Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former Mercer County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Marvin Lee Houze, Jr., 24, of Sharon, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Houze possessed with the intent to distribute approximately 75 grams of a mixture and substance containing tramadol, fentanyl, heroin, acetyl fentanyl, and carfentanil; approximately 30 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and heroin; and approximately 30 grams of crack cocaine. In addition, Houze, a convicted felon, was in possession of a Smith & Wesson pistol, Model SD 40 VE and ammunition. Houze has felony convictions for firearms offenses in Ohio. As a convicted felon, Houze is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.

"The prosecution of Marvin Houze, Jr. is a direct result of our partnership with the Mercer County District Attorney’s Office, led by DA Peter Acker, and our Project Guardian strategy. Project Guardian is a partnership of federal, state and local law enforcement to prosecute and remove the most violent offenders from our communities," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Houze, a two-time felon, was trafficking in fentanyl and cocaine, and illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition. I commend the work of District Attorney Peter Acker and the County’s Drug Task Force to make Mercer County a safer community."

"The Office of the District Attorney of Mercer County is extremely grateful to U.S. Attorney Scott Brady and his staff for assuming prosecutorial responsibility of this case and obtaining the conviction," said Mercer County District Attorney Peter C. Acker. "We are also grateful to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Region 6 Narcotics Strike Force, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mercer County Critical Incident Response Team and the Mercer County Drug Task Force in coordinating and executing the search warrant. The operation struck a blow to the interstate movement of narcotics into Mercer County."

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for August 12, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five years in prison to a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses, and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the Mercer County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case.

This case was brought as part of Project Guardian, the Attorney General’s initiative to prosecute those who violate the federal firearms laws. Reducing gun violence has always been among the Department of Justice’s highest priorities. Project Guardian serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

This case also was prosecuted as part of Operation S.O.S. (Synthetic Opioid Surge), a DOJ enforcement initiative designed to dismantle deadly fentanyl distribution networks through cooperation with local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local and state prosecutors. The Western District of Pennsylvania is one of 10 districts from across the country to implement the S.O.S. program.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Aliquippa, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to more than 15 years (190 months) in prison, five years’ supervised release, and to pay restitution to two victim banks, as a result of his bank robbery convictions, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Tyler Bridges, age 34.

According to information presented to the court, on February 12, 2016, Bridges used a firearm to rob the WesBanco Bank in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, of more than $1,500. Four days later, on February 16, 2016, Bridges and Herbert Pope used firearms to rob the Sewickley Savings Bank in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, of more than $3,500. During both robberies, Bridges had climbed over the teller counter while brandishing a handgun, before taking money from the drawers. Bridges was arrested after law enforcement found evidence of the robberies—including guns, money, and items of clothing—inside Bridges’ residence.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey Bengel and Shaun Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sewickley Police Department, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Ambridge Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Bridges.

PITTSBURGH – Six former residents of Mexico have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Superseding Indictment, returned on March 10, named Amado Alonzo Zazueta Garcia, Juan Jose Quintero Felix, Luis Antonio Alvarado Llanes, Sergio Geovany Alvarado Felix, and Jose Molina Perez, each of whom is originally from Sinaloa, Mexico; and Aracelis Martinez Nunez, formerly of Sonora, Mexico, as the defendants.

According to the Superseding Indictment, from in and around September 2019, to in and around November 2019, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, the defendants conspired with one another, and with persons both known and unknown to the grand jury, to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The defendants were originally charged by complaint following their arrest on November 20, 2019. All of the defendants are detained pending trial.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for each defendant of not less than 10 years in prison and not more than life imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Phoenix (Arizona) Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - After deliberating for an hour on Tuesday, a federal jury of five men and seven women found Dana Lamont Henderson guilty of one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Henderson, 38, formerly of Pittsburgh’s Green Tree neighborhood, was tried before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Czarnecki, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that on or about May 8, 2016, Henderson possessed a 40 caliber Smith and Wesson 40 caliber pistol loaded with a magazine containing six bullets and a round in the chamber. As a convicted felon, Henderson was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Judge Hornak will issue an order scheduling the date and time for sentencing. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years imprisonment. However, if Henderson is determined to have had three previous convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses, the law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years to life imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Stowe Township Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Henderson.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of New Castle, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Wesley Cox, also known as Michael Deshawn Carter, age 38, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from 2017 through May 2019, Cox participated in a conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 30, 2020 at 9:30AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years in prison and up to life, a fine of $10,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Marnie Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cox. 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.

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. The Lawrence County Drug Task Force and the New Castle Police Department also participated in the investigation.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Second Superseding Indictment, returned on March 10, named Sean Zachary Horton, age 30, as the sole defendant.

According to the Second Superseding Indictment, on June 7, 2018, Horton was in possession of a firearm and ammunition while knowingly having been previously convicted of felonies. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a felony from owning a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Second Superseding Indictment in this case.

The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

A Second Superseding Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to drug trafficking in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Deandre Gordon, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Mr. Gordon is one of 37 defendants charged in the Indictment.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and its drug-trafficking activity, in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, in February of 2019, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019.

The court was further advised that Deandre Gordon purchased distribution-level quantities of heroin and fentanyl from his co-conspirator, Jarrell Dawson, and re-sold the drugs to other people.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for August 4, 2020, at 10:30 am. The law provides for a 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 each defendant. Gordon remains detained pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand is 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, AlleghenyCounty 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 TaskForce Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal fundingandcoordination thatallows federaland state agencies to work together to successfully identify,investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH, PA. – A resident of the state of Illinois pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to charges of Aggravated Identity Theft and Conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Michael W. Decker, age 32, of Vernon Hills, IL, pled guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

According to the information provided to the Court at the time of the guilty plea, Decker submitted fraudulent applications for loans to purchase several expensive vehicles, including two Jeep Cherokee Trackhawks, from dealerships in Western Pennsylvania. Decker was part of a conspiracy based in Chicago. The members of the conspiracy travelled to dealerships in several states and used stolen identity information to obtain loans for high end vehicles. After obtaining the vehicles, members of the conspiracy would alter the Vehicles Identification Numbers and sell the vehicles.

Judge Colville scheduled the sentencing for August 5, 2020. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than seven years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both as to each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police Western Regional Auto Theft Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the superseding indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH – Terrell Williams pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 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.

Williams, age 41 of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan also ordered Williams to serve six years of supervised release following his prison term. Williams was serving a prior federal prison sentence when he committed the crime to which he pled guilty and for which he was sentenced.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, 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.

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.

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 two-count Indictment named Dana Lindstrom, 38, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, in August 2019, Lindstrom produced child pornography by recording videos of a minor female in a bathroom without her permission.

"The U.S. Attorney’s office is participating in NO MORE week, March 8-14, 2020, a week dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault by increasing awareness and inspiring everyone to become part of the solution," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Today’s indictment demonstrates our steadfast commitment to safeguarding our children and bringing to justice individuals who commit child exploitation crimes."

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie Police Department and the Erie County Detectives Bureau 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.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has 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 three-count Indictment named Jamie Darnell Pullium, 38, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about February 3 and February 11, 2020, Pullium distributed cocaine in Erie, Pennsylvanian and on or about February 20, 2020, he possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 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 Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Erie County Drug Taskforce, Erie County Detective Bureau, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Operation S.O.S. (Synthetic Opioid Surge), a Department of Justice enforcement initiative designed to dismantle deadly fentanyl distribution networks through cooperation with local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local and state prosecutors. The Western District of Pennsylvania as one of 10 districts from across the country to implement the S.O.S. program.

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

PITTSBURGH – Krystian Zarate pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Zarate, age 28, previously resided in Santa Cruz, Arizona. He pled guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing to occur on July 16, 2020, at 2:00 p.m.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, 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.

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.

PITTSBURGH – Tyrone Swan was sentenced to six years and three months (75 months) in federal prison for conspiring to distribute heroin and para-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl in 2018, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Swan, age 30 of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon also sentenced Swan to serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Swan was on state parole from a prior prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault when he conspired to distribute heroin and para-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl in 2018.

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

The Jefferson Hills Police Department, the Pleasant Hills Police Department, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Team, 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.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has pleaded guilty to federal narcotics charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Zachery Hyde, age 27, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and maintaining a drug involved premises before United States District Court Judge Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan scheduled his sentencing for June 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

According to information presented to the court, Hyde conspired with other individuals to acquire large quantities of methamphetamine. Hyde sourced the methamphetamine in a variety of ways, including ordering quantities of methamphetamine over the internet and having it shipped to the Pittsburgh area from out of the country. Hyde then used a location in McKees Rocks to press the methamphetamine into pill form for distribution. On December 7, 2017, the Western District of Pennsylvania FBI Opioid Task Force executed a search warrant at a location in McKees Rocks when Hyde and others were present. FBI recovered approximately 447 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine, pill pressing material, drug paraphernalia, and shipping boxes. At a later date, FBI seized a large hydraulic pill press used in connection with the operation. As part of his guilty plea, Hyde agreed to forfeit the pill press.

The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of not more than 40 years in prison and/or a fine of not more than $5,000,000. 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.

Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, Stowe-Rox Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. The Allegheny Office of the Medical Examiner and Stowe-Rox Police Department also assisted in the prosecution of this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Karl Alexander, age 78, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

According to information provided to the court, on Sept. 29, 2019, Alexander, an attorney and administrative law judge, knowingly made a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer when purchasing a Ruger AR556MPR AR-15 style rifle. Alexander admitted that he expressly lied on the ATF Form 4473 and answered "Yes" to the question: "Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm listed on this form?" In fact, Alexander was purchasing the firearm for a convicted felon, Dennis Alan Riggs. Alexander admitted that Riggs was with him for the purchase and that Riggs picked out the firearm and paid Alexander for the firearm. Alexander also admitted he agreed to purchase the weapon because of their personal relationship.

Riggs was charged by complaint on January 22, 2020 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. His case is pending.

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for July 15, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of up to ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both. 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 Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Guardian. Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Department of Justice’s highest priorities. Project Guardian serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to a charge of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Matthew Lacher, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 27, 2018, the Allegheny County Police Department Narcotics Unit executed a search of Lacher’s residence, and recovered 70 bricks of heroin and fentanyl, a Masterpiece Arms semiautomatic handgun with a 30 round magazine, two digital scales, several packages of marijuana, and $1079.00 in United States currency.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for June 23, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of twenty years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant remains on bond pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Allegheny County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa - A resident of Pittsburgh has been sentenced in federal court to two-and-a-half years (30 months) in prison and fined $10,000 on his conviction of tax evasion, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Robert Rionda, Jr., of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Rionda solely owned and operated Arms Insurance Group, Inc. (Arms Inc.), a subchapter S corporation, from 2002 through May 2014. In October 2011, the Collection Division of the Internal Revenue Service opened a case on Mr. Rionda for unpaid income taxes for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 tax years. In May 2012, after several attempts to receive payments from Mr. Rionda, the IRS levied his personal bank accounts for the unpaid 2009 and 2010 taxes. The defendant responded to the levies by directing the controller/bookkeeper of Arms Inc. to do several things:

• Stop issuing salary checks to Mr. Rionda and his wife;

• Stop using his personal checking accounts altogether; and

• Start paying all of his personal bills from the company's bank accounts rather than from his personal bank accounts (note – some personal bills were being paid out of the company accounts prior to the levies).

Over the next several years, Rionda continued to file apparently accurate corporate returns on behalf of Arms Inc., as well as personal income tax returns, but he only made minimal payments to the IRS for the personal income taxes he owed, and he took the actions described above to evade collection of his taxes.

Rionda sold Arms Inc. to his son over time, starting in May 2014, and he stayed on as a part owner of the son’s new business, Arms Insurance Group, LLC (Arms LLC), through May 20, 2017. After the sale of the business on May 22, 2014, Arms LLC began making payments by check to Rionda that represented monthly payments on a promissory note, rent payments, and owner draw payments to Rionda. From July 25, 2014 to December 28, 2015, Rionda deposited some of these checks to two bank accounts at PNC Bank and an account at Citizens Bank, all of which were maintained in the name of Arms Inc. his old business which was no longer active, rather than depositing them to a personal account in his own name.

Despite receiving very large distributions from Arms Inc. and Arms LLC, Rionda chose not to make substantial payments towards his taxes. Rionda did, however, make payments towards his personal mortgage, a mortgage on a business property, his credit cards, and his utility bills. In addition, Rionda also transferred millions of dollars - at least $2.7 million of his own funds - to an associate, Joseph Duva, as a purported investment.

The parties stipulate that the total criminal tax loss, including assessed interest and penalties, is $1,539,117.00.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that Rionda engaged in "a sophisticated scheme to direct monies elsewhere and evade collection" of his taxes by the IRS.

Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen R. Kaufman and Mary M. Houghton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rionda.

PITTSBURGH – Nicholas Giammichele pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 21 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.

Giammichele, 35, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan also ordered Giammichele to serve six years of supervised release following his prison term. Giammichele was serving a prior federal prison sentence in Otisville, NY. when he committed the crime to which he pled guilty and for which he was sentenced. His 21-month prison sentence in this case was ordered to run consecutively to his prior prison sentence.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, 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.

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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Everett, Pa., has pleaded guilty in federal court to various counts related to firearms stolen from the National Firearms and Ammunition Destruction Branch (NFAD), United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Richard Adam Schreiber, 38, of Everett, Pa., pleaded guilty to five counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between August 30, 2016 and March 4, 2019, Schreiber purchased multiple stolen firearms, firearm components and ammunition from Christopher Lee Yates. Yates was an employee of Allied Security and worked at NFAD, which was a facility used by ATF and other law enforcement agencies to have firearms and ammunition destroyed. The firearms at NFAD had been seized during criminal investigations or were retired by the agencies. The investigation by ATF began in February of 2019 when a firearm was seized in Philadelphia with different serial numbers, one of which was for a "slide" or firearm component that had purportedly been destroyed at NFAD. ATF learned that Yates stole in excess of 5 machineguns, 115 pistols and/or revolvers, 3,000 slides and ammunition. The Indictment further alleged that Schreiber then sold the firearms and components over the internet from his residence in Everett, Pa. During the investigation, ATF Agents seized 9 firearms from Yates, including a machinegun stolen from NFAD and an additional 11 firearms and rifles from individuals to whom Yates had sold the stolen weapons. ATF Agents also seized 101 firearms, 1,352 slides and 123,229 rounds of ammunition from Schreiber and an additional 28 firearms, including 3 machineguns, from individuals to whom Schreiber had sold the stolen weapons. Yates was charged with similar offenses in the Northern District of West Virginia, and was sentenced to 168 months in jail.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 13, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Schreiber.

PITTSBURGH – Christopher Threet pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Threet, age 38, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing to occur on July 16, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. Threet was serving a prior federal prison sentence at Otisville, New York, and Milan, MI, when he committed the crime to which he pled guilty.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, 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.

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.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to narcotics trafficking and firearms possession in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Latone Dunbar, 25 pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. He also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Mr. Dunbar is one of 37 defendants charged in the Indictment.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and its drug-trafficking activity, in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, in February of 2019, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019.

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 4 grams of heroin stamped "DOPE."

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to life imprisonment, a fine of $4,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Mr. Dunbar remains in custody pending the sentencing hearing.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand is 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 YorkCityPolice Department,Mount Oliver Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Yonkers Police Department,United States MarshalsFugitive Task Force, and the United States Postal InspectionService.

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task ForceProgram (OCDETF).The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination thatallows federal and state agencies to work togetherto successfully identify, investigate,and prosecutemajor interstate and international drug traffickingorganizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH - Donnell Steward pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds between 2017 and 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Steward, 50, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing to occur on July 14, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. Steward was serving a prior federal prison sentence at Otisville, New York, when he committed the crime to which he pled guilty.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, 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.

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.

PITTSBURGH – United States Attorney Scott W. Brady joined Attorney General William P. Barr in announcing today the Department of Justice’s National Nursing Home Initiative, which will coordinate and enhance civil and criminal efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.

This initiative is focusing on some of the worst nursing homes around the country and the Department has already initiated investigations into approximately thirty individual nursing facilities in nine states as part of this effort.

"Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care, and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "Yet, all too often, we have found nursing home owners or operators who put profits over patients, leading to instances of gross abuse and neglect. This national initiative will bring to justice those owners and operators who have profited at the expense of their residents, and help to ensure residents receive the care to which they are entitled."

U.S. Attorney Brady said, "Two weeks ago we announced the conclusion of our investigation into the fraudulent practices of Guardian Care Holdings Inc. with a $15.5M settlement. Guardian is the largest private nursing home company in Pennsylvania, operating 52 facilities across the state, and in Ohio and West Virginia. This case was one of the largest cases against a nursing home company in western PA history. Our office will continue to aggressively pursue providers who take advantage of our seniors by putting financial gain ahead of patient care, and will protect nursing home residents from abuse, neglect and financial exploitation."

The department considers a number of factors in identifying the most problematic nursing homes. For example, the department looks for nursing homes that consistently fail to provide adequate nursing staff to care for their residents, fail to adhere to basic protocols of hygiene and infection control, fail to provide their residents with enough food to eat so that they become emaciated and weak, withhold pain medication, or use physical or chemical restraints to restrain or otherwise sedate their residents. These care failures cause residents to suffer in pain and subjects them to great indignities. Care failures cause residents to develop pressure sores down to the bone, to lie in their own waste for hours, to starve because they cannot reach the food on their trays and to remain unwashed for weeks at a time. Nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care also force vulnerable elderly residents to live in filthy and dangerous conditions, such as where leaky roofs, mold, and rodents are present. These are some of the failures that the department intends to pursue as part of the initiative.

The National Nursing Home Initiative reflects the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, coordinated by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The Elder Justice Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are essential to the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Initiative and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices also support the efforts of state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and other elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, with the development of training, resources, and information. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.

PITTSBURGH – United States Attorney Scott W. Brady of the Western District of Pennsylvania joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.

Four defendants were charged in western Pennsylvania as part of the nationwide elder fraud sweep. Sue O’Neill of Sewickley, Pa., waived indictment and pleaded guilty in November to charges of wire fraud and filing false income tax returns. O’Neill, while employed as the Controller for Marco Contractors, Inc., embezzled approximately $8.7 million. Marco Contractor’s Inc. is owned by an individual over the age of 60. In January, Ronnell Taylor, Jr. of Jeannette, Pa.; Barry Nealer of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Michael Galanis of Export, Pa., were indicted for wire fraud conspiracy. The indictment alleges that between March 2016, and August 2017, the defendants knowingly and willfully conspired to commit wire fraud, including, among other alleged conduct, by activating and programming cell phone numbers later used by individuals impersonating employees of the United States Internal Revenue Service to defraud victims in the United States. Many of the victims of this IRS imposter scheme were seniors.

"Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors."

U.S. Attorney Brady said, "Our seniors lived through the Depression, defeated the Axis and the Soviet Union, and built the America we know today. They worked hard and played by the rules their entire lives, and they deserve our respect, thanks and now, our protection. We’re going to do everything in our power to keep our seniors safe in their retirement from fraudsters."

This https://www.justice.gov/civil/elder-fraud-sweeps-2020 interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.

Elder Fraud Hotline

Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).

For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a "money mule" to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal districts participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.

These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.

The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to drug trafficking in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Laffayette Fuller, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. Mr. Fuller is one of 37 defendants charged in the Indictment.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation primarily targeting the Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44, neighborhood gang, and its drug-trafficking activity, in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh. As part of this large-scale narcotics and firearms investigation, in February of 2019, the United States received authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through June of 2019.

The court was further advised that Mr. Fuller was involved in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl, including serving as a runner for co-conspirator Christopher Highsmith and facilitating drug transactions for Highsmith. He also possessed a firearm in connection with his drug trafficking activities.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for August 6, 2020, at 10:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than twenty 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 each defendant. Fuller remains detained pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand is 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Center in Loretto, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison, and immediately following, was sentenced to eight months in prison and three years’ supervised release, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Viboll Mark, 31, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 13, 2018, Mark possessed a quantity of Buprenorphine.

Assistant United States AttorneyMaureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mark.

PITTSBURGH – Two defendants accused of running a large-scale cross-country drug trafficking organization have pleaded guilty to federal narcotics and firearm charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Don Juan Mendoza, 42, formerly of Atlanta, GA, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute 5 kilogram or more of cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Pedro Blanco, 38, a former resident of Jacksonville, FL, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute 5 kilogram or more of cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Both defendants pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak. In all, both defendants accepted responsibility for between 50 kilograms and 150 kilograms of cocaine. Judge Hornak scheduled Blanco’s sentencing for June 16, 2020. Mendoza’s sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2020. Both defendants have been detained since their initial appearances and will remain detained pending sentencing.

According to information presented to the court, from April 2017 to November 5, 2017, both defendants conspired with others to import large quantities of cocaine and marijuana into Western Pennsylvania. Today, both defendants admitted that they personally sourced the cocaine and marijuana from out of state sources, including Los Angeles on at least one occasion. Mendoza and Blanco would arrange for the narcotics to be driven to 146 Harvest Drive, the home of co-defendant Jamie Lightfoot, Jr., from out of state in a Mercedes Sprinter ‘Sno Cold’ Van, with a picture of Don Juan Mendoza’s wife covering the outside, and eventually a large RV. On different occasions, Blanco would actually travel in the van or the RV. Once the drugs came into Western Pennsylvania, other co-conspirators would use the Harvest Drive residence and other locations to break down, repackage, and distribute the drugs. The drugs would then be distributed to co-conspirators in almost every region of Western Pennsylvania.

Later on November 5, 2017, an FBI and Pennsylvania State Police Task Force executed a search warrant at 146 Harvest Drive after the RV arrived at the location with Blanco inside the RV. The search netted 52 kilograms of cocaine and heroin, 85 pounds of marijuana, illegal steroids, three firearms, and nearly one million dollars in cash. Mendoza arrived at the scene in another vehicle and was also taken into custody at the time.

Later on November 19, 2017, FBI executed a search warrant at Don Juan Mendoza’s home in Atlanta, GA and recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, a hydraulic kilogram press, and other drug paraphernalia and drug packaging material. As part of his plea, Mendoza agreed to forfeit all of these items.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less more than 20 years in prison and/or a fine of not more than $10,000,000. 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 defendants.

Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni and Shaun Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the South Strabane Police Department, the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Perryopolis Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the Indictment in this case.

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.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 30 months’ imprisonment and 3 years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed sentence on Eric Antoin Johnson, 23.

According to information presented to the court, on January 21, 2019, Johnson engaged in a text message conversation with a prospective employer relating to scheduling a job interview. Several hours after the scheduling-related texts, Johnson texted three photographs to the potential employer, which illustrated two different firearms. In one photo, Johnson was holding the firearm and pointing it at the camera. Law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence on January 29, 2019, and recovered an Intratec model AB10 9 millimeter pistol and 9 millimeter ammunition. Johnson was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition due to prior convictions for robbery and assault, crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from lawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Findlay Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Johnson. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Meyersdale, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to one day of imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, including one year of home confinement, and restitution in the amount of $251,000 to the Social Security Administration on her conviction of conversion of government funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Donalee Harvey, 73, of Meyersdale, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from Dec. 3, 1997, to March 2, 2018, Harvey did receive and convert falsely to her own use a total of $164,862, which represents approximately 236 separate Social Security Administration benefit payments made to another person, to which she was not entitled.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Mr. Brady commended the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Harvey.

PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Donora, PA, pleaded guilty yesterday to federal narcotics charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Edward Alford II, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine in front of United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak.

According to information presented to the court, from January 2015 to November 2017, Alford conspired with others to import large quantities of cocaine and marijuana into Western Pennsylvania. Once the narcotics were in Western Pennsylvania, Alford would then resell large quantities of cocaine to customers in Allegheny, Westmoreland and Washington Counties.

The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 10 years in prison and a maximum of life and/or a fine of not more than $10,000,000. 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.

Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni and Shaun Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the South Strabane Police Department, the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Perryopolis Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the Indictment in this case.

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.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh man has been sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation with 90 days’ home detention on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Robert Moore, age 36, of Oakhurst Street. Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Robert Moore conspired to distribute quantities of crack cocaine.

Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne M. Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Robinson Township Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Moore.

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.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, PA, was sentenced to federal prison on federal narcotics charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Brittany Zietak, 28, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute heroin in front of United States District Court Judge Marilyn S. Horan. Today, Judge Horan sentenced Zietak to a term of 30 months in prison followed by a term of six years’ supervised release.

According to information presented to the court, Zietak conspired with co-defendants Daniel Espy and Vincent Daniele to acquire and distribute large quantities of heroin in Allegheny County. Zietak assisted Espy in acquiring and selling the heroin while Vincent Daniele ran and protected a drug stash house for the conspiracy where the heroin and a firearm were stored. Vincent Daniele was previously sentenced to 66 months in prison for his role in this offense. Daniel Espy has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 22, 2020.

Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Agency and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics and Vice Division with assistance from the South Park Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the Indictment in this case.

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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A New Jersey resident pleaded guilty in federal court on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jamel T. Brown, 37, of Camden, NJ, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on October 25, 2018, Brown and a co-conspirator possessed with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 25, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Brown.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Brandon Morris, 34, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in June 2016, Pennsylvania State Police arranged for a confidential informant (CI) to buy crack and heroin from Mark Carter. Carter arranged for Brandon Morris to meet the CI. In exchange for $2,000 in pre-recorded funds, Morris gave the CI three bricks of heroin and one-half-of-an-ounce of crack.

On June 28, 2016, troopers executed a search warrant on Morris’ residence located on E. Brady St. in Butler, PA. Carter was also staying at the residence. Troopers recovered a plastic bag containing 39.57g of raw heroin, a plastic bag containing 119.36g of crack cocaine, individual packets of heroin, $7,612.00, including pre-recorded funds, a 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition (3 shells), and various items of drug paraphernalia. Due to a prior felony conviction, Morris is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Mark Carter pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2020.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for July 15, 2020. The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Morris’s bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy 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 prosecution of Morris.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of New York has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Anthony L. Powell, 35, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between January 2015 and June 2015, Powell used false identification cards to negotiate counterfeit checks totaling approximately $24,000 at casinos along the East Coast of the United States, including the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh.

Judge Fischer scheduled the sentencing for June 25, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 15 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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

Agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Anthony Powell.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Rochester, 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.

Elijah Winchester, 23, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in May 2018, law enforcement became aware that Winchester, who was 21 years old at the time, was involved in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old female. After Winchester denied the relationship, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for his phone. A forensic review of the phone revealed 14 pornographic videos involving the minor. In some of the videos, both Winchester’s face and the minor’s face are visible.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for June 17, 2020 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Winchester remained detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Beaver Police Department and the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Winchester.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possessing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Michael Marlette, age 53, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, which was returned on February 18, 2020 and unsealed today, on or about April 19, 2018, Marlette possessed materials depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Marlette was released on bond pending trial.

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

Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Blawnox Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years’ imprisonment and five years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Tyree Jrevae Booker, age 41, formerly of 2172 Vantine Street.

According to information presented to the court, on December 6, 2018, Booker possessed a firearm and ammunition, knowing that he had previously been convicted of crimes punishable for a term exceeding one year. He also possessed quantities if crack cocaine, cocaine, and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute those substances.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Booker.

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.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Cheron Shelton, age 33, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on March 12, 2016, Shelton possessed a firearm and ammunition, namely a Colt Model M4, .22 caliber rifle, knowing that he had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits any person who has been convicted of a felony from owning a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten 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 Douglas C. Maloney and Brendan T. Conway are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Allegheny County Police Department and the Wilkinsburg 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.

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.

PITTSBURGH - A former Beaver County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months’ imprisonment and 7 years’ supervised release on his conviction of distribution of images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Brent Cotman, age 30, formerly of 22 White Street, Rochester, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Cotman distributed by text message images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom had not reached the age of 12 years, to an unwitting individual, identified as "S.A.", from October 17, 2017 through October 21, 2017. Cotman had spent more than a year eluding law enforcement while simultaneously sending threatening text messages to more than 30 unsuspecting individuals in the Beaver County area, with attached digital photographs depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. Cotman used a software application known as "TextNow" to anonymize from whom the text messages had been sent.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cotman.

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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 46 months in prison and six years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Kawan Dock, 43, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from May 7, 2019 to May 16, 2019, Dock conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Dock.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -A former resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 36 months to be followed by eight years of supervised release on his conviction of Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Court Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Jason Gerade Harris, Jr., age 26.

According to information presented to the court, FBI agents received a tip from Minnesota that a complainant discovered naked images of her 7-year-old son sent via Skype. The conversations originated on PlayStation and were continued via Skype. Agents also learned that a 13-year-old Tampa, Florida juvenile was enticed to take explicit pictures of his 6-year-old brother to send using the Kik app. The investigation led to the defendant at 1936 Wright St., Wilkinsburg, PA.

On December 6, 2018, agents executed a search warrant on the defendant’s residence. When they advised that they were at the house because someone used the internet there to coerce minors to send nude photos and/or videos, Harris, Jr. abruptly stated, "It was me", and provided details about his communications with minors. A forensic review of the defendant’s phone revealed two chats of interest in the "TextNow" app, where the defendant requested nude photographs of a minor. The forensic review also revealed 171 images and three videos of apparent child pornography, but nothing from his communications with the children in Minnesota or Florida.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jasmine Nicole Carter, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around August 2015, to in and around September 2018, Carter and a co-defendant engaged in a scheme where they stole checks from the mail and used homeless people with valid identification to cash the checks. The defendants removed the legitimate name from the checks and replaced them with the homeless persons’ name.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for June 16, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Erie Police Department and the Millcreek Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Carter.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of DuBois, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to ten years’ supervised release with 12 months home detention on his conviction of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Matthew Hutzell, 27.

According to information presented to the court, on October 31, 2013, Hutzell knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police Computer Crime Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Hutzell.

PITTSBURGH - A California resident has been sentenced in federal court to 151 months’ imprisonment and five years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Robert Forbes, also known as "Daniel Kirkpatrick" and "Joe", age 46, of Pomona, California.

According to information presented to the court, Forbes conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance from April 2017 through April 2019. The conspiracy involved the shipment of cocaine from California using the United States Mail to various cities throughout the United States, including New Castle, Pennsylvania. The conspiracy also involved the shipment of cash, also through the United States Mail, from the recipients of the cocaine to the suppliers of cocaine. Many of the cocaine distributors were, like Forbes, originally from Jamaica.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway and Marnie Sheehan-Balchon 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 Forbes. 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. 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. In this case, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force and the New Castle Police Department also participated in the investigation.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of narcotics distribution and firearms possession, in violation of federal law, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Joseph T. Gale, Jr., age 29, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on November 5, 2018, Gale possessed a .45 caliber semi-automatic Springfield Armory pistol and .45 caliber ammunition, knowing that he had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits a felon from possessing a firearm. The court was also advised that on the same date, Gale possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for June 15, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than seventy years in prison, a fine of $4,250,000, 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 Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Ohio Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gale. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 48 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed sentence on Christian Burrus, 38.

According to information presented to the court, on July 23, 2018, Burrus unlawfully possessed a Ruger 9 millimeter pistol and ammunition, after having been convicted of multiple crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those convictions include one conviction for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and three convictions for firearms violations. 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.

Specifically, Burrus was a passenger during a July 23, 2018 traffic stop by the Penn Hills police. During the stop, he was sweating, would not make eye contact, and appeared very nervous. After Burrus provided his name, the Penn Hills police determined that there was an active warrant for Burrus’s arrest, and while patting Burrus down incident to arrest, found a loaded, stolen firearm in Burrus’s waistband.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Penn Hills Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Burrus. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Three former residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to drug trafficking in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Howard McFadden, 30, formerly of Turtle Creek, PA, Donald Singleton, 48, formerly of Penn Hills, PA, and Chadlin Leavy, 31, of Pittsburgh, PA pleaded guilty this week to multiple counts related to their involvement in conspiracies to distribute controlled substances in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

In connection with the guilty pleas, the Court was advised that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around Braddock Borough and identified several members and associates of a neighborhood-based street gang, self-titled "SCO" that were responsible for distributing controlled substances in Western Pennsylvania, including SCO’s leader, Howard McFadden.

In January of 2019, investigators obtained authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through May of 2019. Through the course of this investigation, the Court was informed that intercepted communications confirmed McFadden’s involvement in drug-trafficking as well as other members, associates and/or suppliers of McFadden – and SCO, including Singleton and Leavy.

As to McFadden, the Court was informed, that McFadden used younger SCO members and associates as runners and couriers to facilitate drug transactions with his drug customers. He also used a number of houses, throughout Braddock, including houses that he owned via his house-flipping business, H&M Home Solutions, as stash house locations. The Court was informed that on one occasion, McFadden and another member of the conspiracy were observed sitting in McFadden’s vehicle, parked on Seddon Avenue, placing a clear plastic baggie containing suspected narcotics on a scale located on the center armrest of McFadden’s vehicle.

In conjunction with his guilty plea McFadden also admitted that he unlawfully possessed a Glock 30, .45 caliber automatic pistol, which law enforcement seized at the time of McFadden’s arrest. On June 12, 2019, law enforcement seized from McFadden a Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Glock pistol, high-end jewelry and a total of $23,578. In conjunction with the change of plea, McFadden admitted to conspiring to distribute 1,128 grams of heroin, 2,546 grams of cocaine and 371.15 grams of cocaine base.

As to Singleton, the Court was informed that he was one of McFadden’s close associates and regularly talked with McFadden over the phone to discuss their drug-trafficking operations. Singleton, who maintained his own smaller customer base, admitted that in addition to providing McFadden with drug-trafficking advice and the names of individuals who could supply McFadden with controlled substances that he also let McFadden use an apartment in Penn Hills at the Wellington Square Apartment complex to process cocaine into cocaine base, more commonly known as crack. On June 12, 2019, law enforcement seized numerous items from this apartment indicative of drug-trafficking. In conjunction with the change of plea, Singleton admitted to conspiring to distribute 80 grams of heroin, 2,000 grams of cocaine and 84 grams of cocaine base.

As to Leavy, the Court was informed that Leavy was a heroin, cocaine and marijuana source of supply for McFadden, among others. The Court was informed that law enforcement stopped Leavy while he was en route to meet with his marijuana source of supply, Jared Eck, to purchase 25- 30 lbs of marijuana from Eck for $30,000. Law enforcement found the $30,000 in the vehicle and seized it. Additionally, the Court was advised that on June 12, 2019, law enforcement seized from Leavy’s residence a 2008 Mercedes Benz S550, $42,882, four firearms and related magazines and ammunition, and high-end jewelry. In conjunction with the change of plea, Leavy admitted to conspiring to distribute 585 grams of heroin, 1,526 grams of cocaine and 53 kilograms of marijuana.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing as to Leavy for May 21, 2020, at 9:00 AM, as to Singleton for July 15, 2020, at 10:00 AM, and as to McFadden for July 28, 2020, at 11:00 AM.

As to McFadden, the law provides for maximum sentence of not less than 15 years and not more than life in prison, a fine of not more than $20,000,000, or both. As to Leavy and Singleton, the law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than five and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Leavy remains on bond pending sentencing in this matter.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is 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 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 include the Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, and Allegheny County Adult Probation.

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.

PITTSBURGH -A former resident of Wilkinsburg, PA pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to charges of violating federal drug and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jordan Thompson, 23, pleaded guilty to three counts before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on February 7, 2019, Thompson possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin. The court was further informed that Thompson unlawfully possessed a Glock .40 caliber firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking offense, after having been convicted of multiple crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those convictions include one conviction for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, two convictions for receiving stolen property, and convictions for carrying a firearm without a license and being a person not to possess a firearm. 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.

Chief Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for June 16, 2020, at 11:00 am. The law provides for a total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of $2,500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Thompson remains detained pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy Criswell Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Monroeville Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of the defendant. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A Mercer County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating the federal firearms law, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on February 18, 2020, named Karl Alexander, 79, of Grove City, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on September 29, 2018, Alexander knowingly made a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer during the acquisition of a firearm, intending to deceive the dealer and purchase the firearm for another person.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both. 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 Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Guardian. Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Department of Justice’s highest priorities. Project Guardian serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

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