Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Munhall Woman Charged with Filing Fraudulent Applications for Pandemic-Relief FundsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - One resident of Munhall, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The twelve-count Indictment, returned on Sept. 28, 2021 and unsealed today following her arrest, named Jaime Jones, 45, of Munhall, PA 15120, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, from May 2020 to September 2020, Jones filed fraudulent applications on behalf of herself and others for pandemic-relief funding through the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. As part of these fraudulent applications, Jones made misrepresentations about, among other things, whether particular businesses existed as well as the number of people employed by particular businesses, in an attempt to maximize the funding they received.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Small Business Administration’s Office of the Inspector General 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.
Suburban Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 7+ Years in Prison for Violating Child Sexual Exploitation LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 90 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of federal child exploitation laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Anthony Bellisario, 58, formerly of Robinson Township, PA.
According to information presented to the court, as a result of a large-scale, international investigation into the darknet site “Welcome 2 Video”, which offered child sexual exploitation images and videos for sale using the cryptocurrency bitcoin, Bellisario was identified as a user of this Website. Namely, from January 21, 2017 through February 27, 2018, Bellisario downloaded approximately 1,673 files of child sexual abuse material (commonly referred to as child pornography) and uploaded approximately six files to the Website and in return received credits to obtain “free” videos of child sexual abuse material.
The Court was further advised that on March 27, 2018, during the execution of a federal search warrant at Bellisario’s residence, law enforcement seized two laptops owned by Bellisario. On these laptops, law enforcement found 1,000 unique videos and 443 unique images of child sexual abuse material; as well as 769 unique videos and 9,340 unique images of child erotica.
Bellisario used a Virtualized Private Network (VPN) in an effort to mask his identity online because he “[knew] what [he was] doing was illegal. That way people can’t find you for doing things that are illegal.” The Court was further informed that Bellisario admitted to law enforcement that he had been looking at child sexual abuse material for the last 15 years.
Judge Colville remanded Bellisario into custody, denying Bellisario’s request to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons on a later date.
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
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the North Strabane Police Department, Robinson Township Police Department and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bellisario.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Heroin and Fentanyl While on ProbationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today following his guilty plea to a charge of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Quenton McCoy, age 35, pleaded guilty to one count and was sentenced before United States District Judge Marilyn Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that McCoy had pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl in federal court in 2020. In August 2020, McCoy was sentenced to four years’ probation, including 10 months of home detention. In February 2021, while McCoy was still on home detention, a Penn Hills police officer stopped McCoy for a traffic violation. Over the course of the stop, the officer believed that McCoy was involved in criminal activity, and the officer obtained a search warrant for the car. During a search of the car, Penn Hills police officers found distribution quantities of heroin and fentanyl. By possessing heroin and fentanyl, McCoy violated the terms of his probation.
Judge Horan sentenced McCoy for the charge in the Indictment and the probation violation. In total, McCoy was sentenced to 28 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Czarnecki is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Penn Hills Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of McCoy.
McKees Rocks Felon Sentenced to 3 Years for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of McKees Rocks, PA, has been sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Tyrell Rankin, age 31, formerly of Washington Street.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on August 6, 2020, a search warrant was executed on Rankin’s residence, and a firearm was seized. Rankin informed law enforcement officers that the firearm belonged to him. Rankin is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous conviction.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
Judge Sentences Fentanyl-Dealing Pittsburgh Felon with Firearms to 30 YearsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 30 years’ imprisonment on his conviction of federal drug and gun offenses and money laundering charges, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Lynell Guyton, age 32, formerly of Lakewood Street, Pittsburgh, PA.
On January 10, 2020, the defendant was found guilty by jury verdict of all nine counts of a Third Superseding Indictment, which charged Guyton with conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of a fentanyl analogue, possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, two counts of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a fentanyl analogue, attempted possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, two counts of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and two counts of money laundering.
The evidence presented to the jury established that from May of 2017 through August of 2017, Guyton conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute various analogues of fentanyl, which he obtained through suppliers in China and paid for via wire transfers to China. The evidence also established that Guyton possessed numerous firearms and ammunition, which he knew he was prohibited from possessing because of his prior felony convictions. On August 9, 2017, law enforcement officers executing a search warrant at Guyton’s stash house had to be transported to UPMC Mercy Hospital after a table on which Guyton and his conspirators were processing cyclopropyl fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl, had been tipped over, causing some officers to experience dizziness and numbness.
Prior to imposing sentence, Senior Judge Cercone stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE)/ Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, including the Pittsburgh Police SWAT Team, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Guyton.
Former Uniontown Man Sentenced to Prison for Conpsiring to Obtain PUA Benefits while IncarceratedRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to six months imprisonment followed by a two-year term of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Jamelle Fairfax, age 33.
In order to combat the devastating impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the United States, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law. The CARES Act created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program, which provided unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits. Individuals are eligible for PUA if they were unemployed due to the pandemic and could accept a job if one were offered.
While incarcerated at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Fayette, the defendant conspired to obtain PUA benefits. Due to his incarceration, the defendant was unemployed and unemployable for reasons unrelated to the pandemic. Nevertheless, the defendant’s jail call recordings prove that he conspired with another to falsify material facts in a PUA application filed in the defendant’s name. Specifically, the conspirators certified that Jamelle Fairfax was available to work and was only unemployed due to COVID-19. The total amount paid on the claim was $11,100.00, which was money allocated to individuals in need of financial assistance during the global pandemic. The defendant was ordered to pay restitution for this amount.
“Jamelle Fairfax conspired to defraud the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program by having his co-conspirator fraudulently file for and receive benefits on his behalf while Fairfax was incarcerated at SCI Fayette. The United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General is grateful for our partnerships with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and our many law enforcement partners. We also want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their continued efforts to prosecute those who violate public benefit programs and commit fraud,” stated Syreeta Scott, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Fairfax.
Former Erie Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years in jail to be followed by 10 years supervised release and ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution to two separate victims on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Adam Gregory Ryzinski, 43.
According to information presented to the court, Ryzinski received and possessed tens of thousands of computer images and movies depicting prepubescent minors, as young as infants and toddlers, being sexually abused.
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.
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 and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ryzinski.
Two Canonsburg Residents Indicted on Fentanyl Possession and Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Two residents of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotic laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The six-count Indictment, returned on Sept. 21, 2021, and unsealed yesterday following their arrests, named Troy Terrell, age 32, and Angel Barton, age 36, as the defendants.
According to the Indictment, from in and around April 2020 and continuing thereafter until in and around June 2020, Terrell and Barton possessed and distributed fentanyl.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Canonsburg Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three Michigan Men Named in Superseding Indictment Alleging Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Three residents of Detroit, Michigan and one of Ambridge, Pennsylvania have been indicted by superseding indictment before a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug trafficking laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The seven-count Superseding Indictment, returned on October 5, 2021, named Dvonte Amos, age 21, Darryl Junior Ballard, age 26, and Andrew Brent Steel, age 30, as defendants.
This Superseding Indictments comes after the four defendants were indicted on July 20, 2021. According to the Superseding Indictment, from in and around May 2020, and continuing thereafter to in and around April 2021, the defendants conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of acetyl fentanyl, 100 grams or more of a mixture containing heroin, and 28 grams or more of cocaine base, The Superseding Indictment further alleged that Ballard, Steel, and Wilson distributed controlled substances and that Amos and Wilson possessed with intent to distribute controlled substances at various times during the conspiracy.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of ten years, a fine of $20,000,000 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 Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Beaver County Drug Task Force and Ambridge Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Charged in Death of U.S. Postal Service WorkerRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Eric M. Kortz, 53, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged today with the murder of a United States Postal Service mail carrier, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The criminal complaint was filed just minutes ago in federal court in Pittsburgh. Kortz is expected to make an initial appearance before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Cynthia R. Eddy today at 5 p.m. at which time the government will request he be held without bond pending further criminal proceedings.
The complaint alleges that on October 7, 2021 United States Postal Inspectors and local law enforcement were informed that a shooting had occurred in Collier Township, located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Investigators arrived on scene and observed the victim of the shooting, Louis Vignone (“Vignone”). Vignone, who was a United States letter carrier, was in his marked United States Postal Services (USPS) vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head. At the time of the shooting, Vignone was wearing his USPS uniform and working his shift as a letter carrier. Investigators located a firearm and seven spent shell casings in a yard near the USPS vehicle.
Shortly after the shooting, Kortz arrived at the Carnegie Borough Police Department, where he stated that he shot someone and wanted to turn himself in. Kortz subsequently was transported to the Allegheny County Police Department Headquarters.
At the Allegheny County Police Headquarters, U.S. Postal Inspector Erik J. Bohin and Allegheny County Police Detective Patrick Kinavey interviewed Kortz. Prior to the start of the interview, Kortz agreed to be interviewed and signed the USPIS agency-issued Miranda Warnings and Waiver Form.
The interview was audio and video recorded. During the interview, Kortz informed Investigators that he shot Vignone. Kortz claimed that he shot Vignone because Kortz believed that Vignone and Vignone’s family had poisoned Kortz and Kortz’s family with cyanide when Vignone and Kortz were previously neighbors.
Kortz informed Investigators that Kortz was aware of where Vignone worked. Kortz stated that he located Vignone on his mail route, drove his vehicle toward Vignone’s USPS vehicle, and stopped in front of the vehicle to stop Vignone. Kortz then stated that he “went to put some bullets in him”, referring to shooting Vignone. Kortz stated that he then dropped the firearm at the scene, got into his van, and drove to the Carnegie Borough Police Department.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment or death.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Collier Township Police Department.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ex-President of Ohio Healthcare Management Company Sentenced to Prison in $59 Million Check Kiting Scheme Targeting S&T BankRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - The former president of an Ohio healthcare management company has been sentenced in federal court to 42 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of bank fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Harold Sosna, age 68, of Cincinnati, Ohio.
“Harold Sosna received a long prison sentence which is consistent with the magnitude of his fraud scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Kaufman. “He cheated community banks in western Pennsylvania and Ohio of an astounding sum - $59 million. Sosna is responsible for the largest bank fraud scheme ever prosecuted in our District.”
“Mr. Sosna has now been sentenced and held accountable for his greed and negligence in gaming the banking system,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “The FBI investigates these matters aggressively to safeguard the financial industry. Fraud of this magnitude will not be tolerated.”
The court was advised that during the time of the check kite, Sosna was the president of Premier Healthcare Management (Premier), located in Blue Ash, Ohio. It owned and operated nine nursing care facilities in southern and central Ohio. Premiere provided in-facility, post-acute, and long-term care for individuals recovering from medical procedures, as well as assisted living services through various corporate entities. Each entity had a subsidiary relationship with Premier and operated individual bank accounts at various banks to include S&T Bank, headquartered in Indiana Pennsylvania, and First Financial Bank, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.
According to information provided during his plea hearing, Sosna wrote checks between various S&T Bank and First Financial Bank accounts under his control and associated with Premier, in increasing dollar amounts. This was done to manipulate the numerical balance in the accounts and thereby create the false and fraudulent appearance that the defendant had sufficient legitimate available funds in various accounts, and to trick the banks into honoring checks drawn against accounts with insufficient funds. Between May 15, 2020, and May 18, 2020, by writing and negotiating checks, Sosna, sent more than $118,000,000.00 through S&T Bank and First Financial Bank, which were unfunded amounts and were the equivalent of obtaining money from the banks without actual properly secured loans. A total of 203 checks were negotiated in execution of his scheme. S&T Bank incurred a loss of $59,240,000.00.
Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Jeffrey R. Bengel 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 Sosna.
Passengers with Guns in Carryon Bags at Pittsburgh International Airport Now Face Revocation of their Concealed Carry PermitRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Acting United States Attorney Steve Kaufman has announced a new way of dealing with travelers who have guns in their carryon bags at Pittsburgh International Airport security checkpoints. Following is the statement he issued today during a news conference hosted by Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
“Unfortunately, it appears that 2021 will be a record-breaking year for the number of guns found in passengers’ carry-on bags at our airport. This is not the kind of record we aspire to break.
“The United States Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the Allegheny County Police and TSA currently review every incident in which TSA screeners discover a gun during security screening at the airport checkpoint. Almost inevitably, the passenger being interviewed claims that they forgot that the gun was in their bag and no criminal charges are filed. Nevertheless, bringing guns to the checkpoint is completely unacceptable and poses a serious security risk.
“In order to send the message that airport security checkpoints and guns don’t mix, we need a deterrent strategy, in addition to the stiff civil penalties issued by TSA. So today we are announcing that in incidents involving an individual who possesses a valid concealed carry permit, we will be requesting County Sheriffs to rescind that resident’s firearms concealed carry license due to negligence. We have already secured the cooperation of the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office to revoke concealed carry permits of residents who are determined to have acted negligently. And we will be contacting Sheriff’s Offices in other counties in Western Pennsylvania requesting that they consider enacting the same policy.
“So, the message to the flying public is this: Check your bags five times if you have to, but make 100% sure that your carryon bags do not contain a firearm or other dangerous weapon. That’s responsible gun ownership, which is essential to protect the flying public”
So far in 2021, the TSA team at Pittsburgh International Airport has detected 27 firearms at the security checkpoint.
Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Her Deceased Grandmother’s Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Hudson, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Lori Shaffer, age 53, of Hudson, Florida, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from July 2013 through October 2017, Shaffer stole approximately $43,672 in Survivor’s Insurance Benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, which were paid to her deceased grandmother and to which she knew she was not entitled.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for February 8, 2022 at 9:30AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Social Security Administration (SSA), Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Shaffer.
Clinton County Man Pleads Guilty in Meth Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Clinton County, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Jared Nyman, 24, of Lock Haven, PA, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, Nyman conspired to distribute 500 grams of more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 9, 2022. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to a maximum of life in prison, a fine of $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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Clearfield County Man Admits Participation in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Hyde, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
John McKinney, 53, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, McKinney conspired to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 9, 2022. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Uniontown Felon Indicted on Firearms and Narcotics Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Donald Nicklo, 46, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about March 12,2021, Donald Nicklo, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition. On that same date, Nicklo also possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00 or both for the firearm charge, and not more than twenty years in prison and a fine of not more than $1,000,000.00 or both for the narcotics charge. 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 Barbara K. Doolittle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration 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.
North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing from Pennsylvania Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of North Carolina pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
David R. Shahriari, a/k/a “David Anderson”, 38, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on August 29, 2011, Shahriari did knowingly steal and unlawfully take, eight firearms from L.B. Toney’s Alamo Gun Shop in DuBois, PA, which is a business licensed to deal in firearms.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 10, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the DuBois City Police led the prosecution of Shahriari.
Kentucky Psychiatrist Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud Related to Referrals for Drug Testing at Greensburg, PA LabRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Louisville, Kentucky, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of health care fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Varanise C. Booker, 66, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with her guilty plea, the defendant admitted that she was a licensed psychiatrist who operated a medical practice, Family and Children Behavioral Health Services, in Louisville, Kentucky. Between approximately October 2011 and August 2013, the defendant further admitted that she referred patients for drug testing and related services performed by Universal Oral Fluid Labs (“UOFL”), a clinical drug testing and drug screening laboratory located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The court was further advised that the defendant engaged in health care fraud by causing UOFL to bill the Kentucky Medicaid program for testing based on referrals that were outside the ordinary course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Specifically, the defendant acknowledged that she did not document a legitimate justification for ordering certain drug tests and services, failed to document the results of certain drug tests and services performed by UOFL in her medical files, and failed to address the results of certain drug tests and services in the treatment of her patients. The defendant further admitted that she caused UOFL to pay her a certain portion of the reimbursements the laboratory received from Kentucky Medicaid in connection with her referral of unlawful drug tests and related services. As a result, the defendant caused losses to Kentucky Medicaid of more than $15,000 but not more than $40,000.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 10, 2022. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
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 Section conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Booker.
Inmate Sentenced to Six Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiring to Obtain Pandemic Unemployment Assistance BenefitsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on a charge of fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Tylan Huddleston, 24, was sentenced to six months of incarceration followed by two years of supervised release by United States District Judge David Cercone.
On March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to be an emergency under Section 501(b) of the Robert T. Stafford disaster Relief and Emergency Act. Subsequently, on March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (which is frequently referred to as the CARES Act) was signed into law. The CARES Act created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program, which provided unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits. The CARES Act also provided an emergency increase in unemployment compensation benefits of $600.00 per week.
According to information provided to the court, Huddleston conspired with another individual to commit mail fraud to obtain $13,905 in connection with pandemic unemployment assistance benefits while he was incarcerated awaiting trial on state charges.
“Tylan Huddleston conspired to defraud the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program by having his co-conspirator fraudulently file for and receive benefits on his behalf while Huddleston was incarcerated at Lawrence County Jail. The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General will continue to work closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and our law enforcement partners, to safeguard the integrity of all unemployment assistance programs,” stated Syreeta Scott, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tylan Huddleston.
Fayette County Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on September 28, 2021 and unsealed today, named Karl D. Lutes, age 50, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on February 11, 2020, Lutes possessed videos and still images in computer graphics files depicting minors, some of whom had not yet attained the age of 12 years, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
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 Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations 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.
Beaver County Man Pleads to Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Midland, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of access device fraud and identity theft, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Danel Cordero, age 35, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Cordero purchased stolen credit card numbers through the dark web and encoded them onto the magnetic strips of gift cards, which he then used to make unauthorized purchases from businesses in and around the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 26, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than twelve years in prison, a fine not to exceed $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Court ordered that Cordero remain on bond pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This case resulted from the investigations of multiple agencies, including the Beaver Borough Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Pittsburgh Man Charged with Making False Statements to Purchase FirearmsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearm laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The six-count Indictment, returned on September 28, and unsealed today, named Earl Eggleton, age 51, of Duncan Street, Pittsburgh, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the six-count Indictment, on or about June 28, 2020, October 18, 2020, November 23, 2020, January 27, 2021, and twice on February 7, 2021, Eggleton made false statements during the purchase of firearms.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten (10) years, a fine not to exceed $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 Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Penn Hills Man Pleads Guilty Mid-Trial in Series of Armed Robberies Occurring in Late 2014Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – After the government spent three days presenting witnesses and evidence to a jury, George Wilson, III entered a plea of guilty in federal court to firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today. Wilson’s trial had commenced on Monday, September 27, 2021.
Wilson, age 39, and a former resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to four firearms counts before United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton on September 30, 2021. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Wilson committed a series of armed robberies of retail businesses and gas station convenience stores throughout the Pittsburgh area from November 2014 through December 2014. Wilson committed each of the robberies at gunpoint and shot a store employee who was unable to open the cash register during the attempted robbery of the Ross Township The Exchange store.
Judge Walton scheduled sentencing for January 20, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than seven years imprisonment, nor more than life imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant remains detained pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Heidi M. Grogan and James R. Wilson are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Monroeville Police Department, the Ross Township Police Department, and the Wilkins Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wilson.
The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Washington County Business Owner Indicted on Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of West Alexander, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of filing false income tax returns, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The four-count Indictment, returned on September 21 and unsealed today, named Tina L. Beck, age 53, of West Alexander, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Beck filed federal income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service for the calendar years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, on which she willfully underreported gross receipts from the operation of the business known as “Beck’s Refuse Service”.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than twelve (12) years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named William Lacell Dark, Jr., age 21, currently detained at Allegheny County Jail, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about September 2, 2021, Dark Jr., having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison, knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release between three and five years. 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 Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Drug User Indicted on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A Greene County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearm laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Chester Aaron Hostutler, 34, of New Freeport, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on two separate occasions in August 2020, Hostutler knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition as a drug user or addicted person.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J, McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.McKees Rocks Man Charged with Attempted Coercion of a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH- A resident of McKees Rocks, 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 Ryan Peters, 31, formerly of McKees Rocks, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from on or about August 26, 2021, until on or about September 13, 2021the indictment/information presented to the court, Peters 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 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(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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
McKees Rocks Drug Felon Admits Illegal Possession of a Stolen HandgunRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of McKees Rocks pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearm laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Gamale Vaughn, age 45, 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 June 2019, officers with the McKees Rocks Police Department executed a search warrant on the defendant’s residence. During the search, law enforcement recovered a Springfield Armory .45 caliber handgun, which was previously reported stolen. Following a waiver of his rights, the defendant admitted that the firearm was his. The Court was further advised that the defendant was previously convicted of a felony drug trafficking offense in Allegheny County. As a convicted felon, the defendant is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for February 23, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Court continued the defendant on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The McKees Rocks Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Vaughn.
Forest Hills Couple Charged in Marriage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - Two suburban Pittsburgh residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiring to commit offenses against the United States, making false statements in matters relating to naturalization or citizenship, and unlawfully attempting to and procuring naturalization or citizenship, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The five-count Superseding Indictment named Man Ho, 32, and Le Thuy Nguyen, also known as Kim Nguyen, 48, of the 3300 block of Lenox Drive in Pittsburgh, PA (Forest Hills) as the defendants.
According to the Superseding Indictment, Ho and Nguyen are charged at Count One with conspiring to commit offenses against the United States. At Counts Three and Five, Ho and Nguyen respectively are charged with making false statements related to obtaining naturalization or citizenship. Finally, at Count Two, Ho is charged with unlawfully attempting to obtain naturalization or citizenship, while Nguyen is charged at Count Four with unlawfully procuring naturalization or citizenship.
As to Counts Two and Four, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. At Counts One, Three, and Five, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 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 Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Yvonne M. Saadi are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services 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.
Three New York Men Sentenced to Prison for Elaborate Scheme to Sell Illegally Imported DrugsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - Three New York state residents were sentenced in federal court on Friday to terms of imprisonment on their convictions for participating in a complex Bank and Wire Fraud conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone imposed the following sentences on the following individuals:
• 38-month term of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on Devan Abrams, age 40, of West 37th Street, New York, New York;
• 38-month term of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on Azad Khizgilov, age 47, of Dahlgren Place, Brooklyn, New York; and
• 28-month term of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release on Roman Shaulov, age 54, of Shore Parkway, Brooklyn, New York.According to information presented to the court, including in a public filing, for years these defendants enriched themselves by leading a massive and sophisticated fraud scheme that facilitated the black-market importation and sale of tens of millions of dollars of dangerous and addictive prescription medications and controlled substances. In summary, they established and ran a business that, through a series of misrepresentations, misled various credit card companies into processing credit card transactions for purchases of drugs that were illegal to be sold in the United States. These drugs were often imported from Russia, China, India, and other countries. The complex scheme involved front companies, fake websites, and a tangled web of bank accounts.
“Committing fraud was the full-time job of these defendants,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman. “They manipulated friends and even family members to serve as owners of front companies, they had a cadre of employees whom they supervised and trained to commit fraud, and they created and executed a complex scheme that allowed them, for years, to deceive sophisticated financial institutions. Now they have been held accountable for their criminal actions.”
“When prescription drugs from outside FDA’s secure supply chain enter the U.S. marketplace, patients are put at risk. The risk is even greater when the criminals disguise the purchase of these unlawful drugs to avoid detection,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark S. McCormack, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who engage in illegal conduct that undermines the safety of the US drug supply.”
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the
government.Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police and United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of these defendants.
Allegheny County Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Synthetic CannabinoidsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Diassandai Serrano was sentenced to 35 months in prison for conspiring to distribute Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances while on federal supervised release, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Serrano, age 26, formerly of North Versailles, Pennsylvania. was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan sentenced Serrano to 27 months in prison for the drug trafficking conspiracy conviction and to 8 months in prison for the supervised release violation. Judge Ranjan ordered that the prison sentences be served consecutively to each other. Judge Ranjan also ordered Serrano to pay a $500 fine and to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Serrano was previously convicted in 2015 and sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was released to supervised release following the prior prison sentence. He then conspired to distribute the Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances while on supervised release for the prior conviction. As part of the conspiracy, he supplied the controlled substances to other dealers, including to a co-defendant who was incarcerated at FCI-Hazelton at the time.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Butler Contracting Company Pleads Guilty to OSHA Violation that Resulted in a Worker’s DeathRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Butler County-based company pleaded guilty in federal court to willfully violating an OSHA regulation that resulted in the death of a worker, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Insight Pipe Contracting, LLC, located in Harmony, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that federal regulations require that any vehicle or mechanical equipment capable of having any part of its structure elevated near energized power line must maintain a clearance of 10 feet. On April 12, 2018, an Insight Pipe crew was installing pipe-liner at a work site in Johnstown, PA. The crew was using a telehandler, a piece of equipment that has the features of a forklift and crane, to remove liner from a box truck. Energized power lines were located above the site. At one point, the telehandler removed a large roll of liner from the truck and attempted to place it into an open manhole. The liner got stuck. As the telehandler’s operator attempt to reposition the machine’s forks, the forks made contact with the overhead lines, causing the machine to become energized. While this was taking place, one Insight Pipe’s employees had his hand on the telehandler’s door and was apparently trying to tell something to the operator. The worker was electrocuted and died at the scene.
Under the terms of its plea agreement, Insight Pipe has agreed to pay a fine of $20,000 and serve a probationary term of three years. Earlier this year, Insight Pipe paid a fine of $180,000 in civil penalties in an OSHA administrative case stemming from the worker’s death.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for October 28, 2021. The law provides for a total sentence of five years’ probation, a fine of $500,000, or both.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration of the United States Department of Labor conducted the investigation of Insight Pipe.
Penn Hills Felon Charged with Violating Federal Drug and Gun LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotic and firearm laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The two-count Indictment, returned on September 21, named Tahj Thomas, age 23, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about August 25, 2021, Thomas possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing detectable amounts of fluorofentanyl, fentanyl, and tramadol. Also on August 25, 2021, Thomas possessed a firearm and ammunition despite being a convicted felon. Under federal law, possessing a firearm and/or ammunition is a violation of federal law for those who have previously been convicted of a crime punishable by greater than a year in prison.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years, a fine of $1,000,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Monroeville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Monessen Man Admits Receiving Cocaine Concealed in Parcels Containing Designer Boots and SneakersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Monessen, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Devon White, age 48, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine before United States District Court Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that White’s cell phone contains multiple text messages between him and an individual using a specific phone number. On January 25, 2021, White and that individual exchanged text messages about two packages being sent to Western Pennsylvania – one to White’s home in Monessen and the other to the home of White’s son in Hazelwood. For the package being sent to White’s home, the individual texted a photo of a receipt with the tracking number and instructions to track the package over the phone but not leave White’s name. Two day later, the United States Postal Inspection interdicted both packages. Each package contained just under a quarter kilogram of cocaine and was addressed to the name of a fictitious person who does not live at that address. The Monessen package’s cocaine was hidden in designer boots and the Hazelwood package’s cocaine was hidden in sneakers. Postal Inspectors installed electronic monitoring devices in the Monessen package and replaced the drugs with a sham substance.
On January 28, 2021, the Monessen package was delivered to the front porch of White’s home in Monessen, he picked it up, and brought it into his home. He then opened the package, found the designer boots, found the sham drugs, and saw the electronic devices that had been installed by Inspectors. He took a photo of one of the devices and texted it to the individual’s cell phone. White also broke one of the electronic devices. White then wrote “return to sender” on the package, put the boots and sham back inside, sealed the package, and took it back to the porch with the electronic devices in his hand. When White exited his home, he encountered law enforcement personnel who were approaching the home to execute an anticipatory search warrant. They ultimately went back into the home with White, read him his Miranda rights, and he waived those rights in writing. White admitted that he knew this package was sent to his home and would contain the designer boots with approximately nine ounces of cocaine, which is just over a quarter kilogram. He also admitted that he knew the Hazelwood package would contain approximately nine ounces of cocaine.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for January 13, 2022 at 11:00 am. The law provides for a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine up to $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Court continued White’s release on $10,000 unsecured bond and other conditions.
Assistant United States Attorney Ira M. Karoll is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Devon White.
Beaver Falls Man Indicted on Cocaine Possession ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The two-count Indictment, returned on July 14 and unsealed today, named Jamar Kenya Turner, age 46, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about October 9, 2020, Turner possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine. The Indictment further alleges that, on or about January 4, 2021, Turner unlawfully possessed with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration 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.
Altoona, PA Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Pictures and Videos Depicting Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Altoona, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Matthew Michael Walter., 34, formerly of Altoona, PA, pleaded guilty to Count Two of the Indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on or August 21, 2019 and August 22, 2019, Walter received images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Further, on another occasion,
Walter knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. All computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for January 20, 2022. The law provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Walter.
Butler Man Pleads Guilty in Fentanyl/Heroin Distribution SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Dwayne Smallwood was convicted of conspiring to distribute, and distributing, fentanyl and heroin in Butler, Pennsylvania, between 2017 and 2020, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Smallwood, age 43, formerly of Butler and Philadelphia, pled guilty before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville. Judge Colville scheduled sentencing to occur on February 3, 2022, at 11:30 a.m.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $4,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Yvonne M. Saadi and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Butler County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force led the investigation leading to the convictions in this case.
Two from Los Angeles Stopped by State Police are Indicted on Drug Charges following HSI InvestigationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- Two residents of Los Angeles, California, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, PA on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The two-count Indictment names Gabriel A. Garcia, age 26, and Alvaro Medina Elenes, age 44, as defendants.
According to the Indictment, on or about May 26, 2021, Garcia and Elenes did knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully conspire to and did possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years in prison and up to life, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least five years. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the traffic stop leading to the seizure of the controlled substances and special agents with Homeland Security Investigations 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.
Six Allegheny County Residents Indicted on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Six residents of Allegheny County have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal narcotic laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen Kaufman announced today.
The three count Indictment, returned on Sept. 14 and unsealed Sept. 16, named Leon C. Ford, 55, formerly of Pittsburgh, Frank McClellan, 52, formerly McKeesport, Kelly Lucy, 42, formerly of McKeesport, Michael Seyko, 53, formerly of McKeesport, Kimberly Rutland, 53, formerly of McKeesport, and Tyrone Binion, 62, formerly of Pittsburgh, as defendants.
According to the Indictment, from March 2021 through September 2021, Ford, McClellan, Lucy, Seyko and Binion did knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully conspire with persons both known and unknown to the grand jury, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Additionally, McClellan and Lucy did knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully conspire to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 280 grams of more of cocaine base, a Schedule II controlled substance. Finally, McClellan, Lucy, Rutland, and Seyko did knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully conspire to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams of more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.
For all defendants except for Rutland, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years in prison and up to life, a fine of no greater than $10,000,000.00, a term of supervised release of at least five years, or a combination thereof. For Rutland, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years in prison and up to 40, a fine of no greater than 5,000,000, a term of supervised release of at least four years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, McKeesport Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Penn Hills Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced in West End Drug CaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to time served with five years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Balon Kennedy, age 28, Pittsburgh, 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, Balon Kennedy 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.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman 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 Kennedy.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted on Fentanyl and Cocaine Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession with the intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Edwin Williams, age 31, of Laketon Road in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Williams possessed with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and cocaine on or about March 25, 2021.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Yvonne M. Saadi is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Penn Hills Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Nevada Man Gets 6½ Years in Prison for Travelling to PA to Engage in Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of North Las Vegas, Nevada, has been sentenced in federal court to 78 months’ imprisonment and 10 years’ supervised release on his conviction of Travel With Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Renad Bautista, age 32.
According to information presented to the court, on or about December 5, 2019, until December 9, 2019, Bautista travelled from Las Vegas to Pittsburgh with a motivating purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor whom he had been messaging on social media.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Mifflin Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bautista.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Clearfield County Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of West Decatur, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of production and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The 4-count Indictment, returned on Sept. 14 and unsealed today, named Jon Osewalt, 28, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from on or about Feb. 24, 2020 to on or about Mar. 4, 2020, and from on or about Apr. 14, 2020 to on or about June 26, 2020, Osewalt produced images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Further on or about June 27, 2020, and on or about December 1, 2020, Osewalt possessed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The images were produced using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 80 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon 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. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Clearfield County Felon Pleads to Firearms Law OffenseRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Curwensville, Pa. pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal ammunition laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Chancellor M. Shaw, 27, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on September 16, 2019, Shaw was found in possession of ammunition. On June 26, 2018, Shaw was convicted in the Court of Common Pleas of Clearfield County, of the crimes of flight to avoid apprehension and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, which are crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing ammunition.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Jan. 18, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Shaw.
Uniontown, PA Felon Who Accidentally Shot Himself Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Gun and Ammunition in Violation of Federal LawRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Juan Washington, 44, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, Washington left a bar in Uniontown after midnight on December 30, 2019, and then he accidentally shot himself in the leg outside a nearby Family Dollar Store. Washington then limped across the street where he placed the gun and magazine on the retaining wall next to the sidewalk in front of a private home. Washington then limped back across the street to the sidewalk in front of the bar where he called for help. He initially claimed that robbers shot him, that he took the gun, and that he fired back. But he later admitted that he shot himself by accident. Police traced the trail of blood from the front of the bar to the retaining wall where they found the gun and then to the Family Dollar where they found a spent shell. The same brand and caliber of ammunition was in Washington’s pocket, the gun, and the magazine, as well as the spent shell casing outside the Family Dollar. Additionally, Washington’s DNA was the only DNA found inside the gun barrel, gun muzzle, and spent casing and was the majority component of DNA found on portions of the gun, magazine, and live rounds. Washington has multiple prior felony convictions for receiving stolen property in 2006 and drug trafficking in 1999.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for January 31, 2022 at 11:00 am. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Court continued Washington’s release on $10,000 unsecured bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Ira M. Karoll is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Uniontown City Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Maryland Woman Sentenced in Erie for Role in Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Hagerstown, Maryland, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months in jail on her conviction of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Sierra Dawn Frisby, 31 of Hagerstown, Maryland.
According to information presented to the court, Frisby conspired with five co-defendants to distribute large quantities of cocaine and fentanyl between January 2018 and February 2019.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the EAGLE task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and the Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Frisby.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman Launches Media Campaign to Connect Western Pennsylvanians Needing Drug Treatment with Recovery ResourcesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today, Press Play PA, a media messaging campaign aimed at connecting western Pennsylvania individuals with substance use disorder to life-saving treatment.
In 2020, 123 people died from an overdose in Westmoreland County, an increase of nearly seven percent over 2019. In Allegheny County, there were 689 overdose deaths in 2020, up 22 percent from 564 in 2019.
Press Play PA includes billboards, bus shelter ads, and bus boards placed in Westmoreland and eastern Allegheny County locations experiencing high rates of overdose deaths. Targeted social media ads link individuals to a treatment database searchable by community, overdose statistics, and information about law enforcement initiatives and outreach. The messaging campaign encourages the public to learn more about treatment and resources at www.PressPlayPA.com and www.FindTreatment.gov.
“The Press Play PA campaign works to connect western Pennsylvanians experiencing substance use disorder to recovery resources,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman. “Treatment options are available across the state and our campaign aims to encourage people to seek treatment and press play on life. Our message is simple: treatment is effective and recovery is possible.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office created the Press Play PA campaign with funding from the Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). In 2020, Westmoreland joined three other southwestern Pennsylvania counties - Allegheny, Beaver and Washington - in receiving critical federal resources to coordinate federal, state and local governments to fight drug trafficking and abuse. Earlier this year, Erie County received HIDTA designation.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman was joined by Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck and Westmoreland County Judge Meagan Bilik-DeFazio of the Westmoreland County Drug Court in making the announcement.
The campaign was launched during Nation Recovery Awareness Month, a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible. The focus of National Recovery Month this September is to celebrate all people that make the journey of recovery possible by embracing the 2021 theme, Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community. Recovery Month spreads the message that people can and do recover every day.
South Hills Pharmacist Pleads to Health Care Fraud Conspiracy, Fraudulently Obtaining Controlled Substances and Misbranding DrugsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A South Hills pharmacist pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of obtaining controlled substances by fraud, misbranding of drugs, and health care fraud conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Timothy W. Forester, 46, of Venetia, PA pleaded guilty to three counts before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Forester was a licensed pharmacist who owned four pharmacies – Century Square Pharmacy in West Mifflin, PA and Prescription Center Plus with locations in South Park, PA, McMurray, PA and Eight Four, PA. From on or about November 14, 2018, to on or about February 14, 2019, Forester admitted he knowingly, intentionally and unlawfully obtained oxycodone and hydrocodone, Schedule II controlled substances, by misrepresentations, fraud, and deception. Forester admitted he did not place the controlled substances into the inventories of the four pharmacies and did not maintain records to show the controlled substances were dispensed. In addition, Forester admitted he relabeled generic drugs as name brand medications and then sold them as if they were the more expensive drugs. Finally, Forester admitted filling prescriptions with generic drugs, but billing Medicare and Medicaid for the more expensive name brand drugs, thereby committing health care fraud and causing a loss to Medicare and Medicaid of approximately $680,000.
“Timothy Forester ordered opioids without adding them to inventory, mislabeled generic drugs as name-brand medications, and billed Medicare and Medicaid for name-brand drugs when he provided generics, all in violation of federal law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman, “We will continue to pursue medical professionals who engage in fraud schemes to enrich themselves at the expense of their patients.”
“U.S. consumers rely on health care professionals to follow FDA requirements pertaining to prescription medications. When they take actions to evade these requirements, they put patient health at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark S. McCormack, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who threaten the safety of the nation’s drug supply and, ultimately, the patients who take those drugs.”
“Pharmacy professionals who mishandle opioids in an effort to enrich themselves only exacerbate the challenges and devastation families and communities experience as a result of our nation's opioid epidemic," said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the Inspector General’s Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Philadelphia. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring unscrupulous health professionals to justice.”
“Pharmacists such as Forester have an obligation to properly dispense and safeguard controlled substances such as oxycodone and hydrocodone,” said Thomas Hodnett, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “Forester used his position of trust and access to obtain these powerful painkillers for his own use through fraud and deception.”
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 8, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. As to Count 1, the law provides for a maximum sentence of four years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. As to Count 11, the law provides for a maximum sentence of three years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. As to Count 12, the law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation leading to the filing of charges in this case was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, which combines personnel and resources from the following agencies to combat the growing prescription opioid epidemic: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.
Pittsburgh Fentanyl Dealer Off to Prison for Six YearsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to six years’ imprisonment on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Nora B. Fischer imposed the sentence on Daniel Curtis Simon, 35, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, who pleaded guilty in June 2021 to distributing a quantity of fentanyl.
According to information presented to the Court, on December 1, 2017, Mr. Simon distributed over 20 grams of fentanyl along with boxes of “stamp bags,” which are commonly used to package fentanyl for redistribution, to an informant working with agents from the Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Court was further advised that the quantity of fentanyl Mr. Simon distributed was sufficient to fill over 1,000 individual dosage units of fentanyl.
Following his release from incarceration, Mr. Simon will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for six years. Mr. Simon remains in the custody of the United States Marshals pending transfer to a federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Simon.
Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty today to one count of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Mustafa Mousab Alowemer, 23, of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support to ISIS in relation to his plan to attack a church in Pittsburgh.
“The defendant, motivated by ISIS’s call to violence and hate, plotted a terrorist attack targeting a church in Pittsburgh,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Mark J. Lesko of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “With today’s guilty plea, he will be held accountable for his crimes. The Department of Justice is committed to identifying, disrupting and holding accountable individuals who seek to engage in such attacks. I commend the agents, analysts and prosecutors who identified the threat posed by this defendant and took action to protect the public from his plans.”
“Inspired by ISIS, Mustafa Alowemer devised and intended to carry out a deadly attack on a house of worship and its congregation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “If not for the tireless, multi-faceted investigation by the FBI and our partner agencies, the true depth of his determination to commit violence in the name of ISIS may not have been exposed until his deadly plans were achieved.”
“The guilty plea today by Mustafa Alowemer leaves no question about his intention to commit an act of terrorism against a place of worship,” said Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office. “Mr. Alowemer will now face the consequences of his elaborate plan to inflict harm on innocent people. I’m proud of FBI Pittsburgh and all of the personnel who worked countless hours to protect the community, and I want to thank all of the agencies that participate in the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. Together, we combine our resources to identify and disrupt threats to protect our communities and the nation.”
According to court documents, Alowemer plotted to bomb a church located on the north side of Pittsburgh using an explosive device. His stated motivation to conduct such an attack was to support the cause of ISIS and to inspire other ISIS supporters in the United States to join together and commit similar acts in the name of ISIS. Alowemer also targeted the church to “take revenge for our [ISIS] brothers in Nigeria.” Alowemer was aware that numerous people in the proximity of the church could be killed by the explosion.
In furtherance of the plot to bomb the church, in May 2019, Alowemer distributed multiple instructional documents related to the construction and use of explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to an individual Alowemer believed to be a fellow ISIS supporter, but who was in fact an FBI employee. Alowemer distributed these documents with the intent that the information be used in the assembly of a destructive device and in furtherance of conducting an attack in support of ISIS. In or around June 2019, Alowemer purchased several items, including nails and acetone (nail polish remover) with the belief that they were necessary to assemble a destructive device and with the intention they be used to construct the explosives that would be detonated in the vicinity of the church.
Between April 16 and June 11, Alowemer met four times in person with an FBI Undercover Employee (UCE) and/or an FBI Confidential Human Source (CHS). At the June 11 meeting with the UCE and CHS, Alowemer provided additional details about the bomb plot and provided the materials, including boxes of nails, he had purchased for construction of the device. Alowemer provided printed copies of detailed Google satellite maps, which included hand-written markings identifying the church and routes of arrival and escape. Alowemer also wrote and provided a 10-point handwritten plan outlining details related to his plot to personally deliver explosives in a backpack. Alowemer expressed a desire to meet one more time to conduct planning and coordination prior to carrying out the attempted bombing in July 2019. That meeting was later scheduled for June 19 in the Pittsburgh area, at which time Alowemer was arrested.
Alowemer is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 26, 2022. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both, and a lifetime term of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Alowemer remain detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Soo C. Song of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Brenda Sue Thornton of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force members who were directly involved in this investigation include: FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Port Authority Police, Allegheny County Probation, University of Pittsburgh Police Department and UPMC Police Security.