Western District of Pennsylvania

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of North East, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Gregory A. Doyle, 58, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Doyle possessed computer images depicting minors under the age of 12 engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 13, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Doyle on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possessing ammunition as a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Clentai Arthor Wilcox, age 32, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about March 22, 2021, knowing he was a previously convicted felon, Wilcox knowingly possessed ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, or a combination thereof. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole 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, PA - After deliberating less than one hour, Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak found Tyler Mucci guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Mucci, 33, of Monongahela, PA 15063 was tried before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Mucci conspired with other individuals to possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine in the Mon Valley area from March 2017 through December 2017. Evidence at trial showed that Mucci was one of the lower level participants in the conspiracy.

Judge Hornak has not yet set a date for sentencing The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s release on bond.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – An illegal alien from Guatemala has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and illegal reentry of a removed alien, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Horacio Miranda-Mejia, 26, of Guatemala as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from on or about June 22, 2021, until on or about June 25, 2021, Miranda-Mejia used cellular telephone networks and the internet to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce an individual who had not attained the age of 18, to engage in unlawful sexual activity. In addition, on June 25, 2021, Miranda-Mejia, an alien, was unlawfully present in the United States after having been previously deported.

The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00, supervised release for any term of years not less than five or a combination. 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 Benjamin J. Risacher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 23 years in jail and 15 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Joshua Davis Loucks, 37.

According to information presented to the court, Loucks took sexually explicit photos and produced videos of a minor victim who was ten years of age. He also received computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cercone noted the extreme depravity of Loucks’ conduct along with Loucks’ lengthy and serious criminal history.

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, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Loucks.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Home, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and bribery of a public official, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Alex Lewis, 26, entered guilty pleas today before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

On November 13, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a five-count Indictment against Lewis, a former corrections officer at the Indiana County Jail (ICJ), and Rashon Richardson, a federal detainee housed at ICJ pursuant to a contract with the United States Marshals Service. During his plea hearing today, Lewis admitted that between June and August 2019, he accepted multiple bribes from Richardson. As part of the conspiracy, Lewis admitted that Richardson used an intermediary outside ICJ to meet with him and pay bribes in the form of cash and, on one occasion, via a $400 payment to Lewis’s Cash App account. In return for the bribe payments, Lewis admitted smuggling multiple contraband cellphones into ICJ for use by Richardson and other federal detainees housed at the facility.

“As a corrections officer, Mr. Lewis accepted bribes to facilitate the smuggling of cell phones into the Indiana County Jail,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman. “His corrupt actions demonstrated his complete lack of integrity and compromised the security of the facility where he worked. This office will continue to investigate and prosecute public officials who pursue self-enrichment at the expense of their solemn duty to protect the community.”

“Mr. Lewis abused his position as a corrections officer to line his own pocket,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “By his actions today, he admits to failing to act with integrity. The FBI is committed to making sure those who violate the public’s trust are held accountable.”

The law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than five (5) years in prison for the conspiracy charge, fifteen (15) years for the bribery charge, and a fine of not more than $250,000 per count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Richardson has pleaded not guilty, and his case remains pending before Judge Bissoon. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The Pennsylvania State Police and Indiana County Jail also provided assistance during the course of the investigation.

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been arrested in Clairton on charges of violating federal firearm and narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The criminal complaint named Darryl Craig, 41, of Clairton, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant. Craig made an initial appearance today in U.S. District Court. A preliminary examination and detention hearing are scheduled for Monday, July 19, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Cynthia Reed Eddy.

According to the complaint, investigators obtained a search warrant for Craig’s Mitchell Avenue residence. When they were executing the search warrant, they encountered Craig leaving the residence from a basement stairwell. They took Craig into custody for an active bench warrant from the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. In the course of their search, investigators found two semi-automatic handguns, several live rounds of ammunition for various different calibers, magazines, boxes for both a weapon mounted light and optic, body armor, approximately thirteen ounces of mixtures and substances the field-tested positive for cocaine some of which is suspected to be powder cocaine and some of which is suspected to be cocaine base in the form commonly known as crack, approximately twelve ounces of suspected marijuana, approximately six grams of suspected ecstasy pills, several pieces of indicia addressed to Darryl Craig at this residence, $58,351 in US currency, eight cellular telephones, keys to a Mercedes Benz belonging to Darryl Craig, and copious amounts of drug paraphernalia associated with processing, manufacturing, and packaging of both cocaine and crack cocaine for sale. Craig has prior felony convictions in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas for carrying a firearm without a license and for the manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance.

For the drug charge, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1 million or both if Mr. Craig is convicted. For the firearm charge, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, if Mr. Craig is convicted. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Mr. Craig is being detained pending a detention hearing.

Assistant United States Attorney Ira M. Karoll is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Allegheny County Police Department is leading the investigation and has been assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, the Clairton Police Department, and the Elizabeth Township Police Department in conducting the investigation, leading to the arrest of Mr. Craig.

A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 4 years of probation and ordered to pay $28,461 in restitution on his conviction for fraud conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Robert Shon Jackson, 45, of Pittsburgh, PA 15221, as the sole defendant.

Previously, in connection with Jackson’s guilty plea, the court was advised that that from around June 2013 to around October 31, 2013, Jackson participated in a Nigerian “mystery shopper” fraud scheme in which victims were falsely led to believe that they were being employed to anonymously evaluate products and services. After being recruited by the fraudsters, the victims unwittingly received counterfeit U.S. Postal Service money orders and checks, which they believed were provided to fund their evaluation purchases. The victims were told to deposit the instruments, keep a small portion of the funds for themselves, and wire the remainder to another individual who they believed was another mystery shopper, but was in actuality a co-conspirator. The counterfeit instruments were later returned to the bank, and the victims were charged for the funds they had deposited and additional fees.

The court was further advised that Jackson was mailed bulk shipments of counterfeit USPS money orders sent from overseas, approximately 1,820 money orders in total, valued at approximately $1,787,771.40, along with counterfeit checks. Jackson also received mailing labels with the names and addresses of victims to whom he was to send the counterfeit instruments. Jackson would mail counterfeit money orders and checks to the victims along with “mystery shopper” instructions directing them to check their email accounts for additional instructions. The victims would be emailed instructions to wire funds to Jackson, his wife, and other accomplices. Jackson used false return names and addresses on the mailings of counterfeit instruments. Jackson would then receive funds from the victims by wire, then himself wire a portion of the proceeds to co-conspirators in Nigeria. Jackson kept a portion of the funds as his payment. The losses associated with Jackson’s offense totaled $28,461.

Assistant United States Attorney David Lew prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jackson.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Meiko Shawn DeVaughn, age 27, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on June 10, 2021, DeVaughn unlawfully possessed a quantity of heroin, intending to redistribute it, and a firearm and ammunition, which he unlawfully possessed after sustaining a prior conviction for a felony offense. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of imprisonment of not more than twenty years, a fine of not more than $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 of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clairton 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.

Johnstown, PA - A resident of Goldsboro, North Carolina, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Charles Triplin, 44, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on June 21, 2021, Triplin was found to attempt to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.

The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years to life, 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 Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics trafficking laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

David Pietropaolo, 23, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

In conjunction with the sentencing hearing, the Court was informed that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted a long-term investigation into drug-trafficking activity occurring in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Law enforcement identified several individuals, suspected at the time, of illegally distributing controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Erie, Fayette, and Washington Counties.
Beginning in August of 2020 and continuing through November 2020, the FBI conducted a federal Title III investigation, which resulted in the interception of thousands of wire and electronic communications over a total of ten telephones. Three of the intercepted telephones were used by Mr. Pietropaolo’s co-defendant, Anthony Peluso, to further his illegal drug trafficking activity. Investigators identified Mr. Peluso as a long-time heroin and cocaine trafficker and source of supply for low to mid-level drug traffickers in this District. One of the individuals intercepted over Mr. Peluso’s telephones was the defendant, David Pietropaolo. Investigators identified that Pietropaolo regularly obtained ounce quantities of cocaine that he then redistributed.

As a result of this investigation, to-date, 38 individuals have been charged across four related Indictments. Pietropaolo is the first defendant to be sentenced.

At sentencing, Judge Colville denied defendant’s request to be sentenced below the guideline range, imposing a sentence of 18 months’ imprisonment, which falls at the low end of the guideline range of 18-24 months.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation who led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations. Other assisting agencies include the Allegheny County Police Department Homicide, Baldwin Police Department, Brentwood Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department and West Deer Township Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pietropaolo.

This sentencing was the 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 – A former physician pleaded guilty today in federal court to drug diversion, health care fraud and money laundering charges associated with his suburban Pittsburgh holistic medical practice, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Andrzej Kazimierz Zielke, 66, of Allison Park, Pennsylvania 15101 (Hampton) pleaded guilty to four counts of unlawful dispensing and distributing Schedule II controlled substances, one count of health care fraud, and one count of money laundering before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer,

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised Zielke owned and operated Medical Frontiers, LLC, a purported pain management practice, located in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. On or about October 3, 2017, May 25, 2017, October 3, 2017, and December 17, 2014, Zielke knowingly dispensed and distributed Schedule II drugs, including Oxycodone, Methadone, Hydrocodone and Oxymorphone, to four patients outside the course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Zielke committed health care fraud by causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicaid for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed drugs. Finally, Zielke violated federal money laundering statutes when he caused approximately $150,000 in proceeds obtained through his illegal drug distribution to be wired from a bank account to Kitco Metals, Inc., in Canada to purchase silver and collector coins.

“We are intensely focused on stemming the supply of illegal opioids into our communities, regardless of whether the dealers are trafficking on a street corner or are abusing their physician’s oath by prescribing painkillers for no legitimate medical reason,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman. “We will continue our critical work to prosecute all those who are fueling our nation’s continuing opioid crisis.”

“Mr. Zielke created a lucrative scheme peddling opioids for profit and at the same time undermining our healthcare system through fraudulent billing,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Unethical, crooked doctors who choose to line their pockets cause medical care costs to increase for everyone. The FBI is committed to holding those who think they won’t be caught accountable.”

“Andrzej Zielke recklessly funneled opioids into Pittsburgh neighborhoods, fueling the height of the epidemic that takes the lives of 13 Pennsylvanians every day,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “We're working closely with our federal partners to combat this crisis that continues to destroy Pennsylvania families and communities.”

Judge Fisher scheduled sentencing for November 1, 2021. The law provides for a maximum per count sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00, or both, for the controlled substances offenses. Zielke faces an additional maximum per count sentence of 10 years and fine of $250,000.00 for the health care fraud charges; and a maximum per count sentence of 10 years and a fine of $250,000.00 for the money laundering offenses. 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. 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 Zielke on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Summer Carroll of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office are 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 (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic.  The agencies which comprise the Western Pennsylvania OFADU include: 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, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, 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, U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court today for one count of conspiracy to pay unlawful kickbacks, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone sentenced William Hughes, 74, to sixty days’ incarceration, followed by twelve months of home detention. Hughes was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, forfeit more than $750,000 in previously seized assets, and make restitution totaling $1,670,469.77 to the Kentucky Medicaid Program.

During the defendant’s plea hearing on June 18, 2020, Hughes admitted that he owned and operated Universal Oral Fluid Labs (UOFL), a clinical drug testing laboratory located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. From October 2011 to August 2013, Hughes further admitted that he entered into an unlawful kickbacks-for-referrals arrangement, through UOFL, with his co-defendant, Dr. Varanise Booker, a physician practicing in Kentucky. Pursuant to this arrangement, Hughes agreed to pay Booker to refer patients to UOFL—including patients who were covered under the Kentucky Medicaid Program—for drug testing services in exchange for cash payments. Between September 2012 and August 2013, UOFL obtained $1,670,469.77 from the Kentucky Medicaid Program based on these illegal referrals. In turn, Hughes, through UOFL, caused Booker to be paid a total of $843,242.31 in kickbacks for her drug testing referrals.

Booker has pleaded not guilty, and her case remains pending before Judge Cercone.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hughes.

PITTSBURGH – The 2021 Western Pennsylvania Drug Summit will take place on Wednesday, July 14. 2021, from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the Fred Rogers Center on the campus of St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today. This event is a free in-person public forum. People may also attend via Zoom at https://stvincent-edu.zoom.us/j/98611228340?pwd=Sk5PszRoMFMwN1ArMGVcU5WRDFDZz09 with the passcode aUaC3K. The agenda follows:

6:15 p.m. Welcome 
Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman
Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck
Prof. Bruce Antkowiak J.D., Saint Vincent College

6:20 p.m. Keynote Address (Pre-recorded)
Regina LaBelle, Acting Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy

6:40 p.m. Emerging Drug Trafficking Trends
Moderator: Troy Rivetti, Criminal Division Chief, U.S. Attorney’s Office
Panelists: Emily Lockhart, Senior Forensic Chemist, DEA
Steve Denhup, Intelligence Group Supervisor, DEA
Josh Yohannon, Criminal Analyst, Homeland Security Investigations
Ken Bacha, Westmoreland County Coroner

7:00 p.m. Best Practices in Treating Addiction
Moderator: Ira Karoll, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office
Panelists: Eric Kocian, Ph.D., Associate Professor, St. Vincent College
Tim Phillips, Director, Westmoreland Co. Drug Overdose Task Force
Judge Meagan Bilik-DeFazio, Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas, Drug Diversion Court
Stephanie T., Westmoreland County Drug Diversion Court Graduate

The Summit is sponsored by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, St. Vincent College, and the Westmoreland County Overdose Task Force.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Pleasantville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 16 years in jail, 5 years supervised release, and ordered to pay $30,162.96 in restitution on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Scott A. Anthony, 50.

According to information presented to the court, the evidence presented at trial established that Anthony produced sexually explicit videos depicting two minors. Anthony surreptitiously recorded the two minor victims, without their knowledge, while they were using a bathroom.

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

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cercone noted that Anthony’s conduct was extremely disturbing and occurred over a lengthy period.

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, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Millcreek Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Anthony.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

True Kinnon, age 22, pleaded guilty to nine counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Mr. Kinnon and his coconspirators committed seven armed robberies in Allegheny County from November 2018 through February 2019. All of these robberies were of businesses located throughout the City of Pittsburgh, and in Penn Hills, Turtle Creek, Oakmont, and Monroeville. During many of these robberies, Mr. Kinnon and his coconspirators brandished firearms, including an assault-style rifle and a revolver, at employees and customers of the businesses, and took money and personal property from both employees and customers.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for November 16, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the parties agreed to a sentence of 14 years of incarceration, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Stickman may either accept or reject this plea agreement.

Pending sentencing, Mr. Kinnon will remain incarcerated.

Assistant United States Attorney Doug Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The successful investigation and prosecution of Mr. Kinnon was the result of the collaborative work of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Monroeville Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Wilkins Township Police Department, the Oakmont Police Department, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Bradford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Daniel Thomas Sutton, 33, 595 South Kendall Avenue, Bradford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Sutton received computer images and movies depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for November 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Sutton on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Matthew Gourley, age 49, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on January 6, 2020, Gourley forced Minor A, a minor female victim, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction, namely, a digital image and a video, depicting Minor A engaging in sexually explicit content.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for November 15, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years but not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Court ordered that Gourley remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gourley.

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

PITTSBURGH – On Thursday, July 8, 2021, Raymond Erfort was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possessing 497 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Erfort, age 45 of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton. Judge Walton ordered that Erfort serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Erfort had prior drug trafficking convictions from three state prosecutions between 2001 and 2009 and served prior state prison sentences of 2-6 years, 3-10 years, and 5-10 years.

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

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Brentwood Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of California has been sentenced in federal court to 70 months in jail on his 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 Victor Daniel Guttierez, 48.

According to information presented to the court, between May 28, 2020 and June 8, 2020, Gutierrez conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute forty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. The charge was based on an intercepted United States Mail parcel that Gutierrez shipped to Pennsylvania from California containing approximately 340 grams of fentanyl pills. As part of the plea, Gutierrez had also acknowledged his responsibility for attempting to possess with intent to distribute 2.125 kilograms of cocaine and 1.535 kilograms of heroin in and around September of 2019 and Gutierrez was sentenced on these amounts as well.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Baxter stated that despite Mr. Gutierrez’s claims of mitigating circumstances, his actions in trafficking these substantial quantities of controlled substances had only served to “further addiction and heartbreak” for those suffering from drug use and addiction in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

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

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gutierrez.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of California has been sentenced in federal court to 70 months in jail on his 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 Victor Daniel Guttierez, 48.

According to information presented to the court, between May 28, 2020 and June 8, 2020, Gutierrez conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute forty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. The charge was based on an intercepted United States Mail parcel that Gutierrez shipped to Pennsylvania from California containing approximately 340 grams of fentanyl pills. As part of the plea, Gutierrez had also acknowledged his responsibility for attempting to possess with intent to distribute 2.125 kilograms of cocaine and 1.535 kilograms of heroin in and around September of 2019 and Gutierrez was sentenced on these amounts as well.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Baxter stated that despite Mr. Gutierrez’s claims of mitigating circumstances, his actions in trafficking these substantial quantities of controlled substances had only served to “further addiction and heartbreak” for those suffering from drug use and addiction in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

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

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gutierrez.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction for possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Jeremiah McDonald, 21, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on April 17, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at McDonald’s residence and recovered distribution-quantities of heroin and fentanyl along with a loaded, stolen firearm. McDonald accepted responsibility for possessing with intent to distribute between 40 grams and 160 grams of heroin and fentanyl and possessing the firearm in conjunction with his drug trafficking.

While announcing McDonald’s sentence, Judge Conti referenced the seriousness of heroin and fentanyl trafficking as well as the possession of a firearm in relation to these offenses.

Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McDonald.

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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philadelphia, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 70 months in prison and four years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws and money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Malik Byers, 29, of Philadelphia, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from July 5, 2018 and continuing thereafter to on or about May 5, 2020, Byers conspired to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack. Further, Byers conspired to commit money laundering.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted 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.

OCDETF conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Byers. The task force is headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and is comprised of members drawn from the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Indiana Borough Police Department.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Penn Hills, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years in prison on his conviction for distributing fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Christopher Hill, age 32, formerly of Penn Hills, PA 15235.

According to information presented to the court, on or about July 21, 2016, Hill sold fentanyl to an individual who, after using the narcotic, died of an overdose.

Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Christopher Hill.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Duquesne, 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 three-count Indictment, returned on May 5 and unsealed today, named Brandon McCaskill, age 35, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about August 17, 2020, McCaskill possessed with the intent to distribute mixtures of controlled substances containing fentanyl, heroin, tramadol, and cocaine. The Indictment also alleges that McCaskill was in possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Indictment further alleged that McCaskill, a convicted felon, possessed both a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a term of imprisonment of life and/or a fine of up to $2,000,0000. 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 Duquesne Police Department, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 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.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 155 months in prison, 3 years supervised release and ordered to pay $11,100 in restitution on his convictions for bank robbery, armed bank robbery, and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Ronald Eugene Lomax, Jr., 32.

According to information presented to the court, on November 21, 2018, Lomax entered the Northwest Savings Bank, 3407 Liberty Street in Erie and handed the teller a note that indicated he had a gun and demanded $5,000. Lomax then fled the bank after receiving the money.

On December 28, 2018, Lomax robbed the same Northwest Savings Bank branch taking $6,100. Lomax pointed a handgun at the victim teller during this robbery. When he committed the bank robberies, Lomax was on parole in Pennsylvania for a conviction involving the rape of a child.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Haines noted the seriousness of Lomax’s criminal history and his escalating behavior between the two bank robberies.

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 Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lomax.

PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to violating federal narcotics and firearms laws Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Che Williams, age 34, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn Horan.

According to information provided to the court, on November 19, 2019, Williams conspired to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl and valeyrl fentanyl, and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possessed firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. As a conviction felon, it is in violation of federal law to possess any firearms and/or ammunition. Williams also pleaded guilty to knowingly participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl from September 2017 to November 2019.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for Nov. 10, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. As to Count One of the Information, the law provides for a total sentence of not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine or both. As to Count Two of the Information, the law provides for a total sentence of not more than ten years, a $250,000 fine or both. Under the law, Count One of the Indictment provides for a total term of imprisonment of not less than ten years with a fine not to exceed $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered Williams to remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Che Williams.
 

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Blair County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 33 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on charges of tax evasion and wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Patrick S. LaMarsh, 42, of Altoona, Pennsylvania.

The government represented to the court that between 2011 and 2013, LaMarsh defrauded TracFone and Walmart by selling fraudulently obtained Straight Talk airtime cards on Amazon.com. LaMarsh fraudulently re-encoded Straight Talk prepaid wireless cards and sold them for a discount, netting approximately $1.2 million in proceeds. LaMarsh used the proceeds to buy precious metals and a recreational vehicle. In addition, LaMarsh deposited proceeds into nominee bank accounts to conceal income.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of LaMarsh.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Conneaut, Ohio 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 three-count Indictment, returned on June 8 and unsealed today, named Jennifer Glasscock, age 36, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about November 30, 2020, Glasscock possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing amounts of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, a quantity and mixture of a substance containing LSD, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing oxycodone. The Indictment further charged Glasscock with possessing a firearm in furtherance of this drug trafficking crime. The Indictment finally alleged that Glasscock, a convicted felon, possessed a firearm and ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000.00 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 Pennsylvania State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Burgettstown, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Levi Stroud, age 25, pleaded guilty to a one count of conspiracy before United States District Judge William S. Stickman

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Stroud conspired with his mother to commit mail fraud in connection with pandemic unemployment assistance benefits while he was incarcerated for a state conviction.

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.

Following the guilty plea, Judge Stickman sentenced Stroud to seven months of imprisonment followed by one year of supervised release.

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

The United States Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Levi Stroud.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of narcotics trafficking, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Marleka Robinson, age 26, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on September 11, 2016, Marleka Robinson obtained a large quantity of fentanyl from a distributor in the Knoxville section of Pittsburgh at Robinson’s brother and co-defendant Jerry Coker’s request. Robinson returned the drugs to the residence she shared with Coker and their other sister, codefendant Monique Robinson. A search warrant executed at the Coker residence the following day resulted in the seizure of more than 285 grams of fentanyl and small quantities of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Drug packaging, weighing, and distributing materials were found strewn through the house, along with two Smith & Wesson pistols and $8,900 in cash, all of which were seized by law enforcement.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for October 19, 2021, at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered Robinson on bond pending appeal.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Agency conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Robinson.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years (60 months) in prison followed by four years of supervised release for violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

U.S. District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Brandon Calhoun, age 29. 

According to information provided to the court, Calhoun conspired to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl and valeryl fentanyl and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Calhoun, a convicted felon, illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition. Under federal law, it is illegal for a felon to possess a firearm or ammunition.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monroeville Police Department, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Maryland Office, and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Calhoun.

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, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Randy Cross, age 38, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on March 10, 2021, the defendant was found to be in possession of a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 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 Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of tax fraud and wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The 15-count Indictment named Brian A. VanDusen, age 51, of Webster Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, during 2014 and 2018 VanDusen owned a tax preparation business in the Warner Center of downtown Pittsburgh called EasyTax Refund. During those years, VanDusen and his employees prepared and filed approximately 2,898 federal tax returns, 36% of which contained Schedule C forms and were falsified to claim an earned income tax credit and tax refund for taxpayers.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 79 years in prison, a fine of $3,750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Murrysville, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Rory Elliot Ashby, age 45, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on June 3, 2021, Ashby was found to be in possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The Indictment further alleges that Ashby possessed a firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000.00, 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 defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Kane, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Michael Carter, Anderson, 43 of Kane, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Anderson attempted to possess with intent to distribute more than fifty grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Anderson purchased the methamphetamine on the Dark Web for the purpose of selling and redistributing those drugs in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for November 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Anderson on bond.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the McKean County Detectives, and the McKean County Drug Taskforce conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Anderson.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Aiding or Assisting in the Preparation or Filing of False Federal Income Tax Returns, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The 10-count Indictment named Jessica D. Washington, age 34, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, during 2018, Washington worked as a tax preparer at a tax preparation business in Pittsburgh called EasyTax Refund. It is alleged that Washington prepared tax returns that falsified Schedules C income, and claimed earned income tax credit and an unlawful tax refund.

The law provides for a sentence total sentence of not more than three 30 years imprisonment and a fine of $2,500,000.00. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 28 years’ incarceration, consecutive to any state court sentence, and lifetime supervised release on his conviction of Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Sean Houston, age 48, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania.  As part of his sentence, the Court ordered Houston to pay $13,709.60 in restitution and a $15,000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 (JVTA).

According to information presented to the court, on May 20, 2016 and from July 22, 2017 through October 2018, Houston produced and attempted to produce visual depictions of the sexual exploitation of a minor. Additionally, on October 29, 2018, Houston knowingly possessed visual depictions of the sexual exploitation of minors.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Kaufman commended the Homeland Security Investigations, the Centerville Police Department, the North Strabane Police Department, and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Houston.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been charged by criminal complaint with possessing a mixture of fentanyl and a stolen firearm, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The criminal complaint named Darion Ethridge, 21, as the sole defendant. Mr. Ethridge was arrested Thursday evening and made an initial appearance today in federal court in Pittsburgh.

According to the complaint, investigators had information a male matching Mr. Ethridge’s description and car would be bringing 10 bricks of heroin to the area of 2727 Mosside Blvd., in Monroeville, PA. When Mr. Ethridge arrived, he was stopped by police for a traffic violation, refused to exit the vehicle and then drove in reverse striking an officer’s vehicle. Mr. Ethridge then drove to the dead-end section of the parking lot, exited his vehicle, and engaged in a brief physical altercation with a detective. Mr. Ethridge then ran through two parking lots and onto Northern Pike where he stopped traffic and resisted multiple police officers. Mr. Ethridge was caught and taken into custody. In the car that Mr. Ethridge had been driving, investigators found a fully loaded, stolen firearm and 20 bricks, which is 1,000 stamp bags, of a substance that field-tested positive for fentanyl.

For the drug charge, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1 million or both, For the firearm charge, 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 Ira M. Karoll is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Monroeville Police Department and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General are leading the investigation and have been assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

This 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.

A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release on his conviction of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Scott Kaercher, 28, of Pittsburgh, PA (Whitehall).

According to information presented to the court, Kaercher was a member of a group called “Anything Goes” on the LIVEME application, and the members shared an interest in child pornography. The FBI had an undercover employee monitoring the application, and the undercover employee engaged in an online chat with Kaercher, who indicated he had a sexual interest in children. On December 10, 2019, Kaercher uploaded a child pornography video to the members of Anything Goes. A subsequent search warrant resulted in the recovery of Kaercher’s mobile phone, which contained thousands of images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent children and sadistic and masochistic conduct. After imposing sentence, Judge Hardy revoked Kaercher’s bond and ordered that he be taken into custody to begin his sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl 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 Kaercher.

PITTSBURGH - A former Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years’ imprisonment and 8 years’ supervised release on his conviction of a drug-trafficking charge related to a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Jarrell Dawson, age 32, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Dawson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine, before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Mr. Dawson is one of 40 defendants charged in the Indictment and Superseding Indictment returned in the case and was proven to be a fentanyl and heroin supplier to Christopher Highsmith and other coconspirators.

In connection with his guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and its drug-trafficking activity, in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, in February of 2019, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019. In addition to communications about drug trafficking between Dawson and several of his coconspirators, agents made numerous seizures of fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs from members of the organization, as well as maintained critical physical surveillance of Dawson’s drug-trafficking activities.

Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department. Other assisting agencies include the Green Tree Police Department, New York City Police Department, Mount Oliver Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Yonkers Police Department, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Two Lawrence County residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of attempted production, production, receipt, and distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a child, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The three-count Indictment named David Bates, 61, of Ellwood City, PA 16117, and Tamara Kreitzer, 33, of New Castle, PA 16101, as defendants.

According to the Indictment, in or between July 2020 and October 2020, Bates and Kreitzer attempted to and did use, persuade, induce entice and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of the minor. After the production of images, Kreitzer distributed the images of the minor to Bates.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 70 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants. The government has requested detention for both defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl 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.
 

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years’ imprisonment and eight years’ supervised release on his conviction of drug trafficking charges related to a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV, imposed the sentence on Martel Yates, age 30, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and its drug-trafficking activity, in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, in February of 2019, the United States received authorization to intercept the wire communications of several of the suspected members of the organization, which continued through June of 2019. In addition to identifying communications about drug trafficking between Yates, a mid-level distributor within the organization, and many of his coconspirators, agents made numerous seizures of fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs from members of the organization, as well as maintained critical physical surveillance of drug-trafficking activities.

Yates pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and other Schedule I and II controlled substances. He had at least one prior serious drug felony conviction.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman stated that Yates was responsible for the distribution of significant quantities of opiates and the harm to the community that stems from such distribution. He offered that a 10-year term of imprisonment was appropriate given Yates’s criminal history and his conduct in this case.

Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department. Other assisting agencies include the Green Tree Police Department, New York City Police Department, Mount Oliver Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Yonkers Police Department, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and food stamp fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Abdul Alquraishi, 54, pleaded guilty to two counts before Chief United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Abdul Alquraishi and three co-defendants were engaged in exchanging food stamps for cash on a regular basis at The Lotto World, also known as Samir’s and Lotto World Convenience, a convenience store located at 832 State Street in Erie that Alquraishi owned and operated. Alquraishi and his three co-defendants also allowed customers to pay off store credit with food stamps. Alquraishi was also using customers’ food stamp cards to buy items at various stores in the area.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for November 22, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Alquraishi on bond.

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

The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Alquraishi.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Trevon Kendrick, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin from September of 2018 through October of 2019, before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV. In addition, Kendrick accepted responsibility for possessing firearms in conjunction with his heroin trafficking. Kendrick is one of 19 defendants charged in the Indictment returned in this case.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2018, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a heroin trafficking organization lead by Kendrick that operated throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. Beginning in February of 2019 and continuing through September of 2019, the FBI received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Kendrick, as the leader of this multi-member drug trafficking organization, was intercepted orchestrating and directing the movement of heroin from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh for distribution throughout Pittsburgh by various members of the organization. In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized heroin, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization, including Kendrick.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for Nov. 1, 2021. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Kendrick remains in custody pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Kendrick.

This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Marvin Deron Sanders, 43, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about December 11, 2020, Sanders attempted to possess with intent to distribute more than five hundred grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

The law provides for a maximum total 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police Northwest Strike Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, and 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.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months imprisonment, followed by three (3) years supervised release, on her conviction related to a charge of bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Gloria Anderson, 37, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to information presented to the Court, on June 26, 2020, Anderson robbed the Dollar Bank, located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Anderson entered the bank and handed bank personnel a note that read “Gimme $10,000 or I will shoot.” Anderson took $10,000 from the bank but was arrested by City of Pittsburgh Police shortly after she exited the bank and walked across the street.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police made the initial arrest of Anderson and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the federal investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Anderson.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of narcotics trafficking in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Raelynn Stevenson, age 31, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing detectable amounts of fentanyl and heroin before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Ms. Stevenson is one of 40 defendants charged in the Indictment and Superseding Indictment returned in this case.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and drug-trafficking activity in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019. Intercepted communications revealed that the defendant both collaborated with lead defendant Christopher Highsmith and supplied her own drug customers. On several occasions during the conspiracy, the defendant and Highsmith discussed the weight, packaging, and distribution of narcotics.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for October 22, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court remanded the defendant to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn Bloch Brendan J. McKenna are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Wilkinsburg Police Department. Other assisting agencies include the Green Tree Police Department, New York City Police Department, Mount Oliver Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Yonkers Police Department, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. 

This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH - Twenty-five individuals have been named in two separate, but related, Indictments for trafficking multiple drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and cocaine base, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today. The defendants were arrested today following a year-long investigation into drug trafficking in Mercer and Lawrence Counties and beyond.

“We undertook this investigation with a single goal in mind—to significantly improve public safety,” said Acting U. S. Attorney Kaufman. “People deserve to feel safe in their homes and in their neighborhoods. Removing these drug traffickers from our streets will help to restore quality of life to the law-abiding citizens of Mercer and Lawrence counties.”

“Today’s arrests reflect the continuing effort to rid our communities of dangerous drugs and drug-related violent crime activity,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “We remain dedicated to aggressively investigating those who don’t think twice about committing a crime in the community they live and putting others lives at risk. Our communities need to know this is a joint effort and couldn't be done without the help of state, local and federal partners.”

“These defendants stand accused of trafficking multiple potentially deadly street drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack cocaine. Their alleged drug-trafficking activities included the distribution of crack cocaine in the vicinity of protected areas such as playgrounds, schools, and public housing facilities” said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “These indictments reflect the collective efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement working together to disrupt drug-traffickers that seek to poison and destroy our communities.”

"While 12 Pennsylvanians are dying from opioid overdoses every day, these defendants peddled dozens of kilos of devastating poisons, including heroin and cocaine, into our communities to make a buck," said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. "Thanks to this yearlong investigation with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we have been able to take down more than two dozen violent drug traffickers."

The first indictment names the following individuals as defendants:

• London Pinkins, age 26, of Sharon, Pennsylvania;
• Jimmy Gadson, age 34, of Sharon, Pennsylvania;
• Harold Hooten, age 44, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania;
• Torlando Hopson, age 32, of Farrell, Pennsylvania;
• Alphonse Johnson, age 39, currently incarcerated;
• Amanda Karwowski, age 29, of Grove City, Pennsylvania, currently incarcerated;
• Michael Love, age 43, of Jackson Center, Pennsylvania;
• Katlyn McGirr, age 29, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania;
• Kenneth Miller, age 59, of Farrell, Pennsylvania;
• Nicholas Ostheimer, age 23, of Sharon, Pennsylvania;
• Eugene Phillips, age 29, of Farrell, Pennsylvania, currently incarcerated;
• Quinton Pinkins, age 36, of Farrell, Pennsylvania;
• Joseph Pumphrey, age 62, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania;
• Courtney Purdy, age 30, of Mercer, Pennsylvania;
• Jeronte Robinson, age 26, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania;
• Jammar Shelton, age 42, of Masury, Ohio;
• James West, age 45, of Brackenridge, Pennsylvania;
• Khiry Whiteside, age 30, of Farrell, Pennsylvania;
• Denzel Williams, age 27, of Farrell, Pennsylvania;
• Jermall Johnson, age 24, of Erie, Pennsylvania;
• Jackie Bell, age 29, of Columbus, Ohio; and
• Albert Cummings, age 41, of Cleveland, Ohio.

All of the 22 defendants are charged in Count 1 with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of heroin, 28 grams or more of cocaine base, a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of methamphetamine from June 2020 to June 2021. Count 2 charges London Pinkins and Phillips with conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds from February 2021 to June 2021. Counts 3 (Williams), 17 (Alphonse Johnson), 23 (Karwowski), and 24 (London Pinkins) charge several defendants with possession with intent to distribute and/or distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, a quantity of cocaine, and/or a quantity of methamphetamine.

Counts 4 (Ostheimer), 6-8 (Ostheimer and Gadson), 14 (Cummings), 15 (Gadson), 19-22 (West, Gadson, Shelton, and London Pinkins), and 25-28 (Purdy and Quinton Pinkins) charge several defendants with possession with intent to distribute and/or distribution of a quantity of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, and/or cocaine within 1,000 feet of a playground, school, and public housing. Counts 5 (Ostheimer), 9-13 (London Pinkins, Gadson, Bell, McGirr), 16 (Gadson), and 18 (Williams) charge several defendants with possession with intent to distribute and/or distribution of a quantity of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, cocaine, and/or methamphetamine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for each of the crimes charged in Counts 1, 3, 17, 23, and 24. The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Count 2 of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 (or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater).

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for each of Counts 4, 6-8, 14, 15, 19-22, and 25- 28 of at least one year and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. The maximum sentence for Counts 5, 9-13, 16, and 18 is up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories of the defendants.

The second indictment names the following individuals as defendants:

• Forrest Gilmore, age 25, of New Castle, Pennsylvania;
• Melvin Dorsey-Pace, age 28, of New Castle, Pennsylvania; and
• Rayjzon Sams, 28, age of Farrell, Pennsylvania.

The seven-count Indictment charges the defendants in Count 1 with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine from June 2020 to June 2021. Counts 2 (Gilmore), 4 (Dorsey-Pace), 5 (Sams), and 7 (Sams) charge possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a playground, school, and public housing. Count 3 charges Gilmore with possessing with intent to distribute and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base on September 17, 2020. Count 6 charges Sams with possessing with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of cocaine on April 18, 2021.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for each of the crimes charged in Counts 1 and 3 of the Indictment. The law provides for a maximum total sentence for each of Counts 2, 4, 5, and 7 of at least one year and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the crime charged in Count 6 of the Indictment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories of the defendants.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations led the investigation. The Pennsylvania State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the Mercer County Drug Task Force, the New Castle Police Department, the Sharon Police Department, the Hermitage Police Department, and the Farrell Police Department also assisted in the investigation resulting in the return of the Indictments 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. 

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal firearms and drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Javon Omar Franklin, 39, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about January 27, 2021, Franklin possessed firearms while being a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possession a firearm or ammunition. In addition, Franklin possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, 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 Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police Northwest Strike Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Drug Enforcement Administration 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.

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