Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Somerset County Man Sentenced for Distributing OxymorphoneRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Somerset County, Pennsylvania resident has been sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Joseph P. Barefoot, 63, of Berlin, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, from Feb. 1, 2017, to Aug. 14, 2017, Barefoot distributed a quantity of oxymorphone.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Brady commended the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Barefoot.
Wexford Man Charged with Possessing an Unregistered Homemade RifleRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Wexford, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of an unregistered firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named James Thompson, 47, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, which follows a Criminal Complaint that was filed on September 4, 2020, the defendant called the police to his residence on July 17, 2020, and stated that he had multiple weapons, including guns and knives. When police arrived on the scene, Thompson exited the residence with a loaded AR15 style rifle, wearing a bulletproof vest, and threatening the use the weapon. The defendant was taken into custody and law enforcement was able determine that the rifle was homemade and not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The Court was further informed that law enforcement had previously responded to a domestic call at the defendant’s residence on December 9, 2019.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant is being housed at a mental health facility pending the resolution of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt, who serves as the office’s Domestic Violence Coordinator, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Northern Regional 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.
Georgia Woman Sentenced to Prison for Fraud Scheme that Used Homeless People to Cash Stolen ChecksRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Lithonia, Georgia, has been sentenced in federal court to 42 months in jail on her conviction of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. Restitution will be determined at a later date.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Jasmine Nicole Carter, 31.
According to information presented to the court, Carter and a co-defendant engaged in a years long scheme where they stole checks from the mail and used homeless individuals with valid identification to cash the checks. The defendants removed the legitimate names from the checks and replaced them with the homeless persons’ names. They then kept the bulk of the money obtained and paid a nominal amount to the check cashers. Carter and her co-defendant were caught with a typewriter that was found, after a forensic examination, to contain over 130 different names, all of which were traced to the fraudulent scheme.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Baxter noted the complexity of the scheme and the fact that Carter and her co-defendant traveled around the country perpetuating the fraud.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Erie Police Department and the Millcreek Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carter.
Western PA Drug Trafficking Organization Based in New Castle DismantledRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Thirteen members of a drug trafficking organization were indicted by a federal grand jury for trafficking significant quantities of cocaine and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
"Mexican cartels present a clear and present danger to the safety and well-being of our western Pennsylvania communities," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Our success in dismantling such a broad-reaching drug trafficking network is due to strong local, state and federal coordination, and the leadership of Lawrence County DA Joshua Lamancusa and Mercer County DA Peter Acker. Together, we remain committed to keep these drugs – and the violence and public health challenges they bring – out of our neighborhoods and communities."
"McKnight and his associates are alleged to have distributed five kilograms or more of cocaine and over forty grams of illicit fentanyl across Western Pennsylvania. These are both dangerous drugs, however, illicit fentanyl has caused thousands of overdose deaths across our region," said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. "This investigation was successful due to our working relationship with our law enforcement partners such as HSI, IRS-CID, USPS-OIG, PSP, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the New Castle Police Department, and the Lawrence County Drug Task Force."
"Today we recognize the culmination of local, state and federal agencies working together toward one common goal – the dismantling of a serious drug ring," said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. "This coordinated effort resulted in the arrests of 12 subjects and seizures that included almost 100,000 doses of heroin and significant doses of cocaine, fentanyl, and more. This operation will have lasting positive impact in Pennsylvania, particularly Lawrence and Mercer counties."
"Yesterday’s operation was the culmination of months of federal, state and local collaborative policing efforts," said Lawrence County District Attorney Joshua Lamancusa. "Dozens of law enforcement officers and prosecutors from western Pennsylvania spent hundreds of hours investigating and preparing this case. It was through their tireless efforts and steadfast dedication to duty that Pennsylvania is a safer place today."
"Mercer County has a significant drug trafficking and overdose problem, which is not only local in scope but intercounty, interstate and apparently international, said Mercer County District Attorney Peter Acker. "As District Attorney of Mercer County I am extremely grateful for the support of the U.S. Attorney Scott Brady and his staff in Pittsburgh, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the PA Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, the Lawrence County District Attorney's Drug Task Force, the Mercer County Critical Incident Response Team and all our other partners who coordinate our efforts to attack our drug problems. Yesterday's arrests in Farrell and New Castle demonstrate the effectiveness of our coordinated efforts and they will not be the last."
The Indictment, returned on September 22 and unsealed yesterday, charges the following individuals with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, from in and around March of 2019, and continuing until in and around September of 2020:
• Bruce McKnight. 53, of Columbus, OH;
• Norberto Castillo-Lopez, 31, of Mexico;
• Jossian Ayala-Ruberte, 39, of Kissimmee, FL;
• Luis Mattei-Albizu, 39, of Columbus, OH;
• Nathaniel McKnight, 28 of New Castle, PA;
• Michael Talbert, 41, of Farrell, PA;
• Tony McKnight, 55, of New Castle, PA;
• Trevor Austin, 46, of Sharon, PA;
• Thomas Pierce, Jr., 48, of Farrell, PA;
• Thomas Jones, 44, of Farrell, PA;
• Romondo Oatis, 46, of Farrell, PA;
• Darnell Latham, 51, of New Castle, PA; and
• Brandon Jetter, 39, of McKeesport, PA.
The Indictment also charges Defendants Bruce McKnight and his nephew, Nathaniel McKnight, with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute forty grams or more of fentanyl, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, from in and around March of 2020, and continuing until in and around September of 2020.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both, as to each charged Defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The DEA in Pittsburgh, PA led the multi-agency investigation that included members of the DEA, Columbus, OH; DEA, Harrisburg, PA; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Pittsburgh, PA; HSI, Orlando, FL; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, Eastern Area Field Office; Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General; Pennsylvania State Police; Lawrence County Drug Task Force – Special Investigations Unit; and the New Castle Police Department.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Brady Announces Results in Fight against the Opioid Crisis Two Years after Launch of Operation S.O.S.Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – In July 2018, the Department of Justice announced the launch of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S), a program aimed at reducing the supply of synthetic opioids in 10 high impact areas, including the Western District of Pennsylvania, and identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.
Under Operation SOS, the United States Attorneys in 10 districts with some of the highest drug overdose death rates in the country each designated an area where they would focus on prosecuting every readily available case involving fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other synthetic opioids, regardless of the drug quantity.
"The Justice Department’s commitment to fighting the opioids epidemic is stronger than ever, and we are using every tool in our arsenal to disrupt the supply of these drugs on our streets," said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. "Operation SOS has had a significant positive impact on the communities where it is being employed. The Department will continue to build on these successes and work to stop the drug traffickers who so callously wreck lives."
"Under SOS, we have targeted the most significant and prolific synthetic opioid traffickers who are dealing the most harmful drugs that are killing our neighbors," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "By taking both the drugs and the traffickers off the streets, we are saving lives. That vital work continues."
The Western District of Pennsylvania has prosecuted 98 SOS cases thus far in FY 2020.
• Particularly noteworthy among them is the prosecution of Lynell Guyton. A federal jury in January convicted Guyton of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of cyclopropyl fentanyl and other charges, including firearms and money laundering violations. Guyton, who had been receiving shipments of fentanyl analogues from China, is both a Career Offender and an Armed Career Criminal. The case gained media attention when, during the execution of a search warrant in connection with the charges, the conspirators tipped over a table, sending cyclopropyl fentanyl into the air, sickening 18 Pittsburgh SWAT team members on the scene.
• Last autumn, we charged two people following eight drug overdoses in Pittsburgh and West Mifflin. According to the indictment and a criminal complaint filed in the case, on September 22, 2019, Peter Rene Sanchez Montalvo distributed fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl at a party in an apartment located on Tunnel Boulevard on Pittsburgh’s South Side. The indictment alleges that the distribution resulted in the deaths of R.M., J.P., and J.S., as well as serious bodily injury to F.M., G.G., and P.R. A separate, but related, indictment and criminal complaint alleges that on September 23, 2019, Derek Omar Smith possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl. At 3:15 a.m., West Mifflin Police were dispatched to a suspected overdose on Bowes Avenue in West Mifflin. Upon arrival they located two individuals who had overdosed, and who medics were able to revive with naloxone.
• The charges in Tyric Allen, et al. arose out of an FBI OCDETF wiretap investigation, which targeted a violent street gang, known as the Shot Boyz, in Pittsburgh. Twenty-six targets (21 from Allegheny County and five from Westmoreland County) were indicted on charges of selling large quantities of fentanyl in the City of Pittsburgh, surrounding neighborhoods, and in Latrobe, PA.
• Finally, last week a criminal complaint was filed charging Yarelis Mary Garcia Corretjer, of Philadelphia, PA, and Reyelin Manuel Abreu Vasquez, of the Dominican Republic, with possessing approximately 400 bricks of suspected fentanyl during a traffic stop by Pennsylvania State Police troopers.
Nationally, since 2018, Operation SOS has resulted in approximately 750 defendants being charged in federal court, with 384 of those defendants charged thus far in FY 20. Most importantly, the districts participating in the program have seen a decline in opioid overdoses. From 2017 to 2019, most SOS counties reported a decline of 14% to 24%. One notable success was in the Western District of Pennsylvania, where the opioid overdose rates declined by nearly 45%.
The nine other participating SOS districts and some of their successes are listed below:
• The Eastern District of California has reported 60 active Operation S.O.S. investigations. Recently, the USAO charged one sentence-enhanced "death resulting" prosecution. In February 2020, another investigation resulted in the seizure of over 20,000 fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills.
• The Eastern District of Kentucky reported that an SOS investigation led to a residential search warrant and seizure of more than 1,300 grams of fentanyl, more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, $15,000 cash, two firearms, and paraphernalia used to traffic narcotics including a device for pressing fentanyl into a brick-like shape
• The District of Maine reported a July 2020 arrest of a defendant on charges of distributing counterfeit fentanyl pills marked as Percocet, in connection with a fatal fentanyl overdose that occurred in May 2020. In addition, a Maine man was sentenced in February 2020 to five years in prison for two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, in connection with an incident where the defendant was found in possession of fentanyl less than 24 hours after he was released on a state summons for possession of fentanyl.
• The District of New Hampshire reported the October 2019 arrest of a man on a warrant for distributing fentanyl. Manchester Police Detectives executed a search warrant on a local drug-house, where they located approximately 850 grams of methamphetamine and 56 grams of fentanyl, several assault-style rifles, a handgun, ammunition, scales, safes, cash, and cellphones.
• The Northern District of Ohio reported a 10-defendant wire case involving a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating out of Elyria and Sandusky, Ohio. The DTO purchased kilogram quantities of cocaine and oxycodone pills. Co-conspirators would later cook the cocaine and sell it as crack to local dealers in Elyria. During the conspiracy, agents seized approximately ½ kilo of cocaine, 100 grams of crack, oxycodone pills, and five firearms.
• The Southern District of Ohio reported the arrest of an individual who had previously served a nine-year state prison sentence for drug trafficking. On October 22, 2019, after law enforcement observed activity consistent with drug transactions, including the delivery of what appeared to be a kilogram of narcotics by a courier, members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence in Dayton, Ohio, where they located three firearms, 1,205 grams of methamphetamine, 1,716 grams of fentanyl, 305 grams of heroin, drug processing equipment, and 12 cellular telephones. One of the recovered cellular telephones contained photographs of multiple kilograms of fentanyl and communications with a narcotics supplier. Through subsequent investigation, law enforcement recovered an additional 19.5 kilograms of fentanyl/carfentanil.
• The Eastern District of Tennessee reported multiple cases arising out of a single investigation involving a drug trafficking organization responsible for trafficking heroin and fentanyl from Michigan to various communities in the Eastern District of Tennessee. 29 defendants have been indicted on various charges, including drug trafficking conspiracy, overdose death enhancements, money-laundering conspiracy, and various firearms offenses. More than 5.5 kilograms of heroin and/or fentanyl and 11 firearms were seized during the investigation.
• The Northern District of West Virginia reported a July 21, 2020, forty-four count indictment against 12 defendants. During the nearly yearlong investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 280 grams of cocaine base and more than 40 grams of fentanyl from one of the defendant’s residences in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Throughout the investigation, officers seized more than 280 grams of fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, and heroin; more than 350 grams of cocaine base; more than one kilogram of liquid PCP; various amounts of cocaine; five firearms; and over $28,000.
• The Southern District of West Virginia reported that after a three-day trial, a jury in the convicted Steven McCallister of distribution of fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Officers conducted a 50-gram purchase of heroin from McCallister, which then led to the execution of a search warrant at McCallister’s home. Officers seized over one kilogram of fentanyl and a firearm.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced for Robbing Bank with a BB GunRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to time served in prison, five years supervised release, and 180 days of home detention with electronic monitoring on his conviction of armed bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Lamar Sewell, age 39.
According to information presented to the Court, Sewell robbed the Key Bank, located at 217 N. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, with what appeared to be a black semi-automatic handgun but was later identified as a BB gun. A total of $1,198.00 was taken from the bank during this bank robbery. The Court was further informed that the money given to Sewell contained a GPS tracking device, which enabled law enforcement to ultimately locate Sewell.
After fleeing from the bank, Sewell was located driving a Honda Civic. Officers in a marked vehicle, activated their lights and sirens but Sewell refused to pull over. Eventually, he reached a dead end street. Sewell exited the vehicle and led law enforcement on a foot chase through Frick Park. Officers observed the mask, wig and BB gun inside of the vehicle.
Sewell was apprehended and taken into police custody. Once in custody, Sewell admitted to robbing the bank and apologized for scaring the victim tellers at the bank and the law enforcement officers and agents who chased him through Frick Park. Sewell explained that voices told him to rob the bank. Post-arrest, the Court was informed that Sewell was diagnosed with schizophrenia approximately 10 years ago and has had mental health issues since he was a teenager, including several commitments.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Horan explained that under ordinary circumstances, a substantial term of imprisonment would be warranted. The Court found Sewell’s case to be an exception, based primarily on his mental health status at the time of the offense and pre-sentence rehabilitation. The Court noted that Sewell’s current mental health treatment regimen, which includes a team of mental health professionals and counseling, coupled with his family’s support, has been effective over the last 18 months and is most likely to result in Sewell’s continued stability.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sewell.
Pittsburgh Child Pornography Distributor Sentenced to More than 9 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 110 months’ imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release on his conviction for distributing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Gary Whisner, 38.
According to information presented to the court, on August 5, 2017, Whisner distributed multiple videos containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, including two females who were approximately 10 years-old. A subsequent search of Whisner’s electronic devices revealed approximately 10,700 images and 800 videos that depicted child pornography. Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Horan referenced the seriousness of the offense and the number of victims in Whisner’s child pornography collection.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Whisner.
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.
Mongolian Woman Charged with Violating Federal Immigration LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A Mongolian woman residing in western Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal immigration laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment, returned on September 15, 2020 and unsealed yesterday following her arrest, named Idertsetseg Ragon, age 38, of Coraopolis, PA 15108, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment presented to the court, Ragon is accused of the false swearing in immigration matters by making false statements with respect to material facts on an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status and a Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. The indictment alleges that Ragon stated she had never been arrested, cited, charged, indicted, convicted, fined or imprisoned for breaking or violating any law, which she knew was false, in that she had been indicted, cited and charged for intentionally causing severe bodily harm to others in Mongolia.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both, at each 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Czarnecki is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pittsburgh Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The Pittsburgh DBFTF is a multi-agency partnership established to focus on high-impact criminal investigations involving the use of fraudulent documents in furtherance of immigration benefit applications and petitions, financial fraud, criminal work-site enforcement, and public benefits fraud. The Pittsburgh DBFTF consists of the following agencies: Homeland Security Investigations, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, US Department of State-Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), US Department of Agriculture-Office of the Inspector General, US Department of Labor-Office of the Inspector General, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.
The case originated from the DSS Overseas Criminal Investigations office in Mongolia, part of DSS’ global investigative team that deters and dismantles transnational criminal organizations, as a result of a joint investigation with the Mongolian National Police Agency.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing a PistolRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months’ imprisonment with credit for time served on any federal detainer; and three years supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Melvin Russaw, age 38.
According to information presented to the court, on or about June 6, 2017, Russaw was apprehended by law enforcement on state charges, after attempting to flee in his 2008 Gray Chevy Impala. Upon execution of a search warrant for the vehicle, which was registered to Russaw, investigators discovered a small panel wherein a Glock, model 21, .45 caliber pistol, bearing serial number HVH758, was hidden. Russaw, who has multiple prior felony state convictions, as well as a federal conviction, is prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm.
Judge Bissoon ordered that the sentence imposed in this case run concurrently with the state sentence imposed on Mr. Russaw, at Docket Number 10326-2017, in the Court of Common Pleas Allegheny County, Criminal Division, on October 1, 2019.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Russaw. This case was brought under 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.
DS-44 Drug Gang Leader Pleads Guilty: Christopher Highsmith Faces 15 Years to Life at SentencingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA –A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to drug trafficking in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Christopher Highsmith, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl, before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Mr. Highsmith is one of 40 defendants charged in the Indictment and Superseding Indictment returned in the case.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that 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 Highsmith, the leader of 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 Highsmith’s drug-trafficking activities.
The court was further advised that Mr. Highsmith was involved in the acquisition and distribution of heroin and fentanyl, to both other distributors and end users. Highsmith personally engaged in the distribution activity, as well as directed lower-level members of DS44 to make drug deliveries, to collect payment, and to maintain records of drug proceeds.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for February 8, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years or more than life in prison, a fine of up to $20,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of each defendant. Highsmith
remains in custody pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Brendan 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.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Michigan Man Who Brought Meth to Erie via Amtrak Sentenced to 10 YearsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Redford, Michigan, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Sean Kiara Williams, 31.
According to information presented to the court, on or about September 6, 2019, Williams possessed with the intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of methamphetamine which he had brought from Dearborn, Michigan to Erie on Amtrak.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police Northwest Strike Force Unit for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams.
McKean County Man Charged with Trying to Buy Meth on the Dark Web for ResaleRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Kane, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Michael Carter Anderson, 42, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about August 26, 2020, Anderson attempted to possess with intent to distribute more than fifty grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Anderson is accused of purchasing methamphetamine on the Dark Web for the purpose of selling and redistributing those drugs in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the McKean County Detectives, and the McKean County Drug Taskforce conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Attempted Coercion of a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 180 months’ imprisonment followed by 10 years’ supervised release on his conviction of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Joseph Hamilton, age 39.
According to information presented to the court, from March 11, 2019 until on or about April 18, 2019, Hamilton communicated online and via text messaging with an undercover FBI agent, believing the agent to be a minor, to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice and coerce the purported minor to engage in sexual activity with him. Law enforcement arrested Hamilton on April 18, 2019, when Hamilton attempted to meet the purported minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hamilton.
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.
Suburban Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Destroying a Pittsburgh Police Vehicle during May 30th ProtestRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Brian Bartels of suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Pittsburgh to a charge of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. While others were lawfully protesting over the death of George Floyd, Bartels initiated the damage to a police car outside of PPG Paints Arena, including spray painting the car and smashing its windshield. Others then joined Bartels and the police car was set on fire.
Bartels, 20, of of Allison Park, PA 15101, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
"On May 30, 2020, Brian Bartels incited the largest and most destructive riot in Pittsburgh history since 1968," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Armed with his homemade agitator toolkit, this self-identified extreme left-wing anarchist came to the protest in downtown Pittsburgh that day with one goal: to incite violence. Bartels succeeded – he was the first to incite violence during the protest. While protesters yelled for him to stop, Bartels spray painted and then smashed and jumped on the windshield of a Pittsburgh Police cruiser. Others then joined in and the cruiser was set on fire and destroyed."
"Bartels’s actions were the inflection point in the demonstration," U.S. Attorney Brady added. "What was peaceful became lawless. Ultimately, Pittsburgh police cars were burned. Mounted Pittsburgh Police Officers were attacked. Projectiles were thrown at Pittsburgh Police Officers. Reporters were attacked and their camera destroyed. What started as a peaceful demonstration, turned into a violent evening of destruction and looting throughout downtown Pittsburgh."
"The violent actions of this young person were appalling," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "Mr. Bartels went downtown with the intent to incite panic and violence. His poor decisions put everyone, including those exercising their First Amendment
rights peacefully, in danger. This type of behavior will not be tolerated in the city we all call home. Let this guilty plea send a message to others that we will use all of our investigative resources to bring to justice those who choose to participate in criminal activity."
According to information provided to the court, on the afternoon of May 30, 2020, there was amarch/protest in downtown Pittsburgh. The defendant was part of a large crowd of protesters milling around the area of Centre Avenue above the PPG Paints Arena, near an unoccupied Pittsburgh Police SUV. At that time, Bartels removed a can of red spray paint from his backpack and sprayed an "A" on the police vehicle. Bartels then jumped on the hood of the vehicle, sprayed more paint on the vehicle, and stomped on the windshield, breaking it. Several people in the crowd began to cheer him on, and some people joined in hitting and kicking the vehicle. Bartels then jumped off the hood and attempted to break the passenger side window of the vehicle.
When interviewed by investigators, Bartels admitted to his conduct in initiating the attack on the police vehicle, and expressed remorse and regret for it. Bartels was charged federally in a criminal complaint on June 5, 2020. He was then indicted by the federal grand jury on June 9, 2020.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for January 27, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five 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 Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for conducting the investigation leading to the charge in this case.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh has been sentenced in federal court to 21 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV, imposed the sentence on St. John Williams, age 29, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, Williams conspired from January 2018 to June 2019, with more than 30 other individuals, many of whom were members of the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang operating in the South Side area of Pittsburgh, to distribute quantities of fentanyl and heroin. Members of the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation of the DS44 gang and its drug-trafficking activity. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation. The investigation revealed that Williams was obtaining distribution quantities of fentanyl and heroin from his codefendant, Anthony Jeeter, for further distribution, and was distributing fentanyl and heroin on behalf of his coconspirator Christopher Highsmith.
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.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
McKeesport Man Charged with Possessing Images of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of McKeesport, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal law relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on September 15, 2020 and unsealed today, names Joseph Teasdale, age 42, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about March 5, 2020, Teasdale possessed images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not reached the age of 12.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a maximum term of lifetime supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant remains under home detention pending the resolution of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Business Administrator at Westminster Presbyterian Church Indicted on Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of tax fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The 16-count indictment named David Reiter, age 51, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, beginning in and around 2011, until his termination from employment in 2018, Reiter as business administrator at Westminster Presbyterian Church located in Upper St. Clair, PA, engaged in a pattern of deception and fraud by regularly embezzling and converting to his personal use funds belonging to church. The Indictment alleges that Reiter failed to pay over employment taxes and filed false personal income tax returns relating to the embezzlement, which materially underreported his personal income.
The law provides for a total sentence of not more than five years’ imprisonment for each of counts one through 11, and not more than three years for each of counts 12 through 16, a fine of $250,000, or a fine not more than the greater of twice the gross pecuniary gain to any person or twice the pecuniary loss to any person other than the defendant. 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.
Monroeville Felon Admits Possessing Fentanyl and Unlawfully Possessing a Gun and AmmoRead the Press Release
PITTBSURGH – A former resident of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Alexander Bishop Cole, age 38 pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert J. Colville to a three-count Information charging him at two of the counts with possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute it on June 30, 2017. The third count of the Information charged Cole, a felon previously convicted in 2009 of federal narcotics and firearms law violations in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition on June 30, 2017. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on June 30, 2017, detectives with the Monroeville Police Department performed a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Cole – a subsequent search of Cole’s person revealed ten "bricks" of fentanyl, which was packaged for resale. A subsequent search of Cole’s apartment revealed additional quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl packaging materials, and a .40 caliber Browning Arms pistol, and assorted ammunition.
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for January 20, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court remanded Cole to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
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 Monroeville Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cole.
“SCO” Gang Member Sentenced on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Braddock, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to nine years’ imprisonment and four years supervised release on his conviction of narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Jaymare Jackson, age 30.
According to information presented to the court, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around the Braddock section of Pittsburgh. Jackson and other individuals were identified as members and/or associates of a neighborhood based street gang, self-titled "SCO", which illegally distributed controlled substances in the Greater Pittsburgh Region..
In January of 2019, investigators obtained authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through May of 2019. Jackson, along with 33 others were indicted in June of 2019 by a federal grand jury in three separate, but related, Indictments.
The Court was informed that Jackson is a member of SCO and, based upon intercepted communications occurring over telephones that were intercepted, law enforcement confirmed that Jackson was a heroin and cocaine base distributor. The Court was also advised that on June 12, 2019, Jackson illegally possessed two firearms as well as items used to package and distribute controlled substances. Mr. Jackson acknowledged that he knew, at that time, that he could not possess the firearms after having been previously convicted of carrying a firearm without a license. Federal law prohibits anyone who has previously been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the multi-agency team, which was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jackson. Partners in this investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
Other assisting agencies included the Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, and Allegheny County Adult Probation.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.
U.S. Attorney Announces the Dismantling of Two Methamphetamine Trafficking Organizations Operating in Northwestern PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today the unsealing of two indictments returned by a federal grand jury in Erie, Pennsylvania, charging the leaders and members of separate drug trafficking organizations - one based in Erie and the other in Warren and Crawford Counties – with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
“We are going right to the source to stop these drug trafficking networks in their tracks and prevent them from putting methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs on the streets of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Brady. “Working with our state and local partners, we will take the fight to these drug dealers, to dismantle their operations in Erie, Titusville, Akron, Ohio or back to Mexico.”
The first indictment charges 15 Pennsylvania residents and an Ohio man with violating federal drug and firearms laws.
The nine-count Indictment, returned on September 8, 2020 and unsealed today, named as defendants:
- Carina Elizabeth Tucker, 31, Titusville, Pennsylvania;
- Gale Arthur Flick, Jr., 47, Garland, PA;
- Anthony James Stufflebeam, 33, currently incarcerated at SCI Albion;
- Charles John Vanderhoff, 36, Akron, Ohio;
- Stephanie Ann Bryan, 29, Butler, PA;
- Sarah Umanita Bloom, 29, currently incarcerated at SCI Muncy;
- Rusty Jay Bingman, 45, Titusville, PA;
- Scott Christopher Schreckengost, 42, Spartansburg, Pennsylvania;
- Kimberly Ann Gesin, 43, Titusville, Pennsylvania;
- Cody Tobias Greeley, 24, Tidioute, PA;
- Tedra Mae McGarvie, 40, address unknown;
- Trevor Allen McGarvie, 23, currently incarcerated at SCI Mercer;
- Nicholas James Barnes, 27, address unknown;
- Brandi Marie Hanna, 31, address unknown;
- Kevin Wayne Huet; 31, Grand Valley, Pennsylvania; and
- Kevin John Frederick, 43, Townville, PA.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from in and around June 2018, to on or about February 28, 2020, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distributed five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine as they participated in a methamphetamine distribution network that trafficked methamphetamine from Akron, Ohio and Erie, Pennsylvania into Crawford, Venango and Warren Counties. The Indictment alleges that Carina Elizabeth Tucker, Gale Arthur Flick, Jr., Anthony James Stufflebeam and Rusty Jay Bingman maintained premises for the purpose of manufacturing, repackaging and distributing the methamphetamine. Gale Arthur Flick, Jr. and Kevin Wayne Huet are also charged with possessing firearms during and in relation to drug trafficking activities, and Trevor Allen McGarvie is accused of possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. In addition, the Indictment alleges that Carina Elizabeth Tucker, Gale Arthur Flick, Jr. and Anthony James Stufflebeam unlawfully distributed methamphetamine on specific charged dates and that on or about September 20, 2019, Carina Elizabeth Tucker knowingly, intentionally and unlawfully possessed with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10,000,000, or both for defendants Charles John Vanderhoff, Stephanie Ann Bryan, Sarah Umanita Bloom, Scott Christopher Schreckengost, Kimberly Ann Gesin, Cody Tobias Greeley, Tedra Mae McGarvie, Nicholas James Barnes, Brandi Marie Hanna and Kevin John Frederick; a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $16,500,000, or both for Carina Elizabeth Tucker; a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $11,750,000, or both for Gale Arthur Flick, Jr.,; a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $11,500,000, or both for Anthony James Stufflebeam; a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10,500,000, or both for Rusty Jay Bingman; and a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10,250,000, or both for Trevor Allen McGarvie and Kevin Wayne Huet. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police - Troop E, Vice Unit, the Titusville Police Department, the Warren County Drug Task Force, the Warren County Sherriff’s Office and the Crawford County Sherriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
The second Indictment charges four residents of Erie, Pennsylvania, with violating federal drug laws.
The one-count Indictment, returned on August 11 and unsealed today, named as defendants:- Manuel Lucero, 53 and Leann Marie Winebrenner, 44, both of Erie, Pennsylvania; and
- Jody Ann Joint, 30, and Robert Fulton, 29, both of Erie, Pennsylvania, as defendants.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from in and around November 2019, to in and around March 2020, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distributed five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount
of methamphetamine.The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $10,000,000, or both for each defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Erie County Drug Task Force, Erie County Detectives, Pennsylvania State Police Northwest Strike Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the City of Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Individuals Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A Philadelphia woman and Dominican Republican man have been charged federally with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott Brady announced today.
Yarelis Mary Garcia Corretjer, 23, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Reyelin Manuel Abreu Vasquez, 23, of the Dominican Republic are charged by complaint with knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute, fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, on September 16, 2020. Garcia Corretjer and Abreu Vasquez were taken into custody Wednesday evening and made their appearance in United States District Court in Pittsburgh today.
According to the complaint, on September 16, 2020, at approximately 2:30 PM, Troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Safe Highways Initiative through Effective Law Enforcement and Detection (SHIELD) Unit, seized from the vehicle, occupied by Garcia Corretjer and Abreu Vasquez, approximately 400 bricks of suspected fentanyl. The suspected fentanyl field-tested positive for the controlled substance. Abreau Vasquez informed law enforcement that he was illegally in the United States and had crossed the Mexican border approximately four years ago.
The count charged in the criminal complaint carries a minimum potential penalty of ten years in prison, and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison as well as a fine not to exceed $10,000,000.
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case for the government.
The details contained in the criminal complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pittsburgh Woman Sentenced for Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA has been sentenced in federal court to one day in the custody of the United States Marshals Service, followed by three years of supervised release, on her conviction of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Holly Shrum, age 30.
According to information presented to the court, the Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies conducted a multi-year investigation of the marijuana trafficking conspiracy of Shrum’s codefendants. From 2012 through 2017, Shrum’s codefendants arranged for marijuana to be supplied from the West Coast and mailed to the Pittsburgh area through the United States Postal Service. Shrum’s codefendants would then distribute the marijuana in the Western District of Pennsylvania, primarily on college campuses, such as Indiana University of Pennsylvania. During the operation of the conspiracy, Shrum conspired to launder proceeds from her codefendants’ marijuana trafficking operations.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Indiana Borough Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shrum.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.
Erie Market Owner Charged with Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of theft of government property, food stamp fraud and false statement to the government, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The four-count Indictment named Bader Al-Dhumani, 55, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from in and around January 2015 to in and around April 2020, Al-Dhumani, who is the owner and operator of Palm Tree Market in Erie, committed food stamp fraud by accepting food stamps for cash, store credit, and ineligible items.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Erie County Felon Charged with Firearms Law ViolationRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. -A former resident of Albion, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Jeffrey Scott Artello, 68, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about June 25, 2020 and August 19, 2020, Artello possessed numerous firearms while being a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the Fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Co-owner of Ross Pawn Shop Sentenced to Probation, Community Service for Resale SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to one year of probation and ordered to perform 150 hours of community service on her guilty plea to mail fraud and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Aliya Zaman, 51.
According to information presented to the court, Aliya Zaman and her husband owned and operated Ninja Babcock, a pawn/resale shop in Ross Township, Pennsylvania. The Zamans knowingly and willfully purchased health and beauty aids (HBAs), stolen by opioid-dependent individuals from various commercial retailers, such as Rite-Aid, Wal-Mart and Giant Eagle, for pennies on the dollar. The stolen HBAs were then resold through Amazon.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak stated that although Aliya Zaman pled guilty to financial crimes, her conduct fueled the opioid addiction of numerous Pittsburgh residents.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Shaler Township Police Department and Ross Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Aliya Zaman.
Pittsburgh Siblings Charged with Conspiring to Steal Firearms from Federal Firearms LicenseesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Three residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment named brothers Jerwahn Atkins, age 23, Jerquay Atkins, age 25, and Jamir Atkins, age 21, all of Pittsburgh, PA 15212, as defendants.
According to the indictment, on or about May 30, 2020 and continuing until on or about May 31, 2020, Jerwahn, Jerquay and Jamir Atkins conspired to steal or unlawfully take from the premises of a person who is licensed to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms any firearm in the licensee’s business inventory that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. According to the indictment, members of the conspiracy used a crowbar in an attempt to gain entry to Allegheny Arms, located on Library Road, in Bethel Park, PA and National Armory, located on Broadhead Road, in Moon Township, PA, using a getaway driver as a means to flee.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal 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 Man Subject to Protection from Abuse Order Arrested in Oregon following Federal Indictment on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a federal firearms violation, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, which was filed on July 8, 2020 and unsealed today, named Joseph Plasan, 32, as the sole defendant. The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Plasan yesterday in Portland, Oregon.
According to the Indictment, on or about May 5, 2020 the defendant possessed a firearm and ammunition even though he knew that he was subject to a domestic violence protection order. A PFA in Pennsylvania provides that a person shall not "abuse, harass, stalk, threaten, or attempt or threaten to use physical force against" the persons protected by the order, including intimate partners and children. Federal law prohibits anyone who is subject to a PFA and anyone who has been convicted by crimes punishable by a year or more in prison from lawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition.
"We are committed to protecting victims and survivors of domestic violence," said U.S. Attorney Brady, who has been a member of Attorney General William Barr’s Domestic Violence Working Group since June of 2019. "Abusers with guns are five times more likely to kill their victims, so prosecuting those abusers and taking them off the streets is one of our top priorities. These are serious federal felony charges that, if proven, come with jail time and no possibility of parole."
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant will be detained pending the resolution of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt, who serves as the office’s Domestic Violence Coordinator, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 3½ Years for Conspiring to Distribute Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 42 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Cecil Howard, age 48.
According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Cecil Howard conspired to distribute over 28 grams of crack cocaine.
Prior to imposing sentence, Senior Judge Schwab stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne M. Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Robinson Township Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Howard.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.
Glen Hazel Man Charged with Conspiring to Steal Firearms from Federal Firearms LicenseesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named, Haliston Este, age 27, of Pittsburgh, PA 15207.
According to the indictment, on or about May 30, 2020 and continuing thereafter until on or about May 31, 2020, Este conspired to steal or unlawfully take from the premises of a person who is licensed to engage in the business of dealing in firearms any firearm in the licensee’s business inventory that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. According to the indictment, Este and his co-conspirators used a crowbar in an attempt to gain entry to Allegheny Arms, located on Library Road, in Bethel Park, PA and National Armory, located on Broadhead Road, in Moon Township, PA, using a getaway driver as a means to flee.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal 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.
Ex-Doctor's Girlfriend Sentenced in Scheme to Illegally Distribute Oxycodone and Defraud Medicare and MedicaidRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – The girlfriend of a former Pennsylvania-licensed physician has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 63 months’ imprisonment on her conviction for conspiracy to illegally distribute oxycodone, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and theft of public money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
On September 14, 2019, Chief Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Marcia Ramsier Arthurs, age 62, formerly of Novato, California. Judge Hornak further ordered Arthurs to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration totaling $48,617.00, and to forfeit any interest she had in assets totaling approximately $1.2 million in U.S. currency, gold, silver, and real property.
According to information presented to the court, from March 26, 2015 to June 22, 2018, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, ex-doctor and co-defendant Paul Michael Hoover and Arthurs conspired to illegally distribute oxycodone, commit health care fraud, and launder drug proceeds. Approximately every three months, Hoover and Arthurs traveled from California to operate a pill mill in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania for one or two days, during which time, Hoover wrote individuals illegitimate oxycodone prescriptions for cash, assisted by Arthurs who wrote out the prescriptions, counted cash, and generally managed the pill mill. While back in California, Hoover and Arthurs received money orders for oxycodone prescriptions from individuals residing in the Pittsburgh area, and after receiving payment, mailed illegitimate prescriptions to the individuals. Hoover also conspired with Arthurs to commit health care fraud by signing preauthorization forms and submitting the forms to Medicare and Medicaid health plans, which then paid for the cost of the illegitimate prescriptions. Hoover and Arthurs also conspired to launder the proceeds from their drug distribution operation. Finally, from approximately October 2012 to July 2018, Arthurs knowingly converted to her own use, money belonging to the Social Security Administration in Social Security Title II and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits totaling $48,617.76. The defendant’s actions were without authority in that she made false representations to the Social Security Administration in order to wrongfully obtain these benefits, including reporting false information about her living and financial arrangements with Hoover
Hoovers was previously sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 136 months and restitution to Medicare, Medicaid, and the Social Security Administration totaling $406,760.75.
Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Rachael L. Mamula prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
U.S. Attorney Brady commended the work by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Narcotics, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, which conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hoover.
The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases were conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, which combines personnel and resources from the following agencies to combat the growing prescription opioid epidemic: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division, and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.
VA Hospital Nurse Charged with Using her Position to Obtain PainkillersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The Indictment, returned on August 19, 2020, named Ann Makepeace, age 30, of 519 South Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from on or about February 24, 2020, continuing through on or about March 20, 2020, Makepeace used her position as a registered nurse at the VA Hospital to obtain vials of Dilaudid, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than four years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General and the Veterans Affairs 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 Drug Dealer Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 70 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release on his convictions of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed sentence on James Givner, 27.
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 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.
Intercepted communications demonstrated that Givner sold heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base to customers, as well as facilitated drug transactions for co-defendant Christopher Highsmith. The court was further informed that during a traffic stop on January 14, 2019, the Allegheny County Police, Givner possessed more than 180 stamp bags of heroin, and a baggie containing cocaine base. In connection with his guilty plea, Mr. Givner accepted responsibility for distributing or possessing with intent to distribute 220 grams of heroin and fentanyl, and six grams of cocaine base. He also admitted to possessing a firearm in connection with his drug trafficking activity.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand and Brendan 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 case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted for Throwing Projectiles at Police Officers and Damaging a Police Vehicle During May 30th Pittsburgh ProtestRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of obstructing law enforcement during civil disorder, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on August 26, 2020, named Jordan Coyne, 25, as the sole defendant. Coyne self-surrendered this morning.
"Throwing rocks, bricks and pieces of concrete at Pittsburgh Police officers and vehicles are not acts of protest - they are federal crimes. Jordan Coyne’s reckless, violent behavior endangered police officers and drowned out the protected speech of lawful protesters," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Make no mistake: if you attack police officers or commit violent crime under the guise of a protest, you will be indicted federally. We will not tolerate these unlawful acts in western Pennsylvania."
"There were hundreds of innocent people around when this individual decided it was ok to throw dangerous objects at law enforcement officers and their vehicle," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "This type of behavior is not acceptable. As I've said before, the FBI supports every citizens’ constitutional right to peaceably protest. We will not support those who hijack these peaceful protests to pursue their own agenda."
"The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police has said from the outset that we are committed to respecting protesters First Amendment rights, but we will never tolerate criminal activity that puts the public and our police officers at risk in what should be peaceful demonstrations," said Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert. "The seriousness of this crime is reflected in the federal charges that have been leveled today. We thank the US Attorney’s Office, as well as all of our law enforcement partners at the local state and federal levels, for their tireless commitment to holding criminals accountable for their actions."
According to the Indictment, Coyne obstructed law enforcement officers during civil unrest that occurred on May 30, 2020, in downtown Pittsburgh. Specifically, the indictment alleges that Coyne threw projectiles at several Pittsburgh Police officers and damaged a Pittsburgh Police vehicle by throwing a projectile through its rear window.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, 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 Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Controller for Contracting Co. Sentenced to 5+ Years in Prison for $8.7 Million Embezzlement Scheme and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH A resident of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years and four months (64 months) in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release on her conviction for wire fraud and filing false income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge DonettaW. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Sue O’Neill, 55, of 130 Kenney Drive, Sewickley, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, O’Neill, while employed as the Controller for Marco Contractors, Inc., embezzled approximately $8.7 million over the course of nine years. The Court was further advised that she and another individual started a company called Bulldog Contractors LLC and used approximately $6.7 million of the stolen money to fund the business. The other $2 million in embezzled funds went into her personal bank account. O’Neill and her business partner used the stolen funds for business expenses and for personal use. Among other things, the Court was advised that they purchased two 1969 Ford Shelby GT500s for approximately $160,000 each and spent approximately $163,000 renovating a 1969 Ford Mustang. O’Neill further spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on jewelry and a country club membership. Lastly, the Court was advised that O’Neill filed false income tax returns because she did not declare the stolen funds as taxable income.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, the Northern Regional Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the United States Marshals Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of O’Neill.
West Virginia Hospital Agrees to Pay $50 Million to Settle Allegations Concerning Improper Compensation to Referring PhysiciansRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Wheeling Hospital, Inc., an acute care hospital located in Wheeling, West Virginia, has agreed to pay the United States a total of $50,000,000 to resolve claims that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting claims to the Medicare program that resulted from violations of the Physician Self-Referral Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute, the Justice Department announced today.
The Physician Self-Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law, prohibits a hospital from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the law’s statutory or regulatory exceptions. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying remuneration to induce the referral of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs. Both the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute are intended to ensure that medical decision-making is not compromised by improper financial incentives and is instead based on the best interests of the patient.
"Improper financial arrangements between hospitals and physicians can influence the type and amount of health care that is provided," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. "The department is committed to taking action to eliminate improper inducements that can corrupt the integrity of physician decision-making."
In this case, the United States alleged that, from 2007 to 2020, under the direction and control of its prior management, R&V Associates, Ltd. and Ronald Violi, Wheeling Hospital systematically violated the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute by knowingly and willfully paying improper compensation to referring physicians that was based on the volume or value of the physicians’ referrals or was above fair market value.
"Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries trust that their healthcare providers will make decisions based on sound medical judgment," said Scott W. Brady, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. "Our office will take decisive action against any medical providers which betray that trust and make medical decisions based on their own financial interests. Our seniors deserve nothing less."
"Our office is committed to ensuring that health care providers in the Northern District of West Virginia abide by the law," said Bill Powell, United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia. "We are pleased this settlement will enable Wheeling Hospital to resolve these prior False Claims Act violations and continue to provide a full range of healthcare services to patients in the area."
"Improper inducements made to physicians can interfere with medical decision-making and undermine the public’s trust in the health care system," said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. "Our agency will continue to investigate those who seek to improperly enrich themselves at the expense of public safety and federal health care programs."
The settlement announced today stems from a whistleblower complaint filed in 2017 by a former Executive Vice President of Wheeling Hospital, Louis Longo, pursuant to the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private persons to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the government and to share in the proceeds of the suit. The Act also permits the government to intervene and take over the lawsuit, as it did in this case as to some of Longo’s allegations. Longo will receive $10,000,000 of the settlement.
The United States’ intervention and settlement in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
This matter was handled on behalf of the government by the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Northern District of West Virginia, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Louis Longo v. Wheeling Hospital, Inc. et al., No. 19-cv-192 (N.D.W. Va.). The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
West Virginia Hospital Agrees to Pay $50 Million to Settle Allegations Concerning Improper Compensation to Referring PhysiciansRead the Press Release
Wheeling Hospital Inc., an acute care hospital located in Wheeling, West Virginia, has agreed to pay the United States a total of $50,000,000 to resolve claims that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting claims to the Medicare program that resulted from violations of the Physician Self-Referral Law and the Anti‑Kickback Statute, the Justice Department announced today.
The Physician Self‑Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law, prohibits a hospital from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the law’s statutory or regulatory exceptions. The Anti‑Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying remuneration to induce the referral of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs. Both the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute are intended to ensure that medical decision-making is not compromised by improper financial incentives and is instead based on the best interests of the patient.
“Improper financial arrangements between hospitals and physicians can influence the type and amount of health care that is provided,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to taking action to eliminate improper inducements that can corrupt the integrity of physician decision-making.”
“Our office is committed to ensuring that health care providers in the Northern District of West Virginia abide by the law,” said Bill Powell, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia. “We are pleased this settlement will enable Wheeling Hospital to resolve these prior False Claims Act violations and continue to provide a full range of healthcare services to patients in the area.”
“Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries trust that their healthcare providers will make decisions based on sound medical judgment,” said Scott W. Brady, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Our office will take decisive action against any medical providers which betray that trust and make medical decisions based on their own financial interests. Our seniors deserve nothing less.”
“Improper inducements made to physicians can interfere with medical decision-making and undermine the public’s trust in the health care system,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Our agency will continue to investigate those who seek to improperly enrich themselves at the expense of public safety and federal health care programs.”
In this case, the United States alleged that, from 2007 to 2020, under the direction and control of its prior management, R&V Associates Ltd. and Ronald Violi, Wheeling Hospital systematically violated the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute by knowingly and willfully paying improper compensation to referring physicians that was based on the volume or value of the physicians’ referrals or was above fair market value.
The settlement announced today stems from a whistleblower complaint filed in 2017 by a former Executive Vice President of Wheeling Hospital, Louis Longo, pursuant to the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private persons to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the government and to share in the proceeds of the suit. The Act also permits the government to intervene and take over the lawsuit, as it did in this case as to some of Longo’s allegations. Longo will receive $10,000,000 of the settlement.
The United States’ intervention and settlement in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800‑HHS‑TIPS (800-447-8477).
This matter was handled on behalf of the government by the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of West Virginia and Western District of Pennsylvania, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Louis Longo v. Wheeling Hospital, Inc. et al., No. 19-cv-192 (N.D.W. Va.). The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Erie Man Facing Federal Charges for Actions during May 30, 2020 Erie ProtestRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder and possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
"Throwing Molotov cocktails at Erie police officers is not the protected First Amendment activity of a peaceful protest; it is a criminal act that violates federal law," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Make no mistake: if you attack police officers or commit violent crime under the guise of a protest, you will be indicted federally. We will not tolerate these acts in western Pennsylvania."
The two-count Indictment named Tyvarh Nicholson, 29, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, Nicholson threw objects and projectiles at Erie police officers during a civil disorder that occurred in downtown Erie on May 30, 2020, causing the obstruction of law enforcement officers engaged in the lawful performance of their official duties. The indictment further alleges that on the same date, Nicholson possessed destructive devices that were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The government intends to seek the defendant’s detention pending trial.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Erie 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.
27 Members of International Cocaine Conspiracy That Trafficked HundredsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Twenty-seven members of an international drug organization were indicted by a federal grand jury for trafficking significant quantities of cocaine from Mexico into the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. "Operation Tripwire," a two-year investigation with international, federal, state and local partners, identified and dismantled the organization’s national network and operations from California and Arizona to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This investigation and prosecution relied on critical partnerships and resources, made available by the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s designation of Allegheny County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) on September 24, 2018.
"We stand shoulder to shoulder with our state and local partners to fight Mexican cartels from operating in western Pennsylvania," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "This investigation dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking pipeline that brought major quantities of cocaine from Mexican cartels, into the United States through California and Arizona, and across the country to the streets of Pittsburgh. ‘Operation Tripwire’ began shortly after Allegheny County’s designation as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and represents the most significant HIDTA prosecution to date. The HIDTA designation of our largest counties enhances our ability to identify and dismantle international drug trafficking organizations which pose a serious, sustained threat to our communities."
"Today the DEA District Office in Pittsburgh, the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General, and our other law enforcement counterparts dismantled an international cocaine drug trafficking organization that operated in Los Angeles, Tucson, and Mexico," said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. "This case is another example of how essential law enforcement collaboration is in combatting drug trafficking. The DEA is thankful for its partnerships across Western Pennsylvania."
"We won’t back down, communities need law enforcement to work together as we’ve done in Operation Tripwire," Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. "We work every day to stop those who bring dangerous drugs and guns into our neighborhoods. We are dedicated to working collaboratively to ensure the safety of communities across Pennsylvania."
"The function of the Postal Service is to deliver the nation’s mail, not transport illegal drugs into our community for drug traffickers. Special agents with the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, using advanced analytical tools, are always on the look-out for those who seek to abuse the mail system by sending drug parcels in the mail," said USPS OIG Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely of the Eastern Area Field Office. "Drug traffickers should be put on notice that when we identify a suspicious parcel, we will use all of our investigative resources to identify those responsible. We will work with our law enforcement partners to seize drug traffickers’ narcotics and money, and seek to put them in prison. To report drug traffickers abusing the mail, or to report other crimes involving postal employees, contact USPS OIG special agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG."
The Indictment charges the following individuals with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, from in and around October 2018, and continuing until in and around June 2020:
- Jamaal Maragh (a/k/a “Alrick Williams” a/k/a “Frederick Vanlierop”), 38, of Turtle Creek, PA;
- Noel Perez Aguilar (a/k/a “Venado”), 48, of Los Angeles, CA;
- Juan Carlos Alejandres, 26, of Los Angeles, CA;
- Dino Aquiline, 61, of Pittsburgh, PA;
- Ramon S. Araiza-Vega, 27, of Rio Rico, AZ;
- Jose D. Delosrios Benitez (a/k/a “McQueen”), 30, of Inglewood, CA;
- Johnny Bravo, Jr., 32, of Los Angeles, CA;
- Lucien Burton, 50, of Los Angeles, CA;
- Keith L. Clark, 49, of Pittsburgh, PA;
- Antonio Egurrola-Gamboa (a/k/a “Chango”), 32, of Tucson, AZ;
- Roberto Egurrola-Vasquez (a/k/a “Gordito”), 32, of Tucson, AZ;
- Sherita James, 34, of McKees Rocks, PA;
- Howard E. Johnson III, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA;
- Alexis A. Perez Lopez, 44, of Los Angeles, CA;
- Clayton F. Manning, 43, of Los Angeles, CA;
- John W. Montgomery, 32, of Tarentum, PA;
- Manuel J. Murrietta, 52, of Nogales, AZ;
- Patricia Murrietta, 49, of Nogales, AZ;
- Rachel M. Novalesi, 37, of Rochester, PA;
- Justo Edgardo Parra Jr., 28, of Nogales, AZ;
- Robert E. Reed II, 60, of Verona, PA;
- Odean Samuels (a/k/a “Martin ONeil”, a/k/a “Smokey”), 32, of Canoga Park, CA;
- Manuel Silvestre, 49, of Los Angeles, CA;
- Kevin Thomas Jr., 33, of Pittsburgh, PA;
- Steven L. Trent Jr., 50, of Penn Hills, PA;
- Darrick Watkins, 50, of Los Angeles, CA; and
- Kressmore J. Watson, 33, of Los Angeles, CA.
The Indictment additionally charges Defendant Trent with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, in Western District of Pennsylvania, on or about March 4, 2020. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both, as to each charged Defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (in Pittsburgh, PA) and the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General led the multi-agency investigation that included members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (in Los Angeles, CA; in Tucson, AZ; in New York, NY; in Nashville, TN; at the Special Operations Division; and in Mexico); the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; the Los Angeles Police Department; the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; the Allegheny County Police Department; the New Castle Police Department; the Monessen Police Department; and the Pennsylvania State Police.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Youngstown, Ohio Man Sentenced to Time Served of 366 Days for ID TheftRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – An Ohio resident has been sentenced in federal court to time served, three years supervised release and restitution of conspiracy to commit identity theft, and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed a time served sentence on Damari Rodriguez aka "Dee Dee", 29, of 3679 Oakview Drive, Youngstown, OH. Rodriguez served approximately 366 days in federal custody.
According to the information presented to the court, beginning in and around May, 2014 through February, 2017, Rodriguez negotiated counterfeit checks as casinos throughout the East Coast using false identification documents produced with the names of real persons. The estimated fraud loss was approximately $17,808.00
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Attorney Brady commended agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Damari Rodriguez.
Pittsburgh Felon Charged in Shooting of ATF Special Agent in June 2020Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of assault on a federal employee, and violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
According to U.S. Attorney Brady, on June 18, 2020, a multi-agency enforcement action was occurring in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood following the indictment of members of a large-scale cocaine trafficking organization. At approximately 6:00 a.m., a Special Agent on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Response Team was shot and wounded as he breached a doorway.
The three-count Indictment, returned on September 1, named Dion Williams, age 44, of Pittsburgh, as the sole defendant.
"My office has zero tolerance for assaults upon or violence directed against law enforcement officers. Violent drug trafficking felons like Dion Williams who brazenly use illegal firearms to shoot at law enforcement officers have no place in western Pennsylvania," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "We will continue to use all available resources to dismantle drug gangs and bring violent criminals to justice, and to protect the men and women of law enforcement who work tirelessly every day to keep us all safe."
"It’s essential that we keep law enforcement officers safe as they protect and serve the nation’s communities," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "Assault on law enforcement officers undermines the rule of law and will not be tolerated. Anyone who fires at law enforcement threatens the safety of our community and will face serious legal consequences. I am thankful the injured ATF agent is recovering and appreciative of his service and dedication."
"While danger is an inherent part of our job as law enforcement officers we take anyone who tries to kill a federal agent as a clear and present danger to not only law enforcement but the community as a whole," said John Schmidt, acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. "Today, we applaud the multi-jurisdictional efforts that resulted in the indictment of this alleged violent offender. ATF, along with our local, state and federal partners will continue to target violent individuals who have little regard for the law and human life."
According to the Indictment, Williams is accused of using a deadly and dangerous weapon to assault and inflict bodily injury upon a member of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Williams is also accused of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Williams has four prior drug convictions in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, and has one prior conviction for
distribution and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than ten years in prison, nor more than life imprisonment, 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 Douglas C. Maloney and Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta are 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 Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing Fentanyl, Heroin, Firearm and AmmuntionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. One resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating various federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Superseding Indictment named Herbert Walker, 25, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment, Walker is alleged to have possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin and possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of sixty years in prison, a fine of $5,500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Auto Dealership Owner and Finance Manager Plead Guilty in Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Harborcreek, Pennsylvania and a resident of Fairview, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Andrew Gabler, 51, of Harborcreek, Pennsylvania and Chad Bednarski, 49, of Fairview, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Andrew Gabler, as the owner of Lakeside Auto Sales and Lakeside Chevrolet, and Chad Bednarski, as the finance manager of Lakeside Chevrolet, engaged in the following illegal activity between January 2015 and January 2019:
- Gabler falsely indicated that customers made down payments and falsified and inflated the income of customers when submitting auto loan applications to financial institutions on behalf of customers;
- Gabler caused extended warranties to be sold to customers buying vehicles at Lakeside Auto Sales and Lakeside Chevrolet and deliberately failed to remit the paperwork and payments to the extended warranty company;
- Gabler and Bednarski falsely reported vehicle sales to General Motors for vehicles that had not been sold in order to obtain expiring incentive rebates, and;
- Gabler and Bednarski deliberately did not inform S&T Bank when Lakeside Auto Sales and Lakeside Chevrolet sold a vehicle that the dealerships had purchased utilizing S&T Bank’s floor plan financing in order to delay and attempt to avoid the dealerships’ required payment to S&T Bank for the sold vehicles which had been purchased using S&T Bank’s floor plan financing.
Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. for Gabler and 1:30 p.m. for Bednarski. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Gabler and Bednarski 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 Gabler and Bednarski.
Three Indicted in Conspiracy to Illegally Acquire Firearms for a FelonRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – A former resident of Jamestown, New York and two residents of Erie, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The five-count Indictment named Michael Deniro Hackett, 41, Kathryn Nicole Shaw, 23, and Treasure Ann Gray, 40, as defendants.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from March 9, 2020, to July 21, 2020, the defendants conspired to violate federal straw purchase laws and acquired firearms for Hackett who was prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior criminal convictions.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 45 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both for Hackett and a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both defendant Shaw and Gray. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police, Conewango Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the Fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of receipt and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
James Franklin Young, 37, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, on or before November 14, 2018, through on or about August 28, 2019, Young received material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, and on August 28, 2019, Young knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing December 17, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years nor more than 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. Young remains under detention pending the sentencing hearing.
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 prosecution of Young.
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.
Federal Inmate Sentenced for Conspiring to Launder Drug Trafficking ProceedsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Donnell Steward was sentenced to 24 months in prison for conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Steward, age 51, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan directed that the prison sentence be served consecutively to the prison sentence Steward was serving at the time of the crime. Judge Ranjan also directed that Steward serve one year of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Steward was incarcerated at the federal prison at Otisville, New York, when he conspired to launder the proceeds of his distribution of Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances. Such substances have caused severe illness and deaths throughout the United States in recent years. Steward was incarcerated as a result of several prior convictions in the District of Columbia for assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and armed robbery.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.
Thornburg Man Charged with Robbery of Coraopolis Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of robbery under the federal Hobbs Act statute, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Tyler Rutherford, age 34, of Pittsburgh, PA (Thornburg).
According to the Indictment, on April 28, 2020, the defendant robbed the Rossi’s Market convenience store in Coraopolis, PA, by means of actual and threatened force and violence, and stole $440 cash from the cash register.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Robinson Township 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.
Russian Citizen Charged in Marriage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A citizen of Russia, residing in West Mifflin, PA has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Ramil Kunakkulov, 32, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Kunakkulov entered in to a sham marriage with Jamie Lucille Mattocks, so that he could obtain permanent legal residence in the United States.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not to exceed $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 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 Michael Leo Ivory is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Pittsburgh Woman Charged with Defrauding Two CompaniesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal fraud laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The 12-count Indictment named Tracey Smith, 52, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Smith defrauded two different companies between January 2014 and March 2018. The Indictment alleges that Smith used company funds for personal expenses. The Indictment further alleges that Smith wired company funds to her personal bank account and attempted to conceal those transactions by accounting for them as payments to company vendors. The Indictment alleges that with respect to the first company, Smith used her company credit card to pay for personal expenses such as parochial school tuition, court fines, and automotive expenses. Smith was the company’s vice-president of finance at the time. The Indictment also alleges that after Smith’s position was terminated, she was hired by another company to be its Chief Financial Officer. Afterwards, Smith began to issue unauthorized payroll checks to herself. In order to conceal these payments, Smith recorded the checks as payments to the company’s vendors.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of no greater than $250,000.00, a term of supervised release no longer than three 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 Michael Leo Ivory 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 Felon, 19, Charged with Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Jerimyah Newton, 19, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about April 10, 2020, and again onMay 31, 2020, Newton possessed a firearm, after being convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant remains incarcerated pending the resolution of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Felon Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotic and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment, returned on August 18 and unsealed today, named Daimere Wilmer, age 27, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on March 13, 2020, Wilmer possessed a quantity of marijuana and possessed firearms and ammunition in furtherance of his drug trafficking. Wilmer is also a convicted felon, and as such cannot legally possess a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years in prison and up to life imprisonment, a fine of not more than $750,000, a term of supervised release of at least 3 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 Nicole Vasquez Schmitt 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.