Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Evans City, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a bank robbery charge, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chad Vaughan, 33, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was informed that Vaughan robbed the NexTier Bank, located at 226 South Main Street, in Zelienople, on October 23, 2018, of $2,065.00. Vaughan was dressed in all black, including a ski mask and gloves, and demanded "big bills" from the bank tellers. After receiving money from the tellers, he placed the money into a shopping bag before and ran out of the bank. An eye witness observed Vaughan getting into a Ford sedan, which law enforcement later located and searched. During the search of the vehicle, law enforcement found the same black clothing, ski mask and gloves worn by Vaughan when he robbed the bank. Vaughan admitted, during the hearing, that before he robbed the bank, he used his cell phone to search the internet for "what is the jail time for a bank robbery" and "how easy is it to rob a bank." A few days after the bank robbery, Vaughan also admitted that he searched for and viewed an article on a local news website about the NexTier Bank robbery.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for July 7, 2020, at 2:15 PM. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Vaughan remains incarcerated pending sentencing.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Borough of Zelienople Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 63 months to be followed by 5 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.

United States District Court Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Brian R. Reddinger, age 37, of Mt. Royal Boulevard, in Shaler Twp., PA.

According to information presented to the court, in the fall of 2016, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was conducting an online investigation into the internet sharing of child pornography. As part of the investigation, a special agent was able to connect to a device that was sharing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors and download a suspected child porn file. The investigation led to Brian Reddinger. On November 1, 2016, agents executed a search warrant on Reddinger’s home. Reddinger admitted to searching, downloading, viewing and possessing child porn. He stated that his downloads are highly structured on his computer. He further stated that he downloaded files of individuals as young as 5 years of age. He stated that he searches for child porn once a week using child porn terms and that although he deletes a lot of files, he has "probably a gross number" of child porn. He asked the agents if they could delete or overlook the situation. Three of the items seized from Reddinger contained child porn. In total, there were 2,932 images and 60 videos of child porn on the devices.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Brian Reddinger.

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.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge relating to theft of Social Security funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Kristie Marraccini, age 40, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from in and around August 2016, to in and around December 2017, Marraccini knowingly received and converted Supplemental Security Income benefits to which she knew she was not entitled, in an amount exceeding $1,000.00.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 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 Brian M. Czarnecki is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

The one-count Indictment named Vashon Dewight Cotton, 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about November 6, 2019, Cotton, a convicted felon, was found to be in possession of a firearm.  Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00 or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.  Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known

Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Cook is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearm and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Superseding Indictment named Samuel A. Cheeks, 31, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about July 23, 2017, and September 27, 2017, Cheeks unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition after having previously been convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. The Superseding Indictment also alleges that, on September 27, 2017, Cheeks unlawfully possessed a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Ellwood City Police Department, and the New Castle Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Verona, PA, has been sentenced to federal prison on federal narcotics charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chace Johnson, age 21, formerly of Harvest Drive, previously pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining a drug involved premises before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak. Yesterday, Judge Hornak sentenced Johnson to a term of 23 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

According to information presented to the court in August and September of 2017, Johnson guarded the drug house on Harvest Drive in Verona, PA run by Jamie Lightfoot, Jr. and other co-conspirators. In furtherance of this, Johnson guarded large sums of money used in the drug trafficking and also acquired drug packaging material to be used in re-packaging and distribution for the drugs coming into the house.

On November 5, 2017, an FBI and Pennsylvania State Police Task Force executed a search warrant at the Harvest Drive location. The search netted 52 kilograms of cocaine and heroin, 85 pounds of marijuana, illegal steroids, three firearms, and nearly a million dollars in cash.

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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Superseding Indictment named Nathaniel Jackson, 44, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the court, on or about April 29, 2019, and on May 1, 2019, Jackson distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and 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 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 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- A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court related to a series of bank robberies that occurred in West Mifflin, McCandless, Penn Hills and Bloomfield, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jasmine Parrish, 30, pleaded guilty to five counts before United States District Nora Barry Fischerfull name of Judge.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was informed that Parrish, a former employee of PNC bank, met her co-defendant, Donna Poremski, while the two worked together in the home-healthcare industry. 

Parrish admitted, during her change of plea, that she and Poremski conspired together to commit three bank robberies on June 23, 2018, September 6, 2018, and October 18, 2018, and that she, additionally, drove a juvenile to the Liberty Avenue area and wrote the demand note for the juvenile to use to rob the PNC Bank located on Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield, on November 21, 2018.

The Court was informed during the hearing that during the first bank robbery, on June 23, 2018, Parrish and Poremski entered the PNC Bank, located in West Mifflin, and attempted to conceal their identities by dressing in traditional Middle Eastern attire, including wearing hijabs that covered their faces.  Additionally, Parrish carried a cane and wore a surgical mask over her face with a tube that connected to an oxygen tank.  The women approached the teller station and handed one of the tellers a note as well as threatened that they had a bomb.  The Court also was informed that Poremski was observed on surveillance footage brandishing what appeared to be a firearm, and that the two women then directed the bank employees to empty their cash drawers and enter the bank vault where he bank employees were forced to put the money into the suitcase.  Parrish admitted that the women stole $61,124.00 from this bank.

Parrish admitted, in conjunction with her guilty plea, that during the second and third bank robberies, on September 6, 2018, and October 18, 2018, the two women wore disguises and that she entered the banks, located on McKnight Road in McCandless, and on Rodi Road in Penn Hills, to scope the bank out prior to Poremski entering the bank and robbing them. 

During the September bank robbery, the Court was also informed that Poremski brandished what appeared to be a .9mm pistol and demanded money from the tellers.  After obtaining the money from the teller’s cash drawer, Poremski directed the bank employees into the bank vault where the bank employees were forced to put money into Poremski’s bag.  While the bank robbery was underway, Parrish was observed driving Poremski’s vehicle near the bank.  Parrish admitted that the women stole $35,500.00 from this bank. 

During the October bank robbery, the Court was further informed that Poremski demanded money from the tellers and threatened to use a firearm but never brandished one.  Parrish admitted that the women stole $350.00 from this bank.

A total of $97,004.00 was taken from the West Mifflin, McCandless and Penn Hills PNC banks, during these robberies. 

Parrish also admitted that she drove a juvenile to the Liberty Avenue area and wrote the demand note for the juvenile to use during a bank robbery at the PNC Bank located on Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield, on November 21, 2018.  The Court also was informed that this was the branch that Parrish had previously worked at and that while the juvenile gave one of the tellers the demand note, that she left the bank before obtaining any money.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for July 2, 2020 at 11:30 a.m.  As to each of the armed bank robbery counts, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 25 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both.  As to each of the unarmed bank robbery counts, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.  Additionally, the law provides for a minimum sentence of not less than five years in prison and up to life, a fine of $250,000, or both, for the conspiracy offense.  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.

Parrish remains incarcerated pending sentencing.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, West Mifflin Borough Police Department, the McCandless Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the City of Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of DuBois, Pennsylvania has been sentenced for health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

In March 2019, David James Girardi pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud. In connection with the guilty plea, Girardi admitted to committing health care fraud by submitting fraudulent claims to Highmark for six Oxycodone and Hydrocodone prescriptions that Girardi wrote for his wife, but which were in fact intended for his own use.

On January 30, 2020, United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson sentenced Girardi to five years’ probation and six months’ home confinement. Judge Gibson further ordered that Girardi pay a $5,000 fine and restitution to Highmark, Inc.

Assistant United States Attorneys Rachael L. Mamula and Cindy K. Chung prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of David James Girardi.

PITTSBURGH - A Westmoreland County physician has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, health care fraud, and conspiracy to distribute phentermine hydrochloride and diethylpropion, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The four-count Indictment, returned on January 16, and unsealed on January 30, named Thomas Whitten, 69, of Greensburg, PA, as the defendant.

According to the Indictment, from May 2013 to November 2015, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Whitten conspired to receive kickbacks from Insys Therapeutics in exchange for prescribing fentanyl, in the form of Subsys, to his patients, and that Whitten conspired to distribute fentanyl, in the form of Subsys. The Indictment also alleges that from May 2013 to March 2017, Whitten committed health care fraud by causing insurers to pay for unlawful Subsys prescriptions. Finally, the Indictment alleges that from November 2017 through December 12, 2019, Whitten conspired to distribute phentermine hydrochloride and diethylpropion.

The law provides for a sentence of not less than five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Karen Gal-Or are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Pennsylvania State Attorney General’s Office, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thomas Whitten. An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The investigations leading to the filing of charges in these cases were conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, which combines personnel and resources from the following agencies to combat the growing prescription opioid epidemic: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pembroke Pines, Florida, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 21 months to be followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction for theft of mail, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur Schwab imposed the sentence on Cassio Orville Donald Slowden, age 28.

Previously, in connection with Slowden’s guilty plea, the court was advised that in February 2019, Citizens Bank replacement debit cards and PIN reminders were fraudulently ordered for several customers in McMurray, Pennsylvania. On the afternoon of February 11, U.S. mail was delivered to the mailbox of one of the residences in McMurray. Shortly after, Slowden removed several pieces of mail from the mailbox and drove away from the residence. Slowden’s vehicle was stopped by law enforcement, and a search of the vehicle recovered stolen mail, including the Citizens Bank replacement debit card and PIN reminder taken from the mailbox of the McMurray residence.

The Court was further advised that Citizens Bank, Bank of America, and other financial institutions were victims of an ongoing multistate fraud scheme. The scheme involved one or more callers contacting banks and impersonating customers. The caller would order replacement debit cards and debit card PIN reminders to the customer’s address on file. The suspects would intercept the cards and use them to make fraudulent ATM withdrawals. Slowden is connected to at least $116,277.19 in losses related to fraudulent withdrawals from accounts of at least 12 Citizens Bank and Bank of America customers

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

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Slowden.

PITTSBURGH - After deliberating for two hours, a federal jury found Donte Taylor guilty of one count of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Taylor, 37, formerly of Duquesne, was tried before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that on May 10, 2018, Donte Taylor was on parole. When parole agents went to his house for a routine visit, they smelled marijuana. Agents tested Taylor, and he tested positive for marijuana and cocaine. He also had $540.00 on his person. Parole agents noticed that his girlfriend, Ericka Smith, appeared to be extremely nervous. Parole agents then contacted the local police.

When the police responded, Smith advised that there was a small amount of marijuana in the house and gave verbal and written consent to search. Smith provided a conflicting statement about Taylor’s drug trafficking activities. Smith admitted that it was her house and that it was Taylor’s approved residence with parole.

Officers recovered approximately 279 grams of crack cocaine with a street value of $22,000 to $28,000. They also discovered cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and marijuana, as well as $14,466.00 in a safe, scales and other drug packaging materials.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of not less 10 years in prison and up to life, a fine not to exceed $8,000,000.00, a term of supervised release of at least eight years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered Taylor to remain in custody.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the City of Duquesne Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Donte Taylor.

PITTSBURGH – A former Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court today to violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Antwon Shamar Bonner, age 21, formerly of Penn Hills, pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, and to possessing firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 12, 2019, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives served a search warrant at the Defendant’s residence in Penn Hills, Allegheny County. There, agents located approximately 36 "bricks" (constituting approximately 1,800 individual dosage units) containing mixtures of both heroin and fentanyl, which are scheduled controlled substances under federal law. In connection with his guilty plea, the Defendant admitted to possessing those narcotics with the intent to distribute them. In addition to those narcotics, agents seized approximately $2,000 in U.S. currency, four loaded and operational firearms, one of which had an obliterated serial number, assorted ammunition, and high-capacity firearms magazines. In connection with his plea, the Defendant admitted that he possessed those firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime charged in the Indictment.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for April 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. The Court directed that Mr. Bonner remain in the custody of the United States Marshall, where he has been held following his arrest by ATF agents on July 12, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five (5) years and up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta 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 Mr. Bonner.

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

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

David John Banak, 47, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Banak traveled to Erie, Pennsylvania after absconding from court supervision in Iowa. After arriving in Erie, Banak failed to register as a sex offender as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2020 at 1:30 p.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.

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

The United States Marshal’s Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Banak.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Cheswick, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $37,590 in restitution to the United States Postal Service, on his conviction of conspiracy, theft of government property and uttering and possessing false securities, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on John Martell, 39.

According to information presented to the Court, between approximately April 23, 2018 and June 11, 2018, Martell and his codefendant, Holly Lovasik, who was a former employee of the United States Postal Service, engaged in a stamp theft scheme in order to pay a debt they owed to their drug dealer. The coconspirators purchased $34,800 in stamps from approximately 28 different Post Offices in the Western District of Pennsylvania, using checks that were written on closed accounts and checks that belonged to two deceased doctors that were falsely altered, completed and signed. Martell and Lovasik then re-sold the stamps for cash, predominantly at a pawn shop in Tarentum, PA. The court was further informed that, in addition to the stamp theft, the United States Post Office incurred $2,790 in check surcharges, for a total loss of $37,590.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Martell.

Every year thousands of Americans overdose on fentanyl, a laboratory-created opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin. Fentanyl is often smuggled into the United States from China and Mexico, and because fentanyl is made in a lab, chemists can change its structure to create what are known as “fentanyl analogues.” These analogues, which can be thousands of times more potent than heroin, benefit drug traffickers looking to profit from addicts always in search of a stronger product.

Before 2018, fentanyl analogues could only be prosecuted under the Controlled Substances Analogue Enforcement Act, which was a cumbersome process that typically required extensive expert testimony and analysis to prove that the chemical structure of the analogue was “substantially similar” to a controlled substance.  This provided an advantage to drug traffickers: each new formula—even ones with a single molecular change— required substantial extra resources to prove it was illegal. 

In 2018, in an effort to remove this hurdle, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) temporarily classified all fentanyl analogues as Schedule I drugs.  The emergency scheduling – limited to a two-year period -- also made the fentanyl analogues subject to stiff statutory mandatory minimum sentences.  This classification provided U.S. Attorneys and law enforcement with the ability to keep pace with the drug traffickers flooding our communities with deadly analogues. 

But without Congressional action, the DEA’s temporary classification will expire on February 6, 2020. Two weeks ago, the United States Senate unanimously passed a 15-month extension of the classification. Later this week, the House of Representatives will consider legislation extending the temporary order as well. The House should vote to enact this critical legislation.

If the House fails to enact the law, the whack-a-mole game will resume. Drug traffickers will develop fresh formulas of deadly drugs, and by the time a new formula is identified and criminalized, the traffickers will move on to the next one. The cartels will profit, and our communities will suffer.

Two recent cases in the Western District of Pennsylvania illustrate the danger of the analogues. In August 2017, Pittsburgh Police and SWAT officers searched a Pittsburgh residence they suspected of being a stash house for fentanyl and other drugs. During the search, a table with powdered drugs, including a fentanyl analogue called cyclopropyl, was accidentally overturned, sending large amounts of drugs into the air.  From just that exposure, several police officers were taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, no one suffered serious injuries from that incident. 

But not all encounters with fentanyl analogues in the District have been so fortunate. For example, in September 2019, eight people at a party on the South Side of Pittsburgh overdosed on drugs that contained cocaine and acetyl fentanyl, another analogue. Three people died before emergency responders arrived, and several others were hospitalized due to exposure to the drugs.

In both of these cases, the ban of analogues helped to protect our community by providing a legal basis to prosecute these drug traffickers. Without the ban, holding individuals and organizations that distribute fentanyl analogues accountable would be difficult, if not impossible. The cartels know this, and if the temporary scheduling lapses, we can expect a flood of new, legal formulas of fentanyl. 

Of course, not everyone in the community supports the legislation to extend the temporary ban. Some advocacy groups see the ban as falling short of addressing the underlying causes of substance abuse in the first place. To these groups, extending the temporary ban is simply not enough to address the crisis.

There’s no doubt that a coordinated, cross-community effort is needed to combat the opioid crisis. Although criminalizing fentanyl analogues is only one component in this fight, it is an important one. And, if the House fails to act now in the hopes of reaching a comprehensive solution to the crisis, it will be effectively legalizing new fentanyl analogues. Such a move will only serve to harm our communities, which deserve protection today. For that reason, members of the House of Representatives should join their Senate colleagues in unanimously passing this legislation.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 144 months imprisonment and five years supervised release on his conviction of possession with the intent to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on William Thompson, age 37, formerly of 750 Freedom Drive.

According to information presented to the court, on August 7, 2015, law enforcement attempted to stop Thompson, who was then operating a Porsche Cheyenne without a license. Thompson led the police on a high-speed chase on Route 28 in which speeds reached in excess of 100 miles per hour. Thompson eventually crashed and fled on foot, but law enforcement eventually captured him. A search of his vehicle revealed that Thompson was in possession of what later laboratory analysis determined was more than one kilogram of heroin.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force consisting of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Oakdale Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Thompson.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, use of unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment named Iklas Davis, age 38, formerly of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, in 2017, Davis participated in an identity theft ring, through which Davis and other members of the conspiracy used stolen means of identification and access devices to make and attempt to make fraudulent purchases at various retail establishments, such as Best Buy. Many of the access devices were stolen from vehicles as they were parked at various entertainment complexes in Allegheny County.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 17 and not less than two years in prison, a fine of not more than $750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, Allegheny County Police, Ross Township Police, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - One resident of Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Michael T. Onder, 50, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from in and around July 2010 and continuing thereafter to in and around February 2016, Onder knowingly received and converted Supplemental Security Income benefits to which he knew he was not entitled, in an amount exceeding $1,000.00.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Wintersville, Ohio, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of armed bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Montague Howard, 40, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on Jan. 15, 2020, Howard entered the First Commonwealth Bank, located at 198 Park Manor Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the tellers, and stole $8,583.00 in United States currency. Later that day, Howard was apprehended in Wintersville, Ohio with the assistance of the Wintersville Police Department.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 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. Howard remains incarcerated pending the resolution of the case.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Robinson Township Police Department, and the Wintersville, Ohio 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.

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

The three-count Indictment named Aaron Gale, 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about January 16, 2020, Gale possessed with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. Gale, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a SIG Sauer P226 9mm pistol and ammunition in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $8,000,000 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 Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, has been sentenced in federal court to 27 months’ imprisonment and 3 years’ supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Yoandy Pou Torres, age 37.

According to information presented to the court, Pou Torres used counterfeit credit cards encoded with stolen bank account information to purchase MasterCard gift cards at Sam’s Club stores in the Pittsburgh area, as well as in Florida and California. During the month of December 2017, Pou Torres and his codefendant, Hector Podio Gutierrez, using an encoding device, created counterfeit credit cards, and then used the cards to make fraudulent gift card purchases totaling more than $382,000 at various Sam’s Club locations. As part of the sentence imposed, Pou Torres was ordered to pay $382,235 in restitution, and to make payments while imprisoned in connection with the United States Bureau of Prison’ Inmate Financial Responsibility Program, through which 50% of his prison salary will be applied to pay the restitution. Podio Gtierrez remains on bond pending trial.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon noted that Pou Torres had committed a significant fraud, and had previously been convicted of a similar offense as recently as 2017.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pou Torres.

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

The one-count Indictment named Rory Shelton, 57, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 7, 2019, Shelton possessed images and videos that depicted prepubescent minors, and minors who had not attained the age of 12, engaged in sexual activity.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 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.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Borough of Glassport Police Department and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Jared Ogrosky, 22, formerly of McKeesport, PA.

According to the Indictment, which follows a criminal complaint that was filed on May 10, 2019, Ogrosky possessed with the intent to distribute approximately nine bricks of heroin and a Glock model 19x, 9 millimeter handgun in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime, all of which were seized by law enforcement officials during the execution of a federal search warrant at Ogrosky’s former residence in McKeesport.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years in prison, a fine not to exceed $2,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 14 years' imprisonment and five years supervised release on her conviction of Health Care Fraud and the illegal distribution of prescription opioid pain medication, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence yesterday on Antoinette Adair, age 51. Adair was convicted of one count of Health Care Fraud, one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone and Oxymorphone, and eight counts of Possession with the Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Oxycodone and Oxymorphone.

According to information presented to the court, Adair was part of a group of individuals involved in a large-scale Health Care Fraud and pill distribution network. As a part of the criminal enterprise, Adair and others obtained powerful and addictive prescription pain medication through physicians under the false pretense that they intended to use that medication themselves. In fact, they intended to sell the medication for profit to individuals addicted to those medications. Additionally, medication was often paid for through taxpayer-funded health care insurance programs. Thus, the taxpayers ended paying much of the prescription medications that these conspirators sold.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Adair.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A criminal complaint has been filed in federal court against a resident of Pittsburgh, Pa., charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Criminal Complaint named Dennis Alan Riggs, 50, as the sole defendant. Riggs made his initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday. Today he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa Pupo Lenihan. Riggs waived his preliminary exam and was ordered detained following the presentation of evidence by the government during his detention hearing.

According to the Criminal Complaint, on January 22, 2020 at approximately 6 a.m., FBI Special Agents and Task Force Officers executed a federal search warrant at 1540 Hatteras Street on Pittsburgh’s North Side as part of an ongoing investigation. During the search, law enforcement located seven firearms: a Ruger .223 Caliber AR-15 style rifle; a Ruger .22 caliber revolver; a Harrington & Richardson shotgun; a .38 special revolver; a Colt .38 Caliber revolver; a US revolver, 32 Caliber, which was loaded and with the hammer cocked; and a Harrington & Richardson shotgun. Agents also located multiple rounds of ammunition in the residence. Riggs is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was convicted on March 30, 1994, of Aggravated Assault in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

According to information presented at the detention hearing, Riggs was aware that he was prohibited from possessing a weapon due to a prior felony conviction. Agents found on his phone a video depicting Riggs wearing Nazi apparel, offering Nazi salutes and loading and unloading an AR-15 style rifle; a video of the 2019 Christchurch, New Zealand mosque shootings which killed 51; images of the defendant with firearms; and a photograph of Dylann Roof with his current Bureau of Prisons contact information. Roof was convicted in the 2015 massacre at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Riggs decorated his house with Nazi and Hitler posters and pictures; possessed numerous other weapons, knives and daggers; and had hundreds of bottles of liquor and alcohol. The government also presented evidence showing six of the seven guns found during the search were loaded.

"Riggs’s Nazi videos, photos and paraphernalia clearly show his obsession with hate-based violence. His cache of firearms clearly shows his capability to act on that obsession," U.S. Attorney Brady said. "Our Office is committed to identifying, disrupting and preventing such potential threats to our community."

"This is a coordinated effort to keep our community safe," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. "I commend our Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), which includes our local, state and federal partners, for their investigative efforts in identifying and arresting this suspect. The FBI uses all of our resources to make sure firearms are kept out of the hands of those prohibited from having them."

The law provides for a maximum term of imprisonment 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.

Assistant United States Attorney Jessica L. Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The FBI Pittsburgh Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the criminal complaint in the case. Members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force who were directly involved in this investigation include: FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Probation, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant may not be prosecuted unless, within 30 days, a grand jury has found probable cause to believe that the defendant is guilty of an offense.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A criminal complaint has been filed in federal court against a resident of Pittsburgh, Pa., charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Criminal Complaint named Dennis Alan Riggs, 50, as the sole defendant. Riggs made his initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday. Today he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa Pupo Lenihan. Riggs waived his preliminary exam and was ordered detained following the presentation of evidence by the government during his detention hearing.

According to the Criminal Complaint, on January 22, 2020 at approximately 6 a.m., FBI Special Agents and Task Force Officers executed a federal search warrant at 1540 Hatteras Street on Pittsburgh’s North Side as part of an ongoing investigation. During the search, law enforcement located seven firearms: a Ruger .223 Caliber AR-15 style rifle; a Ruger .22 caliber revolver; a Harrington & Richardson shotgun; a .38 special revolver; a Colt .38 Caliber revolver; a US revolver, 32 Caliber, which was loaded and with the hammer cocked; and a Harrington & Richardson shotgun. Agents also located multiple rounds of ammunition in the residence. Riggs is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was convicted on March 30, 1994, of Aggravated Assault in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

According to information presented at the detention hearing, Riggs was aware that he was prohibited from possessing a weapon due to a prior felony conviction. Agents found on his phone a video depicting Riggs wearing Nazi apparel, offering Nazi salutes and loading and unloading an AR-15 style rifle; a video of the 2019 Christchurch, New Zealand mosque shootings which killed 51; images of the defendant with firearms; and a photograph of Dylann Roof with his current Bureau of Prisons contact information. Roof was convicted in the 2015 massacre at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Riggs decorated his house with Nazi and Hitler posters and pictures; possessed numerous other weapons, knives and daggers; and had hundreds of bottles of liquor and alcohol. The government also presented evidence showing six of the seven guns found during the search were loaded.

"Riggs’s Nazi videos, photos and paraphernalia clearly show his obsession with hate-based violence. His cache of firearms clearly show his capability to act on that obsession," U.S. Attorney Brady said. "Our Office is committed to identifying, disrupting and preventing such potential threats to our community."

"This is a coordinated effort to keep our community safe," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. " I commend our Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), which includes our local, state and federal partners, for their investigative efforts in identifying and arresting this suspect. The FBI uses all of our resources to make sure firearms are kept out of the hands of those prohibited from having them."

The law provides for a maximum term of imprisonment 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.

Assistant United States Attorney Jessica L. Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The FBI Pittsburgh Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the criminal complaint in the case. Members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force who were directly involved in this investigation include: FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Probation, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant may not be prosecuted unless, within 30 days, a grand jury has found probable cause to believe that the defendant is guilty of an offense.

PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to one year of probation and to pay a fine of $1,000 on her conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Asonte Turner, 32.

According to information presented to the court, the defendant knowingly possessed cocaine and cocaine base from on or about July 1, 2017 through July 21, 2017. The court was further informed that on July 21, 2017, during a search of the residence she shared with her boyfriend and multiple children, law enforcement found drugs, supplies for manufacturing crack cocaine, drug packaging supplies, and several firearms spread throughout the home. Multiple packages of suspected drugs tested positive for cocaine and crack cocaine, and the defendant admitted to possessing those drugs.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Turner.

PITTSBURGH – John Burton and Nico Nixon were convicted following guilty pleas to fentanyl and heroin trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Burton, age 31, and Nixon, age 29, both of Pittsburgh, pled guilty before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Burton pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, heroin, and crack cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on August 26, 2019. Nixon pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on August 3, 2019.

Burton’s sentencing hearing is scheduled to occur on July 14, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. Nixon’s sentencing hearing is scheduled to occur on July 13, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $2,250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories of the defendants.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, and to pay restitution to the victim bank on his bank robbery conviction, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Vaughn Carter, 56.

According to information presented to the court, on November 1, 2018, defendant entered the First National Bank, located at 114 East Carson Street, wearing a baseball hat and dark clothing and presented a demand note to a teller, which stated: "This is a robbery. Give me large bills." Carter then took $1,000 from the teller and fled the bank. Law enforcement identified and located Carter after tracking the getaway vehicle and obtaining fingerprints from the vehicle.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Carter.

PITTSBURGH, PA -A former resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jerry Coker, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

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

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2020 at 2:15 p.m. The defendant will remain incarcerated pending the sentencing hearing. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Coker has a prior conviction for a serious felony drug offense and, as such, he is subject to enhanced penalties.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Coker.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Two residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to one count each of conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program and health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Terra Dean, 46, and Larita Walls, 57, pleaded guilty in separate hearings before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

During their plea hearings, Dean and Walls admitted that between 2011 and 2017 they were employees of Moriarty Consultants, Inc. (MCI), one of four related entities operating in the home health care industry. The other three entities were Activity Daily Living Services, Inc. (ADL), Coordination Care, Inc. (CCI), and Everyday People Staffing, Inc. (EPS). MCI, ADL, and CCI were approved under the Pennsylvania Medicaid program to offer certain services to qualifying Medicaid recipients ("consumers"), including personal assistance services (PAS), service coordination, and non-medical transportation, among other services. Between in and around January 2011 and in and around April 2017, MCI, ADL, and CCI, collectively, received more than $87,000,000 in Medicaid payments based on claims submitted for these services, with PAS payments accounting for more than $80,000,000 of the total amount.

During that time, Dean and Walls admitted that they participated in a wide-ranging conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program for the purpose of obtaining millions of dollars in illegal Medicaid payments through the submission of fraudulent claims for services that were never provided to the consumers identified on the claims, or for which there was insufficient or fabricated documentation to support the claims. As part of the conspiracy, Dean and Walls admitted that they fabricated timesheets to reflect the provision of in-home PAS care that, in fact, they never provided to the consumers identified on the timesheets. The defendants further admitted that they caused the submission of Medicaid claims in the name of "ghost" employees—including close relatives—for PAS care that was never provided to the consumers specified on Medicaid claims. Likewise, Dean and Walls admitted that they paid kickbacks to consumers in exchange for the consumer’s cooperation in the fraudulent billing scheme. In total, Dean and Walls each admitted causing losses to the Pennsylvania Medicaid program in excess of $150,000.

Judge Bissoon scheduled Dean’s and Walls’s sentencing hearings for 10:00 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. on May 19, 2020, respectively.

The conspiracy and health care fraud charges each carry a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

To date, a total of sixteen defendants have been charged in connection with this investigation. Dean and Walls are the tenth and eleventh defendants to enter guilty pleas. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Assistant United States Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Edward Song are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation of the defendants.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of time served or 29 months, to be followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute an analogue of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Anthony Lozito, age 40.

According to information presented to the court, from May 2017 to August 2017, Lozito conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cyclopropyl fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl. Lynell Guyton purchased large quantities of fentanyl analogues from overseas purveyors, which he distributed in Western Pennsylvania. On August 9, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lozito’s residence on Bond Street. Guyton was found on the first floor along with Lozito and two other individuals. Large amounts of narcotics and packaging paraphernalia were present in the house. A table with powder narcotics was overturned during the initial SWAT entry into the home, causing large amounts of opioids to become airborne. SWAT officers exposed to the airborne narcotics were sent to Mercy for evaluation–everyone was medically cleared and no one was harmed. Lozito admitted to allowing Guyton to use his home to package narcotics in exchange for the anticipated receipt of opioids.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lozito.

PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Irwin, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Bernard Wilkins, 57, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around the Braddock section of Pittsburgh, PA. In January of 2019, investigators obtained authorization to conduct a federal wiretap investigation, which continued through May of 2019. Intercepted communications confirmed that Wilkins obtained distributor quantities of cocaine from another member of the conspiracy. In addition to intercepted communications, the Court was further informed that Wilkins was observed at a stash house located on Seddon Avenue in Braddock, PA, which was used by members of the conspiracy to facilitate their drug-trafficking activity, by law enforcement conducting surveillance. In conjunction with his guilty plea, Wilkins accepted responsibility for the distribution of at least 50 but less than 100 grams of cocaine.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for July 28, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $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. Wilkins remains on bond pending sentencing.

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 resident of Corsica, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Tammy Laird, 47, pleaded guilty to 26 counts before United States Senior District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 2009 through August 2017, while Laird was employed as the Secretary and Treasurer of Corsica Borough, she defrauded the borough of more than $305,000 by issuing checks from the borough’s bank accounts to her father, her husband, and herself, by extracting funds from the borough’s bank accounts to pay personal expenses and credit card bills, and by making personal purchases on the borough’s business account at Staples. To hide her activity, Laird supplied the Corsica Borough Council and state auditors with altered bank statements and other falsified financial documentation.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a sentence at each count of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Laird was released on an unsecured bond pending sentencing.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Murrieta, California, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to smuggle misbranded drugs into the United States and introduce them into interstate commerce, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Justin Ash, 36, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab on January 16, 2020.

During his plea hearing, Ash admitted that between January 2016 and May 8, 2018, he engaged in a conspiracy to obtain unapproved drugs in bulk quantities from overseas suppliers, including suppliers in China, for the purpose of pressing the drugs into pills and distributing them to customers throughout the United States via his internet-based business Domestic RCS. Ash’s website, www.domesticrcs.com, advertised multiple unapproved or "misbranded" drugs—clonazolam, diclazepam, flubromazolam, and etizolam—each of which was a non-prescription benzodiazepine or substance with a similar chemical composition. As Ash further acknowledged, these substances carried risks of dependency, toxicity, and even fatal overdose, particularly when combined with other central nervous system depressants. Although his website and the packaging contained in his shipments indicated that the substances were for "research purposes only," Ash admitted that he was aware that the vast majority of his customers purchased the drugs for individual consumption. Indeed, Ash or others acting at his direction communicated directly with individual customers about, among other things, the effects of the drugs when used for personal consumption. In an effort to evade detection by United States federal authorities, including the United States Food and Drug Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and United States Customs and Border Protection, Ash also admitted that he caused his overseas suppliers to ship drugs to multiple addresses under his control and in smaller quantities that would draw less government scrutiny.

As part of a written plea agreement, Ash acknowledged causing a loss of more than $550,000 but not more than $1,500,000. He further agreed to forfeit approximately $230,000 in currency seized from his home and a bank account under his control. Ash also agreed to the entry of an additional forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $550,000.

The defendant faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of not more than the greater of (i) $250,000 or (ii) an alternative fine in an amount not more than the greater of twice the gross pecuniary gain to any person or twice, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The United States Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the charge in this case.

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

The one-count Indictment named Joel Nicholas Gustave, Jr., 39, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about November 1, 2019, Gustave possessed with the intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA-A former resident of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Robert Fichter, 54, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that investigative efforts during a Homeland Security Investigation revealed that Fichter utilized an Android cellular phone running BitTorrent software to access, view and download child pornography. The court was further informed that law enforcement officials executed a federal search warrant at Fichter’s residence on May 24, 2018, wherein they seized Fichter’s cellular phone. During a forensic review of the cell phone, agents uncovered images and videos of child pornography, some of which involved children under the age of 12, as well as violent sexual conduct.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for May 21, 2020 at 9:30 AM The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Fichter remains incarcerated pending sentencing.

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from members of the North Strabane and Canonsburg police departments, conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Fichter.

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 former resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Sean Houston, age 47, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on May 20, 2016 and from July 22, 2017 through October 2018, Houston produced and attempted to produce visual depictions of the sexual exploitation of a minor. Additionally, on October 29, 2018, Houston knowingly possessed visual depictions of the sexual exploitation of minors.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for May 11, 2020. The law provides for a sentence of not less than 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $750,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

Homeland Security Investigations, the Centerville Police Department, the North Strabane Police Department, and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Houston.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of six years (72 months) to be followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Christian Elijah Moore, age 30. 

According to information presented to the court, on September 5, 2017, Moore walked into the First National Bank in Homestead, PA and asked for change. While the teller was providing him with change, Moore placed his wallet on the counter and stated that his friend wanted him to give her a note. In the note, Moore threatened to shoot the teller if he she did not provide him with money.

The teller provided Moore with $1,055.00, as well as a GPS tracking device. As Moore was walking from the bank, he removed identifiable clothing and left the items in the bushes of the homes along his path. Officers later recovered the gray Adidas jacket that he was wearing during the bank robbery from the bushes of a home near the bank. He then walked to a jitney station and asked for a ride to Oakland. The jitney driver proceeded across the Homestead Grays Bridge. Moore observed Homestead police, who were alerted to the area by the GPS device, and instructed the jitney driver to make a U-turn and proceed to Hazelwood. After observing the vehicle make a U-turn, police stopped the vehicle. Officers recovered a loaded Kel-Tec semi-automatic .9mm pistol as well as the money and tracking device from Moore. Moore admitted that when he woke up that day, he decided to rob a bank because he needed money and did not like having to wait.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homestead Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Moore.

PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 57 months’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Brian Horvath, 48.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around September 2016, and continuing thereafter to November 30, 2017, Horvath conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms but less than 15 kilograms of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The court was further informed that during the period of the conspiracy, Horvath frequently received cocaine from two of his co-defendants in quantities ranging from, at the beginning of the conspiracy, one-half ounce to, towards the end of the conspiracy, 18 ounces, which he then redistributed to various individuals in Allegheny and Westmoreland County.

Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Jerome A. Moschetta 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 Horvath. The task force was headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is comprised of members drawn from the 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 Stowe Township Police Department also provided assistance in this investigation. 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 resident of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years probation on her conviction of money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed sentence on Kathy Darling,  age 62.    

In connection with sentencing, the court was advised that during the period from January 2011 through May 2016, Darling became a member of a money laundering conspiracy.  Darling conducted financial transactions affecting interstate commerce, knowing that the property involved in the financial transactions represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity.   Darling knew that each of the financial transactions was designed in whole or in part to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds.  As part of the money laundering conspiracy, the defendant and her co-conspirators conducted the following financial transactions: 1) withdrew funds from prepaid debit cards and credit cards; 2) transmitted and received funds via MoneyGram, Walmart and Western Union; 3) cashed checks and money orders; and 4) sent and received wire transfers of funds.  The funds involved in these transactions, which totaled thousands of dollars, were the proceeds of wire fraud. 

Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years probation on her conviction of money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed sentence on Barbara Miller, 58, of Derry, Pennsylvania.

In connection with sentencing, the court was advised that during the period from January 2011 through May 2016, Miller became a member of a money laundering conspiracy. Miller conducted financial transactions affecting interstate commerce, knowing that the property involved in the financial transactions represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity. Miller knew that each of the financial transactions was designed in whole or in part to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds. As part of the money laundering conspiracy, the defendant and her co-conspirators conducted the following financial transactions: 1) withdrew funds from prepaid debit cards and credit cards; 2) transmitted and received funds via MoneyGram, Walmart and Western Union; 3) cashed checks and money orders; and 4) sent and received wire transfers of funds. The funds involved in these transactions, which totaled thousands of dollars, were the proceeds of wire fraud.

Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of West Newton PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to federal drug and firearms violations, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

William Kalna, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and one count of possession of firearms and ammunition by a person addicted to a controlled substance before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around the Braddock section of Pittsburgh, PA.  In January of 2019, investigators obtained authorization to conduct a federal wiretap investigation, which continued through May of 2019.  Intercepted communications confirmed that Kalna was obtaining distributor quantities of heroin from another member of the conspiracy, which Kalna both used and distributed in Westmoreland County to support his addiction.  In connection with the guilty plea, Kalna took responsibility for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 254 grams of heroin.  The court was further informed that during the execution of a federal search warrant at Kalna’s residence on June 12, 2019, law enforcement officials seized 28 firearms, a large quantity of ammunition, $2,669.00 in United States currency, and four digital scales.  Kalna, who was at the time addicted to heroin, was prohibited from possessing these firearms and ammunition.       

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2020 at 9 a.m. date and time of sentencing  The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 5 and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of $250.000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.  Kalna remains on bond pending sentencing.

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.

ERIE, Pa. - Two people have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and food stamp fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The five-count Indictment named Laith Kadhem, 35, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Haydar Al-Kofi, 41, of Lakeside, California, as defendants.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, from in and around March 2016 to in and around September 2017, Kadhem, who was the owner and operator of Anwar Fresh Meat Market in Erie and Al-Kofi, who was the manager and partner working at Anwar Fresh Meat Market, conspired to defraud the United States by filing an application containing false information for a license to accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and accepting food stamps for cash, and ineligible items.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both for each defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

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

This case was investigated as part of the Pittsburgh Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a multi-agency partnership established to focus on high-impact criminal investigations involving the use of fraudulent documents in furtherance of immigrations benefit applications and petitions, financial fraud, criminal work-site enforcement, and public benefits fraud. The Pittsburgh DBFTF consists of the following agencies: Homeland Security Investigations, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, US Department of State-Diplomatic Security Service, US Department of Agriculture- Office of the Inspector General, US Department of Labor- Office of the Inspector General, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.

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

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

Zaamar Stevenson, age 43, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on November 9, 2015, officers utilized a confidential informant to purchase heroin and crack from the defendant. While on surveillance, officers observed a female get into the back seat of the defendant’s rental vehicle. Officers stopped the vehicle and secured the occupants. The defendant was the driver of the vehicle. The female admitted that she arranged to buy crack from the defendant. A blue grocery bag was found under the front passenger seat. The bag contained baggies of crack cocaine and stamp bags of heroin. The defendant had $1,506 in his possession, $150 of which were prerecorded official funds and the front passenger had $185 in her purse, $20 of which were prerecorded official funds.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for May 27, 2020. The law provides for a maximum total 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Stevenson remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Butler County District Attorney's Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stevenson.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of McKees Rocks, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Tamra Moore, age 35, pleaded guilty to three counts before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that 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 investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Tamra Moore and her co-conspirators distributed cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin in and around the area of the Greenway Projects.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for May 13, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly led the multi-agency investigation, which also included 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, that led to the prosecution of Tamra 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The Indictment named Nathaniel Jackson, 44, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about April 29, 2019, Jackson distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and 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 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 leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of maintaining a drug premises, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Ericka Smith, age 40, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Court Judge David Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on May 10, 2018, when parole agents went to the home of Ericka Smith, the lessee of the residence, and parolee Donte Taylor for a routine visit, they smelled marijuana. Taylor tested positive for marijuana and cocaine. Smith appeared to be extremely nervous. Police responded and Smith advised that there was a small amount of marijuana in the house and gave consent to search. Officers recovered crack cocaine, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and marijuana. They also recovered $14,466.00 in a safe, scales and other drug packaging materials. While speaking with agents, Smith stated that she would take the charges because Taylor needed to be home with the kids. She also inquired about what penalty she would face if she said the drugs recovered belonged to her.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for May 21, 2020. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Smith remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the City of Duquesne Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smith.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to one count each of conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program and health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Keith Scoggins, 54, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

During his plea hearing, Scoggins admitted that between 2011 and 2017 he was an employee of Moriarty Consultants, Inc. (MCI), one of four related entities operating in the home health care industry. The other three entities were Activity Daily Living Services, Inc. (ADL), Coordination Care, Inc. (CCI), and Everyday People Staffing, Inc. (EPS). MCI, ADL, and CCI were approved under the Pennsylvania Medicaid program to offer certain services to qualifying Medicaid recipients ("consumers"), including personal assistance services (PAS), service coordination, and non-medical transportation, among other services. Between in and around January 2011 and in and around April 2017, MCI, ADL, and CCI, collectively, received more than $87,000,000 in Medicaid payments based on claims submitted for these services, with PAS payments accounting for more than $80,000,000 of the total amount.

During that time, Scoggins, who was employed in a supervisory position as PAS Director, admitted that he participated in a wide-ranging conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program for the purpose of obtaining millions of dollars in illegal Medicaid payments through the submission of fraudulent claims for services that were never provided to the consumers identified on the claims, or for which there was insufficient or fabricated documentation to support the claims. As part of the conspiracy, Scoggins admitted that he fabricated timesheets to reflect the provision of in-home PAS care that, in fact, he never provided to the consumer identified on the timesheets. Scoggins further admitted that he caused the submission of Medicaid claims in the name of a "ghost" employee—a close relative—for PAS care that was never provided to the consumer specified on the claims. Likewise, Scoggins admitted that he paid kickbacks to a consumer, totaling approximately $160 every two weeks, in exchange for the consumer’s cooperation in the fraudulent billing scheme. In total, Scoggins admitted causing losses to the Pennsylvania Medicaid program in excess of $100,000.

Judge Bissoon scheduled Scoggins’s sentencing for 2:15 p.m. on May 5, 2020.

The conspiracy and health care fraud charges each carry a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

To date, a total of sixteen defendants have been charged in connection with this investigation. Scoggins is the ninth defendant to enter a guilty plea. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Assistant United States Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Edward Song are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation of the defendants.