Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
McKeesport Felon Subject to PFA Charged with Federal Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A McKeesport, Pennsylvania, resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on charges of violating federal drug and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The four-count indictment, returned on August 26 and unsealed today, named Jermaine Curry, age 35, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about December 18, 2019, Curry, a convicted felon who was on parole and subject to a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA), knowingly and unlawfully possessed 10 firearms and ammunition. 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. Law enforcement officials seized quantities of fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, drug packaging supplies, and $1,173 in United States currency from the defendant’s residence. As such, the indictment also charges Curry with possession with intent to distribute the narcotics, and possessing the firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes.
"This prosecution is part our of commitment to protect victims and survivors of domestic and intimate partner 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. "We know that where a firearm is present, the likelihood of a domestic violence-related homicide increases by 500%. Our goal, simply stated, is to save lives. One way we are doing that is by federally prosecuting domestic abusers who illegally possess firearms."
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life prison, a fine of $1,750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant has been 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, the Allegheny County Probation Office, and the McKeesport Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment of Curry.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Kittanning Man Indicted on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – An Armstrong County resident 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 three-count Indictment named Charles Blystone, age 49, of Kittanning, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about January 28, 29, and 30, 2020, Blystone possessed with the intent to distribute and distributed quantities of fentanyl.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence, at each count, of not more than 60 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000 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 Christopher M. Cook is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Washington County Man Possessed Sexually Explicit Videos and Images of MinorsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jon DeTemple, age 32, of Washington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on October 23, 2019, DeTemple possessed videos and images in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for December 16, 2020 at 10:00AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of DeTemple.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Receipt and Attempted Receipt of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Michael Riley, age 34, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 2, 2020 through March 3, 2020, Riley knowingly received and attempted to receive visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, namely videos.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for October 20, 2020 at 9:30AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and not 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Riley.
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 Gets More Time for Possessing ContrabandRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 3 months in jail on his conviction of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on William Hunt, 37. The sentence was imposed to run consecutively to the sentence Hunt is currently serving.
According to information presented to the court, on or about June 11, 2019, Hunt was in possession of contraband, namely a quantity of synthetic cannabinoid NM2201 while an inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended officers of the McKean Federal Correctional Institution and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hunt.
33 Inmates and Accomplices Charged with Illegally Obtaining Coronavirus Unemployment BenefitsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – United States Attorney Scott W. Brady and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced that 33 individuals, including inmates at eight state and county jails and prisons in western Pennsylvania and their accomplices, have been charged in federal and state criminal complaints for illegally obtaining Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act unemployment benefits that contained false or fraudulent statements, and to which they were not entitled.
U.S. Attorney Brady stated, "The unprecedented scope and audacity of this inmate unemployment compensation fraud is appalling. These benefits were intended to help Pennsylvania workers make it through a difficult time. These inmates and their accomplices took advantage of this national emergency to line their pockets through fraud. Their conduct is despicable at any time, but particularly in a time of a national emergency. As these charges make clear, this conduct will not go unpunished, and my office will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to bring these criminals and their co-conspirators to justice. The message to those who engaged in this fraud is clear: if you submitted a fraudulent application for unemployment benefits, withdraw it. If you got a check or debit card through fraud, return it. If you don’t, expect to hear a knock on your door very soon."
"These defendants took advantage of a public health emergency to cash in on the backs of working people across our Commonwealth. They rip-offed off a program meant for everyday people whose lives were uprooted by COVID-19, some doing so from jail cells in local Pennsylvania prisons," said PA Attorney General Shapiro. "Our work here is not done. We will continue to root out scammers taking advantage of a system put in place to help during a trying time."
"An important mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud that threaten the integrity of the Unemployment Insurance program. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate this alleged criminal activity," said Derek Pickle, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
"Defrauding U.S. government programs intended to provide economic relief to disaster victims is not simply a matter of theft of U.S. tax dollars. It is far more: it undermines the security and wellbeing of our most vulnerable communities at a time when they are in the greatest in need of assistance," said Timothy Burke, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Pittsburgh Field Office. "The U.S. Secret Service is committed to working with all of our partners, both in government and in the financial sector, to detect and arrest all those that engage in such crimes."
"The people accused today cooked up this scheme from behind bars to steal unemployment benefits that should’ve gone to families in our area who are out of work and trying to feed their families," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "At a time when people across the country are already struggling, this group capitalized on the hardships created by the pandemic. We know there are more out there and we will not stop our investigation until those who thought they could get some free money are brought to justice."
The following individuals were named in 16 separate criminal complaints filed this week in the U.S. Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania:
Levi Stroud, 24, incarcerated at Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution (SCI) -Greene since approximately January 22, 2018, and Christina Marie Weigner, of 389 Steubenville Pike, Burgettstown, PA 15021, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements and conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefit.
Anthony Lee, 40, incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail since September 29, 2019, and Amara Ramsey (Lee’s girlfriend and claim filer), 38, of 2418 Aliquippa Street, Apt. 404, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements.
Lamont Wilford, 49, incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail since November 28, 2019; Casey Norrick (Wilford’s girlfriend), 44, of 9 Spruce Street, Natrona Heights, PA; and Amara Ramsey (claim filer) 38, of 2418 Aliquippa Street, Apt. 404, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements.
Orlando Grandison, 30, incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail since August 7, 2019; Nathaniel Weatherspoon, 28, currently incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail and has been since approximately October 5, 2017; and Andrea Zenmon (claim filer), 24, of 217 Rolling Woods Drive, North Versailles, PA 15137, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements.
Marcenia Massey, 38, of 221 Ormsby Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15210, is charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements. The claim was filed in the name of her incarcerated son, Isaiah Sterdivant, who is currently incarcerated at ACJ and has been since approximately March 20, 2019.
Shicon Jordan, 46, an SCI-Greene inmate incarcerated since March 12, 2015; Dennis Hill (aka Dennis Jordan - brother and currently on parole until November 20, 2020) 33, of Philadelphia, PA; and Niya Hill (claim filer), 35, of 511 Lloyd Court, Johnstown, PA 15906, are charged with conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefit, and knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, claims for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements.
Jerome Dockblandi Poole, 33, an inmate at SCI-Greene and Tracy Ann Stankiewicz (ex-girlfriend and claim filer), of 1927 Woodmont Avenue, New Kensington, PA, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements.
Joseph Thomas Gainer, 28, an SCI-Greene inmate; Jonetta Meneffe Davis (friend) of 1410 Franklin Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA; and Joshua Calibe Lowry (aka El Rocco, claim filer), are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statements; Gainer, Davis and Lowry are also charged with conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefit; and Gainer is charged with making a materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation to federal agents of the U.S. government.
Amasa Lamont Camp, 23, an inmate at SCI-Fayette, is charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements. According to the complaint, Camp used Global Tel-Link electronic messages to provide his personal identifiers to a member of his family for the purpose of fraudulently applying for PUA benefits on his behalf.
Izona Punch, of 7403 Race Street, Pittsburgh, PA, is charged with knowingly filing a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements in the name of SCI - Fayette inmate "RP" without his knowledge.
Jerrell Huddleston, who was incarcerated at Lawrence County Jail from approximately March 17, 2020 to July 24, 2020, then transferred to the Northeast Ohio Correction Facility where he is currently located, and Kalaurie Elahdy (claim filer), age, of 101 W. Ridge Ave., Sharpsville, PA 16150, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements and conspiring to commit fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefits.
Tylan Huddleston, 25, incarcerated at Lawrence County Jail since June 5, 2020, and Paris Davis (claim filer), 23, of 10 W. Reynolds Street, New Castle, PA, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements; and Huddleston and Davis are also charged with conspiring to commit fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefit.
Clifford Yoders, 40, incarcerated at Butler County Prison since June 11, 2020, is charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements. According to the complaint, Yoders used a jail phone to direct a relative to file the claim.
Lisa Lutz, 60, of 113 Snow Shoe Lane, Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601, is charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements. The claim was filed on behalf of her daughter, Terra Rager, an inmate at Westmoreland County Prison. According to the complaint, the funds received were utilized to pay her daughter’s expenses, including her attorney fees and her rent and to make deposits onto her commissary at the Westmoreland County Prison.
Gary Clanton, 33, an inmate at SCI-Fayette since July 3, 2014, is charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements. According to the complaint, Clanton used Global Tel-Link electronic messages to provide his personal identifiers to an unidentified male for the purpose of fraudulently applying for PUA benefits on his behalf.
Jamelle Fairfax, 32, an inmate at SCI-Fayette since March 30, 2020, and he was still incarcerated at the time of the application filing, and Amanda Fairfax (wife and claim filer), 35, of Uniontown, PA 15402, are charged with knowingly filing, or aiding and abetting the filing, of a claim for PUA benefits that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements, and with conspiring to commit fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefit.
According the affidavits filed in these cases, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program is a new federal program created as part of the CARES Act. The PUA program provides unemployment benefits to workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In Pennsylvania, the PUA program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (DLI), but its benefits are funded in large part by the federal government. PUA benefits are paid in connection with the President’s declaration that the COVID-19 pandemic constitutes an emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Individuals are only eligible for PUA benefits if they are both unemployed for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic and available to work. In order to receive benefits, an individual must access the PUA website and file a PUA claim. The applicant is required to enter personally identifiable information as well as answer the eligibility questions. Individuals who are serving a sentence of incarceration, or who are detained pending a criminal trial, are neither available for work nor unemployed for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, they are not eligible to receive PUA benefits for the period of their incarceration.
The criminal complaints detail the defendants’ alleged roles in the acquisition of PUA benefits. In general, the inmates used jail phones or other inmate communications to direct or assist persons outside the prison to file claims online using the inmate’s accurate Personal Identifying Information (PII), including full name, date of birth, and Social Security number, but falsely asserting that the inmate is available to work and is unemployed as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. The benefits were then directed to the applicants’ on-file addresses outside of the correctional facility. Once approved, applicants were required to provide weekly certifications to continue to receive PUA program benefits.
Several of the federal complaints filed contain transcripts of jail calls or other inmate communications that allege the defendants knew that the statements or representations being made were false, and that financial benefits would be awarded.
Title 18, United States Code, Section 1040(a)(2), prohibits fraud in connection with emergency benefits; Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, prohibits two or more people conspiring to commit a federal crime or defraud the United States; and Title 18 United States Code, prohibits lying to a federal law enforcement agent in the course of an investigation. For a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1040(a)(2), the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. For violations of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 and Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, 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 U.S. Attorneys Brendan McKenna, Jonathon Lusty, Benjamin Risacher, Christopher Cook, and Michael Ivory are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the federal government.
The following individuals were named in criminal complaints filed in the Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas and will be arrested this week by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney
Jessica Rae Conrad and Homer Mizenko of Kiskiminetas Township, PA, have been fraudulently signing people up for PUA benefits who they know are not eligible to receive the benefits. In exchange for signing the people up for benefits, Conrad and Mizenko are being paid by the people they are registering. Typically, $1,000 per person. Conrad and Mizenko are being charged with 1 count of Conspiracy (F-2) and 1 count of Theft by Deception (F-2).
Thaddeus Crumbley and Steven Ashby are incarcerated at Forest State Correctional Institution. The
investigation uncovered that they both falsely filed for PUA benefits and have been fraudulently filing for others at the prison in exchange for drugs and/or money. Crumbly and Ashby are charged with 1 count of Conspiracy (F-2) and 1 count of Theft by Deception (F-2).
Robert Currington is incarcerated in Somerset County Correctional Facility. He, with the help of an unidentified woman outside of prison, filed fraudulent PUA claims for himself and other inmates at the prison. Currington is charged with 1 count of Conspiracy (F-2) and 1 count of Theft by Deception (F-2).
Under Pennsylvania law, they each face up to 20 years in jail and fines and penalties up to $50,000. Ms. Conrad and Mr. Mizenko face 30 years in jail and $75,000 because of additional identity theft charges.
These cases are being prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Zarallo and Senior Deputy Attorney General Katherine Wymard.
Members of the Western Pennsylvania COVID-19 Fraud Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the charges in these cases. The Task Force was formed in March 2020 to investigate and prosecute coronavirus-related fraud. Task Force members include representatives from the United States Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Education – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania State Police.
The United States Secret Service played an important role in these prosecutions, as did investigators from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and the individual county jails, including the Allegheny County Jail. Investigators from the Allegheny County Jail, who are detectives with the Allegheny County Police, were among the first investigators who uncovered the fraud of Wilford and Norris and brought it to the attention of federal authorities.
United States Attorney Scott W. Brady and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro urged those who have filed fraudulent claims to withdraw them and further urged those who received a check or debit card as a result of that fraud to return those items. Both Mr. Brady and Mr. Shapiro expect further prosecutions as a result of this fraud.
If you believe you have been a target or victim of coronavirus-related fraud, please report it to the Task Force at:
• Western Pennsylvania COVID-19 Fraud Task Force’s Toll Free Hotline:
1-888-C19-WDPA or 1-888-219-9372
• Western Pennsylvania COVID-19 Fraud Task Force’s email address:
• Pennsylvania Attorney General’s price gouging email address:
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
26 Charged in Wiretap Investigation into Drug Trafficking and Gun Violence by Street Gang “Shot Boyz” in Wilkinsburg and East HillsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has returned two separate, but related, Indictments following a five-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking and violence in and around Wilkinsburg and the East Hills neighborhood in Pittsburgh, United States Attorney Scott Brady announced today. The Indictments charge 26 residents of western Pennsylvania with narcotics trafficking and firearms violations.
“Every family in Pittsburgh deserves to live, work and raise their children in a community free from violence,” said United States Attorney Scott Brady. “For far too long, the people of the East End, Homewood and Wilkinsburg have suffered from disproportionate numbers of homicides, shootings and dispatches for shots fired. Our goal remains the same: to make Pittsburgh the safest city in America. In order to do so, we must prosecute and remove the most violent criminals from these neighborhoods. And that is what we have done. The Shot Boyz gang is done.”
“The Shot Boyz gang has terrorized our community with violence and drug trafficking for long enough,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. “The community will not be handcuffed by fear of leaving their homes, getting attacked, having their children hurt or worse, being killed. These arrests are the first step to making the community safer from individuals intent on harming their neighbors. I commend the work of the Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force and our numerous other local and state partners for working diligently to bring those solely focused on illegal activity to justice.”
“ATF is committed to working with our local, state and federal partners to target those responsible for drug trafficking and gun violence in our communities,” said John Schmidt, acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “This coordinated effort between ATF and our partners demonstrates our continued dedication to identify, target, and investigate violent criminals who lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”
“The people of Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania deserve to live in drug-free and violence-free neighborhoods,” Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert said. “This coordinated effort illustrates the unwavering commitment of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and our partner law enforcement agencies to guard, protect and serve our communities.”
“It was an honor and privilege to work so closely with such professionals in this case,” added Latrobe Police Chief John Sleasman. “The amount of heroin and fentanyl coming into Westmoreland County and Latrobe will be dramatically reduced as will the amount of senseless overdoses in our area. I want to personally thank all of the case agents, local agents and local officers who worked tirelessly on this distribution case. The citizens of Latrobe are forever grateful.”
The first Indictment, returned on August 19 and unsealed today, names the following 25 individuals as defendants:
- Tyric Allen, 25, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
- Phillip Ahmad-Revis, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
- Djuan Beasley, 20, of Swissvale, Pennsylvania;
- Marcus Best, 27, of Munhall, Pennsylvania;
- Davon Cleveland, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
- Donshae Dunning, 32, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania;
- Dominic Fields, 33, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania;
- Donald Hantz, 37, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania;
- Taire Hardeman, 20, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania;
- Natrell Jeffries, 21, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania;
- Mandee Kozar, 34, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania;
- Seth Lindsey, 26, of Verona, Pennsylvania;
- Davon Loveings, 29, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
- Bryan Matthews, 31, of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania;
- Tayvon Mattox, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
- Barbara McClure, 46, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania;
- Jerome Pleasant-Simpson, 25, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
- Parris Scott, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
- Nikki Sherback, 35, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania;
- Robert Smiley, 30, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
- Patrick Smith, 36, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania;
- Jeffrey Tumer, 29, of Monroeville, Pennsylvania;
- Garrett Weaver, 38, of Monroeville, Pennsylvania;
- Jeremy Winfield, 25, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and
- Marquille Wright, 25, of Munhall, Pennsylvania.
According to the Indictment, the named defendants are collectively the members and associates of a group of drug traffickers identifying themselves as “Shot Boyz,” “Drive Boyz,” and/or “OTS” (collectively, the “Shot Boyz”). During the periods of time set forth in the Indictment, the Shot Boyz sold large quantities of fentanyl in the City of Pittsburgh and the surrounding neighborhoods, including East Hills, Homewood, and Wilkinsburg. Associates of the Shot Boyz also distributed fentanyl in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. In order to further their drug trafficking operation, and to protect themselves, their drugs, and their proceeds from drug trafficking, members of the Shot Boyz obtained and possessed firearms.
The Indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl from March 2019 through August 2020. The Indictment further alleges individual drug trafficking charges against Tyric Allen, Phillip Ahmad-Revis, and Davon Loveings, as well as individual firearms violations against Allen and Loveings.
The second Indictment, returned on August 19 and also unsealed today, charges Keith Redman, 22, of Braddock, Pennsylvania, with one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition on May 21, 2020, after being convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in prison, namely, aggravated assault. 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.
For all defendants associated with the first Indictment, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life imprisonment, a fine of not more than $10,000,000, or both. As to Keith Redman, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Latrobe Police Department, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the Munhall Police Department, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Allegheny County Probation, the Wilkinsburg Police Department, the Monroeville Police Department, and the Penn Hills Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictments in this case.
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.
Three Enter Pleas in Scheme to Import Rx Drugs and Fraudulent Credit Card Payment Processing SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Three residents of New York, pleaded guilty in recent weeks in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The charges are in connection with a complex scheme related to the importation into the United States of prescription drugs from China, Russia and India, and the fraudulent credit card payment processing associated with those sales to consumers in the United States.
Devan Abrams, age 39, of New York City, New York, Azad Khizgilov, age 46, of Staten Island, New York, and Roman Shaulov, age 53, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone. In related cases, Garri Shihman, age 49, of Parkland, Florida, and Gennady Nudelman, age 45, of Delray Beach, Florida, pled guilty and were sentenced in 2019.
In connection with the various court proceedings, the court was advised that this complex matter has two primary components. The first is related to the illegal on-line sale of pharmaceutical drugs to U.S. consumers from a host of websites located primarily in India, China and Russia. The second component relates to the fraudulent processing of credit card payments for these pharmaceutical drugs and other products. The five defendants referred to in this press release are only directly associated with the second component component. The fraudulent activity, which occurred between 2013 and 2017, involved the use of a series of misrepresentations that cause the credit card companies to process credit card transactions for illegally imported pharmaceutical drugs. The credit card companies have policies that preclude the use of their products and services to pay for illegally imported pharmaceutical drugs, and they have various internal controls designed to prevent the use of their products and services for such activities. In the scheme orchestrated by the defendants, they defrauded the credit card companies into processing tens of millions of dollars in payments for illegally imported pharmaceutical drugs through a series front companies, fake websites, fraudulent merchant applications, and other fraudulent activity.
The fraud involved the establishment of hundreds of front companies that were established by these defendants any others, and fake web sites associated with those companies that falsely indicated that they were selling legitimate products. Together with the incorporation paperwork for the front companies and the fake website, the defendants submitted a merchant application to the credit card companies under the name of recruited accomplices. Once approved by the credit card companies, the defendants then arranged for the merchant accounts to process payments for the illegally imported pharmaceutical drugs.
The defendants also arranged for a number of employees to serve on a telephone bank that received telephone calls from customers questioning charges on their credit card statements. That was necessary because the credit card statements reflected purchases from the front companies and not the internet companies selling the illegally imported pharmaceutical drugs. In this way, the telephone bank prevented the customers from reporting the fraud to the credit card companies.
Federal agents began to undercover the fraud through controlled purchases from websites and search warrants at various locations. Abrams, Khizgilov, and Shihman operated out of offices located at 1812 Bath Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, and later, Abrams, Khizgilov and Shaulov operated out of offices located at 1706 Crospey Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Search warrants executed at both of those locations led to evidence supporting the charges.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Devan Abrams on December 15, 2020, for Azad Khizgilov on December 8, 2020, and for Roman Shaulov on December 17, 2020. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both for each defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Garri Shihman was sentenced in federal court to 45 months’ imprisonment on July 26, 2019. Gennady Nudelman was sentenced in federal court to 32 months’ imprisonment on May 8, 2019. Shihman and Nudelman are currently serving their sentences at a Bureau of Prisons facility.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecutions of Abrams, Khizgilov, Shaulov, Shihman and Nudelman.
Erie Man Gets Jail Time for Lying to FBI about Robbery and Murder at Erie RestaurantRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to four months in jail and one year of supervised release on his conviction of providing a false statement to the government, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Jamie Gilmore, 23.
According to information presented to the court, on or about January 25, 2020, Gilmore made false statements to a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation when he was questioned about matters that were material to the investigation of the January 25, 2020, robbery and murder at Wendy’s in Edinboro, Pennsylvania.
When imposing sentence, Judge Cercone noted the seriousness of the matter in which Gilmore lied to investigators and Gilmore’s lengthy criminal history. The Court also noted that it was important to send a message that those who lie to law enforcement, especially during such a significant investigation, will go to jail for their efforts to obstruct the administration of justice.
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 and the Millcreek Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gilmore.
Somerset County Man Sentenced to 11+ Years in Prison for Violating Federal Child Exploitation and Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Somerset County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 135 months in prison and ten years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal child pornography and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on William M. Jones, 51, of Stoystown, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, on September 18, 2019, Jones knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further, Jones was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In 2003, Jones was convicted in Howard County, Indiana, of child molestation, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Brady commended the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Jones.
Drug Distributor for “SCO” Neighborhood Gang Sentenced to 3 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Braddock, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years’ imprisonment and three years of 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 Dorian Boyd, age 26, formerly of 524 13th Street, Braddock, PA.
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. Boyd 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. Boyd, along with 32 others were indicted in June of 2019 by a federal grand jury in three separate, but related, Indictments.
The Court was informed that Boyd is a close associate of SCO, including its leader, Howard McFadden and, based upon intercepted communications occurring over three telephones that were intercepted, law enforcement confirmed that Boyd was a heroin and cocaine base distributor. Boyd admitted, in conjunction with his plea, that he initially served as a runner for McFadden but, over time, he began operating one of the telephones used to communicate with drug customers that law enforcement intercepted. Boyd often directed drug customers to meet him at the Library Street basketball courts parking lot or at his residence on 13th Street where he would facilitate the drug transaction. The Court was further informed that on June 12, 2019, law enforcement seized, among other items, two firearms from Mr. Boyd’s residence, one of which was located on a bookshelf in the kitchen with a round chambered and full magazine.
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 Moore. 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.
Robinson Twp. Man Pleads Guilty in International Investigation into Darknet Sale of Child Exploitation Videos and ImagesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Robinson Township, Pennsylvania, waived indictment and pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal child exploitation laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Anthony Bellisario, 57, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that as a result of a large-scale, international investigation into the Darknet site "Welcome 2 Video", which offered child sexual exploitation images and videos for sale using the cryptocurrency bitcoin, Bellisario was identified as a user of this Website. Namely, from January 21, 2017 through February 27, 2018, Bellisario downloaded approximately 1,673 files of child sexual abuse material (commonly referred to as child pornography) and uploaded approximately six files to the Website and in return received credits to obtain "free" videos of child sexual abuse material. The Court was further advised that on March 27, 2018, during the execution of a federal search warrant at Bellisario’s residence, law enforcement seized two laptops owned by Bellisario. On these laptops, law enforcement found 1,000 unique videos and 443 unique images of child sexual abuse material; as well as 769 unique videos and 9,340 unique images of child erotica. Bellisario further admitted hat he used a Virtualized Private Network (VPN) in an effort to mask his identity online because he "[knew] what [he was] doing was illegal. That way people can’t find you for doing things that are illegal."
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for January 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five and not 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 offenses 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 Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the North Strabane Police Department, Robinson Township Police Department and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bellisario.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to More than 7 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 87 months of imprisonment and six years of supervised release on his convictions of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed sentence on Latone Dunbar, 25.
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 Dunbar purchased distribution-level quantities of heroin from co-conspirator Ronald Williams, and re-sold the heroin to other customers. The court was further informed that during a search of Dunbar’s residence on March 8, 2019, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police found a Highpoint rifle and approximately four grams of heroin stamped "DOPE."
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.
Lower Burrell Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Possession of a Fentanyl and Tramadol MixtureRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years’ imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on her conviction of possession with intent to distribute a mixture of fentanyl and tramadol, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Amber Doller-Smith.
According to information presented to the court, Doller-Smith was involved in a traffic stop on September 13, 2018, conducted by police officers from Lower Burrell and New Kensington. A canine unit was summoned to the scene and alerted to a purse located on the vehicle’s front seat. The police searched the purse and found numerous pills and Doller-Smith’s bankcard. Doller-Smith subsequently informed the officers she had heroin concealed on her person. Laboratory analysis revealed that the substance consisted of a mixture of fentanyl and tramadol and had a net weight of 46.53 grams.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lower Burrell Police Department, and the New Kensington Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Doller-Smith.
Former Butler Resident Played Role in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Ricardo Glenn was convicted of conspiring to distribute fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Glenn, age 28, formerly of Butler and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville. Judge Colville scheduled sentencing to occur on December 17, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Yvonne M. Saadi and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Butler County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force led the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.
Five Western PA Residents Charged in Separate Schemes to Defraud the Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Five western Pennsylvania residents have been indicted separately by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and charged with various schemes to defraud the Social Security Administration (SSA), United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
"When criminals defraud the Social Security Administration, they are in effect stealing from the most vulnerable of our fellow citizens, who have worked hard and played by the rules their entire lives," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Scammers beware: my office will continue to pursue and prosecute anyone who steals from our seniors in order to line their own pockets."
"I thank the U.S. Attorney for bringing these charges, and for his office’s support of our efforts to maintain the integrity of the Social Security system," said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General of Social Security. "Today’s announcement should serve as reminder that the SSA Office of Inspector General will vigorously pursue those individuals who intend to defraud SSA in any way. I also want to recognize the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office for working jointly with my office on investigations leading to some of the indictments being announced today."
A two-count indictment charges Leona Biser, 51, of Vestaburg, Pennsylvania, with representative payee fraud and Social Security fraud. According to the indictment presented to the Court, from October 2018 through September 2019, Biser was the representative payee for her sister. Biser failed to spend the payments for the benefit of her sister, and instead spent the funds on personal expenses. On January 15, 2020, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office charged Leona Biser with neglect of a care dependent person, abuse of a care dependent person, recklessly endangering another person, unlawful restraint, and false imprisonment for keeping her care dependent sister in a wooden cage with only a dirty mattress and little-to-no medical care. Biser is a fugitive from justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest USMS District Office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a tip using USMS Tips.
A four-count Indictment charges Brenda Castro, 61, of Indiana, Pennsylvania, with theft of government property, Social Security fraud, and false statements to retain Social Security income. According to the indictment presented to the Court, from October 2009 through October 2017, Castro repeatedly falsely informed the SSA that she did not reside with her husband in order to continue to receive approximately $41,292.00 in SSA benefits to which she knew she was not entitled.
A three-count Indictment charges Julius Wilkerson, 47, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with theft of government property and false statements to retain Social Security income. According to the indictment presented to the Court, from October 2011 through November 2016, Wilkerson received approximately $30,699.00 in SSA benefits to which he knew he was not entitled.
A one-count Indictment charges William Moriarty, 68, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with theft of government property. According to the indictment presented to the Court, from August 2010 to May 2018, Moriarty received approximately $189,389.00 in SSA benefits to which he knew he was not entitled due to his employment.
A one-count Indictment charges Dawn Ann Treusch, 41, of Monaca, Pennsylvania, with theft of public money. According to the Indictment presented to the court, from January 2016 to July 2019, the defendant knowingly converted to her own use approximately $43,920.00 in Social Security Survivor’s Insurance Benefits of her grandmother, who had died in December 2015, and to which she knew she was not entitled.
For Castro, Wilkerson, Biser, Moriarty and Treusch, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar, Rachael L. Mamula and Benjamin J. Risacher are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government
The United States Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General conducted the investigations leading to the indictments in these cases.
An indictment is an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Prison following Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Three former residents of the Pittsburgh area have been sentenced in federal court this week on their convictions of narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Michael Rose, 28, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, Kreg Williams, formerly of Duquesne, PA, and Marvin Porter, 49, formerly of Allison Park, PA.
Rose was sentenced to 102 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release. Williams was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release. Porter was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release.
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. Rose, Williams and other individuals were identified as members 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. Rose, Williams, and Porter, along with 30 others were indicted in June of 2019 by a federal grand jury in three separate, but related, Indictments.
As to Rose, the Court was informed that intercepted communications confirmed that Rose was conspiring with others to distribute controlled substances in Western Pennsylvania. On April 15, 2019, Rose was apprehended by law enforcement while conducting a drug transaction in the parking lot of the Monroeville Mall. After arresting Rose and seizing a firearm, which Rose was not permitted to possess, as well as heroin, cocaine and cocaine base, all packaged for resale from the vehicle, Rose broke free from law enforcement and ran into the Monroeville Mall while in handcuffs. Rose was sentenced for distributing 198.4 grams of heroin, 28 grams of cocaine, and 154 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as crack.
As to Williams, the Court was informed that intercepted communications confirmed that Williams, a member of the street gang, "SCO", was conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances, namely, 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as crack, a Schedule II controlled substance, between August 2018 and May 2019. Additionally, on June 12, 2019, Williams possessed three firearms, including an assault rifle and two pistols, all of which were forfeited to the government.
As to Porter, the Court was informed that in April of 2019, while intercepting communications over telephones used by Howard McFadden, SCO’s leader, law enforcement identified Chadlin Leavy as a source of supply for heroin and cocaine. I n April of 2019, investigators obtained authorization for the interception of wire and electronic communications over a telephone operated by Chadlin Leavy. Intercepted communications confirmed that Mr. Porter, who is not associated with SCO, was conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute heroin. On June 12, 2019, law enforcement seized a suitcase containing 612 bricks and one bundle of heroin, six firearms as well as related magazines and ammunition, jewelry, and a digital scale from Mr. Porter’s residence.
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 Porter, Rose and Williams. 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.
Five Indicted on Meth ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Four residents of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and one resident of Cypress, California, have 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 three-count Indictment names the following five individuals:
• Zachary Miller, 27, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania;
• Alan Masecar, 33, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania;
• Joshua Birrell, 37, of Cypress, California;
• Samuel Miller, 25, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; and
• Jessica Palmer, 39, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
According to the Indictment, from September 2017 to August 2020, the five defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The Indictment further charges Masecar with attempting to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, on or about December 23, 2019. The Indictment further charges Zachary Miller and Palmer with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, on or about February 15, 2020.
Zachary Miller is a fugitive from justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at 412-432-4000. (SEE NOTE BELOW)
The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000 or both, as to Count One, and a total sentence of not less than five years to a maximum of forty years in prison, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000 or both, as to Counts Two and Three. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations.
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.
NOTE: Zachary Miller self-surrendered to FBI on August 16, 2020.
Washington County Woman Indicted for Distributing a Fentanyl AnalogueRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Washington County has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Breanna M. Bane, age 28, of Fredericktown, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on July 3, 2020, Bane was found to have distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl analogue, a Schedule I controlled substance.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Woman Sentenced to Prison for Role in South Side Gang’s Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 33 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release on her conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed sentence on April Price, 32.
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 revealed that Ms. Price was involved in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl, and communicated directly with Anthony Jetter and Christopher Highsmith, who are among her most culpable co-defendants, and discussed distributor level quantities of narcotics. The court was further informed that Ms. Price was seen on pole camera footage conducting a drug transaction with several co-conspirators at a stash house on April 25, 2019. As a condition of her guilty plea on February 12, 2020, Ms. Price accepted responsibility for the distribution of 60 grams of heroin and fentanyl.
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.
McKeesport Felon Facing Charges of Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in Death and Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two separate but related indictments, returned on August 4, named Rahde Williamson aka "Raw" age 25, as the sole defendant.
According to the first Indictment, the defendant conspired to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl from November of 2018 through August of 2019. The Indictment further alleges that in June of 2019 Williamson distributed fentanyl that caused an overdose death. The second Indictment alleges that on July 15, 2020, the defendant, a convicted felon, possessed ammunition after having been convicted of multiple crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those convictions include a federal drug conviction for conspiracy to distribute more than one kilo of heroin and possession with intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin. 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 court was further informed that the defendant was on federal supervised release when he purchased the ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of not more than $11,250,000, 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. The defendant will remain incarcerated pending the resolution of the case
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Monessen Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This 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.
McKean County Man Charged with Violating Federal Tax LawsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Smethport, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal tax laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Brian L. Gustafson as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, when the IRS sought to bring Gustafson into compliance with his filing and payment requirements, Gustafson engaged in several acts of evasion: 1) he closed a bank account known to the IRS and replaced it with an undisclosed account; 2) he failed to disclose personal and corporate bank accounts to the IRS on Form 433-A; 3) upon discovery of the undisclosed account, he lied to an IRS revenue agent about his use of the account, and; 4) he withdrew significant cash from the undisclosed account.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 11 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division 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 Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Reginald Milligan was sentenced to 37 months in prison for possessing a firearm after a prior felony conviction, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Milligan, age 28 of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon also sentenced Milligan to three years of supervised release upon the completion of his prison sentence.
Milligan unlawfully possessed a stolen and loaded 9mm pistol, and 10 heroin/fentanyl stamp bags, inside his car in Pittsburgh during the early morning of January 19, 2019. B y that date, he had already been convicted of committing three felony crimes in prior state prosecutions between 2013 and 2015. The felony crimes were possession with intent to deliver heroin, carrying a firearm without a license, and person not to possess a firearm.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Monroeville Man Sentenced in Marriage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years of probation and a $5,000 fine on his conviction of conspiracy charges related to marriage fraud and visa fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Makhan Singh, 53.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around 2011 through in and around October of 2018, Makhan Singh conspired with his brother, Rajinder Singh, and United States citizen Dawn Haroulakis, to knowingly facilitate or enter into a marriage for the purpose of evading the immigration laws. The court was further advised that Makhan Singh offered to pay Ms. Haroulakis if she would marry his brother so that Rajinder, a native and citizen of India, could obtain legal permanent residency in the United States. Ms. Haroulakis agreed to the sham marriage, and Makhan Singh then made payments of more than $15,000 to Ms. Haroulakis in exchange for her marriage to Rajinder Singh.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand and Brendan McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Haroulakis, in connection with the Pittsburgh Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF). The DBFTF is a multi-agency partnership established to focus on high-impact criminal investigations involving the use of fraudulent documents in furtherance of immigrations 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, 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.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced for Role in South Side Drug Trafficking ActivityRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 41 months in prison and three years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed sentence on Laffayette Fuller, 21.
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 revealed that Mr. Fuller was involved in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl, serving as a runner for co-conspirator Christopher Highsmith, facilitating drug transactions for Highsmith, and carrying a firearm in connection with his drug trafficking activities. The Court was further informed that as a condition of his guilty plea on March 2, 2020, the defendant accepted responsibility for distribution of 39 grams of fentanyl and heroin in the Pittsburgh area.
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.
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.
Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Misbranding and Smuggling Conspiracy Involving Online Sale and Distribution of Unapproved Drugs Obtained from OverseasRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Chino Valley, Arizona, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to smuggle misbranded drugs into the United States and introduce them into interstate commerce, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jeremy Brooks, 31, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
During his plea hearing, Brooks admitted that between January 2016 and May 8, 2018, he engaged in a conspiracy to obtain unapproved drugs in bulk quantities from overseas suppliers, including suppliers in China, for the purpose of pressing the drugs into pills and distributing them to customers throughout the United States via an internet-based business—Domestic RCS—that he and a co-conspirator, Justin Ash, controlled. The business’s website, www.domesticrcs.com, advertised multiple unapproved or "misbranded" drugs—clonazolam, diclazepam, flubromazolam, and etizolam—each of which was a non-prescription benzodiazepine or substance with a similar chemical composition. As Brooks further acknowledged, these substances carried risks of dependency, toxicity, and even fatal overdose, particularly when combined with other central nervous system depressants. Although the co-conspirators’ website and the packaging contained in their shipments indicated that the substances were for "research purposes only," Brooks admitted that he was aware that the vast majority of customers purchased the drugs for individual consumption. Indeed, Brooks, Ash, or others acting at their direction communicated directly with individual customers about, among other things, the effects of the drugs when used for personal consumption. In an effort to evade detection by United States federal authorities, including the United States Food and Drug Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and United States Customs and Border Protection, Brooks also admitted that he and Ash caused their overseas suppliers to ship drugs to multiple addresses under their control and in smaller quantities that would draw less government scrutiny.
As part of a written plea agreement, Brooks agreed to forfeit approximately $106,000 in currency seized as part of the investigation.
Brooks faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of not more than the greater of (i) $250,000 or (ii) an alternative fine in an amount not more than the greater of twice the gross pecuniary gain to any person or twice, 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.
In a related case before Judge Schwab, Ash pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy on January 16, 2020, and is awaiting sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The United States Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the charge in this case.
Armstrong County Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Armstrong County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 37 months’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, and fined $3,000.00 on his conviction of conspiring to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed the sentence on Stephen Lerch, 28, of Apollo, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, Lerch had been receiving packages of marijuana and THC vaping cartridges at various locations situated in and around the Apollo area from a source based in Colorado. The conspiracy ended on October 2, 2018, when task force officers and agents from the DEA executed a search warrant at Lerch’s residence. During the search, the DEA recovered marijuana, two firearms, a money counter, and $25,161.00 in cash. Investigators also learned that Lerch maintained accounts at S & T Bank and TD Ameritrade. The funds contained in those accounts were subsequently seized pursuant to search warrants.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman denied Lerch’s request for a sentence of home confinement, noting the serious nature of the offense. The Court also ordered that Lerch forfeit a total of $102,290.70 and a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek to the United States.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the West Metro Drug Task Force-Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County, Colorado, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lerch.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced for Participating in South Side Gang’s Drug ActivityRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV imposed sentence on Deandre Gordon, 24.
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 revealed that Deandre Gordon purchased distribution-level quantities of heroin and fentanyl from his co-conspirator, Jarrell Dawson, and re-sold the drugs to other customers. The court was further informed that the defendant accepted responsibility for the distribution of 33 grams of heroin and fentanyl and that he would forfeit $3,286 in United States currency, two firearms and ammunition seized in conjunction with his arrest on June 20, 2019 under the terms of his plea agreement.
Assistant United States Attorney 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.
Judge Sentences Pittsburgh Cocaine Dealer and Money Launderer to Prison for 12 YearsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 12 years' imprisonment and five years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws and money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Garfield Campbell, also known as "Sean Grant", age 45.
According to information presented to the court, Campbell participated in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance from in and April 2017, and continuing thereafter to in and around April 2019, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Campbell also pled guilty to conspiring to commit money laundering, from in and April 2017, and continuing thereafter to in and around April 2019. Specifically, Campbell was part of a conspiracy in which individuals, many of whom were born in Jamaica, mailed kilograms of cocaine from California to individuals in the Western District of Pennsylvania, including Campbell, who then arranged for its further distribution. The conspiracy also involved Campbell and others mailing packages containing currency back to the California cocaine suppliers, also through the mail. Federal agents obtained Court authorization and intercepted the communications of members of the conspiracy, including Campbell, and they also executed numerous search warrants. As part of his guilty plea, Campbell acknowledged that he was responsible for between 15 and 50 kilograms of cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Marnie Sheehan-Balcon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Campbell. The task force is headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is comprised of members drawn from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Borough of Baldwin Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police. In this case, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force and the New Castle Police Department also participated in the investigation.
OCDETF 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 Woman Pleads Guilty to Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of narcotics trafficking in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Danasia McNeal, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Ms. McNeal was one of 37 defendants charged in the original Indictment and is one of 22 defendants charged in the Superseding Indictment.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and drug-trafficking activity in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019. Intercepted communications as well as recorded jail calls and visits revealed that the defendant agreed to run the drug trafficking business of her boyfriend and co-defendant, James Givner, while he was incarcerated at the Allegheny County jail, with help from another co-defendant, Christopher Highsmith, who is among the leaders of the conspiracy. Ms. McNeal ultimately accepted responsibility for the distribution of 65 grams of heroin and fentanyl in the Pittsburgh area as a condition of the plea.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for Dec 15, 2020 at 10:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Ms. McNeal remains on bond pending the sentencing hearing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand 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.
Jailed Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 4 More Years for Conspiring to Distribute Controlled Substances while in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Robert Korbe was sentenced to 48 months in prison for conspiring to distribute Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Korbe, 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 Korbe was serving at the time of the crime. Judge Ranjan also directed that Korbe serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence and forfeit $2,819.85 from his prison account that contained some of the proceeds of the crime.
Korbe was incarcerated at the federal prison at Loretto, Pennsylvania, when he was conspiring to distribute Schedule I synthetic cannabinoid controlled substances which have caused severe illness and deaths throughout the United States in recent years. Korbe was incarcerated as a result of several prior convictions in theWestern District of Pennsylvania for cocaine trafficking, possessing a firearm after a prior felony conviction, and wire fraud. Korbe has six prior drug trafficking convictions in six prior federal and state prosecutions as well as a prior conviction for aggravated assault in another prior state prosecution.
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.
U.S. Attorney's Office Commemorates 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Sunday, July 26, 2020, marked the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA), a critical civil rights law that aims to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities.
"The ADA has improved the lives of millions of Americans by ensuring that individuals with disabilities are afforded equal access and opportunity," said U.S. Attorney Scott Brady. "Our office remains committed to investigating complaints, removing barriers and safeguarding the civil rights of all of our citizens, including those protected by the ADA."
The promise of the ADA is its wide-ranging efforts to eliminate disability discrimination across the range of services, programs, and activities that most Americans take for granted, but were largely inaccessible to individuals with disabilities prior to the law’s enactment. Whether in employment, areas of civic life, or in the day-to-day activities and access to goods and services that we all enjoy – the ADA ensures that individuals with disabilities enjoy the same opportunities as all Americans to participate in everything this nation has to offer.
Over the past 30 years, the United States has undertaken the challenge of changing perceptions about disability, tearing down barriers to equality, and altering the systems that have historically excluded people with disabilities. Today, the Justice Department commemorates the many ways that the ADA has transformed society—by replacing exclusion with access, segregation with integration, and limitations with self-determination.
For more information about the ADA, call the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY). To file a complaint with the Department, please visit the Civil Rights Division’s portal at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
In January 2020, U.S. Attorney Brady named Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Haley Warden-Rodgers as co-coordinators of the office’s Civil Rights efforts. Either can be reached through the office’s main number: (412) 644-3500 or by emailing [email protected].
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Pittsburgh Woman Pleads Guilty to Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of narcotics trafficking in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Theresa Somerville, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Ms. Somerville was one of 37 defendants charged in the original Indictment and is one of 22 defendants charged in the Superseding Indictment.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and drug-trafficking activity in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019. Intercepted communications revealed that Ms. Somerville was involved in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Specifically, Theresa Somerville assisted her son and co-defendant, Ronald Williams, with heroin/fentanyl transactions by preparing drugs for pickup by him or serving customers outside her house.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for Dec. 14, 2020, at 10:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Ms. Somerville remains on bond pending an August 3, 2020 bond violation hearing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand 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.
Eight Indicted for Criminal Activity During May 30, 2020 Pittsburgh ProtestRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Eight Pittsburgh-area residents have been charged in six separate indictments for criminal activity perpetuated during a civil disorder in the City of Pittsburgh, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The alleged criminal acts occurred while Pittsburgh Police officers were engaged in responding to the violent demonstration in downtown Pittsburgh on May 30, 2020 at the same time that many other citizens were lawfully protesting over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The indictments were returned under seal on July 22, 2020, and the final two indictments were unsealed today.
"Throwing IEDs and bricks at police officers, throwing projectiles at and striking police horses, and setting police cruisers on fire are not the protected First Amendment activities of a peaceful protest; they are criminal acts that violate federal law," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "We will continue to identify and prosecute these agitators, whose acts of violence hijacked a lawful protest and undermined a message of equality with one of destruction."
"The actions of the accused were uncalled for and prevented law enforcement officers from carrying out their duties to protect and serve our community," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "The FBI respects the rights of people to peacefully exercise their First Amendment freedoms but will not stand by and let those with a violent agenda take over peaceful protests. We, alongside the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, worked around the clock to uncover the faces behind the destruction and obstruction of law enforcement. We are not done. We continue to use all of our investigative resources to find each person who chose to start a violent confrontation."
"The defendants in this case posed as protesters to hijack otherwise peaceful demonstrations," said John Schmidt, acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives’ Philadelphia Field Division. "ATF supports every citizens’ constitutional right to peaceably protest, and we are committed to rooting out those who use the current situation for their own nefarious intentions. Rest assured we will continue to work with our local and state partners to investigate violent acts committed during these unprecedented times until the criminal offenders are brought to justice."
"I would like to thank our law enforcement partners with FBI Pittsburgh, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, plus the Damage Assessment and Accountability Taskforce for continuing to seek justice in these matters. The lawlessness we saw on May 30 cannot be tolerated. We appreciate the support to hold accountable those who committed violent acts in the City of Pittsburgh," Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said.
"The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police is committed to serving every resident, every visitor, and every person who works in the city of Pittsburgh. We have a track record of assuring the public’s First Amendment rights, and we will continue to protect those rights. But when protests turn violent, we have an obligation to protect everyone—including business owners, peaceful protesters, and law enforcement officers who are attacked for simply doing their jobs," Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert said.
The first indictment charges George Allen, 31, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with one count of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder. According to the Indictment, on or about May 30, 2020, Allen knowingly and willfully caused damage to a police officer’s police vehicle by throwing a projectile through the front passenger window of the vehicle, causing the obstruction, impediment and interference of law enforcement officers engaged in the lawful performance of their official duties.
A second indictment charges Nicholas Lucia, 25, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with one count of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder. According to the Indictment, on or about May 30, 2020, Lucia knowingly and willfully threw an object at uniformed police officers that appeared to be an explosive device, which landed on an officer’s vest, was quickly pulled off by another officer, and thereafter exploded when it hit the ground, causing the obstruction, impediment and interference of law enforcement officers engaged in the lawful performance of their official duties.
A third indictment charges Andrew Augustyniak-Duncan, 25, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, with one count of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder. According to the Indictment, on or about May 30, 2020, Augustyniak-Duncan knowingly and willfully threw projectiles at several police officers, causing the obstruction, impediment and interference of law enforcement officers engaged in the lawful performance of their official duties.
A fourth indictment charges Raekwon Dac Blankenship, 24, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder. According to the Indictment, on or about May 30, 2020, Blankenship knowingly and willfully caused damage to a police officer’s unmarked police vehicle by hitting, kicking and stomping on various parts of that vehicle, knowingly and willfully caused damage to a police officer’s marked vehicle by throwing a projectile into the windshield, and poked and struck multiple police horses, causing the obstruction, impediment and interference of law enforcement officers engaged in the lawful performance of their official duties
The grand jury also returned a two-count indictment charging Devin Montgomery, 24, and Brandon Benson, 29, each of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with malicious destruction or damage by fire of a vehicle of an organization receiving federal financial assistance and bank burglary. According to the Indictment, on May 30, 2020, Devin Montgomery maliciously damaged and destroyed by fire a police vehicle leased and possessed by the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. The indictment further alleges that on May 30, 2020, Devin Montgomery and Brandon Benson entered and attempted to enter the Dollar Bank, located at 537 Smithfield Street in Pittsburgh, with the intent to take property, money or thing of value. The bank’s deposits were then insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Finally, the grand jury returned a four-count indictment that named Da’Jon Lengyel, 22, of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, and Christopher West, 35, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as defendants. Counts one and two of the indictment allege that on or about May 30, 2020, Da'Jon Lengyel and Chrisopher West knowingly conspired to and did maliciously damage and destroy by fire a police vehicle leased and possessed by the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, an organization receiving federal financial assistance. In addition, Counts three and four of the indictment allege that on May 30, 2020, Lengyel and West, respectively, knowingly and willfully caused damage to a police officer’s vehicle by hitting, kicking and stomping on various parts of the vehicle and by joining others to destroy the vehicle by fire. The indictment alleges this conduct resulted in the obstruction, impediment and interference of a law enforcement officer engaged in the lawful performance of his official duties.
For Allen, Lucia, Duncan and Blankenship, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. For Montgomery, the law provides for a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. For Benson, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. For Lengyel and West the law provides for a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 30 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant(s).
U.S. Attorney Brady credited the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to these indictments.
Assistant United States Attorneys Shaun E. Sweeney and Jonathan D. Lusty are prosecuting these cases for the government.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Felon with Prior Drug and Domestic Violence Convictions Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to time served of approximately 33.5 months, and three years of supervised release on his conviction of federal firearms violations, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Kellan Hanner, age 29.
According to information presented to the court, on November 1, 2017, two Pittsburgh Police Officers were on patrol in the Hill District assisting in a call for a foot pursuit for a male with a firearm. The officers observed a group of three males, and noticed that one of them, later identified as Hanner, appeared to have a large weighted object in the front pocket of his hooded sweatshirt. The court was further informed that Hanner fled when the police officers attempted to question him, and that officers witnessed the defendant throwing a firearm into a sewer. The firearm was later recovered. When apprehended by law enforcement, Hanner resisted arrest and also reached towards and pull at the officer’s firearm. Hanner has a prior felony conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver heroin and prior misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and as such, is prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
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 City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hanner. 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.
Deported Alien from the Dominican Republic Pleads Guilty to Drug and Immigration ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of the Dominican Republic pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday, July 27, 2020, to violations of the federal narcotics and immigration laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Eduard Guzman Rijo, age 49, formerly of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer to Count One of an Indictment charging him with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl; and to a one-count Information charging him with illegally re-entering the United States after removal.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on January 30, 2019, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division executed a search warrant at an apartment located in Pittsburgh, which was utilized by Rijo and his coconspirators, Brandon Winters and Erick Martinez. Upon entry into the apartment, case agents located Rijo, Winters, and Martinez, approximately 1,500 "bricks" (the equivalent of roughly 75,000 individual dosage units) containing mixtures of heroin and fentanyl. Additionally, case agents seized over $250,000 in U.S. Currency, which was found in and around Mr. Rijo and his coconspirators. The Court was further advised that Rijo, an alien from the Dominican Republic, was previously deported from the United States in 1993, 2003, and 2018, and that he subsequently re-entered the United States prior to his apprehension on January 30, 2019, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, without authorization from the appropriate government officials.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Nov. 24, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome A. Moschetta and Tonya Sulia Goodman are 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 Rijo.
U.S. Attorney Brady Announces Coalition Dedicated to Ending Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady today announced the creation of a new anti-human trafficking coalition, Operation T.E.N. (Trafficking Ends Now), comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies as well as non-governmental organizations.
Operation T.E.N. serves as an umbrella coalition for the 25 counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania, and is a coordinated effort aimed at ending human trafficking through education, improving cooperation among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, and will enhance our ability to empower victims of human trafficking to become thriving survivors.
"Human trafficking is an affront to human dignity," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "It is a form of modern-day slavery that knows no race, gender, age or border. Operation T.E.N.’s collaborative approach will tighten the net around human traffickers by providing a truly intergovernmental, coordinated approach to investigating and prosecuting these predators and their networks. Equally important, it will also ensure that survivors can more easily and directly access the services they need for a healthy, safe recovery."
"The FBI depends on our partnerships to help us protect communities," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "We will work with our partners at every level to take those responsible for this heinous crime off our streets. It’s our priority to identify and recover child victims of human trafficking. They are some of the most vulnerable members of our community who have been physically and emotionally abused and don’t see a way out. We want them to know there is a way to start rebuilding their lives and human trafficking will not be tolerated."
"Human trafficking is a corrosive and degrading practice that goes against both the rule of law and the most basic standards of human dignity. Homeland Security Investigations is excited about the formation of the newly formed Operation T.E.N. Coalition, dedicated to ending human trafficking, and we look forward to expanding our role in the community by promoting partnerships with private and public entities," said David Abbate, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for HSI Pittsburgh. "We are confident that we can affect change with our victim-centric approach to investigations, where equal value is placed on the identification and stabilization of victims, as well as the investigation and prosecution of suspects."
Combatting human trafficking is currently one of the Department of Justice’s highest priorities nationally and in our community. As part of the strategy, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski, who is an experienced prosecutor and serves as the Human Trafficking Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s office, will oversee Operation T.E.N. and community outreach, serving as a resource that members of our community can utilize to directly access the United States Attorney’s Office regarding human trafficking.
Erie Residents Charged in Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – Two residents of Erie, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Rodney Domanick Evans, 30, and Lindsey Michelle Thompson, 36, as defendants.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about December 19, 2019, Evans and Thompson conspired to distribute and distributed 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 80 years in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Erie County Detective Bureau, Erie Police Department and the Millcreek 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.
Two Charged with Fraud and Money Laundering for Scheme that Sold Stolen GoodsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Two residents of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The six-count Indictment named Anthony Costanzo, age 31, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania and Durrell Waters, age 37, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to the indictment, Costanzo and Waters were charged in eleven counts for conspiring with others to sell stolen goods through their business, called Trader Electronics, which sold used electronics and a wide variety of drug store type health and beauty aids and over the counter medications over the internet. Costanzo and Waters were charged with a criminal conspiracy, a wire fraud scheme for delivering stolen goods through the mail and receiving the proceeds through electronic funds transfers and money laundering with regard to their handling of the proceeds of the stolen goods.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to five years for the conspiracy count, up to 20 years on each wire fraud count and up to 10 years on each money laundering count. The statutes each also carry a fine provision of up to $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 Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. Police departments from the City of Pittsburgh, Ross Township and Shaler Township also assisted in the overall investigation.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Woman Charged with Robbing Dollar Bank in City’s Oakland NeighborhoodRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Gloria Anderson, age 36, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on June 26, 2020, Anderson robbed the Dollar Bank in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, and was arrested by City of Pittsburgh Police upon exiting the bank.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 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 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 Sentenced for Identity Theft Scheme Using Counterfeit Credit and Debit CardsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 36 months’ imprisonment and two years’ supervised release on his conviction of aggravated identity theft and use of counterfeit access devices, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Cheron Tucker, 23, formerly of Pittsburgh.
According to information presented to the court, on December 31, 2018, Tucker rented six rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn at 250 Forbes Avenue in Pittsburgh using a counterfeit debit card and a counterfeit New Jersey driver’s license, with a photograph of the defendant and the name and date of birth of another individual. The charge for the hotel rental was $2,435.40. Additionally, on March 17, 2019, the defendant rented a Lincoln Continental with a counterfeit credit card and New Jersey driver’s license in the same name. The rental agreement charge was $785.56. The court was further informed that Tucker also accepted responsibility for five counts of charges related to identity theft, and that the defendant is accountable for a loss of at least $15,000. Tucker has a lengthy criminal history that includes violent conduct, narcotics and firearms offenses, theft, resisting arrest, fleeing from police, and possessing firearms while on probation.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Tucker.
Mexican Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A citizen of Mexico pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of illegally entering the United States, and was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Margarito Macias-Perez a/k/a Misael Deleon, 53.
According to information presented to the court, on July 9, 2019, the defendant was arrested for a DUI by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. He later failed to appear for a hearing related to the DUI, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. As the defendant had entered the country illegally, and had previously been removed from the United States on four separate occasions, the matter was brought to the attention the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who arrested him on January 9, 2020.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Macias-Perez.
Erie Man Facing Charges Related to the Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Gregory Samuel Mancini, 31, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from January 2015 to January 2020, Mancini received and possessed computer images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, Mancini travelled to Georgia from Erie, Pennsylvania for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with another person.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 70 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Duquesne Felon Charged with Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Duquesne, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Mitchell Johnson, age 26, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Johnson was found to be in possession of a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 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 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.
2nd Duquesne Man Charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Duquesne, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Aaron Pirl, age 22, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Pirl was found to be in possession of a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 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 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 Resident Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Trafficking for DS44 Neighborhood GangRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of narcotics trafficking in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Ronika Somerville, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. The defendant acknowledged her responsibility for the distribution of six grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. Ms. Somerville was one of 37 defendants charged in the original Indictment and is one of 22 defendants charged in the Superseding Indictment.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and drug-trafficking activity in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019. Intercepted communications revealed that Ronika Somerville was involved in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Specifically, Ms. Somerville conducted narcotics transactions on behalf of her brother and codefendant, Ronald Williams, by obtaining the drugs from stash locations and physically distributing heroin and fentanyl to customers.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for December 1, 2020, at 10:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Ms. Somerville remains on bond pending sentencing.
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.
Blair County Man Charged with Sextortion, Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Minors and Transferring Obscene MaterialRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Blair County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of interstate transmission of an extortion communication, production and attempted production and receipt and attempted receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, and transfer of obscene material to a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The 16-count Indictment, returned on July 8 and unsealed today, named Jacob Kolonis, age 27, of Duncansville, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, in August of 2019, and on November 22, 2019, November 28, 2019, and February 5 through 7, 2020, Kolonis knowingly transmitted threatening communications to seven minor females with the intent to extort them. On November 22, 2019, November 28, 2019, and February 5 through 7, 2020, in addition to communicating threats with the intent to extort, Kolonis attempted to produce and produced live video depictions of the sexual exploitation of three of the minor females located in Ohio and in the Western District of Pennsylvania, attempted to receive and received material depicting their sexual exploitation, and transferred and attempted to transfer obscene material to them.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and not more than life in prison, a fine of $4,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the South Fayette 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.
Blair County Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of Multiple DrugsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Blair County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on July 8, named Jesse Daniel Ginter, 39, of Williamsburg, PA 16693, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about March 12, 2018, Ginter unlawfully possessed with intent to distribute furanyl fentanyl, methoxyacetyl fentanyl, cyclopropyl fentanyl, U-47700, AMB-Fubinaca, carfentanil, fentanyl, marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of multiple firearms,
For Ginter’s offense, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney David Lew is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Indictment- Indictment
Uniontown Medical Group Office Manager Pleads Guilty in a Nearly $1M Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Fayette County, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Wire Fraud and False Income Tax Returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Cynthia L. Demniak, 60, of Leckrone, PA, pleaded guilty to 11 counts before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Demniak, in her position as office manager for Grandview Medical Management located in Uniontown, PA, between 2013 and 2018 embezzled approximately $926,940 from her employer, which she used for personal expenses and to satisfy a gambling addiction. The court was also advised that for tax years 2013 through 2018, Demniak materially underreported the embezzled income from Grandview Medical Center on her federal income tax returns, totaling nearly $270,426 in restitution owed to the IRS.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for November 19, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of 118 years in prison, a fine of $2,750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service are conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cynthia L. Demniak.
Clearfield County Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Clearfield County woman waived indictment and pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of aiding and assisting in the preparation or filing of a false income tax return, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Kathy Billotte, age 59, of Frenchville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Billotte was a tax return preparer and operated a tax return preparation business known as "K B Tax Services" in Clearfield County. She falsified annual income tax returns prepared for at least 15 individuals during the period 2013 through 2017, ensuring the individuals received tax refunds to which they were not entitled. Specifically related to the offense to which she pleaded guilty, Billotte prepared and filed on February 26, 2016, a 2015 federal income tax return for a taxpayer identified as "T.G." on which she falsely and fraudulently reported that he/she operated a private business and incurred business expenses, as well as inflated unreimbursed business expenses and charitable donations. The total tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service or all 15 clients was $196,105.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for November 18, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than three years in prison, a fine not to exceed $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. Billotte was released on bond pending sentencing in the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Billotte.