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the appointment of 12 U.S. Attorneys to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys (AGAC). Created in 1973, the AGAC advises the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys and elevates the voices of U.S. Attorneys in Department policies. The first meeting of the AGAC will take place later this spring.
The appointees include U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York; U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung for the Western District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee for the District of Maine; U.S. Attorney Trini Ross for the Western District of New York; U.S. Attorney Sandra Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina; U.S. Attorney Brandon Brown for the Western District of Louisiana; U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan; U.S. Attorney Gregory Harris for the Central District of Illinois; U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger for the District of Minnesota; U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona; U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan for the District of Colorado; and U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia. An appointee from a district within the jurisdiction of the Eleventh Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals will be announced at a later date, once the Senate has confirmed nominees.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams will serve as the Chair of the AGAC, and U.S. Attorney Cindy Chung will serve as the Vice Chair.
“These United States Attorneys will represent the views of dedicated federal prosecutors across the country, and provide advice and insight into essential matters facing the Department,” said Attorney General Garland. “I look forward to working alongside them in carrying out the Department’s core priorities of upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights.”
“Being appointed Vice Chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee is truly an honor and a privilege,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “I look forward to this great opportunity to represent our district and my U.S. Attorney colleagues, to advocate for the rule of law, and to provide counsel to the Attorney General on policy, and management and operational issues impacting U.S. Attorney’s offices nationwide.”
A brief bio on each appointee is below:
Damian Williams (Chair)
The Senate confirmed Damian Williams’ appointment as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York in October 2021. Williams began his legal career as a law clerk to then-Judge Merrick Garland when he served in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 2007 to 2008. Williams then served as a law clerk for Justice John Paul Stevens of the U.S. Supreme Court from 2008 to 2009. From 2009 to 2012, he was a litigation associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. From 2012 to 2021, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. In the role, he served as a chief of the securities and commodities fraud task force from 2018 to 2021. He received his Bachelor of Arts in economics from Harvard University in 2002, a Master of Philosophy in International relations from Emmanuel College at the University of Cambridge in 2003, and a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School in 2007, where he was also an editor of the Yale Law Journal.
Cindy K. Chung (Vice Chair)
The Senate confirmed Cindy K. Chung’s appointment as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania in November 2021. In 2002 and 2003, Chung served as a law clerk for Judge Myron H. Thompson in the Middle District of Alabama. She then joined the New York County District Attorney’s Office in 2003, serving as an assistant district attorney until 2007 and as investigation counsel in the Official Corruption Unit from 2007 to 2009. From 2009 to 2014, Chung served as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section. She later joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and has held various roles, including deputy chief of the major crimes section, civil rights coordinator, and Project Safe Neighborhood coordinator, during her tenure with the office (2014 to 2021), Chung earned a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University in 1997 and a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School in 2002.
Darcie McElwee
The Senate confirmed Darcie McElwee’s appointment as U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine in October 2021. McElwee began her legal career as an assistant district attorney for the Penobscot and Piscataquis counties in Maine from 1998 to 2002. Between 2005 and 2008, McElwee was an adjunct professor of advanced trial advocacy at the University of Maine School of Law. From 2002 to 2021, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine. Since 2005, she has been the coordinator of Project Safe Neighborhoods. McElwee received her Bachelor of Arts from Bowdoin College in 1995 and her Juris Doctor from the University of Maine School of Law in 1998.
Trini Ross
The Senate confirmed Trini Ross’s appointment as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York in September 2021. Ross began her career as an appellate attorney for the New York Supreme Court. She was an associate at Hiscock & Barclay LLC before joining the Office of Professional Responsibility as assistant counsel. From 1995 to 2018, Ross served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York. She has also been an adjunct professor of law at Buffalo Law School. She has also served as director of the investigations for the National Science Foundation Office of Inspector General since 2018. Ross earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 1988, a Master of Arts from Rutgers University in 1990, and a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo Law School in 1992.
Sandra Hairston
The Senate confirmed Sandra Hairston as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina in November 2021. Hairston previously served as an assistant district attorney in Columbus County, North Carolina, from 1987 to 1989 and as a special assistant district attorney in Guilford County, North Carolina from 1989 to 1990. From 1994 to 1996, she served as Chief of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina before returning to the Middle District of North Carolina in 1996. She joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina in 1990 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. Hairston previously held the position of First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina from 2014 to 2021. From March 1, 2021, until her Senate confirmation, she served as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. Hairston received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1981 and her Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 1987.
Brandon Brown
The Senate confirmed Brandon Brown as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana in December 2021. From 2007 to 2012, Brown served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office. He was also an associate at Hammonds, Sills, Adkins & Guice LLP in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Since 2012, he has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana. Brown earned a Bachelor of Arts in 2002 and a Master of Business Administration in 2004 from Louisiana Tech University, followed by a Juris Doctor in 2007 from the Southern University Law Center.
Dawn Ison
The Senate confirmed Dawn Ison as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan in December 2021. In 1989 and 1990, Ison was a prehearing attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals. In 2002, Ison began serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. She also served as chief of the Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit. Ison earned a Bachelor of Arts from Spelman College and a Juris Doctor from the Wayne State University Law School.
Gregory Harris
The Senate confirmed Gregory Harris as U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois in December 2021. Harris began his career as a lawyer for the Office of the State Appellate Defender in 1976 where he represented indigent criminal defendants on appeal. From 1979 to 1980, he served as legal counsel for the Illinois Governor’s Office of Manpower and Human Development and later as a staff attorney for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Development. From 1980 to 1988, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois. From 1988 to 2001, he was a lawyer for Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes in Springfield, Illinois. He later rejoined the Central District of Illinois in 2001, where he served as chief of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney. Harris was born in Washington, D.C. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University in 1971 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law in 1976.
Andrew Luger
The Senate confirmed Andrew Luger as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota in March 2022. He previously served in that role during the Obama administration and briefly during the Trump administration from 2014 to 2017. Prior to his appointment, Luger was a partner in the Minneapolis office of Jones Day from 2017 – 2022. Luger has also served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, from 1989 to 1992, and for the District of Minnesota from 1992 to 1995, where he prosecuted a wide variety of narcotics and violent crimes, as well as complex white collar frauds. In 1995, Luger joined the law firm of Greene Espel in Minneapolis, where he was a partner until 2014. Luger earned a Bachelor’s degree from Amherst College and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.
Gary Restaino
The Senate confirmed Gary Restaino as U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona in November 2021. From 1991 to 1993, Restaino served in Paraguay with the Peace Corps. From 1996 to 1999, he provided legal services to seasonal farm workers as a lawyer with Community Legal Services. From 1999 to 2003, he served as a civil rights lawyer in the Arizona Attorney General's Office. He then served as a trial attorney in the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. Restaino joined the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona in 2003. He was nominated to serve as U.S. Attorney in October 2021. Restaino earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Haverford College in 1990 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1996.
Cole Finegan
The Senate confirmed Cole Finegan as U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado in November 2021. From 1991 to 1993, Finegan served both as Chief Legal Counsel and Director of Policy and Initiatives for Colorado Governor Roy Romer. From 1993 to 2003, Finegan was a partner for Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck’s Denver office. Finegan joined Hogan Lovells (then Hogan & Hartson) in 2007 as a partner. Finegan acted as an adviser to Governor Hickenlooper and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. Finegan attended the University of Notre Dame from 1974 to 1978, earning a degree in English. Finegan earned a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 1986.
Matthew Graves
The Senate confirmed Matthew Graves as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia in October 2021. After graduating law school, Graves began his legal career as a law clerk for Judge Richard W. Roberts of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. From 2002 to 2007, he was an associate at WilmerHale. From 2007 to 2016, Graves worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia, where he served in the office’s fraud and public corruption section, ultimately serving as the acting chief of the section. Since 2016, he has been a partner at DLA Piper. Graves earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington and Lee University in 1998 and a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School in 2001.
Penn Hills Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing FentanylRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Herbert Lee Walker, 27, 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 October 25, 2019, detectives with the Allegheny County Homicide Unit went to the residence Walker shared with his paramour. During the execution of a search warrant at the residence, investigators recovered approximately 139 bricks, or nearly 7,000 stamp bags, of heroin and fentanyl, from a suitcase that had Walker’s name on it, and paperwork for Walker inside of it. Investigators also recovered approximately $12,000 in cash, a firearm, and ammunition from the basement. A state arrest warrant was issued for Walker. On February 13, 2020, Pittsburgh Police officers attempted to arrest Walker in connection with that warrant on Baum Boulevard. Walker fled in a vehicle, striking two marked police cars and driving the wrong way down a one-way street at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for July 20, 2022, at 10:30 AM The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the 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 Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Allegheny County Police Department, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Walker.
Penn Hills Man Pleads Guilty in Multi-Year Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Penn Hills, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and uttering counterfeit securities, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Daquan Jones, age 27, pleaded guilty to three counts before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Jones participated in a multi-year conspiracy involving the deposit of counterfeit checks into banks in the Pittsburgh area. Jones’ involvement involved depositing counterfeit checks and withdrawing money from bank accounts that was made available as a result of the counterfeit checks. .
Sentencing in this matter has not yet been scheduled. The law provides for a total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $1,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered the defendant released on an unsecured bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspectors and Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Daquan Jones.
Former Pittsburgh Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute K2 Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Christian Stevens was sentenced to 18 months in prison for conspiring to distribute K2 controlled substances (Schedule I synthetic cannabinoids) in 2017 and 2018, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Stevens, age 36, formerly of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan directed that Stevens serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Judge Ranjan also directed that Stevens’s prison sentence be served consecutively to Stevens’s other federal prison sentence.
Stevens conspired to distribute K2 controlled substances in 2017 and 2018 when he was detained and pending sentencing in another federal case for conspiring to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin in 2016. He had previously been convicted and sentenced in 2007 in federal court for conspiring to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin, distributing heroin, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Mercer County Felon Charged with Illegal Possession on a Gun and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Devon Smith was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for possessing a firearm and ammunition after a prior felony conviction, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The Indictment charges Smith, age 24 of Greenville, Pennsylvania, with possessing a firearm and ammunition on December 22, 2021, after a prior felony conviction.
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 and Special Assistant United States Attorney/Mercer County Assistant District Attorney Shane T. Crevar are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the return of the Indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Local Man on Supervised Release for Drug Trafficking Pleads Guilty in New Drug Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Eugene Hall pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Hall, age 28, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pled guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing to occur on August 2, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Hall was on federal supervised release following a prior federal prison sentence for drug trafficking when he committed the additional drug trafficking crime to which he pled guilty.
The law provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is to 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, the federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads to Drug and Gun Charges, Awaits Sentencing in Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearm and narcotic laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Guy Wallar Jr., age 24, formerly of the Uptown neighborhood, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on June 28, 2021, officers with the Duquesne Police Department noticed a male seated in the driver seat of a parked vehicle who was slumped over the arm rest. The vehicle was in the Truman Towers parking lot, a known drug trafficking area that had a shooting earlier that day. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officers detected the strong odor of burning marijuana and observed, in plain view, the driver sleeping, marijuana, and drug packaging material.
The officers woke the driver and asked him to exit the vehicle. The driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, identified himself as Guy Wallar, Jr. Wallar then requested to show the officers something in the vehicle. As Mr. Wallar attempted to access the vehicle, officers told him to stop for fear of the destruction of evidence and officer safety. However, Wallar again tried to access the vehicle, and officers detained him. A search of Mr. Wallar incident to his arrest resulted in the seizure of marijuana, a cellular phone, and $8,517.00.
Officers requested consent to search the vehicle, which Wallar granted. The subsequent search resulted in the seizure of approximately 110 net grams of cocaine, an additional cellular phone, suspected narcotics, and a Polymer 80 pistol containing 16 rounds of ammunition.
On July 1, 2021, the same officers who arrested Wallar on June 28, 2021, observed Wallar walking out of Truman Towers. Based upon their recent interactions with Wallar and the Polymer 80, the officers asked for consent to search Wallar for weapons. Wallar consented, and an officer patted down Waller, feeling a baggie of suspected narcotics in his pocket. The officer pulled a baggie from the pocket, and it contained approximately 6 net grams of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack. The officers again arrested Mr. Wallar, and a search incident to arrest resulted in the seizure of two cellular phones and $882.00.
Following the return of the Superseding Indictment, law enforcement arrested Wallar near his vehicle on October 5, 2021. During the arrest, law enforcement observed a marijuana blunt in plain view within the vehicle. Subsequently, law enforcement applied for and obtained a federal search warrant for the vehicle. The search resulted in the seizure of small quantities of suspected marijuana and cocaine, in addition to $10,471.00.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for July 20, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.. The law provides for a total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court remanded the defendant into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the City of Duquesne Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wallar.
Former Employees of Beaver County Health Care Facility Indicted on Federal Hate Crime Charges Related to Alleged Assaults Against Disabled ResidentsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Two former residents of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on federal hate crime charges, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The twelve-count Indictment unsealed yesterday names Zachary Dinell, 28, formerly of Freedom, Pennsylvania, and Tyler Smith, 31, most recently of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, as defendants.
According to the Indictment, Dinell and Smith were employees of an in-patient health care facility located in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. The Indictment alleges that residents of the facility suffered from a range of severe physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities, and required assistance with all activities of daily life, including bathing, using the bathroom, oral hygiene, feeding, and dressing. As members of the facility’s Direct Care Staff, Dinell and Smith were responsible for providing this daily assistance to residents.
The Indictment further alleges that from approximately June 2016 to September 2017, Dinell and Smith engaged in a conspiracy to commit hate crimes, and did commit hate crimes, against residents of the facility because of the residents’ actual or perceived disabilities. As part of the conspiracy, the Indictment alleges that Dinell and Smith exchanged text messages in which they expressed their animus toward the disabled residents, shared pictures and videos of residents and attacks, described their attacks, and encouraged each other’s continued abuse of residents. Dinell and Smith allegedly carried out their attacks in a variety of ways, including by punching and kicking residents, jumping on residents, rubbing liquid irritants in their eyes, and by spraying liquid irritants in their eyes and mouths.
Dinell and Smith allegedly were able to avoid detection by, among other things, exploiting their one-on-one access to residents of the facility and the fact that the victims were non-verbal and could not report the defendants’ alleged abuse. Dinell and Smith are also charged with engaging in a scheme to conceal their assaults against residents at the facility.
“The defendants are charged with targeting the most vulnerable members of our community because of their disabilities,” said United States Attorney Chung. “The defendants’ alleged hate crimes involved victims who were unable to defend themselves or report what happened to them. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue our work to ensure that these victims—and all victims of federal crime—have a voice and that those who would perpetrate violence against them are brought to justice.”
“The actions associated with the charges announced today are disturbing to say the least,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Our office is committed to combating hate crime, seeking justice and, most importantly, providing assistance to victims.”
The maximum penalty for the conspiracy and concealment charges is a term of imprisonment of five years and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for each of the ten hate crime charges is a term of imprisonment of ten years and a $250,000 fine. 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, among other statutory sentencing factors.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
South Side Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in DS44 Gang’s Drug ActivityRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months’ imprisonment followed by a six-year term of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman imposed the sentence on Henry Johnson, age 31, formerly of the City’s South Side Flats neighborhood.
According to information presented to the court, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and drug-trafficking activity in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of these large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, from approximately February 2019 through June 2019, the United States received authorization to intercept communications on nine telephones as part of the investigation, including the phone belonging to lead defendant Christopher Highsmith. During the investigation, the United States intercepted Henry Johnson over the tapped phone line of Christopher Highsmith.
Between March and April 2019, physical surveillance and intercepted communications revealed that Highsmith supplied Johnson with controlled substances for distribution. Additionally, on December 6, 2018, law enforcement responded to reports of drug trafficking at a hotel in West Homestead. Upon arrival, law enforcement observed the defendant throw two bags from his hotel balcony onto the parking lot. The bags contained 17 bricks of a fentanyl and heroin mixture, approximately 12 grams of cocaine base, and approximately six grams of cocaine. Some of the bricks bore the same stamp as other bricks seized in the investigation into the defendant’s co-conspirators. A search of the defendant incident to his arrest resulted in the seizure of $693.00 and a cellular phone. The phone contained texts indicative of drug trafficking.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman stated “The Court cannot highlight enough the impact that the trafficking of these substances has upon our community.”
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna and Carolyn Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department. Other assisting agencies include the Green Tree Police Department, New York City Police Department, Mount Oliver Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Yonkers Police Department, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
United States Attorney Chung commended the agencies for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson.
Carrick Meth Dealer Gets 10-Year Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months of imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release on his conviction of federal narcotics laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Doug Austen, age 41, of the Carrick section of the City of Pittsburgh.
According to information presented to the court, on June 9, 2021, Austen sold another individual 84 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the 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. United States Attorney Chung commended all of the agencies for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Austen.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
New Castle Marijuana Dealer Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 36 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Christopher Shaner, age 26.
According to information presented to the court, Shaner conspired to possess with intent to distribute marijuana that had been imported into California from Mexico and then sent through the mail and interstate carriers to the New Castle area. Shaner and other than distributed the marijuana in the New Castle and surrounding areas.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Marnie Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shaner.
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.
DEA Investigation Leads New Castle Man to Plead Guilty in International Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Dondi Searcy Jr., age 37, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Searcy Jr. participated in a conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. If this case would have proceeded to trial, the government would have proven that Searcy Jr. was part of a cocaine-distribution conspiracy focused on New Castle, Pennsylvania. The conspiracy involved cocaine imported from Mexico into California, that the California conspirators mailed the cocaine to the New Castle area, and that Searcy Jr. and others then distributed. The evidence that government would have presented included intercepted communications obtained through court authorization, surveillance, controlled purchases from Searcy, Jr. and other conspirators, search warrants of locations associated with Searcy, Jr., and various other investigative techniques.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for July 26, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years in prison and up to life, a fine of $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 Brendan T. Conway and Maureen Sheehan-Balchon are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Searcy, along with the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the New Castle 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.
Wilkinsburg Man Charged with Stealing Mail in Oakland and ShadysideRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of theft of mail matter, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The four-count Indictment, returned on March 17, named Tyrone Mobley, age 54, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from approximately December 2020 until approximately September 2021, Mobley stole US mail and other packages shipped via the United States Postal Service from authorized depositories for mail matter located at various addresses in the Oakland and Shadyside areas of Pittsburgh.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty in Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Walter Brunson, Jr., 52, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine from June of 2020 through August of 2020, before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Brunson is one of 20 defendants charged in the Superseding Indictment returned in this case.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a drug trafficking organization, of which Brunson was a member, that operated throughout Washington County, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and New Jersey. Beginning in April of 2020 and continuing through October of 2020, the FBI received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Brunson was intercepted agreeing to sell distribution quantities of cocaine to his coconspirator and codefendant. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized cocaine, cocaine base, heroin, fentanyl, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization, including Brunson. Specifically, on November 19, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at Brunson’s residence and recovered distribution quantities of cocaine.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for July 18, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mark V. Gurzo and Jerome A. Moschetta are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Brunson. 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.North Hills Man Indicted for Attempted Coercion of a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. - A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal child exploitation laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Vikash Mishra, 40, of Ross Township, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from on or about October 30, 2021, until on or about February 25, 2022, Vikash is alleged to have attempted to coerce and entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
The law provides for a minimum total sentence of 10 years in prison, up to a term of life, 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 Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Man Indicted in Fraud Scheme Involving the Theft of Vehicles Using Stolen Identities from Car Dealerships in Western PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An individual has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of wire fraud, interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The seven-count Indictment, returned on March 17, named Serge Ahmed Zeba, age 31, who has resided at multiple addresses in several states, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from November 2020 to January 2022, Zeba schemed with others known and unknown to use victim’s stolen PII to complete online applications to obtain lines of credit in victims’ names from automobile financing companies, without those victims’ permission or knowledge. Zeba then traveled to automobile dealerships throughout the country, including dealerships located in the Western District of Pennsylvania, and presented to employees fraudulent identification in the names of victims whose PII had been stolen, as well as fraudulent money orders, purportedly to cover the down payments for the vehicles. The grand jury further alleges that from August 24, 2021 to November 29, 2021, Zeba transported a stolen motor vehicle, namely, a 2021 Lexus RX350, in interstate commerce. The grand jury further alleges that on August 19, 2021 through August 24, 2021 and on August 29, 2021 through September 2, 2021, in relation to the felony wire fraud, Zeba used a means of identification of another person.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Karen Gal-Or is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of State (Buffalo Field Office) and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Beaver County Felon Charged with Illegal Possession of a Gun and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Rochester, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on March 17, named James Gilmore, age 32, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, on or about June 9, 2021, Gilmore 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 (10) years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Swissvale Teen Sentenced for Possessing Fentanyl and a GunRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to eight months’ imprisonment followed by a term of three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Damon Tam Wheat-Avery also known as Damon Tamar Wheat-Avery, age 19, formerly of the Swissvale area.
According to information presented to the court, on May 27, 2021, the Allegheny County Police Department’s Narcotics Unit was conducting a violent suppression detail in the Rankin area, when they pulled over a vehicle occupied by Wheat-Avery and others. Detectives noticed a firearm that had been sitting at Wheat-Avery’s feet, and a later search of the vehicle led to the seizure of another firearm and a substantial quantity of fentanyl. During his guilty plea hearing, Wheat-Avery admitted that the fentanyl was his and that he intended to distribute it, and he further admitted that he possessed the firearm for his protection.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Allegheny County Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Wheat-Avery.