Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Penn Hills Man Sentenced to More than 5 Years in Prison for Firearms Offenses Related to West End Drug InvestigationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Penn Hills, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 68 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton imposed the sentence on Jaamiyl Dean, age 43.
According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. Jaamiyl Dean was intercepted over the wiretap discussing drug transactions. When agents executed a search warrant at Dean’s home and on his vehicle on June 20, 2018, they recovered, among other things, two firearms, several rounds of ammunition, drug packaging materials, and over $64,000 in cash. Dean has previously been convicted of a felony offense, and was prohibited from possessing the firearms and ammunition.
Prior to imposing sentence, Senior Judge Walton stated that a sentence within the advisory Sentencing Guideline range was appropriate in this case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne M. Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, who 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, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dean.
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.
Woman Sentenced to Probation for Helping Her Bank Robbing Son Evade Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a two-year term of probation on her conviction of assisting her bank robber son evade law enforcement, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Melissa Kane, age 48.
According to information presented to the court, Kane knew that her son, Brent Richards, robbed the Citizens Bank located at 31 Foster Avenue in Pittsburgh, at gun point, on January 8, 2018. Following the armed bank robber, Kane assisted Richards evade law enforcement by allowing him to stay at her residence, disposing of the clothing worn by Richards and the BB gun that he used, and later denying any knowledge of or involvement in the bank robbery, when interviewed by law enforcement. The Court was further informed that Kane was engaged in a physical altercation with Richard’s former girlfriend, who Kane believed would tell law enforcement that Richards had robbed the bank.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Crafton Borough Police Department, the Allegheny County Sherriff’s Office, and the West Mifflin Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kane.
Washington, DC Man Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Washington, DC, has been sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh to 24 months’ incarceration, one year supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $307,692.51 on his conviction of aiding in the filing of false tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady, announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Jaason J. Weatherly.
According to the information presented to the court, Weatherly, filed false tax returns in 2012 and 2013 for other persons which contained false W-2 forms, income and withholding information.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Attorney commended the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation for the successful investigation that led to the prosecution of Jaason J. Weatherly.
Scottsdale, Arizona Man Sentenced to Prison for Selling Illegally Imported and Misbranded Rx Drugs to Western PA ConsumersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, has been sentenced in federal court to 32 months' imprisonment and two years of supervised release on his conviction of mail fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Keith Komar, age 62.
According to information presented to the court, Komar participated in a fraud scheme that involved the illegal importation of prescription drugs and the illegal sale of those drugs to consumers in the United States. The importation and sale of prescription medication is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Federal laws and regulations require that certain drugs, particularly dangerous drugs, contain certain warnings and only be administered under a doctor's care pursuant to a doctor's prescription. A drug is considered "misbranded" if, for example, the drug is sold without a prescription, if it fails to include the approved warnings, if the drug was not approved by the FDA, or if the drug is manufactured in a facility not approved by the FDA.
Through various websites, Komar advertised for sale to consumers in the United States various dangerous drugs that were sold without a prescription, were not administrated under the care of a doctor, did not provide the appropriate warnings, and were not manufactured in facilities approved by the FDA. The website included a numerous misrepresentations about the drugs and the companies involved in the fraud to make it falsely appear that the sale of these drugs was legitimate and safe. Some of these misbranded drugs were sent through the Postal Service to consumers, including consumers in the Western District of Pennsylvania, directly from India as arranged by Komar.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police and United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Komar.
Pittsburgh Man on Bond for State Drug Offenses Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Malik Martinez was sentenced to 72 months in prison for committing heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Martinez, age 22 of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Judge Schwab also sentenced Martinez to serve three years of supervised release after his prison term. Martinez was on bond in Pennsylvania state court for a prior drug trafficking crime when he committed the heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine trafficking and firearm crimes that led to his federal indictment, convictions, and sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the convictions and sentence in this case. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Miami, FL Man Pleads Guilty in Large-Scale Cocaine Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Miami, FL pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiring to distribute kilograms of cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Sebastian Velasquez, age 29, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from October 2017 through July 2018, Velasquez and his co-conspirators conspired to distribute between 50 to 150 kilograms of cocaine in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Velasquez’s co-conspirators obtained the supply of cocaine and physically transported kilograms of cocaine via bus from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh roughly twice a month for the nine-month period. In connection with this investigation, the United States seized nearly $8,000,000 in cash and other assets; 42 kilograms of cocaine; 12 kilograms of fentanyl; three kilograms of heroin; and 121 grams of oxycodone.
Velasquez’s co-defendants,Moussa Jabateh and Danny Jackson, both plead guilty in October and are awaiting sentencing.
Senior Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for on March 19, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,00, 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.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Mark V. Gurzo are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, which includes the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Wilkinsburg Police Department, and the Allegheny County Adult Probation Office, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Velasquez
Jury Finds Chronic Felon Guilty of Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - After deliberating one hour, a federal jury of five men and seven women found Frederick H. Banks guilty of five counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Frederick H. Banks, 52, was tried before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to Assistant United States Attorneys Shaun E. Sweeney and Christopher M. Cook, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Banks attempted to defraud Forex, a retail foreign exchange company of at least $264,000 in the scheme. The evidence at trial established that, during a four-week period in 2013, Banks submitted false and fraudulent account applications to Forex in an effort to use those money to kite funds from Forex to Banks’ pre-existing personal bank accounts. As part of the scheme, Banks used the identity information of a former friend in an effort to fraudulently open a Forex account.
Judge Hornak has not yet scheduled the sentencing for Banks. The law provides for a total sentence of 22 years in prison, including a mandatory minimum two years in prison for the identity theft conviction, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, Banks will remain in custody. Banks has multiple prior felony convictions.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Frederick H. Banks.
Braddock Felon and SCO Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Braddock, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jaymare Jackson, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior 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. Jaymare Jackson, and other individuals, were identified as members of a neighborhood-based street gang, self-titled "SCO", which illegally distributed controlled substances in the Greater Pittsburgh region. In January of 2019, investigators obtained authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through May of 2019. During that time period, intercepted communications confirmed that Mr. Jackson was conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances. The court accepted Jackson’s guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, and conspiracy to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, commonly known as crack, a Schedule II controlled substance, between August 2018 and May 2019.
The Court was also advised that on June 12, 2019, Jackson illegally possessed two firearms as well as items used to package and distribute controlled substances. Jackson acknowledged that he knew, at that time, that he could not possess the firearms after having been previously convicted of carrying a firearm without a license. Federal law prohibits anyone who has previously been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for April 1, 2020 at 10:00 AM. The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than five and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States 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 Felon Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The four-count Superseding Indictment named Derrick Jones, age 34, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment, from on or about July 1, 2017, to on or about July 21, 2017, Derrick Jones maintained a drug involved premises. On July 21, 2017, Jones is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Jones is a convicted felon and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life, a fine of up to $3,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand 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.
Former Station Square Club Owner and Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Prison Time for Repeat Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment and six years of supervised released on one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Honorable Joy Flowers Conti sentenced Vernon Jackson, 50, after his guilty plea in May of this year. Jackson’s supervised release violation for committing this offense while on federal supervised release is still pending and will be determined at a later date.
According to information provided to the court, on or about March 8, 2018, detectives from the City of Pittsburgh Police Narcotics and Vice Unit executed a search warrant at Vernon Jackson’s residence in Brookline. Jackson was the only occupant at the home at the time of the search. Detectives recovered multiple bags of cocaine, two digital scales, and drug packaging material from the kitchen of the home. Jackson, the former owner of Chauncy’s in Station Square, was on federal supervised release at the time of the execution of the search warrant for a prior federal conviction. Jackson was originally sentenced to 151 months on that offense but his sentence was reduced resulting in his early release.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jackson. The task force is headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is comprised of members drawn from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Former Ridgway Resident Receives 23 years in Jail for Producing Child Pornography Involving Two Minor VictimsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Ridgway, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 23 years in jail, lifetime supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,396 on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on Jesse Porter, 42.
According to information presented to the court, Porter took sexually explicit photos and video of two minor victims. One victim was three years of age when Porter recorded himself sexually abusing her. The other victim was 15 when Porter took sexually explicit surreptitious video of her.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Baxter stated that the defendant’s acts were horrific.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Ridgway Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Porter.
Former Controller of Export, PA Company Stole Nearly $200K and Falsified Financial Statements to Conceal the FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Plum Boro resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Victoria Mazur, 52, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Donetta Ambrose.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Mazur was employed as a Controller for Gateway Packaging Corporation, which was located in Export, PA. From December 2012 until December 2017, she issued herself and her husband a total of approximately 189 fraudulent credit card refunds through the company’s point of sale terminal. The total loss from the fraudulent refunds was $190,829.01. The Court also was advised that Mazur fraudulently used the company’s credit cards for personal use for an additional loss of approximately $4,200.00. In order to conceal her fraud, Mazur supplied the owners with false financial statements that understated the company’s true sales figures.
Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for March 24, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison for the wire fraud conviction The law also provides for a fine of $250,000.00. 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 permitted Mazur to remain out of prison on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mazur.
Jamaican Pleads Guilty in Drug Trafficking Scheme that Used U.S. Mail to Ship Cocaine from California to Western PARead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Jamaican citizen pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Robert Forbes, also known as "Daniel Kirkpatrick" and "Joe", age 45, Pomona, California, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Forbes conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance from April 2017 through April 2019. The conspiracy involved the shipment of cocaine from California using the United States Mail to various cities throughout the United States, including New Castle, Pennsylvania. The conspiracy also involved the shipment of cash, also through the United States Mail, from the recipients of the cocaine to the suppliers of cocaine. Many of the cocaine distributors were, like Forbes, originally from Jamaica. Forbes is not a United States citizen and will likely face deportation after he serves his sentence.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for February 25, 2020. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Marnie Sheehan-Balchon are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Forbes. The task force is headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is comprised of members drawn from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Borough of Baldwin Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises. In this case, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force and the New Castle Police Department also participated in the investigation.
Former Uniontown Resident Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding his Employer, Tax Evasion, and Failing to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of two years and three months (27 months) to be followed by two years of supervised release on his conviction for mail fraud, tax evasion, and willful failure to file income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Eugene Traficante, age 44, now of Weirton, West Virginia.
Previously, in connection with Traficante’s guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2006, Traficante was hired to perform billing and bookkeeping work for a commercial refrigeration repair and maintenance business located in Steubenville, Ohio. As part of his duties, Traficante had access to a post office box where the business received payments from customers through the United States mail. In May 2006, Traficante opened a bank account and began depositing into the account checks that he removed from the company’s post office box without authorization. Traficante withdrew fraudulently obtained monies from the account for his own personal benefit. Traficante stole or diverted approximately 168 checks totaling $345,552.59. Additionally, from around January 2011 through April 15, 2012, Traficante willfully attempted to evade income tax due and owing by him to the United States for the 2011 calendar year. Traficante also willfully failed to file income tax returns following the close of the 2012 and 2013 calendar years despite being required by law to do so.
Assistant United States Attorneys James R.Wilson and David Lew prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Traficante.
Former PA Man Sentenced for Importing Fentanyl and Illegally Possessing Firearms while Unlawfully Using a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Donora, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to fourmonths incarceration, followed by three years of supervised release, the first sixmonths of which will be home detention, on his conviction of violating a federal narcotics law and federal firearm law, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Christian B. Drennan, 28, now currently residing in St. Clairsville, Ohio.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around April 2018 and continuing until September 6, 2018, Drennan, an opioid addict, conspired to import less than 40 grams of fentanyl, a controlled substance, from China for his personal use and possessed firearms while an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Pennsylvania State Police as part of the Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement (J-CODE) initiative for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Drennan.
Bridgeville Woman Admits Guilt in Wiretap Investigation into Crack and Cocaine Trafficking in Pittsburgh’s West EndRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Bridgeville, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Brianne Dean, 31, pleaded guilty to two 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 wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Dean and her co-conspirators distributed 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and 500 grams or more of powder cocaine in and around the area of the Greenway Projects.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for March 31, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 5 years and up to life 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 of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne M. 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 Dean.
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.
Ross Twp. Man Illegally Used the Internet and His Cell Phone in an Attempt to Meet a 14-Year-Old Boy for SexRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Ross Township, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Thomas Perry Stultz, age 37, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from February 6, 2019 until on or about April 5, 2019, Stultz used a facility or means of interstate commerce, specifically the Internet and over a cellular phone network, to communicate with an undercover agent, believing the agent to be a minor, to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice and coerce the purported minor to engage in illegal sexual activity with him. Stultz believed the undercover agent to be a 14-year-old boy and, through his Internet and text communications, attempted to persuade the minor to meet him to engage in illegal sexual activity. Stultz made several arrangements to meet with the purported minor that fell through. Each time, Stultz reinitiated contact with the undercover agent. During one conversation, Stultz reassured the purported minor, texting: "This isn’t pretend at all. I’m actually very interested in meeting you." On April 5, 2019, through text messages, Stultz made plans to meet with the purported minor. The plan was to go back to Stultz’s residence to engage in sexual activity. Law enforcement arrested Stultz as he arrived at the predetermined meeting location.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for March 30, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court revoked defendant’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stultz.
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.
McKees Rocks Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Dennis Cercone was sentenced to four years and nine months (57 months) in prison for possessing a firearm after prior felony convictions, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Cercone, age 33, of McKees Rocks, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Cercone was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. The sentence was a result of Cercone’s arrest on October 13, 2018, by the McKees Rocks Police Department after he possessed and discharged a pistol inside a house in McKees Rocks. Cercone had prior state and federal gun and cocaine distribution felony convictions.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The McKees Rocks Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Houston, PA Felon who Possessed Fentanyl, Cocaine and Loaded Pistols Will Spend More than 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Houston Borough, Washington County (Pennsylvania), has been sentenced in federal court to more than 10 years and 10 months (130 months) in prison on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Vashaun Lasalle Wright, age 30, on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine; possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon; and possession of firearms in furtherance of the charged drug trafficking crimes.
According to information presented to the Court, in March of 2018, investigators with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force made a series of controlled purchases of fentanyl from Wright and an alleged coconspirator. Thereafter, investigators executed a search warrant at their residence on Main Street in Houston Borough where agents seized approximately 50 grams of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance (which was packaged for distribution), several ounces of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance (which was packaged for distribution), approximately $24,000 in U.S. Currency, fentanyl packaging materials, and three loaded pistols. Wright, a convicted felon, was prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to his prior felony convictions from Washington County, Pennsylvania, involving his unlicensed possession of concealed firearms in 2008 and 2011.
The Court further ordered that the defendant’s federal sentence is to run consecutively to his June 27, 2019 sentence from the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania), where Wright was sentenced to serve not less than 2 ½ to not more than 5 years of imprisonment in a state correctional facility for violating Pennsylvania’s firearms and narcotics laws. The Court further ordered that Wright be placed on a term of supervised release for four years following his release from incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
This case was prosecuted as part of Operation S.O.S. (Synthetic Opioid Surge), a Department of Justice enforcement initiative designed to dismantle deadly fentanyl distribution networks through cooperation with local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local and state prosecutors. The Western District of Pennsylvania as one of 10 districts from across the country to implement the S.O.S. program.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Wright.
Erie Woman Gets Time Served for Drug Law ViolationRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to time served and 12 months home detention on her conviction of violating federal drugs laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Chardonna Lasha Goudy, 24.
According to information presented to the court, the FBI’s Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE), Safe Streets task force conducted an investigation into the drug dealing and violent crime activity of members of a local gang identifying itself as "1800". The court was advised that court authorized intercepts of telephone communications between members of the group and others revealed Goudy was using a cellular telephone in the commission of the drug conspiracy.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the EAGLE task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and the Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Goudy.
Erie '1800' Gang Member Sentenced to Prison for Selling Crack and Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 6 years and 8 months (80 months) in jail on his conviction of violating federal drug and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Ravone Robert Deberry, 26.
According to information presented to the court, the FBI’s Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE), Safe Streets task force conducted an investigation into the drug dealing and violent crime activity of members of a local gang identifying itself as "1800". The court was advised that court authorized intercepts of telephone communications between members of the group and others revealed Deberry selling crack cocaine in the Erie area. Deberry pleaded guilty to conspiring with his co-defendants to possess with intent to distribute and distribute the crack cocaine. In a separate case, Deberry possessed a Smith & Wesson, model SW9F, 9mm handgun while being a convicted felon. According to information provided in court, Deberry used that handgun to shoot at rival gang members and the shooting incident was captured in the authorized intercepts of Deberry’s communications.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the EAGLE task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and the Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Deberry.
U.S. Attorney Brady Announces Record Number of Prosecutions for Western District of PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - Scott W. Brady, United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, today announced that the number of cases being prosecuted by the district reached an all-time record high in FY 2019.
From October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019, the office filed cases against 665 defendants, an increase of 46% versus 2016. The total number of drug defendants prosecuted reached 309, an 83% increase over 2016. The total number firearms defendants prosecuted was 125, a 19% increase versus 2016. All numbers represent the most defendants prosecuted in any one year in the history of the Western District of Pennsylvania.
"I have made reducing violent crime and attacking the opioid epidemic two of the top priorities for our office, and our efforts are clearly showing results," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "The increase in prosecutions of our district’s most violent offenders and drug traffickers, including those who wear lab coats, is having a direct and positive effect on the declining amount of reported firearms-related violence and deadly opioid overdoses."
According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, in western Pennsylvania, the 2018 statistics show that firearms-related violence (murders, robberies and assaults committed with a firearm) fell 19% for the 25 counties comprising the Western District of Pennsylvania versus 2017, including a 25% reduction in Allegheny County, a 10% reduction in Erie County, a 39% reduction in Washington County and a 14% reduction in Westmoreland County. Firearms-related violent crime fell 32% in the City of Pittsburgh.
A dramatic decrease in overdose deaths in western Pennsylvania also occurred in 2018. According to data reported by OverdoseFreePA, opioid overdose deaths decreased 37% throughout the 25 counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania versus 2017. This includes significant decreases in the counties most impacted by the crisis, including 50% in Beaver and Butler Counties, 47% in Fayette County, 41% in Allegheny County, 37% in Westmoreland County, 35% in Erie County, 30% in Cambria County, and 23% in Washington County.
DuBois, PA Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of DuBois, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges violating child pornography laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Darren J. Salgado, 34, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on October 17, 2016, Salgado knowingly distributed pictures and/or videos in an individual computer graphic file depicting a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further, on June 28, 2017, Salgado possessed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Apr. 2, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Salgado.
Ellwood City Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years (180 months) in prison and six years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Taurean Potter, age 34, of Ellwood City Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court during his trial, Potter sold cocaine out of Ellwood City bars in 2017 and 2018, and he sold cocaine to other cocaine dealers who would further distribute the cocaine. In addition, on October 14, 2017, Potter sold cocaine to an undercover narcotics agents with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway and Yvonne M. Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Potter.
Detroit Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Selling Carfentanil that Caused 2 Beaver County Residents to Overdose, One FatallyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH -A Michigan resident has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years’ imprisonment on his conviction of distribution of carfentanil, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Reginald Davis, age 32, of Detroit, MI.
According to information presented to the court, on December 17, 2016, Davis distributed carfentanil, which the victims believed to be heroin, which caused the overdose death of victim B.L., a Beaver County resident, and caused the non-fatal overdose of victim K.S., also a Beaver County resident, who was later revived with Narcan. Davis also sold carfentanil in a controlled drug buy conducted by the New Brighton Area Police Department the same day and possessed additional quantities of carfentanil which he intended to distribute.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which itself is 50 times more potent than heroin. Carfentanil is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act and is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals.
In addition to the sentence of imprisonment, Judge Fischer ordered the defendant to pay restitution in the amount of $3,775.60 to the family of victim B.L.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Timothy Lanni prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the DEA and the New Brighton Area Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Davis.
Opioid Treatment Practice Owner Sentenced for Illegal Distribution of Buprenorphine and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Washington, PA, was sentenced in federal court to three years of probation, with 90 days of home detention, 100 hours of community service, and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and $80,000 in restitution on charges of aiding and abetting the unlawful distribution of controlled substances and health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jennifer Hess, 50, was sentenced by Senior or Chief United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Hess founded and owned Redirections Treatment Advocates LLC (RTA), an opioid treatment practice with offices in Washington and Bridgeville, PA and Morgantown, Weirton and Moundsville, West Virginia. Hess aided and abetted the illegal distribution of buprenorphine, also known as Subutex and Suboxone, by completing blank pre-signed prescriptions and/or forging doctors’ names on blank prescriptions. Hess also committed health care fraud for causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicaid and Medicare for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed buprenorphine.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar and Michael L. Ivory are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic.
The agencies which comprise the Western Pennsylvania OFADU include: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.
Beaver Falls Drug Dealer Sentenced to 12½ Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 150 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Anthony Taylor, age 35.
According to information presented to the court, from 2016 to August 30, 2017 Taylor participated in a conspiracy to distribute substantial quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, mainly in the Beaver Falls area. On August 3, 2017, Taylor sold fentanyl to a confidential informant. On August 30, 2017, agents from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, from the Beaver Falls Police Department, and law enforcement officers from other law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at Taylor’s home. During that search, law enforcement seized more than 40 grams of fentanyl, approximately 10 grams of cocaine, adulterants, packaging material, a digital scale, more than $10,000 in cash, and cellular telephones.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway and Lee J. Karl prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, in conjunction with the Beaver Falls Police Department, the New Brighton Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Taylor.
19 Charged in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Eighteen residents of Pittsburgh or the surrounding area and a Philadelphia man have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The indictment follows an eight-month wiretap investigation into heroin trafficking from Philadelphia to the Pittsburgh-area for further distribution.
The one-count Indictment, returned on October 22 and unsealed yesterday, named:
Trevon Kendrick, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Sean McHenry, 38, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Carlos Regalado, 37, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
Joseph McHenry, 38, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania;
Donald Lyles, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Geron Anderson, 24, currently incarcerated;
Alaric Craig, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Andrew Carswell, 28, of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania;
William Patterson, 44, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania;
Doron McCarthy, 28, currently incarcerated;
Jorge Rivera-Gonzalez, 40, of Pitcairn, Pennsylvania;
Lonnie Vixman, 45, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Corey Barlow, 22, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Brian Scritchfield, 30, no valid address;
Michael Skarada, 38, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Leigh Fiumara, 43, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Chastity Buchko, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Jennifer Blumling, 32, of Pitcairn, Pennsylvania; and
John Vennare, 44, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as defendants.
According to the Indictment, from in and around January of 2018, and continuing thereafter to in and around October 2019, the defendants conspired with each other to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000 or both. 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 Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The task force is headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is comprised of members drawn from Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. 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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Man Charged with Drug Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Montay Clancy, 23, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on October 3, 2019, Clancy was found to be in possession of at least 500 grams of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and a mixture containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least three years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
North Carolina Woman Sentenced for Role in Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of North Carolina has been sentenced in federal court to one day of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release on her conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Joelle Hollis, age 31, of North Carolina.
According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Joelle Hollis conspired, with her boyfriend, Jewell Hall, among others, to distribute cocaine, primarily in and around the Greenway Projects. Hollis also obtained sensitive law enforcement information from a friend who worked in the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office and used the information to attempt to protect the conspiracy from detection by law enforcement.
Prior to imposing sentence, Senior Judge Schwab stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne M. Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Robinson Township Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hollis.
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.
Ex-Doctor Sentenced to More Than 11 Years’ Imprisonment for His Role in Illegal Oxycodone Prescribing, Health Care Fraud, and Money Laundering Scheme and for Committing Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former Pennsylvania-licensed physician has been sentenced in federal court to a total of 11 years and four months (136 months) in prison on his conviction for conspiracy to illegally distribute oxycodone, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
On October 28, 2019, Chief Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Paul Michael Hoover, age 59, formerly of Novato, California. Judge Hornak further ordered Hoover to pay restitution to Medicare, Medicaid, and the Social Security Administration totaling $406,760.75, and to forfeit assets totaling approximately $1.2 million in U.S. currency, gold, silver, and real property.
"We are attacking the opioid crisis from every direction and with every tool that we have," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "The message sent by this sentence should be loud and clear: drug dealers will face the justice and do the time they deserve – in the case of Dr. Hoover, the next 11 years."
According to information presented to the court, from March 26, 2015 to June 22, 2018, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Hoover and his co-defendant conspired to illegally distribute oxycodone, commit health care fraud, and launder drug proceeds. Approximately every three months, Hoover and his co-defendant traveled from California to operate a pill mill in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania for one or two days, during which time, Hoover wrote individuals illegitimate oxycodone prescriptions for cash. While back in California, Hoover received money orders for oxycodone prescriptions from individuals residing in the Pittsburgh area, and after receiving payment, mailed the illegitimate prescriptions to the individuals. Hoover also conspired with his co-defendant to commit health care fraud by signing preauthorization forms and submitting the forms to Medicare and Medicaid health plans, which then paid for the cost of the illegitimate prescriptions. Hoover further conspired with his co-defendant to launder the proceeds from their drug distribution operation. Finally, from approximately May 2012 to August 2018, Hoover falsely represented to the Social Security Administration that he was unable to work and was not working due to his disability when in reality, Hoover could have worked as a legitimate physician. Instead, Hoover falsely represented that he was incapable of working, collected Social Security benefits, and then used his status as a physician to earn money by illegally prescribing oxycodone.
"Dr. Hoover was once a trusted physician who took an oath to care for patients and provide them with proper medical care," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. "At some point during his career, greed took over. The FBI will not allow these doctors to peddle opioids for profit. That makes them drug dealers and we will use all our resources to put them out of business and in jail."
"Dr. Hoover was a criminal in a lab coat who contributed to the drug problem in the Pittsburgh area," said Paris S. Pratt, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Pittsburgh District Office. "Doctors that seek to betray their professional oath and engage in this type of illegal activity will be subject to both criminal charges and significant civil penalties."
"Physicians should be part of the solution to the opioid crisis, not part of the problem," said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of HHS-OIG. "We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to bring criminals -- including corrupt physicians -- to justice."
"IRS-Criminal Investigation is committed to lending our financial expertise and working with our law enforcement partners to help put an end to the opioid epidemic," said Guy Ficco, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation. "The sentencing of Dr. Hoover will hopefully be a deterrent to any other practitioners who may be considering carrying out similar conduct."
"The defendant abused his position as a doctor to pump dangerous opioids into our communities and defraud our health care and social security systems," said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. "I’m proud to have assisted our law enforcement partners in putting an end to this scheme and ensuring that he spends significant time behind bars for his crimes."
The case against co-defendant Marci Ramsier Arthurs is pending.
Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Rachael L. Mamula prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
U.S. Attorney Brady commended the work by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Narcotics, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, which conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hoover.
The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases were conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, which combines personnel and resources from the following agencies to combat the growing prescription opioid epidemic: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division, and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.
3 Pennsylvania Residents Indicted on Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Three Pennsylvania residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The 11-count Superseding Indictment named Mark Carter, age 33, formerly of Butler, Pennsylvania, Brandon Morris, aka Bopp, age 34, of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and Janell Hunter, age 23, of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, as defendants.
According to the Superseding Indictment, on dates from January 2016 to June 2016, defendant Morris possessed with intent to distribute heroin, crack cocaine and fentanyl, and conspired with defendant Carter to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin. The Superseding Indictment also alleges that Morris, a former felon was in possession of a firearm.
The Superseding Indictment further alleges that on dates from June to July 2016, defendant Carter possessed with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine and conspired with defendant, Hunter to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin. The Superseding Indictment asserts that the amount of crack cocaine attributable to defendants Morris and Carter is 28 grams or more.
For Morris and Carter, 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. For Hunter, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A Superseding Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Greensburg Physician Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution, Health Care Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Greensburg physician pleaded guilty in federal to three counts of distribution of buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance, outside the usual course of professional practice; one count of health care fraud; and one count of money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Nabil Jabbour, 68, a physician who previously operated an addiction-medicine practice out of offices in Greensburg and Connellsville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
During his plea hearing, Jabbour admitted that on three occasions between July 2016 and December 2016 he unlawfully prescribed buprenorphine to undercover law enforcement officers. Buprenorphine is commonly used in the treatment of patients suffering from opioid addiction, and it is sold under the trade names Suboxone, Subutex, or Zubsolv. As Jabbour acknowledged, none of the undercover officers to whom he prescribed buprenorphine suffered from opioid use disorder. Jabbour further admitted that he did not accept insurance from his patients, requiring instead that they pay him in cash—typically $100 for an initial office visit and $80 for each subsequent visit. Although Jabbour did not accept insurance, he admitted that he caused Medicare and Medicaid, two government-funded health benefit programs, to cover the costs of fraudulent buprenorphine prescriptions that he wrote for his patients. Finally, Jabbour pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering based on a transaction he initiated at the Meadows Casino in July 2016 involving $13,960 in cash derived from his unlawful distribution of buprenorphine.
Pursuant to a written plea agreement, the defendant also accepted responsibility for unlawfully distributing buprenorphine on fourteen additional occasions, maintaining his office locations in Greensburg and Connellsville as drug-involved premises, and laundering cash from his buprenorphine practice, in the form of cash transactions exceeding $10,000, at the Meadows Casino during four additional trips to the casino. The defendant also agreed that he was responsible for between 10,000 and 20,000 doses of unlawful buprenorphine prescriptions, and that he caused losses to Medicare and Medicaid of up to $40,000.
Sentencing has been set for March 2, 2020, at 10 a.m.
Jabbour faces a maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of $500,000 for each distribution count, a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for the health care fraud charge, and a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for the money laundering charge. 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 Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation leading to the filing of charges in this case was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, which combines personnel and resources from multiple federal and state agencies to combat the growing prescription opioid epidemic, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. The Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Narcotics Unit, Greensburg City Police, South Greensburg Police, and Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office also provided assistance during the investigation and prosecution of Jabbour.
Former Pittsburgh Man Pleads in Conspiracy to Traffic Heroin, Fentanyl and Fentanyl AnalogRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has pleaded guilty to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Daniel Espy, age 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, furanyl fentanyl, and fentanyl, and possession with the intent to distribute heroin before United States District Judge Marilyn S. Horan. Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for February 18, 2020. The defendant was detained after his initial appearance in federal court and will remain detained pending sentencing.
According to information presented to the court, from November 2016 to April 2017, Espy conspired with other individuals to acquire heroin to distribute in Allegheny County. On March 3, 2017, during an investigation by City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics and Vice Division and the DEA, investigators stopped Espy in a car in which a mixture of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues was recovered. On April 4, 2017, investigators recovered a large amount of heroin from a stash location used by Espy and other co-conspirators in the City of Pittsburgh. Laboratory testing revealed that the packaging for that heroin contained Espy’s fingerprints.
Espy faces a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of not more than $2,000,000, 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 Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police – Narcotics and Vice Division, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the plea in this case.
Former Monessen School Bus Driver Pleads Guilty to Possessing Videos Showing the Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Monessen, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jack Brian LaForte, age 55, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the investigation into LaForte began when Homeland Security Investigations received information about an upload of a child pornographic material from an IP address that resolved to LaForte’s Monessen residence. On or about June 14, 2019, law enforcement seized various electronics during the execution of a search warrant at the residence, including a laptop computer. A forensic review the laptop revealed videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, including of prepubescent minors who had not attained 12 years of age. The videos discovered by law enforcement included depictions of the lewd and lascivious display of the minors’ genitals; the penetration of minors by adults; and minors engaging in oral sex with adults.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for March 17, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued defendant on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of LaForte.
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.
Former City of Pittsburgh Police Officer Sentenced for Making False Statements to Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former City of Pittsburgh Police Officer and resident of Allegheny County was sentenced in federal court to one year of probation with 90 days of home detention for his conviction on two counts of making false statements to government agents, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Antoine Cain, age 50. According to information presented to the Court, Mr. Cain, who was a 25-year veteran police officer for the City of Pittsburgh at the time, provided false information on two occasions to federal agents in the course of a federal investigation into an armed bank robbery that occurred in January of 2018 at the Citizens Bank in Crafton, PA.
Despite knowing the identity of the individual who had robbed the bank – that is, Brent Richards, who is the son of Melissa Kane, the woman with whom Mr. Cain was in a relationship – on two separate occasions in July of 2018, when questioned by federal agents, Cain denied knowing who had robbed the bank. It was not until he was confronted a third time by federal agents, in September of 2018, and informed by those agents that they had information that he did know the identity of the bank robber, that Cain admitted that he knew Brent Richards had robbed the bank and failed to tell federal agents on the two previous occasions that he had spoken with them. Specifically, Cain admitted that Brent Richards told him that he had "hit" a bank, which Cain understood to mean that Brent Richards had committed a bank robbery, and Melissa Kane told him that Brent Richards had robbed the Citizens Bank, wearing a mask and using a bb gun and that Brent Richards had been covered up so law enforcement could not prove that it was Brent Richards who had robbed the bank.
Both Ms. Kane and Mr. Richards have plead guilty in federal court in their respective cases and are awaiting sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Eric G. Olshan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Antoine Cain.
Drug Felon on Federal Supervised Release Will Spend 3+ Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing and Handgun and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years and one month (37 months) in prison and three years supervised release on his conviction of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Kedren Broadus, age 36, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on or about November 13, 2017, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officers pulled over a vehicle in which Broadus was a passenger. Broadus is individual with a prior felony conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, and he was on federal supervised release at the time of this offense. At the traffic stop, Broadus fled on foot, and he dropped a.40 caliber Glock 23 handgun during the chase. When the police eventually apprehended Broadus, he had additional ammunition in the backpack he was carrying. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Broadus. This case was prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.
Felon with Violent History Admits Illegally Possessing Gun Used by Child, 3, to Accidentally Shoot HerselfRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Paul Anthony Parrish, 43, 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 the investigation into Parrish’s illegal possession of a firearm began on March 12, 2017 when a three-year-old child was brought to Allegheny General Hospital, by private means, with a gunshot wound to her chest. The child died from the gunshot wound soon after. Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers and detectives ultimately determined that Parrish’s residence on Mount Washington was the likely crime scene. In the residence, they found Parrish watching TV on the living room couch, and he directed officers to the second floor, where they observed blood stains and recovered a Ruger, model SR9 pistol. The investigation revealed that the victim had likely found the firearm and accidentally shot herself, and that Parrish had had possession and control of that firearm for three months leading up to the child’s death. At the time, Parrish had received four separate prior convictions for felony offenses that prohibited him from possessing a firearm: voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and fleeing and attempting to elude police.
Chief Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for February 13, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Court ordered the defendant detained pending the Court’s decision on filings by the parties.
Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Ross E. Lenhardt are 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 that led to the prosecution of Parrish.
Pittsburgh Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to serve 12 years’ imprisonment on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Thomas Poole, age 54, formerly of Pittsburgh, on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
According to information presented to the Court, in 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation primarily targeting cocaine trafficking in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around August 2016, to on or about November 30, 2017, Poole conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 15 kilograms but less than 50 kilograms of cocaine. The Court was further advised that on November 30, 2017, investigators seized large sums of U.S. Currency and approximately six kilograms of cocaine from residences associated with the defendant.
The Court further ordered that following Poole’s release from incarceration, he be placed on a term of supervised release for a period of five years, and that certain property be forfeited to the United States, including more than $120,000 in U.S. Currency that was recovered by the Drug Enforcement Administration during this investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome A. Moschetta and Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Poole.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.
McClellandtown, PA Man Charged with Possessing IEDsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa – A resident of Fayette County, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on October 15 and unsealed yesterday, named Nathanael Varney, age 24, of McClellandtown, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about August 15, 2019, Varney possessed an unregistered firearm, specifically four improvised explosive devices.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $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.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Czarnecki is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former North Braddock Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Deadly Heroin/Fentanyl MixRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of North Braddock, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a substance containing heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Demiyr Johnson, 21, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 30, 2016, Johnson distributed a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to an individual who later redistributed the substance to an individual with the initials J.W. J.W. used the substance and died from an overdose. As part of the guilty plea, Johnson accepted responsibility for causing the death.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for February 21, 2020 at 2:30 p.m.
The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Johnson remained detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Johnson.
Bellevue Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to four years’ (48 months’) imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release on his conviction of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Monday on Christopher Morrison, 26, of Bellevue, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on June 20, 2018, Adams Township Police officers seized Morrison’s cellular phone during a narcotics related traffic stop. Upon extracting the contents of the phone, officers observed multiple images of suspected child pornography. The Federal Bureau of Investigation forensically examined the phone, and confirmed that Morrison possessed approximately 700 images and 11 videos that depicted the sexual exploitation of a minor, and multiple screen captures of the defendant browsing child pornography. The court was further informed that some of pornography depicted minors under the age of 12 years, as well as minors who were bound at the ankles with their mouths duct-taped.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Adams Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Morrison.
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.
Apollo, PA Man Conspired to Distribute More than 100 Pounds of Marijuana He Received from a Source in Denver, ColoradoRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Apollo, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiring to distribute more than 50 kilograms of marijuana, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Stephen Michael Lerch, 27, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from May 2018 until October 2, 2018, Lerch received numerous parcels of marijuana and vaping cartridges containing THC from a drug source based in Denver, Colorado. Lerch’s source also delivered bulk amounts of marijuana to locations identified by Lerch in Western Pennsylvania. The conspiracy began to unravel when United States Postal Inspectors searched a parcel Lerch had mailed to his source. The parcel contained $27,500 in United States currency. Afterwards, Postal Inspectors searched the source’s apartment and found large amounts of cash and drug evidence. The Pittsburgh Field Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration was notified of this discovery and initiated an investigation of Lerch. On October 2, 2018, agents and task force officers of the DEA executed a search warrant at Lerch’s residence. The DEA recovered several pounds of marijuana from the residence along with two firearms; a vacuum sealer; a money counter; and $25,161.00 in cash. During the search, the investigators also learned that Lerch maintained accounts at S & T Bank and TD Ameritrade. These contents of these accounts were later seized pursuant to seizure warrants. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Lerch also agreed to the forfeiture of a Subaru Crosstrek and $102,290.79 on the basis that they were obtained from drug trafficking.
Judge scheduled sentencing for March 25, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $$2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court released Lerch on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the West Metro Drug Task Force-Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County, Colorado conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lerch.
AG William Barr Recognizes Department Employees and Others for Their Service at 67th Annual Attorney General AwardsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General William P. Barr recognized 295 department employees, including three from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Pennsylvania, for their distinguished public service today at the 67thAnnual Attorney General’s Awards Ceremony. Sixty-two other individuals outside of the department were also honored for their work. This annual ceremony recognizes employees and other individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements, leadership, and service to the Department of Justice and the American people.
"Our greatest strength in our fight for justice is our people – the thousands of men and women who have dedicated their careers, often at great personal sacrifice, to working for justice in America," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "As we reflect on the contributions of each of the 357 individuals we honor today, we should hold them up as examples of excellence that continue to inspire our own commitment, and also as reminders of the professionalism and the qualities exhibited throughout the Department."
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles A. Eberle IV and Soo C. Song, and Legal Assistant Susan E. Eichhorn, along with personnel from the National Security Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, were recognized for their extraordinary efforts in United States v. Aleksei Sergeyevich Morenets, et al. The investigation involved a criminal hacking operation based out of Moscow and the theft and public dissemination of the records of 250 athletes, including U.S. Olympians. In addition to targeting anti-doping agencies, multiple public and private agencies were targeted in retaliation to the ban of Russian athletes.
"This team skillfully facilitated the cooperation of law enforcement worldwide, which led to the indictment in Pittsburgh of seven Russian military hackers, and the successful shutdown of the websites the defendants used to disseminate the private information," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "The deterrent effect of this investigation and the resulting charges have had global implications."
This year’s program honors individuals across the department and our federal, state, local, and tribal partners for their self-less efforts, protecting our national security and our civil rights, addressing rising violent crime in our communities, going after gangs and those trafficking in dangerous narcotics and human beings. The awards also honor the work of civil and environmental litigation, which enforces the rule of law and upholds our Constitution. They also recognize employees whose ideas and efforts save taxpayer dollars and help our government operate more effectively and efficiently, among other contributions to public safety and good governance.
Pittsburgh Man Charged with Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of receipt and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment named James Franklin Young, age 36, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or before November 14, 2018, through on or about August 28, 2019, Young received material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, and on August 28, 2019, Young knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.
The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not less than five years, and not more than 20 years, 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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.
Federal Jury Convicts Cleveland Man of Stealing Firearms, RobberyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Cleveland, Ohio, was found guilty after a two-day jury trial of offenses related to the burglary of the store of a federally licensed gun dealer and the robbery of a gas station, in Clarion County, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Reginald Patterson, 23, of Cleveland Ohio., was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of firearms from a licensed firearms dealer, theft of firearms from a licensed firearms dealer, possession of stolen firearms, interstate transportation of stolen firearms, conspiracy to commit robbery, and robbery.
Reginald Patterson’s brother, Rayshawn Patterson, pleaded guilty to the same offenses in September 2019. According to information provided to the court, the brothers traveled from Cleveland to rural areas of western Pennsylvania in December 2017 to commit these crimes. On December 22, 2017, they robbed a Fastway gas station convenience store, physically assaulting the lone employee working at the time in the process. The following night, they returned to the area and, with a third coconspirator, used a sledgehammer to smash the front door and glass display cases of DSD Sports in Brookville, PA. They stole 16 firearms from the store, including 14 handguns and two assault rifles, which they transported back to Cleveland.
U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for Reginald Patterson on March 3, 2020. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 75 years in prison and a fine of $1,500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and prior criminal history of the defendant.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Lanni, Brendan Conway, and Doug Maloney.
U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Brookville Police Department, and the City of Cleveland Division of Police for the investigation leading to the prosecution of Reginald Patterson.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Dubois, PA Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Porn Pictures and VideosRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Clearfield County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to the charge of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Matthew Hutzell, 27, of Dubois, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on Oct. 31, 2013, Hutzell knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 25, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney 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 Pennsylvania State Police Computer Crime Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hutzell.
Clearfield County Cousins Sentenced for Stealing Mail from an Apartment BuildingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- Two residents of DuBois, PA, have been sentenced in federal court to time served and one year of supervised release on their convictions of conspiracy to commit mail theft and mail theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on both David E. Moore, 27, and Joshua J. Frantz, 26. Both defendants were in custody pending sentencing. Moore served four months in prison and Frantz served seven months in prison.
According to information presented to the court, from in or around February 2016 through in or around March 2016, cousins, Joshua J. Frantz and David E. Moore, Jr., agreed to and did steal mail from mail receptacles located at an apartment complex at 122 West Washington Avenue, DuBois, PA. The court was further advised that on at least 11 occasions, one or both of the defendants were observed on surveillance video either stealing attempting to steal mail from the mail receptacles. Specifically, on March 7, 2016, Frantz and Moore were both observed by way of surveillance footage around 2:21 AM opening mail receptacles and looking into them for mail. Moore was observed taking mail out of a receptacle and placing it inside of his winter jacket. Both defendants were then observed exiting the building. Based upon the statements by the defendants, investigators learned that it was Frantz’s idea to steal the mail; however, Moore continued to steal mail even after Frantz was in custody for another matter. Over 60 individuals had mail stolen from their receptacles as a result of the mail theft conspiracy.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the DuBois Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Moore and Frantz.
Somerset County Woman Stole $164K in Social Security Payments Meant for Her Dead Mother-in-LawRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Meyersdale, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Donalee Harvey, 72, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from Dec. 3, 1997, to March 2, 2018, Harvey did receive and convert falsely to her own use a total of $164,862, which represents approximately 236 separate Social Security Administration benefit payments made to another person to which she was not entitled. That person was her mother-in-law, V.H., who died in 1985.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 27, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Harvey.
Greensburg Doctor Convicted at Trial of Illegally Dispensing Opioid PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – After deliberating for eight hours, a federal jury late yesterday found Dr. Milad Shaker guilty of 14 counts of illegal dispensing of opioids, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Shaker, 50, of Greensburg, PA, was tried before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
U.S. Attorney Brady stated, "The conviction of Milad Shaker reflects this office’s commitment to prosecuting unethical physicians who are responsible for the opioid crisis through their illegal prescribing of Scheduled substances. Shaker’s own statements at trial demonstrate his callous and complete disregard for the health of his patient and the potential damage of his actions."
The evidence introduced during the six-day trial established that from October 2014 through March 2017, Shaker, a primary care physician, illegally dispensed Hydrocodone, Percoset and Tramadol to a patient in return for sex and sexually explicit photos and texts. According to testimony at trial, Shaker would meet the patient at various hotels in Westmoreland and Fayette counties and at two locations on the side of the road to engage in sex in return for opioid prescriptions. Shaker also exchanged prescriptions for texts containing sexually explicit images of the patient. During cross examination, Shaker, in defending his illegal prescribing, testified that, "opioids are like candy," and "10 to 20 opioid pills will not hurt you."
As part of his release pending sentencing, the Court ordered that Shaker cease practicing medicine.
Judge Bissoon set sentencing for February 20, 2020. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 140 years in prison, a fine of $3,500,000, 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.
Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU) for conducting the investigation leading to the charges against Shaker. The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic.
The agencies comprising the Western Pennsylvania OFADU include: Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Criminal Division, Civil Division and Asset Forfeiture Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Office of Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Licensing.