Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced for Violating Federal Firearms LawRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months of time served and three years of supervised release (the first 180 days in home detention) on his conviction of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Matthew Michanowicz, 53, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA 15211.
According to information presented to the court, on May 31, 2020, Michanowicz knowingly and unlawfully possessed firearms, that is, three destructive devices, which were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Specifically, Michanowicz admitted that, on or about May 31, 2020, he placed three, unregistered homemade destructive devices in a camouflage backpack at 2 PNC Plaza in downtown Pittsburgh.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Michanowicz.
Heidelberg Man Sentenced for Role in GBK Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A suburban Pittsburgh man has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Antoine Dean, Sr., age 56, of Heidelberg, PA.
According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Antoine Dean, Sr. conspired to distribute over 28 grams of crack cocaine.
Prior to imposing sentence, Senior Judge Schwab stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne M. Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Robinson Township Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dean, Sr.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Judge Sentences Mercer County Woman to 9 Years for Distributing Sexual Images of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former Mercer County resident has been sentenced in federal court to nine years’ imprisonment and five years’ supervised release on her conviction of Distribution of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Mary Jacobs, age 29, formerly of Farrell, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, from February 27, 2017 through February 28, 2017, Jacobs distributed approximately 11 still images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor to an individual using “Skout”, an online chat forum. Jacobs had been communicating online with the individual for a short period and she acknowledged producing the images at his request. The child victim had not yet attained the age of 12 years. That individual to whom she sent the imagery is currently serving a 15-year term of imprisonment in the State of Florida for offenses involving possession of child sexual abuse material and related offenses.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that she was granting a departure from the advisory guideline range based upon the totality of the circumstances, which included Jacobs’ intellectual disabilities.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jacobs.
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.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Obscene Material and Letters to a Western PA MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Florida resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of transferring obscene material to a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Robert Fike, age 50, of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that 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 Minor A with graphic, sexually explicit content.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for April 5, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Court ordered that the defendant remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the Penn Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the 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.
Sheraden Man Sentenced for Obstructing Pittsburgh Police during May 30, 2020 Pittsburgh ProtestRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on a charge of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
George Allen, 33, of Glen Mawr Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to twelve months and a day of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Judge Schwab permitted the defendant to remain on bond and self-report on February 1, 2022, to begin his sentence.
The court was previously advised that on May 30, 2020, Allen did knowingly and willfully throw multiple pieces of concrete at a vehicle occupied by police officers. One of the pieces of concrete shattered the front passenger window and struck an officer, causing minor bruising to the officer’s arm. Allen’s actions caused the obstruction, impediment and interference of law enforcement officers engaged in the lawful performance of their official duties.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation.
Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Conspiracy, Health Care Fraud, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court for conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program, health care fraud, and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon sentenced Tamika Adams, 45, to sixty-five months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for her role in a years-long conspiracy. Adams was also ordered to pay restitution to the Pennsylvania Medicaid program in the amount of $445,131.67.
During her plea hearing on March 13, 2020, Adams admitted that at various times between 2011 and 2014 she was an employee of three related entities operating in the home health care industry—Moriarty Consultants, Inc. (MCI), Activity Daily Living Services, Inc. (ADL), and Everyday People Staffing, Inc. (EPS). MCI, ADL, and a fourth entity, Coordination Care, Inc. (CCI), were approved under the Pennsylvania Medicaid program to offer certain services to qualifying Medicaid recipients (“consumers”), including personal assistance services (PAS), service coordination, and non-medical transportation, among other services. EPS nominally performed back-office functions for MCI, ADL, and CCI.
Between January 2011 and the defendant’s departure from the entities in and around 2014, MCI, ADL, and CCI collectively received tens of millions of dollars in Medicaid payments based on claims submitted for home health services, with PAS payments accounting for the vast majority of the total amount. During that time, Adams admitted that she participated in a wide-ranging conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program for the purpose of obtaining millions of dollars in illegal Medicaid payments through the submission of fraudulent claims for services that were never provided to the consumers identified on the claims, or for which there was insufficient or fabricated documentation to support the claims.
As part of the conspiracy, Adams admitted that she fabricated timesheets to reflect the provision of in-home PAS care that, in fact, she never provided to the consumer identified on the timesheets. In one instance, Adams admitted submitting false timesheets claiming that she provided more than 80 hours of care in a single week to a consumer, while also working full-time as the nominal president of ADL. During a two-year period in which the same consumer lived with Adams, the defendant admitted taking steps to conceal their co-habitation and the fact that she served as the consumer’s power of attorney (both disqualifying circumstances) from the Medicaid program.
Likewise, Adams admitted that she paid kickbacks to at least one consumer—her spouse at the time—in exchange for his participation in the scheme. Specifically, Adams admitted that she and her father, co-defendant Tony Brown, used Brown’s name on time sheets for fabricated care of Adams’s then-spouse. At various times, Adams admitted that she, Tony Brown, and her spouse would meet at an MCI office on the day that Brown received payment for the fraudulent care so that the three individuals could divide the proceeds. In total, Adams acknowledged causing losses to the Pennsylvania Medicaid program in excess of $250,000 related to her spouse.
Adams also admitted that during the conspiracy, she caused the submission of Medicaid claims for PAS care that her friend, an MCI employee, purportedly provided to various consumers, without the friend’s knowledge and when in fact no such care had been provided to the consumers. During this time, Adams admitted that her friend was recovering from a serious injury and unable to work. Adams further misused her friend’s personally identifiable information to obtain and misappropriate the resulting salary payments. Finally, Adams admitted that during the course of audits of MCI, ADL, and CCI, she fabricated documentation for submission to state authorities in an effort to conceal the Medicaid fraud scheme. Among other things, Adams fabricated PAS timesheets, criminal history checks for attendants, child-abuse clearance forms for attendants, and certain consumer affidavits to ensure that files requested as part of the audits appeared complete.
To date, a total of sixteen defendants have been charged in connection with this investigation. Adams was the twelfth defendant to enter a guilty plea. The remaining defendants, including Tony Brown, are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Edward Song are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation.
Pittsburgh Man Admits Guilt in California-to-Pennsylvania Marijuana Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Christopher Shaner, age 26, pleaded guilty to one count before U.S. District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Shaner participated in conspiracy to distribute marijuana from 2017, and continuing thereafter to in and around May 2019, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Shaner was part of a conspiracy in which individuals, many of whom were born in Jamaica, mailed kilograms of cocaine and marijuana from California to individuals in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Federal agents obtained Court authorization and intercepted the communications of members of the conspiracy, including Shaner and they also executed numerous search warrants.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for March 22, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Judge ordered the defendant shall remain on bond.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Maureen Sheehan-Balchon are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Shaner. The task force is headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is comprised of members drawn from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Borough of Baldwin Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police. In this case, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force and the New Castle Police Department also participated in the 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.
Turkish Citizen Living in the Pittsburgh Area Indicted on Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A citizen of Turkey has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of committing mail and wire fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Hakan Kantar, formerly of 3803 Wick Place, Wexford, PA 15090.
According to the Indictment, Kantar falsely represented that he was a citizen of the United States when he applied for and received a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the Small Business Administration and unemployment benefits from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Due to his immigration status, Kantar was not eligible for either type of relief.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory 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.
For information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to stop illegal COVID-19-related activity, visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, consumers may visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO websites. The public is urged to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline by phone at (1-866-720-5721) or via an online reporting form available at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Leader of Philadelphia to Pittsburgh Drug Pipeline Sentenced to 13 Years’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of suburban Pittsburgh has been sentenced in federal court tom 13 years’ (156 months’) imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Trevon Kendrick, 28, of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, in 2018, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a heroin trafficking organization led by Kendrick that operated throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. Beginning in February of 2019 and continuing through September of 2019, the FBI received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Kendrick, as the leader of this multi-member drug trafficking organization, was intercepted orchestrating and directing the movement of heroin from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh for distribution throughout Pittsburgh by various members of the organization. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized heroin, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization, including Kendrick. Judge Stickman referenced the seriousness of the offense as well as Kendrick’s criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kendrick.
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.
Felon Indicted for Illegally Possessing a Gun and Multiple DrugsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. – A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearm and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The three-count Superseding Indictment named Dreshawn McBroom, 33, of Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the grand jury, on November 30, 2021, McBroom was found to be in possession of eutylone, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, hydrocodone, and a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. His prior felony convictions make it unlawful for him to possess a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years to a maximum of life imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendants. The defendant is currently being detained at Allegheny County Jail.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Ball is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of 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.
Convicted Embezzler Pleads Guilty to Stealing from Another Company Where He Was Doing Accounting WorkRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A suburban Pittsburgh residentcity,/state pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Walter Tymoczko, age 47, of Pittsburgh, PA 15227, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that 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.
Judge last name of judge scheduled sentencing for April 20, 2022 at 2:15 P.M. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court permitted Tymoczko to remain on bond but prohibited him from performing work that would give him access to his clients’ sensitive financial information.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tymoczko.
Aliquippa, Pa. Man Looking at 5 to 40 Years after Pleading Guilty to Drug PossessionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Ossie Foster, age 37, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin; a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing detectable amounts of fentanyl and heroin before Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that a confidential source informed the Beaver County Anti-Drug Task Force that Foster distributed “brick” quantities of heroin and fentanyl from his residence. Acting, in part, on information provided by that confidential source, the Beaver County Anti-Drug Task Force executed a search warrant on Foster’s residence of 1710 Main Street in Aliquippa on June 13, 2020. During the search, law enforcement recovered multiple controlled substances in various packaging. From a large plastic bag in the basement, officers recovered approximately 937 net grams of heroin that bore the imprint of a swastika. Additionally, law enforcement recovered 336 white glassine bags stamped “Barney” in red ink and 279 white glassine bags stamped “Road Runner” also in red ink. Finally, officers recovered plastic baggies of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, in the residence and within a pair of the defendant’s sneakers.
In addition to the controlled substances, officers recovered the following from the defendant’s residence: five digital scales, empty glassine bags, packaging paper with an imprint of a swastika, an armored bulletproof vest, 9mm, .380 special, and .40 caliber ammunition, a loaded .9mm caliber pistol magazine, gun parts, an empty Taurus gun box, bulk United States currency, and indicia for the defendant.
Following a search of the residence, the defendant consented to a search of a black Lincoln sedan parked outside the residence. A wallet in the driver’s side visor contained the defendant’s identification and bulk United States currency. Additional bulk United States currency was seized from the sunglass holder. A duffel bag in the trunk contained a Taurus model PT 24/7 G2C, .40 caliber firearm. The firearm was loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition. Officers recovered another .40 caliber magazine containing 11 rounds of ammunition within the same duffel bag as the loaded firearm.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for March 22, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and not more than forty (40) years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Court ordered that the defendant be detained pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Beaver County Anti-Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of this case.
Williamsburg Man Sentenced for Possessing and Intending to Distribute Multiple DrugsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, PA - A resident of Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 3 years of imprisonment on his conviction for possession with intent to distribute multiple Schedule I and II controlled substances, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Kim Gibson imposed the sentence on Jesse Daniel Ginter, 40.
Previously, in connection with his guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 12, 2018, Homeland Security Investigations agents and other law enforcement executed a federal search warrant on Ginter’s residence and recovered quantities of numerous controlled substances, including furanyl fentanyl, methoxyacetyl fentanyl, cyclopropyl fentanyl, U-47700, AMB-Fubinaca, carfentanil, fentanyl, marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The Court was further advised that investigators recovered firearms, ammunition, currency, a digital scale, stamp bags, and other indicia of drug trafficking from Ginter’s residence.
Assistant United States Attorney David Lew prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ginter.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Financial InstitutionsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh has been sentenced in federal court to 44 months in prison on his conviction of conspiracy, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicolas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Sulemon Arowokoko, 32, of Pittsburgh, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, Arowokoko was part of a conspiracy that involved using stolen identity information to induce financial institutions to issue credit and debit cards on victim customers’ accounts. Over the course of approximately two years, Arowokoko used those fraudulently obtained credit and debit cards to obtain more than $250,000 worth of gift cards, clothes, jewelry, cologne, perfume, furniture, and other items. Some of those items were shipped to Nigeria as part of the conspiracy.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Arowokoko.
Kentucky Physician Sentenced for Unlawful Kickback ConspiracyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced in federal court today for one count of conspiracy to solicit and receive unlawful kickbacks, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson sentenced John Baird, 55, a physician, to five years of probation, including two years of home detention. Baird was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $567,609.36 to Medicare.
During the defendant’s plea hearing on July 16, 2018, Baird admitted that while practicing as a licensed physician specializing in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain treatment, he entered into an illegal kickbacks-for-referrals conspiracy with Williams Hughes, the owner and operator of Universal Oral Fluid Labs (“UOFL”), a clinical drug-testing laboratory in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Pursuant to their arrangement, Baird received cash payments from UOFL in exchange for referring patients—including patients covered under Medicare—to the lab for drug testing services. Hughes, through UOFL, then submitted to, and received reimbursements from, Medicare for drug testing services for patients referred to the lab by Baird. As enrolled Medicare providers, Baird and UOFL were required to certify that they would comply with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including the federal anti-kickback prohibition. Baird further admitted that between May 2012 and July 2013, he received $567,609.36 in kickbacks from UOFL for his drug testing referrals.
Hughes separately pleaded guilty for conspiring to offer and pay kickbacks in connection with Medicaid referrals made by another Kentucky physician. On July 13, 2021, United States District Judge David S. Cercone sentenced Hughes to sixty days’ incarceration, followed by twelve months of home detention. Hughes was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, forfeit more than $750,000 in previously seized assets, and make restitution totaling $1,670,469.77 to the Kentucky Medicaid Program.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Baird.
Cindy K. Chung Sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Cindy K. Chung was sworn in today as the 59th United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania and began her duties immediately.
“I am grateful to the President for my nomination and to Senators Casey and Toomey for their recommendation and endorsement,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “I have dedicated my career to serving the public and am honored to continue to do so by leading this outstanding office. I look forward to working with our law enforcement and community partners to protect the public, pursue equal justice under the law, and serve the people of the Western District of Pennsylvania.”
Chief U.S. District Judge Mark R. Hornak administered to oath to Ms. Chung, 46, of Pittsburgh, in a ceremony this morning.
Prior to becoming U.S. Attorney, Ms. Chung served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania since 2014. Ms. Chung has held numerous positions during her tenure, including Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Section from 2018 to 2020, Acting Deputy Chief of the Violent Crimes Section at various times in 2015 to 2017, Domestic Violence Coordinator from 2019 to 2020, Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator from 2018 to 2020, Border Security Coordinator from 2018 to 2020, and Civil Rights Coordinator from 2016 to 2018. Ms. Chung also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law where she cotaught a course on Federal Hate Crimes in the Spring of 2021.
Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Chung worked as a Trial Attorney in the Criminal Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division from 2009 to 2014. From 2003 to 2007, Ms. Chung worked as an Assistant District Attorney at the District Attorney’s Office, New York County, and she continued her work there as an Investigation Counsel in the Official Corruption Unit from 2007 to 2009. Ms. Chung began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge Myron Thompson on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama from 2002 to 2003.
Ms. Chung received her J.D. from Columbia Law School in 2002 and her B.A.s from Yale University in 1997.
Ms. Chung, who was nominated for U.S. Attorney by President Joe Biden on Oct. 27, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Nov. 19, 2021, assumes the office from Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman. She leads an office currently staffed with 59 Assistant U.S. Attorneys across the criminal, civil and appeals divisions, and 56 professional support staff in offices in Pittsburgh, Erie, and Johnstown.
The Western District of Pennsylvania includes the 25 westernmost counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh Tax Preparer Sentenced for Filing False ReturnsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced by Chief District Judge Mark R. Hornak in Pittsburgh on charges of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent income tax returns, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Jamar White had earlier entered a plea of guilty to tax charges covering the years 2010 through 2014 during which time he created false tax returns for a number of clients while acting as a paid tax return preparer. Mr. White created false deductions which did not in fact represent the actual income and eligible deductions of many of his various clients. By fictionalizing various deductions for things such as gifts to charity and business expenses, which did not in fact exist, Mr. White was able to secure refunds for clients to which they were not in fact entitled.
Judge Hornak sentenced Mr. White to serve four months in prison, pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service of $67,000, pay a special assessment of $500 and undergo 12 months of Supervised Release once he is released from prison.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
South Side Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Drugs for Darccide/Smash 44 Street GangRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Henry Johnson, age 30, formerly of the South Side, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, 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 this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, from approximately February 2019 through June 2019, the United States received authorization to intercept communications on 9 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.
The investigation revealed that in this conspiracy, Highsmith and other co-defendants worked together to distribute controlled substances, including but not limited to heroin and fentanyl, in and around the South Side of Pittsburgh. Customers who wanted to purchase heroin and fentanyl would make contact with Highsmith or a co-defendant, either by phone call or text message. Highsmith and co-defendants would sometimes physically distribute the quantity of heroin and fentanyl to the customer, and other times, would direct a runner to physically distribute the fentanyl and heroin and/or to collect the money for the drugs from customers.
Between March and April 2019, physical surveillance and intercepted communications revealed that Highsmith supplied the defendant with controlled substances for distribution. For example, on March 11, 2019, physical surveillance observed the defendant briefly enter Highsmith’s vehicle before exiting to conduct a hand-to-hand transaction in the South Side of Pittsburgh. Additionally, in an April 3, 2019 interception, the defendant asked Highsmith if he could get “30 at one forty.” Highsmith agreed to do so after making another “transaction.” Later that day, Highsmith texted the defendant an address in Verona, Pennsylvania, and the defendant responded that he would see him in 20. Subsequently, physical surveillance observed Highsmith exit that Verona residence and enter the driver’s seat of a parked BMW. Physical surveillance then observed the defendant exit a different vehicle, enter the parked BMW where Highsmith was waiting, and exit approximately two minutes later holding a bag. Finally, in a series of interceptions on April 8, 2019, Highsmith agreed to sell the defendant 15 bricks and later complained that the defendant “shorted” him on the payment of “1900.” The defendant agreed to pay the defendant an additional “buck an a quarter.”
In addition to the interceptions and physical surveillance, on December 6, 2018, the West Homestead Police Department 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 6 grams of cocaine. Some of the bricks bore the same stamp as other bricks seized in the investigation into the defendant’s coconspirators. 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.Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for March 24, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court remanded Johnson back into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant United States Attorney’s Brendan J. McKenna and Carolyn Bloch are prosecuting 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.Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 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, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Doug Austen, age 40, of the Carrick section of the City of Pittsburgh, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine before United States District Judge Christy Crisswell Wiegand. Austen 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 June 9, 2021, Austen sold another individual 84 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for March 24, 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 ordered the defendant remain in custody.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for Trafficking Endangered and Invasive FishRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today in the Western District of Pennsylvania to five years’ probation, including 180 days of home detention and 225 hours of community service, for trafficking in endangered and invasive fish in violation of the Lacey Act.
Anthony Nguyen, aka JoJo Nguyen and Jackie Lee, 49, of Pittsburgh, previously entered guilty pleas on July 20, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Nora B. Fischer to counts one and two of the indictment returned against him on Nov. 13, 2020, alleging that he trafficked in endangered Asian arowana and invasive snakehead fish. Nguyen owned and operated a Pittsburgh business, Ichiban Tropical Fish, specializing in the sale of rare and exotic freshwater tropical fish species.
During his plea hearing, Nguyen admitted to violating the Lacey Act in 2016 when he sold illegally imported Asian arowana, which are native to Southeast Asia and are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Arowana, also known as “dragon fish” or “Asian bonytongue fish,” are considered the most expensive freshwater fish on earth, with highly sought-after specimens selling for tens of thousands of dollars. Arowana are also listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES), which is reserved for the most endangered species of fish and wildlife.
Nguyen also admitted to violating the Lacey Act for selling invasive and injurious snakehead fish in 2019, in violation of Pennsylvania law. Snakeheads are native to Asia, but have been introduced into freshwater habitats in the U.S. Pursuant to the terms of Nguyen’s plea agreement, he will also accept responsibility for falsifying documents related to the snakehead shipment.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also provided assistance during the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan and Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section.
Greene County Man Admits Defrauding Investors in a Waste-to-Energy Conversion PlantRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Greene County pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Robert Irey, 59, of Clarksville, PA 15322 pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Irey and his charged coconspirators owned and ran a company called Alternative Energy Holdings, LLC (“AEH”). The defendants informed victims that AEH was going to build a plant that would convert biodegradable waste into energy. The defendants furthered offered victims an opportunity to invest in AEH. Specifically, they solicited short-term loans that offered high interest rates and, in some cases, an ownership interest in AEH. The victims were told their funds would be used for business expenses. However, after victims provided funds to AEH, the defendants often split the money three ways and used it for personal use. Despite the promise of a short-term repayment, the victims were not repaid. From approximately June 2016 until April 2018, approximately 22 victims loaned AEH $2,017,228.44.
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for March 24, 2021. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Irey.
Three Indicted for Running “Grandparent Scheme” that Defrauded Elderly Victims in Western PARead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - Two residents of Las Vegas, NV and one resident of Reseda, CA, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, PA on a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Roderick Feurtado, 54, of Las Vegas, NV 89166, Tarek Bouanane, 45, Las Vegas, NV 89139, and Roberto Gutierrez, 49, of Reseda, CA 91335, as defendants.
According to Indictment, in September 2021, the defendants traveled to the Pittsburgh area to execute a scheme to defraud that targeted elderly victims. To execute the scheme, members of the conspiracy called the victims, posed as an attorney, and falsely represented that one of the victim’s relatives, typically a grandchild, had been incarcerated and needed money for bail and legal fees. With assistance from Feurtado and other members of the conspiracy, Bouanane and Gutierrez then posed as couriers or bail bondsman, visited the victims at their homes, and collected the fraudulently obtained money. At least $250,000 was obtained in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere as a result of the conspiracy.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations and 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.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Production and Attempted Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Anthony Cerasi, age 46, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on April 13, 2021, Cerasi used and attempted to use Minor A, a minor female, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction, namely, videos depicting Minor A engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than fifteen years and not more than thirty 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 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 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.
Pittsburgh Felon, 21, Charged with Violating Federal Drug and Gun LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - One resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Marquis McMeans, age 21, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about July 5, 2021, McMeans possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of crack cocaine and possessed a firearm in furtherance of this drug trafficking crime. McMeans, a convicted felon, is prohibited by Federal law from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Cook 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.
North Versailles Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing 1,200 Images of Child Pornography on His PhoneRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 40 months in prison to be followed by 104 months of supervised release on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Travis Kuhns, 28, of North Versailles, PA 15137.
According to information presented to the court, Kuhns was an active member of an online group called Yum Yum Trading, which was notorious for trading child pornography. While a member of the group, Kuhns posted child pornography links to the group and sent links directly to an undercover FBI Agent who had become a member. Kuhns also engaged in online chats with the Agent and expressed his sexual interest in children. Law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant on Kuhns’s residence and discovered in excess of 1,200 images of child pornography on his cell phone.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kuhns. 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.
Superseding Indictment Charges Penn Hills Man with Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - An Allegheny County man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charges of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The two-count Superseding Indictment named Jerome Frank Brown, age 50, formerly of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment, on August 19, 2021, Brown possessed with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possessed a firearm after he had been convicted of an offense punishable by more than one year of incarceration. 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 life in prison, a fine of $10,250,000 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 Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and U.S. Postal Inspectors Service (USPIS) 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.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Distribution and Receipt and Attempted Distribution and Receipt of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
David Saban, age 46, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on August 16, 2020, Saban knowingly distributed and attempted to distribute visual depictions, namely, videos in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for March 14, 2022 at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five (5) years and not more than twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Saban. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Pittsburgh Man Arranged Purchases and Sales of Heroin and Fentanyl, Illegally Possessed a GunRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Trevon McCrary, age 27, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV. Mr. McCrary is one of 40 defendants charged in the Indictment and Superseding Indictment returned in the case.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around January 2018 through in and around June 2019, McCrary participated in a conspiracy with Ronald Williams, Christopher Highsmith, and others to distribute heroin and fentanyl. McCrary was intercepted on a court-authorized wiretap arranging purchases and sales of heroin/fentanyl and was the subject of physical surveillance while engaging in drug-trafficking activity. McCrary took responsibility for distributing between 32 and 40 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture as well as possession of a firearm.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for March 21, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than twenty (20) years 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 the defendant remain in custody.
Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Brendan J. McKenna are prosecuting 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.Penn Hills Man Charged with Attempted Cocaine PossessionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - One resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Jose Antonio Santiago Hernandez, age 30, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about June 28, 2021, Hernandez attempted to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life, 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Ann 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.
Local Man, 22, Sentenced to 14 Years for Armed Robberies in Pittsburgh and Its Eastern SuburbsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 14 years of incarceration on his conviction of several counts of robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on True Kinnon, age 22, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, True Kinnon and his coconspirators committed several armed robberies from November 2018 through February 2019. These robberies targeted local businesses in the City of Pittsburgh and several of the eastern suburbs of the city, including Penn Hills, Monroeville, Turtle Creek, and Oakmont. During these robberies, Kinnon and his coconspirators brandished a variety of weapons, including an assault-style rifle and a revolver, and robbed both store employees and customers who were in the store at the time of the robberies. Kinnon had pleaded guilty for his involvement in seven separate robberies.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman noted the severity of the defendant’s conduct, and found that the sentence of 14 years of incarceration, which was agreed upon by the parties, was a significant one that reflected the seriousness of the defendant’s crimes.
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Monroeville Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Wilkins Township Police Department, and the Oakmont Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kinnon.
Duquesne Man Sentenced to More than 5 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun Law OffensesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 66 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction for narcotics trafficking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Marquis Brown, age 33.
According to previous information presented to the court, in October 2017, Brown possessed with intent to distribute quantities of heroin and fentanyl analogues. He also possessed a .40 caliber Taurus pistol in furtherance of his drug-trafficking.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force for the investigation of this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
AUSA Maureen Sheehan-Balchon Receives the “Dick Thornburgh Award”Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is the 2021 recipient of the Dick Thornburgh Award, Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today. Former U.S. Attorney Scott Brady established the annual award to recognize outstanding performance by an Assistant U.S. Attorney.
AUSA Sheehan-Balchon, of Westmoreland County, oversees the U.S. Attorney’s Johnstown branch office. She joined the office in March 2019 and is prosecuting several of the western District’s highest profile cases:
- U.S. v. John Bisbee et al. – Forty-two individuals were accused of bringing kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from Atlanta for distribution throughout northcentral Pennsylvania. It is the largest drug investigation and prosecution in the history of Clearfield County.
- U.S. v. Mikal Davis et al. – Thirty-two individuals were accused of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from April 2019 to July 2021.
- U.S. v. Jon Osewalt – Osewalt was indicted in September 2021 on charges of producing and possessing images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
- Operation Tri-County – This wiretap investigation resulted in charges against 20 individuals for conspiring to use the U.S. mail to receive kilogram quantities of cocaine for distribution in Lawrence County and surrounding counties from 2017 through May 2019.
AUSA Sheehan-Balchon received the award during an in-office Service Recognition Ceremony.
The Dick Thornburgh Award is presented annually to an outstanding federal prosecutor in the Western District of Pennsylvania who exhibits the commitment to justice and the highest ethical standards that were embodied by General Thornburgh throughout his career. Mr. Thornburgh was a former Attorney General of the United States, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Governor.
The inaugural award was presented to AUSA Brendan T. Conway, Chief of the Major Crimes Section, on November 5, 2020.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years’ incarceration, to be served consecutively to a sentence of 10 to 20 years’ incarceration imposed in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, followed by 10 years’ supervised release on his conviction of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Matthew Joseph Gourley, age 49, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on January 6, 2020, Gourley forced Minor A, a minor female victim, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction, namely, a digital image and a video, depicting Minor A engaging in sexually explicit content. Gourley’s conduct was discovered by law enforcement during an online undercover operation.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman stated “there is no room to debate the seriousness” of Gourley’s crime, calling Gourley’s documentation of his sexual abuse of Minor A “heinous, inexcusable, abhorrent.”
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gourley.
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.Man in U.S. Illegally is Sentenced to Prison for Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - An individual believed to have entered the United States illegally in March 2018 has been sentenced in federal court to 42 months in jail and ordered to pay $106,341.07 in restitution on his conviction of access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Janos Vaczi, 51.
According to information presented to the court, from March 2018 to June 22, 2019, Vaczi and his co-conspirators installed ATM skimming equipment on numerous ATM machines throughout Northwest Pennsylvania. The skimming equipment unlawfully captured the bank account and personal identity information of numerous individuals. Vaczi and his cohorts then placed the unlawfully captured information on to other cards which they then used at various ATM machines to unlawfully obtain thousands of dollars in victim funds.
During the investigation, the FBI searched a storage locker that Vaczi had rented in the Pittsburgh area. Inside the storage locker the FBI discovered hundreds of cards that contained stolen bank account information which enabled Vaczi and his co-conspirators to use the cards at various ATM machines to steal funds from the victims’ bank accounts. Vaczi’s storage locker also contained $10,000, ATM skimming equipment and numerous fake passports and international driver’s licenses bearing Vaczi’s picture but with different names.
Shortly before the FBI apprehended Vaczi, he attempted to bury hundreds of cards containing stolen identity information near a grocery store in the Pittsburgh area. Agents noticed that the ground had been disturbed in the area where Vaczi had been standing and discovered the cards shortly thereafter.Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Vaczi.
Federal Jury Convicts Former Arnold Resident of Possessing Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – After deliberating for more than three hours on Friday, November 12, 2021, a federal jury of nine women and three men found Kevin Watson guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Watson, aged 32, formerly of Arnold, Pennsylvania, was tried before Senior United States District Judge Donetta Ambrose in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Brian Czarnecki, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented over four days of trial proved that on or about April 26, 2019, Watson possessed with intent to distribute approximately 14,980 servings of heroin and fentanyl contained in bags stamped with “Blue Magic.” The bags were packaged in groups of fifty stampbags known as bricks, and then placed into six-gallon sized bags, each containing 50 bricks. Watson had five of the gallon sized bags in a box surround by wrapping paper in the trunk of his car. The other gallon sized bag was in a grocery bag, also in the trunk of his car.
Pennsylvania State Police found the drugs during a search of Watson’s car on April 29, 2019, which was impounded at the Police Barracks in Kittanning following a traffic stop on April 26, 2019. The traffic stop occurred on Route 28 northbound. Watson was originally pulled over overly tinted windows. Troopers noticed a four-year-old child in the back seat, and what started as a routine traffic stop turned into a highspeed pursuit after Watson fled the scene. Watson reached speeds of 115 miles per hour before exiting Route 28 at the Tarentum exit. Watson attempted to negotiate a righthand turn, but he lost control of the car and crashed into a utility pole.
After Watson crashed his car, he fled on foot, leaving the child in the car. Two troopers caught up to Watson and arrested him. Meanwhile another trooper secured the child from the backseat of Watson’s car. Watson was life flighted to Allegheny General Hospital due to injuries sustained from the crash, but the four-year-old child did not suffer serious injuries.
Expert witnesses at trial testified that the total weight of the heroin/fentanyl possessed by Watson was approximately 480 grams and the drugs had a street value in 2019 of around $100,000.
Judge Ambrose will issue an order scheduling the date and time for sentencing. The law provides for a sentence of no less than 10 years imprisonment to a maximum of life and a fine not to exceed $10,000,000. The sentence may be increased if Watson has prior drug trafficking convictions. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Watson.
Former Pharmacy Chief of VA Medical Center in Erie Pleads Guilty to Diverting PainkillersRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Matthew Camera, 50, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from 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.
Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for March 22, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 4 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 placed Camera on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Camera.
32 Named in Superseding Indictment Alleging Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN – Thirty-two residents of Cambria, Indiana, Allegheny, Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania, one resident of Long Beach, California, and one resident of
Middletown, Delaware have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics laws and unlawful possession of firearms, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.The fourteen-count Superseding Indictment, returned on November 9 and unsealed today, names the following 32 individuals as defendants:
Mikal Davis, 44, of Philadelphia, PA;
Darren Alston, 29, of Johnstown, PA;
Anthony Andrews, 40, of Johnstown, PA;
Debra Bailey, 58, of Johnstown, PA;
Sandra Box, 55, of Johnstown, PA;
Jonathan Brunson, 50, of Johnstown, PA;
Hector Concepcion, 32, of Johnstown, PA;
Willette Cooper,39, of Johnstown, PA;
James Dotson, 43, of Johnstown, PA;
Joshua Edmonds, 28, of Johnstown, PA;
Azheem Ellis, 45, of Johnstown, PA;
Ruby Gil, 30, of Indiana, PA;
Shawn Howard, 47, of Johnstown, PA;
Kevin Johnson, 35, of Johnstown, PA;
Rashim Kennedy-Williams, 41, of, Philadelphia, PA;
Perry King, 45, of Johnstown, PA;
Amber Lingafelt, 38, of Johnstown, PA;
Dwight Logan, 42, of Johnstown, PA;
Jeffrey Mann, 43, of Philadelphia, PA;
George Mazey, 50, of Johnstown, PA;
Timothy Mollett, 40, of Turtle Creek, PA;
Mary Lou Nelson, 58, of Johnstown, PA;
James Pearcy, 57, of Philadelphia, PA;
Gina Petrucci, 51, of Conshohocken, PA;
Derrick Polk, 58, of Long Beach, CA;
Paul Smith, 43, of Middletown, DE;
Rodney Smith, 65, of Johnstown, PA;
Joseph Thornton, 31, of Johnstown, PA;
Amanda Weidner, 37, of Johnstown, PA;
Jessica Wilson, 35, of Johnstown, PA;
Blake Young, 32, of Johnstown, PA; and
Daniel Culmer, 54, of Johnstown, PA.The Superseding Indictment charges all defendants with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 280 grams or more of a mixture and substance continuing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, from April 2019 to July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The statue calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of incarceration.
Jonathan Brunson is charged at Count Two with distributing heroin and fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury on June 9, 2021. The statue calls for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Mikal Davis, Jonathan Brunson, James Dotson, Jeffrey Mann, and Derrick Polk are charged at Count Three with distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 500 grams or a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine from April 14, 2021 through April 18, 2021. That statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years of incarceration.
Mikal Davis, James Dotson, and Jeffrey Mann are charged at Count Four with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine; 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl; and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine on July 15, 2021. That statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of incarceration.
Jonathan Brunson and James Dotson are charged at Count Five with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl; and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine on June 9, 2021. That statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of incarceration.
Timothy Mollett is charged at Count Six with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine; 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl; and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine on July 15, 2021. That statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of incarceration.
Dwight Logan is charged at Count Seven with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl; and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, crack cocaine, and
methamphetamine on July 15, 2021. That statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of incarceration.George Mazey is charged at Count Eight with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of crack cocaine and fentanyl on April 20, 2021. That statute calls for a mandatory maximum sentence of 20 years of incarceration.
James Dotson and Timothy Mollett are charged at Counts Nine and Thirteen, respectively, with unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. The statute calls for a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.
Hector Concepcion is charged at Count Eleven with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States, on July 15, 2021. The statute calls for a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.
James Dotson, Timothy Mollett and Hector Concepcion are charged at Counts Ten, Twelve and Fourteen, respectively, with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. That statute calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of incarceration and up to life.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted on Attempted Coercion of a Minor for Sex ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH- A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, now in custody at Allegheny County Jail, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, on a charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Thomas Hunt, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from on or about September 13, 2021, until on or about October 13, 2021, Hunt attempted to coerce and entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not less than ten (10) years and not more than life in prison, a fine not greater than $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Charged with Receiving Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - One resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Receipt of Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minorsplain language statement of offense described in indictment or generic description such as violating various federal laws or violating various federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Sean Paul Conley-Refer, currently incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about October 8, 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, the defendant did knowingly receive a visual depiction of a minor using any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce, namely, the Internet and a cellular telephone, the production of which visual depiction involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and that depicted a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
McKeesport Felon Allegedly Possessed a GunRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. One resident of McKeesport, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Yadell Eric Jones, age 49, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Jones is alleged to have possessed a firearm as a convicted felon on or about October 26, 2021. 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 offense 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 Drug Enforcement Agency 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 Jackson Township Official Charged with Embezzling $170,000Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Largo, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, PA on charges of mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The six-count Indictment named Linda Baun, 72, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Baun was the Secretary and Treasurer for Jackson Township, which is located in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. From approximately September 2011 until approximately December 2019, Baun embezzled approximately $170,000.00 from the township. Baun embezzled the funds by making unauthorized ATM withdrawals from the township’s general fund and by making online purchases, including several on Amazon.com, using the township’s general fund. Baun attempted to conceal her thefts by making false entries into the township’s QuickBooks accounting software.
For each count, the law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl 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 Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Counselor at Clear Day Treatment Center charged with Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The four-count Indictment named Nina Marie Barkley, age 34, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Barkley was employed as a counselor at Clear Day Treatment Center. “KP” was a patient at Clear Day Treatment Center and was counseled by Barkley. As part of the patient intake process “KP” was required to provide Clear Day Treatment Center with personal identification information such as a Social Security number, date of birth, and home residence. Barkley had access to “KP”’s personal identification information and without permission or authorization used “KP”’s personal identification information to obtain loans from various financial institutions.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, 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 Attorneys Karen Gal-Or and Michael L. Ivory are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police and West Mifflin 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 Corrections Officer Sentenced to Prison for Role in Bribery Conspiracy Involving Contraband Cellphones Smuggled into the Indiana County JailRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of McDonough, Georgia, was sentenced in federal court on charges of conspiracy and bribery by a public official, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Alex Lewis, 26, a former corrections officer at the Indiana County Jail (ICJ), was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment followed by 18 months of supervised release.
During his plea hearing on July 15, 2021, Lewis admitted that between June and August 2019, he accepted multiple bribes from Rashon Richardson, a federal detainee housed at ICJ pursuant to a contract with the United States Marshals Service. As part of the conspiracy, Lewis admitted that Richardson used an intermediary outside ICJ to meet with him and pay bribes in the form of cash and, on one occasion, via a $400 payment to Lewis’s Cash App account. In return for the bribe payments, Lewis admitted smuggling multiple contraband cellphones into ICJ for use by Richardson and other federal detainees housed at the facility.
During Lewis’s sentencing, United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon rejected Lewis’s request for a probationary sentence and instead imposed a sentence consistent with the United States Sentencing Guidelines. In reaching her decision, Judge Bissoon stated, “If the people we place in trusted positions cannot be trusted, the entire system breaks down.”
Richardson has pleaded not guilty, and his case remains pending before Judge Bissoon. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case. The Pennsylvania State Police and Indiana County Jail also provided valuable assistance during the course of the investigation.
Cameroonian Citizen Extradited from Romania Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud Online Purchasers of PetsRead the Press Release
A citizen of Cameroon pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in a scheme to trick American consumers into paying fees for pets that were never delivered and for using the COVID-19 crisis as an excuse to extract higher fees from victims.
According to court documents and proceedings, from around June 2018 to around June 2020, Desmond Fodje Bobga, 28, of Cameroon, knowingly conspired with others to offer pets for sale on internet websites. He and others communicated by text message and email with potential victims to induce purchases. Following each purchase, Bobga and co-conspirators claimed that a transportation company would deliver the pet and provided a false tracking number for the pet. Bobga and his co-conspirators, posing as the transportation company, then claimed the pet transport was delayed and that the victim needed to pay additional money for delivery of the pet.
Bobga and co-conspirators told some victims that they needed to pay more money for delivery because the pet had been exposed to the coronavirus. The perpetrators used false promises and fake documents regarding shipping fees and coronavirus exposure to extract successive payments from victims. After Bobga and the co-conspirators received money directly and indirectly through wire communications from the victims, they never delivered any pets.
“The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting fraud schemes that take advantage of American consumers, including schemes that seek to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and to the FBI for their partnership on this matter, and we greatly appreciate the efforts of Romanian law enforcement.”
“Desmond Fodje Bobga exploited consumers who were seeking the companionship of a pet to alleviate the isolation and stress caused by the COVID pandemic,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Today he acknowledged his deceitful and unlawful acts, and we will seek a sentence commensurate with the harm he caused by his criminal conduct.”
“Mr. Bobga preyed on American citizens looking for comfort from a pet during the COVID pandemic,” said Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall of FBI Pittsburgh. “His admission of guilt today will give his victims some solace in knowing someone is being held accountable. This investigation should also be a reminder to everyone to be careful who they’re buying from on the internet.”
The criminal charges detail the dealings of Bobga and his co-conspirators with victims in western Pennsylvania and elsewhere. For example:
- One victim, of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, was seeking to purchase a mini-dachshund for her mother in mid-March of 2020. Victim 1 was induced to pay $9,100 due to false claims that the pet was being shipped, needed insurance, and was exposed to COVID-19;
- Another victim, of Fruitland, Iowa, was seeking to purchase a mini-dachshund for herself in mid-March of 2020. False claims induced Victim 2 to lose $1,840; and
- A couple in Dallas, Texas, was seeking to purchase a dog. The victims were induced to make successive payments based on false claims about transportation issues and other matters and lost $1,800.
The criminal charges include a reference to a website, lovelyhappypuppy.com, to which Bobga directed numerous victims to view pets that he fraudulently claimed to sell:
Bobga pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8, 2022 and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Cook of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Wei Xiang of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch.
The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. Law enforcement authorities in Romania, including the Romanian National Police, Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and the Cluj Brigade for Combating Organized Crime, provided significant cooperation.
If you believe you are a victim in this case and would like to opt-in to receive notifications or if you have any questions about your rights, please contact the Victim Witness Coordinator at 412-894-7400 or through our website (https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/webform/contact-victim-witness-coordinator).
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
20 Charged in Superseding Indictment with Trafficking Significant Quantities of Multiple DrugsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A federal grand jury returned a five-count Superseding Indictment charging 20 members of a drug trafficking organization with trafficking significant quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The Superseding Indictment charges the following individuals at Count One with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, from in and around April of 2020 and continuing until on or about November 19, 2020:
Marcus Brown, age 33, of Washington, PA
Brandon Boone, age 38, of Washington, PA
Kenneth Brooks, Jr., age 27, of Washington, PA
Kevin Bush, age 51, of Washington, PA
Marc Cain, age 57, of Washington, PA
Brian Householder, age 57, of Greensburg, PA
Steve Law, IV, age 29, of Washington, PA
Princess Makokele, age 40, of Washington, PA
David McComb, age 32, of Coraopolis, PA
Steve Miller, age 48, of Allegheny, PA
Andrew Molinaro, age 42, of Canonsburg, PA
Johnnita Richardson, age 33, of Washington, PA
Warren Sadler, age 56, of Washington, PA
Matthew Spicer, age 50, of Canonsburg, PA
Patrick Ellis, age 47, of Washington, PAThe Superseding Indictment also charges the following individuals at Count Two with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, from in and around June of 2020 and continuing until on or about October 27, 2020:
Marcus Brown, age 33, of Washington, PA
Brandon Boone, age 38, of Washington, PA
Kenneth Brooks, Jr., age 27, of Washington, PA
Michael Brown, age 56, of Brownsville, PA
Steve Law, IV, age 29, of Washington, PA
Princess Makokele, age 40, of Washington, PA
Michael Pusateri, age 39, of Washington, PA
Warren Sadler, age 56, of Washington, PAAt Count Three, the Superseding Indictment charges the following individuals with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, from in and around June of 2020 and continuing until in and around August of 2020:
Walter Brunson, Jr., age 51, of Pittsburgh, PA
Shawn McFarland, age 51, of Lawrence, PA
Matthew Spicer, age 50, of Canonsburg, PA
Bradley Stopperich, age 49, of Washington, PAAt Count Four, the Superseding Indictment charges the following individuals with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of heroin and fentanyl, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, from in and around August of 2020 and continuing until on or about October 27, 2020:
Marcus Brown, age 33, of Washington, PA
Kenneth Brooks, Jr., age 27, of Washington, PA
Steve Law, IV, age 29, of Washington, PAFinally, at Count Five, the Superseding Indictment charges Patrick Ellis, age 47, of Washington, PA, with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, on or about November 19, 2020.
As to Counts One and Two, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both, as to each charged Defendant. As to Counts Three and Four, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than twenty years, a fine up to $1,000,000, or both, as to each charged Defendant. As to Count Five, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years to a maximum of forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendants.
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 (“FBI”) in Pittsburgh, PA led the multi-agency investigation that included members of the Pennsylvania State Police, United States Postal Inspection Service, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Stowe Township Police Department, and North Versailles 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.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Physician Pleads Guilty to Drug Diversion and Health Care Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A physician pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of drug diversion and health care fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Yee Chung Ho, age 72, of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to four counts of unlawful dispensing and distributing Schedule II controlled substances and one count of health care fraud before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Dr. Ho is a licensed medical doctor who owns and operates a family medicine practice located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The court was further advised that, on several dates in May and June 2019, Dr. Ho knowingly dispensed and distributed Schedule II drugs, specifically, Oxycodone, outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. The court was further advised that from April 2018 through June 2019, Dr. Ho committed health care fraud by causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicare for payments to cover the costs of unlawfully prescribed drugs.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for February 4, 2022. The law provides for a maximum per count sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000.00, or both, for the controlled substances offenses. Dr. Ho faces an additional maximum per count sentence of 10 years and fine of $250,000.00 for the health care fraud charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Cessar and Karen Gal-Or and Special Assistant United States Attorney Edward Song are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Pennsylvania State Attorney General’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case.
Johnstown Man Charged in Superseding Indictment with Gun and Drug Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics laws and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The three-count Superseding Indictment named Gregory Brown, 50, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the court, on or about June 22, 2021, Brown knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully, possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. Further, on or about August 5, 2021, Brown possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and was found in possession of ammunition, after having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration 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.
Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy, Its Two Founders Aaron Hertel and Michael Brown, and 18 Employees Indicted on Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – A physical therapy practice in Erie County, Pennsylvania, and 20 people – 18 of them from northwestern Pennsylvania - have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to commit wire and health care fraud and health care fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The two-count Indictment named the following individuals as defendants:
Aaron Wilhelm Hertel, of North East, Pennsylvania 16428
Michael Robert Brown, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16506
Sarah Elizabeth Bailey, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16506
Jessica Jeanne Morphy, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16505
Jacqueline Renee Exley, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16508
Julie Ann Johnson, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16506
Bobby Lee Rainey, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16505
Steve Michael Bauer, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16502
Austin John Dudenhoefer, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16509
Philip Dale Sorensen, Jr., of Erie, Pennsylvania 16509
Patricia Susan Berchtold, of Melbourne, Florida 32940
Jeremy Richard Bowes, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16506
Jennifer Marie Larmon, of Waterford, Pennsylvania 16441
Travis Walter Litz, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16508
Erin Marie Riffe, of Conneaut, Ohio 44030
Abigayle Jane Fachetti, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16511
Lori Lynn Goss, of Waterford, Pennsylvania 16441
Marissa Sue Hull, of Waterford, Pennsylvania 16441
Justin Charles Burger, of Erie, Pennsylvania 16508
Carl William Lewis, Jr., of Lake City, Pennsylvania 16423
The indictment also names Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy, main office located at 902 West Erie Plaza Drive, Erie, Pennsylvania 16505, as a defendant.According to the Indictment presented to the court, the defendants conspired from January 2007 to October 2021 to commit wire fraud and health care fraud. The multi-faceted conspiracy had numerous components including:
a) Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy utilized unlicensed technicians to provide physical therapy treatment, including aquatic therapy, and billed that treatment as if performed by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapy assistant.
b) Unlicensed technicians at Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy were permitted and required to log into the treatment documentation system, WebPT, as a licensed physical therapist to facilitate documenting treatment as if performed by a licensed therapist.
c) Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy and its licensed employees regularly recorded and billed for treatment time in excess of actual treatment time spent with patients.
d) Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy and its licensed employees rarely if ever utilized group therapy codes when billing for treatment even when group billing codes were the only appropriate billing codes that could have been utilized.
e) Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy regularly billed treatment time using the name and credentials of a physical therapist who was on vacation and not working on the day in question.
f) Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy allowed physical therapy assistants and unlicensed personnel to treat patients with insurance that only reimbursed for treatment performed by a physical therapist. Then the practice and its employees covered up who actually treated the patient by removing the name of the actual person providing treatment from the treatment record.
g) Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy and some of its employees also manually changed the patient schedule after the fact to conceal that Medicare patients were scheduled at the same time as other patients. This was done to conceal that Medicare patients did not have one on one treatment with a physical therapist as billed by the practice and required by Medicare.
“The indictment alleges that essentially since Hertel & Brown opened in 2007, the defendants perpetrated a systematic and brazen fraud scheme that bilked insurance companies and the government of millions through blatantly false billings,” said U.S. Attorney Kaufman. “Addressing health care fraud is a top priority of our Office and of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Those charged today were in the business to make a quick buck and in turn violated the very basic ethical and moral standards medical professionals are held to,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Taking short cuts, illegal and improper billings and elaborate health care fraud schemes all increase the cost of medical care. The FBI will continue to work with our state, local and federal partners to detect and hold accountable those who abuse our health care system and patients’ trust.”
"When individuals and entities engage in health care fraud schemes, they steal from taxpayers and undermine the safeguards intended to protect patients,” stated Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate health care fraud to protect the integrity of federal health care programs and the beneficiaries served by them.”
“Health care fraud takes away limited resources from some of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “My Office, as well as our local, state, and federal partners, are committed to stopping these bad actors and preventing them from undermining critical support that families across the Commonwealth rely on.”
“Today’s indictment charges the defendants with conspiring to fraudulently bill the government for healthcare services that were either not provided or not provided to standard,” said Special Agent in Charge Kim Lampkins with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. “The VA OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, is dedicated to ensuring that our nation’s veterans receive only the highest quality health care for which they deserve.”
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the pecuniary loss (whichever is greater), or both for each defendant and the business. 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 (FBI), United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs – Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG), Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control and Abuse Unit, and the United States Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General (OPM-OIG) 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.
Clearfield, PA Man Pleads Guilty in Meth Distribution SchemeRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Clearfield, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Chad Lawhead, 48, pleaded guilty to a lesser included offense at Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, Lawhead did conspire to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for March 15, 2022.The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lawhead. 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.
Beaver County Farmer and Employee Charged with Using Toxic Pesticide to Kill Migratory BirdsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two residents of western Pennsylvania have been charged with offenses related to the unlawful killing of migratory birds, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The three-count Information filed today in federal court names Robert Yost, 50, of New Galilee, PA, and Jacob Reese, 25, of Enon Valley, PA, as defendants.
According to the Information, Yost operated Yost Farms in Beaver County, PA. In June 2020, Yost and one of his employees, Reese, allegedly conspired to kill migratory birds present on leased farmland operated by Yost Farms, using carbofuran, a registered restricted-use pesticide. As alleged, the Environmental Protection Agency concluded no later than 2009 that the dietary, worker, and ecological risks for all uses of carbofuran were unacceptable and that all products containing carbofuran generally caused unreasonable adverse effects on humans and the environment. According to the Information, on June 22, 2020, Yost directed Reese to spread whole kernel corn coated in carbofuran in and around a leased field used for soybean cultivation where children were regularly present. The tainted corn allegedly attracted protected migratory birds that were killed within a short distance of where they ingested the corn. Yost and Reese thereafter took steps to conceal their efforts to poison and kill migratory birds, including by destroying the feed bag containing the carbofuran-laced whole corn kernel. In total, Yost and Reese are alleged to have killed approximately seventeen (17) Canada geese, ten (10) red-winged blackbirds, and one (1) mallard duck.
Yost and Reese are charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, and one count of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The defendants face a total maximum term of imprisonment of 13 months and a total fine of $31,000. The actual sentence imposed would be based upon a consideration of statutory sentencing factors and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Office of Law Enforcement, Environmental Protection Agency - Criminal Investigation Division, and Pennsylvania Game Commission conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.