Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two Charged in Connection to Fatal and Non-Fatal Overdoses Last WeekendRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Two individuals have been charged in separate, but related, indictments relating to the September 22-23, 2019 overdose deaths of three people and non-fatal overdoses of five people that occurred in Pittsburgh and West Mifflin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
"These cases are stark reminders that although we have made significant progress, we continue to fight an epidemic," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "I commend the tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners who within 24 hours of the first overdose arrested the distributor of these deadly narcotics and took five kilograms of it off the streets."
A seven-count indictment returned today names Peter Rene Sanchez Montalvo aka Carlos, 25, of Coachella, California, as the sole defendant. According to the indictment and a criminal complaint filed in the case, on September 22, 2019, Montalvo distributed fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl at a party in an apartment located at 2626 Tunnel Boulevard on Pittsburgh’s South Side. The indictment alleges that the distribution resulted in the deaths of R.M., J.P., and J.S., as well as serious bodily injury to F.M., G.G., and P.R.
A one-count indictment returned today charges Derek Omar Smith, 36, of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl. According to a criminal complaint filed in the case, on September 23, 2019 at 3:15 a.m., West Mifflin Police were dispatched to a suspected overdose at 4304 Bowes Avenue in West Mifflin. Upon arrival they located two individuals who had overdosed, and who medics were able to revive with Narcan. The homeowner identified one of the men as Derek Omar Smith. During the investigation, West Mifflin police located a bag laying on the ground outside. Police opened the bag and observed five blocks of narcotics.
Investigation by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined the substances referenced in both cases to be fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl.
Montalvo was arrested on Monday in McKees Rocks and Smith was arrested on Monday in West Mifflin. The United States Attorney’s Office intends to seek detention without bail of the defendants pending trial.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $16,000,000, or both, for Montalvo. The law provides for maximum total sentence
of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both for Smith. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases was conducted by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the FBI’s Western Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force, which is comprised of law enforcement officers from the FBI, Port Authority Police of Allegheny County, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the North Versailles Police Department and the Stowe Twp. Police Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Operation S.O.S. (Synthetic Opioid Surge), a Department of Justice enforcement initiative designed to dismantle deadly fentanyl distribution networks through cooperation with local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local and state prosecutors. The Western District of Pennsylvania is one of 10 districts from across the country to implement the S.O.S. program.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Plum Borough Man Pleads Guilty in Heroin, Fentanyl and Cocaine Distribution SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Plum Borough, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges involving heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Brandon Winters, age 43, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer to the two-count Indictment charging him at Count One with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl; and at Count Two, with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on January 30, 2019, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division executed a search warrant at an apartment located in Pittsburgh, which was utilized by Winters and his alleged co-conspirators, Eduard Rijo and Erick Martinez. Upon entry into the apartment, case agents located Winters, Rijo, and Martinez, approximately 1,500 "bricks" (the equivalent of roughly 75,000 individual dosage units) containing mixtures of heroin and fentanyl, and more than 500 grams of cocaine. Additionally, case agents seized over $250,000 in U.S. Currency, which was found in and around Mr. Winters and his alleged co-conspirators.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Feb. 6, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Court revoked Winters’s bond and remanded him to the custody of the United States Marshal.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome A. Moschetta and Tonya Sulia Goodman are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Winters.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted on Drug Possession ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Jeremie Mitchell, age 25, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on or about September 3, 2019, Mitchell possessed with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $8,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Agency 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.
Jury Convicts Johnstown Man of Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was found guilty after a three-day jury trial of distribution of crack cocaine, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Clarence M. Cosby, 37, of Johnstown, Pa., was convicted of distributing a quantity of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack," a Schedule II controlled substance on July 5, 2017.
U.S. District Judge Kim Gibson scheduled sentencing for Cosby on February 6, 2020, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of $2,000,000 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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon.
U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the prosecution of Clarence Cosby.
Judge Sends Gun Carrying Heroin Dealer to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to seven years and six months (90 months) of incarceration on his conviction for violating federal firearms and drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Maurice Dewayne Tinsley, Jr.
According to information presented to the court, law enforcement officers working with the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at Tinsley’s residence on July 15, 2016 and located numerous stamp bags of heroin, pistols, ammunition, cellphones and $14,400 in cash. Court records show that Tinsley had previous felony convictions for illegally possessing a firearm (2010) and also for heroin trafficking (2012) in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Judge Hornak also ordered the defendant to forfeit all of the money seized by the DEA.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak noted the "toxic" and "deadly" effect that guns and drugs have on society.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad R. Parks of the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the DEA and their many state and local law enforcement partners from the Pennsylvania State Police, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Canonsburg Police Department, the Donora Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the Coraopolis Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Tinsley.
Former Pittsburgh Resident Admits to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Vaughn Carter, 56, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on November 1, 2018, Carter, wearing a baseball hat and dark clothing, walked into the First National Bank located at 1114 E. Carson Street in the Southside area of Pittsburgh and presented a demand note to the teller, which had written on it, "This is a robbery. Give me large bills". Carter then took approximately $1,000 from the teller and fled the bank.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for January 23, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Carter remains incarcerated pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Carter.
Former Erie Resident Indicted on Charges Relating to the Sexaul Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The four-count indictment named Shawn Everett Daly, 40, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Daly distributed, received, transported and possessed computer images and movies depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
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.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 80 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Five Western Pennsylvania Residents Charged with Theft of Government Property for Defrauding Social SecurityRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Five western Pennsylvania residents have been indicted by a grand jury on charges of theft of government property, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
A one-count indictment named Loraleigh Helen Barber, 48, of Erie, Pennsylvania. According to the Indictment, from January 1, 2007 through August 2, 2019, Barber received $127,636 in Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, to which she knew she was not entitled. Ms. Barber had served as a representative payee for her father and after he died in December of 2006, yet she never advised the Social Security Administration and kept on receiving and spending the benefits intended for her father.
A one-count indictment named Ferlicia Bell, 49, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to the Indictment, from in or around December 2010 through June 13, 2019, Bell improperly received $76,407 in Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, benefits that had been intended for her deceased mother-in-law, benefits to which she knew she was not entitled.
A one-count indictment named Linda Ann Foltz, 33, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. According to the Indictment, from March 1, 2017 through July 1, 2019, Foltz received $21,747 in Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, Benefits which were intended for her deceased mother and to which she knew she was not entitled.
A one-count indictment named Mitchell Edward McGrew, 31, of Cheswick, Pennsylvania. According to the Indictment, from January 10, 2018 through March 13, 2019, McGrew received $28,230 in Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, benefits which were intended to go to his deceased father, benefits to which he knew he was not entitled.
A one-count indictment named Shane L. Black, 47, of Nemacolin, Pennsylvania. According to the Indictment, from on or about December 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019, Black received $10,506 in Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, to which he knew he was not entitled. The benefits had been designated for a woman who was Black’s roommate but who had passed away in 2017.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, for each of the defendants. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The United States Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal Inmate Charged with Escape after ConvictionRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Milan, Michigan has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of escape after conviction, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Julian P. Villar, Jr., 55, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, in and around July 2019, Villar failed to report to the satellite camp at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania after being furloughed from the Milan Federal Correctional Institution in Milan, Michigan on July 9, 2019. Villar was incarcerated at FCI Milan as the result of a conviction for distribution of heroin in the Northern District of Illinois.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Marshal Service and officers of the Federal Bureau of Prisons 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.
Monongahela Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Sexual Images and Videos of ChildrenRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Monongahela, 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.
Eric Allard, age 48, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on November 27, 2017, Allard possessed images and videos in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.
Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for March 17, 2020 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Monongahela Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Allard.
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.
Fayette County Family Practitioner Charged in 29-Count Indictment with Dispensing Opioids in Exchange for Sex and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A physician who operates a private family practice in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of unlawfully dispensing controlled substances and health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The 29-count indictment, returned on September 19 and unsealed today, named Emilio Ramon Navarro, 58, of Coal Center, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to Counts 1 – 28 of the Indictment, from April 2018 until April 2019, Navarro, a licensed physician, unlawfully distributed Oxymorphone and Oxycodone, Schedule II substances, to a person identified as "A.W." in return for sexual favors, either physically or by electronic communications, outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Navarro is also charged in Count 29 with health care fraud for causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicaid for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed controlled substances.
Navarro was arrested this morning and made an initial appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Dodge. The government is seeking the defendant’s detention pending trial and a hearing on that matter is scheduled for September 24, 2019 at 2 p.m.
The law provides for a maximum per count sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both, for the controlled substances offenses. Navarro faces an additional maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and fines of $250,000 for the health care fraud 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 Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Mark V. Gurzo are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation leading to the indictment in this case 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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Criminal Complaint Filed Charging Peter Rene Sanchez Montalvo in Multiple Fatal and Non-fatal Overdoses on Pittsburgh’s South SideRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Peter Rene Sanchez Montalvo aka Carlos has been charged by federal criminal complaint with illegal distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and serious bodily injury, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones and Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich announced today.
According to the federal criminal complaint filed in this case, Montalvo was arrested early this morning at a residence in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, a Pittsburgh suburb. According to the affidavit in support of the complaint, the overdoses occurred after Montalvo distributed narcotics at an apartment on the South Side. During the party, Montalvo, wearing distinctive clothing, produced a large quantity of powdered narcotics in a box. He then cut into the narcotics and scooped out a large quantity of what the users believed was cocaine. Montalvo then started going around the room with the knife, allowing individuals to sniff the white powder from it. The surviving users stated that after they did a "bump" of suspected cocaine people immediately began to drop and suffer adverse effects. Investigation by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office has initially determined the presence of fentanyl in the white powder. Pittsburgh Police Zone 3 Officers and first responders from Pittsburgh Medics and Fire Departments were dispatched to the apartments at 2626 Tunnel Blvd. Upon entering the building one adult male was found deceased outside of an elevator. Five additional persons were located inside the apartment: two deceased males and three males suffering from a medical emergency, who were transported to UPMC Mercy.
Montalvo was arrested today and is scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Dodge. The United States Attorney’s Office intends to seek detention of the defendant without bail. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases was conducted by the FBI’s Western Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force, which is comprised of law enforcement officers from the FBI, Port Authority Police of Allegheny County, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the North Versailles Police Department and the Stowe Twp. Police Department, along with the Pittsburgh
Bureau of Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Related Documents- Criminal Complaint - Montalvo
Butler County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Portersville, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Raymond Chrzanowski, age 51, pleaded guilty to three counts before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Raymond Chrzanowski and his co-conspirators cooked powder cocaine into crack cocaine and conspired to distribute quantities of crack cocaine and heroin.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for February 27, 2020 at 9:30 a.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 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 Raymond Chrzanowski.
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.
Georgia Resident Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy, Health Care Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count each of conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program, health care fraud, and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Luis Columbie-Abrew, 33, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
During his plea hearing, Columbie-Abrew admitted that he was an employee of Moriarty Consultants, Inc. (MCI), one of four related entities operating in the home health care industry. The other three entities were Activity Daily Living Services, Inc. (ADL), Coordination Care, Inc. (CCI), and Everyday People Staffing, Inc. (EPS). MCI, ADL, and CCI were approved under the Pennsylvania Medicaid program to offer certain services to qualifying Medicaid recipients ("consumers"), including personal assistance services (PAS), service coordination, and non-medical transportation, among other services. Between in and around January 2011 and in and around April 2017, MCI, ADL, and CCI, collectively, received more than $87,000,000 in Medicaid payments based on claims submitted for these services, with PAS payments accounting for more than $80,000,000 of the total amount.
During that time, Columbie-Abrew admitted that he participated in a wide-ranging conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program for the purpose of obtaining millions of dollars in illegal Medicaid payments through the submission of fraudulent claims for services that were never provided to the consumers identified on the claims, or for which there was insufficient or fabricated documentation to support the claims. The Court was further advised that Columbie-Abrew conspired with, among others, Arlinda Moriarty, the owner of MCI, ADL, and EPS; Daynelle Dickens, the owner of CCI and Arlinda Moriarty’s sister; various office workers at the companies, including Julie Wilson, Tamika Adams, Tony Brown, Terra Dean, Larita Walls, Keith Scoggins, and Tia Collins; attendants at MCI, including Tionne Street; and Terry Adams, a consumer.
As part of the conspiracy, Columbie-Abrew admitted that co-conspirators fabricated timesheets to reflect the provision of in-home PAS care they provided to consumers but that, in fact, never occurred. In addition, at Arlinda Moriarty’s direction, certain co-conspirators, including Columbie-Abrew, stopped using their own names as the attendant on timesheets and instead used the names of "ghost" attendants, some of whom permitted their names to be used in exchange for a kickback of resulting fraudulent salary payments.
Columbie-Abrew also admitted that he and other co-conspirators submitted false timesheets for PAS care they never provided during times when they were actually working at other jobs or living out of the area. Specifically, Columbie-Abrew admitted that during the conspiracy—from approximately early 2011 through approximately mid 2017—he caused the submission of false timesheets for care of two consumers who resided in Pennsylvania, despite the fact that Columbie- Abrew lived permanently in Georgia. In total PA Medicaid reimbursed Moriarty-related entities approximately $315,000 for purported care of these two consumers.
Columbie-Abrew further admitted that Arlinda Moriarty directed co-conspirators to bill the maximum allowable PAS and service coordination hours for consumers to maximize profits and to ensure that the state did not require MCI, ADL, and CCI to forfeit underutilized consumer hours. Many consumers had no knowledge that their personally identifiable information was being used to bill Medicaid for benefits that the consumers had not exhausted. Moreover, the Court was further advised during the plea hearing that, as part of the conspiracy, Arlinda Moriarty directed employees to fabricate documentation during the course of state audits.
The conspiracy and health care fraud charges each carry a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. The aggravated identity theft charges carry a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to run consecutively with any sentence imposed on any other charge and a fine of no more than $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
To date, a total of 16 defendants have been charged in connection with this investigation. Columbie-Abrew is the fifth defendant to enter a guilty plea. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Assistant United States Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Edward Song are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation of the defendants.
Former New Castle Police Officer Charged with Deprivation of Civil RightsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa – A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of deprivation of civil rights, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on September 19 and unsealed today, named Ronald Williams, 40, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about April 23, 2018, Williams, at the time a police officer of the New Castle Police Department, willfully deprived an individual identified as P.L. of his right to be free from unreasonable seizure by repeatedly slamming P.L.’s face into a floor surface, without justification, thereby causing bodily injury to P.L.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ellwood City Felon Sentenced to 12½ Years in Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 150 months imprisonment and 5 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton imposed the sentence on Derick Davare, age 32.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around 2015, and continuing thereafter to on or about October 22, 2018, Derick Davare conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. Additionally, on or about October 22, 2018, Derick Davare, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a F.N. (FN Herstal) Five-Seven, 57 Caliber Pistol, a Sig-Sauer P226 9mm Pistol with an obliterated serial number, 5.7 x .28 ammunition and 9mm ammunition. He also possessed additional rounds of ammunition on August 28, 2018. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm or ammunition.
As part of a related case, Derick Davare’s brother, Drake Davare, was also sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh last week. Drake Davare, 29, also of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to time served, which was approximately 15 months of imprisonment, and three years of supervised release by Senior United States District Court Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Drake Davare was convicted of distribution of cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway and Marnie Sheehan-Balcon prosecuted these cases on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of the Davare brothers. 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.
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Costumed Crack Addict Sentenced to 12+ Years for Robbing 3 Banks and a Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -A former resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 12 years and seven months (151 months), to be followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of bank robbery and Hobbs Act robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior Judge Reggie B. Walton of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia imposed the sentence on Glenn Ford, age 60.
According to information presented to the court, on September 15, 2017, Ford robbed the Huntington Bank, on Smithfield St. wearing a long black curly wig, a long leather coat, and a sticker on his face covering his nose and mouth. He demanded $100 and $50 bills and received $2,340. On September 28, 2017, Ford robbed the same Huntington Bank. He attempted to conceal his face as he approached the same teller. Ford demanded $100, $50 and $20 bills and received $2370. The teller recognized Ford from the prior bank robbery and placed a dye pack with the money, which exploded as he fled.
On September 20, 2017, Ford, wearing a hat, a dress, a trench coat and caramel colored dress shoes, entered the Citizens Bank located on East Carson St. with a white plastic bag covering part of his face. He demanded money and received $2,950. He discarded his clothing after he exited the bank. The Court was further advised that on October 4, 2017, wearing a Darth Vader mask and black hoodie, Ford robbed the CoGo’s on East Carson Street with a knife and took $186.
Ford confessed to committing the robberies to support his crack addiction. He told officers about his efforts to clean and use the money damaged from the dye pack explosion. Ford took officers to recover the damaged money, as well as clothing and shoes from an abandoned house in Wilkinsburg, a short distance from his house.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ford through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
Attorney General William Barr Announces U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady Appointed to AG’s Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General William P. Barr today announced the appointment of the following nine U.S. Attorneys to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC): David Anderson, Northern District of California; Scott W. Brady, Western District of Pennsylvania; Maria Chapa Lopez, Middle District of Florida; Halsey Frank, District of Maine; Erica MacDonald, District of Minnesota; Christina Nolan, District of Vermont; Zach Terwilliger, Eastern District of Virginia; Tom Kirsch, Northern District of Indiana; and Nicholas Trutanich, District of Nevada.
"I am pleased to appoint these nine outstanding U.S. Attorneys to this key advisory committee. I am confident that they will serve with distinction," Attorney General William P. Barr said. "The U.S. Attorneys who comprise the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee play a critical role in carrying out the Department of Justice’s important work, including its efforts to reduce violent crime, combat the opioid crisis, protect the most vulnerable, and enforce the rule of law."
"It is an honor to be selected by Attorney General Barr to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee," said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady. "I look forward to working closely with Attorney General Barr to help shape the Department of Justice’s crime fighting policies, and to guarantee the voices of western Pennsylvanians are heard in our nation’s capital."
The Attorney General also thanked the following U.S. Attorneys who have completed their terms and are rotating off the committee: Louis Franklin, Middle District of Alabama; Robert Higdon, Eastern District of North Carolina; John Huber, District of Utah; Rob Hur, District of Maryland; Jeff Jensen, Eastern District of Missouri; Andrew Lelling, District of Massachusetts; Joshua Minkler, Southern District of Indiana; Richard Moore, Southern District of Alabama; Bryan Schroder, District of Alaska; and David Weiss, District of Delaware.
Chaired by U.S Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jessie K. Liu, the AGAC represents the voice of the U.S. Attorneys and provides advice and counsel to the Attorney General on policy, management, and operational issues impacting U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. Attorney General Barr also announced that U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox, a current member, will replace U.S. Attorney John Huber as the Vice Chair of the AGAC.
U.S. Attorney Brady’s bio can be found at this link: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/meet-us-attorney.
Pittsburgh Man on Supervised Release Sentenced to Nearly 3 Years in Prison for Drug SalesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months imprisonment and six years supervised release on his conviction of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. Bryant was also sentenced today in federal court to an additional 15 months’ imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release by, among other ways, selling illegal narcotics.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentences on Tory Bryant, age 32.
According to information presented to the court, on March 13, 2018, Bryant possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, a quantity of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and a quantity of crack cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. An undercover officer arranged to make a purchase of narcotics from Bryant, and when the officers attempted to arrest Bryant at the scene of the arranged transaction, Bryant fled. The officers recovered the narcotics that Bryant intended to sell to the undercover officers on the path of Bryant’s flight.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Wilkinsburg Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bryant.
McKeesport Sex Offender Admits to Coercing a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of McKeesport, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Scott Joseph Payne, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of each of the above-described offenses before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. In addition to the guilty plea, Payne accepted responsibility for two additional counts of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and three counts of production of images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on June 10, 2017, Payne, while pretending to be a teenage female, engaged in an Internet conversation with a 12-year-old male using a chatting application known as "KIK", during which Payne persuaded the minor victim to produce and share still images and videos of the minor engaging in sex acts. The court was further informed that evidence established that Payne engaged in similar communications with a 15-year-old male in New Jersey and a 16-year-old male in Louisiana, and was in possession of sexually explicit photographs and videos of the three minor victims when law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at his residence on June 19, 2017. Payne has a 2012 conviction involving sexual abuse of children and possession of child pornography for which he was serving a term of probation at the time of his arrest and for which he was required to register as a Megan’s Law sex offender.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for February 20, 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 $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Payne remains under detention pending the resolution of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Western Pennsylvania Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Bloomfield, New Jersey Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Payne.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Multiple DrugsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Derrick L. Harper, Jr., 26, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Nov. 27, 2018, Harper possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, fentanyl and cocaine.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 6, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Johnstown Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Harper.
Elizabeth, PA Man Admits Having Child Pornography on His Cell Phone and Dropbox and Yahoo AccountsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Ernest Gill, 65, of pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on July 20, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Gill’s residence and recovered a Samsung cell phone, which contained a collection of child pornography. A subsequent search of Gill’s Dropbox and Yahoo accounts also revealed child pornography. In addition to possessing child pornography, Gill acknowledged that he also distributed child pornography.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County District Attorney Investigations Unit, and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gill.
Cleveland Man Pleads Guilty to 2017 Robbery and Burglary Spree in Western PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Cleveland, Ohio, has pleaded guilty to charges of violating federal robbery and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Rayshawn Patterson, 20, pleaded guilty today in front of Senior U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab to charges of Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, Hobbs Act Robbery, Conspiracy to Steal Firearms from a Licensed Firearm Dealer, Theft from a Licensed Firearms Dealer, Possession of Stolen Firearms, and Interstate Transport of Stolen Firearms. Additionally, Rayshawn Patterson accepted responsibility for a separate robbery that occurred in Cleveland, Ohio. Patterson has been detained since his initial appearance in federal court.
According to information presented to the court, in December of 2017, Rayshawn Patterson and other conspirators from the Cleveland, Ohio area conspired to travel to rural areas of Western Pennsylvania to burglarize Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) and transport the stolen firearms back to Cleveland, Ohio. On December 22, 2017, Rayshawn traveled to Clarion County, Pennsylvania to attempt to locate and burglarize a gun store. However, he and his co-conspirators were unsuccessful in doing so. Prior to returning to Cleveland, Rayshawn and his co-conspirators observed a gas station with only one employee working late at night. The individuals then devised a plan to rob that gas station. Rayshawn Patterson participated in a robbery of the gas station in which the employee was threatened with violence, physically restrained and brought to another area of the store. The conspirators netted only approximately $300 from the robbery before returning to Cleveland.
The next day, on December 23, 2017, Rayshawn Patterson and his co-conspirators returned to Western Pennsylvania and burglarized DSD Sports in Brookville, PA by smashing the front door and windows with a sledgehammer and other tools. Once inside the store, Rayshawn and his co-conspirators stole approximately 16 firearms including 14 handguns and two assault rifles. The co-conspirators then transported the firearms back to Cleveland, Ohio. On December 29, 2017, Cleveland Police recovered two of the stolen handguns from DSD outside the home of Rayshawn and his co-conspirators. Later on January 10, 2018, agents from the Pittsburgh and Cleveland divisions of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed search warrants in Cleveland, Ohio at residences connected to Rayshawn and his co-conspirators. Agents recovered the suspected sledgehammer and other tools believed to be used in the burglary.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for February 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Rayshawn Patterson faces a total maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Brookville Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Cleveland Police Department, and the Cuyahoga Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation leading to the guilty plea in this case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Beaver County Man Admits Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Freedom, 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.
Adam Hosie, age 25, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 12, 2018, Hosie possessed images and videos in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2020 at 2 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, and the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hosie.
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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and Project Safe Childhood Partners Announce Highlights of Ongoing Efforts to Protect ChildrenRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – September marks back to school, and is an appropriate time to highlight the work the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its Project Safe Childhood partners are doing to prevent, investigate, and prosecute sexual predators, abusers, and pornographers who target children. Led by the U.S. Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a Department of Justice initiative that marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.
U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady said, "We are steadfastly committed to the safety and well-being of every child in western Pennsylvania and have made investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation a highest priority. Over the past several weeks, we brought multiple defendants to justice across our district. Going forward, we intend to build on those successes."
"The exploitation of vulnerable youth is a growing issue in our country and right here at home," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. "These child predators think they can use the internet to have a sense of anonymity when they target these kids. I want to commend the hard work and dedication of all the agents who work these very important cases. They are among some of the toughest to work, but we hope these outcomes provide a small measure of justice for the victims who no doubt suffer lifelong damages from the actions of these child predators."
"We must protect our children, they are the most vulnerable and precious members of our community," said Marlon V. Miller, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia. "HSI is committed to working with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and our other law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice predators who prey on children."
Major Stephen K. Eberle, Area I Commander for the Pennsylvania State Police, added, "The Pennsylvania State Police are proud to work alongside our federal and local law enforcement and prosecution partners to protect our children from Internet predators in every form—those who have been convicted, those who are non-compliant, and those who have not yet been found."
A list of cases follows:
KIDNAPPING AND AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD
On August 27, United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson sentenced Timothy D. Nelson, Jr., 50, of Cumberland, Maryland, to 30 years in prison and ordered him to pay a $5,000 assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act on his conviction of kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse of person under 12 years old. On the afternoon of September 19, 1999, in a quiet neighborhood in Shade Township, Somerset County, an unknown man abducted a 10-year-old girl. He forced her to the floor of his car and transported her at gun point across the Pennsylvania state line into West Virginia, where he sexually assaulted her. He drove the minor victim back into Pennsylvania, abandoned her on a dirt road, and vanished. A couple driving by saw the child in distress and offered assistance. Law enforcement responded. The minor victim was able to direct law enforcement to the location of the sexual assault, where they found a discarded brown paper bag and napkin that had been used to clean up following the assault. Forensic examination found partial fingerprints and DNA. At that time however, there were no matching results in either the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) or the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database. In 2004, DNA from a different kidnapping and assault that occurred in September 1988 in Maryland was found to match the 1999 kidnapping in Somerset County. Still, the perpetrator was unknown. In Fall 2018, fingerprints re-submitted to the new fingerprint identification system – Next Generation Identification (NGI) identified Timothy David Nelson Jr. as a possible match. The FBI Laboratory subsequently confirmed the partial prints from the discarded bag as a match to Timothy David Nelson Jr., who was living in Maryland. In January 2019, Nelson was arrested on Pennsylvania state charges, and a federal DNA search warrant was executed. Subsequent DNA analysis proved Nelson’s DNA was a match for the September 19, 1999 incident that began in Cairnbrook, Somerset County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case. The Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI conducted the investigation.
COERCION AND ENTICEMENT OF A MINOR
On September 12, former Tulsa, Oklahoma resident Shelby Summer Brown, 28, waived prosecution by Indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about March 6, 2018, to on or about March 14, 2018, Brown conspired and agreed with another individual, Oscar Carter, to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual, Minor A (who had not yet attained the age of 18 years) to travel from Ohio to Pennsylvania, to engage in prostitution from March 6, 2018 through March 14, 2018. U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Pending sentencing, the Judge ordered Brown remain detained. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by the FBI, the Cranberry Township Police and the Pittsburgh Police.
On August 13, Joseph Hamilton, 38 of Pittsburgh, was indicted on a charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. According to the indictment, from March 11, 2019 until on or about April 18, 2019, Hamilton used a facility or means of interstate commerce, specifically the Internet and over a cellular phone network, to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice and coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by the FBI.
TRAVEL FOR SEX
On September 10, Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak sentenced Alastair Lee Stewart, 27, of Van Buren, Arkansas, to a term of imprisonment of 12 years and seven months (151 months) and 27 years of supervised release. From November 15, 2016 to March 27, 2017, Stewart engaged in internet conversations with a 12 year-old girl over a chatting application called "Live Me," and later communicated with the victim over Skype, Snapchat, and text messages. Stewart then traveled from Arkansas to western Pennsylvania and arranged to meet the victim at her grandfather’s residence, where he sexually assaulted her in a motor home on the property on March 24 and March 25, 2017. Stewart fled the area on March 26, 2017. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christy C. Weigand and Jessica L. Smolar prosecuted this case. The FBI and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation.
On August 15, Jeffrey Judd, 60, of Vienna, Ohio, pleaded guilty to a charge of traveling with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity with a minor. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in late May 2017, Judd began conversing with a 14-year-old male over the "Chathour" software application and by email. He arranged to meet the child victim in the parking lot of his school on June 1, 2017, and traveled from Vienna, Ohio, to Hermitage, Pennsylvania, to engage in intercourse and oral sex acts with the victim. The victim was frightened by Judd’s arrival at the school, and failed to show at the meet location. He later reported his communications with Judd to school officials. Judd continued to communicate by email with the victim until June 5, 2017. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for December 6, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Hermitage Police Department.
PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
On August 29, Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak sentenced Randolph Guy Gum, 25, of Rochester, Pennsylvania, to 30 years’ imprisonment followed by lifetime supervised release on his conviction of production and distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. In 2014, Gum produced at least seven videos of his sexual exploitation of a minor—Minor A, and on July 23, 2015 distributed at least one of these videos and a link containing thousands of other images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors to another individual via email. At the time of the offense, Minor A was seven years old. In sentencing the defendant, Chief Judge Hornak ordered that at least 10 years (120 months) of Gum’s federal sentence shall run consecutive to the 15-year to 40-year state sentence that Gum is currently serving for the sexual abuse of Minor A. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case. Homeland Security Investigations and the Rochester, Pennsylvania Police Department conducted the investigation.
On August 12, United States District Judge David S. Cercone sentenced Michael Robert Heinrich, 68, of Girard, Pennsylvania, to 15 years in prison, lifetime supervised release and a $5,300 special assessment. In January 2017 Heinrich took sexually explicit photos of a minor who was four years of age at the time. On February 14, 2017, Heinrich again took sexually explicit photos of that same four-year-old minor and also took a sexually explicit photo of a three-year-old minor. An examination of Heinrich’s computers and cell phone also revealed the presence of numerous other images depicting prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation.
On August 13, Krent Jeffrey Haight, 47, formerly of Pittsburgh was indicted on charges of distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. According to the two-count Indictment, on or about September 20, 2018, Haight distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors to an internet website, and on November 14, 2018, Haight 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, or both. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by the FBI.
POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
On September 10, Michael Pulliam, 36, of Fairchance, Pennsylvania, was indicted on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. According to the one-count indictment, Pulliam knowingly possessed visual depictions, namely, images and videos in computer graphic files, which depicted, minors who have not attained 12 years of age, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this cas, which was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police.
On September 9, Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose sentenced Jason A. Early, 41, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania to a term of imprisonment of three years and one month (37 months), to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. In October 2017, Homeland Security Investigations was conducting an investigation into the Internet sharing of child pornography (CP). They obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence of Jason Early. A forensic review of his devices revealed 1,181 images and videos depicting CP, including images and videos of toddlers 2 or 3 years of age, as well as bondage. Early admitted to viewing CP through peer to peer programs and that there was CP stored on his MacBook and on two external hard drives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
On August 28, Brian R. Reddinger, 36, of Shaler Township, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in the fall of 2016, Homeland Security Investigations was conducting an online investigation into the internet sharing of child pornography. As part of the investigation, a special agent was able to connect to a device that was sharing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors and download a suspected child porn file. The investigation led to Brian Reddinger. On November 1, 2016, agents executed a search warrant on Reddinger’s home. Reddinger admitted to searching, downloading, viewing and possessing child porn. He stated that his downloads are highly structured on his computer. He further stated that he downloaded files of individuals as young as five years of age. Three of the items seized from Reddinger contained child porn. In total, there were 2,932 images and 60 videos of child porn on the devices. U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2020. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Pending sentencing, the court continued Reddinger’s bond. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
On August 21, United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson sentenced John F. Boslett, 54, of Altoona, Pennsylvania, to two years (24 months) in prison and 10 years supervised release. On August 8, 2013, Boslet knowingly possessed images as computer graphic files containing child pornography, which had been shipped and transported in interstate or foreign commerce by means of a computer. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
On August 20, Jack Brian Laforte, 54 of Monessen, Pennsylvania, was indicted on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. According to Indictment, on or about June 14, 2019, Laforte 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. Information provided to the court included the fact that Laforte was previously employed as a bus driver for the Monessen School District. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum term of supervised release of life, and a fine of $250,000, or both. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
On August 15, United States Senior District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on David McAnally, 64, of Mars, Pennsylvania, to four years’ (48 months’) imprisonment, followed by eight years’ supervised release. On September 4, 2015, McAnally unlawfully possessed more than 500,000 still images and videos in computer graphics files depicting minor females, some of whom were under the age of 12 years, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. McAnally received and distributed the images through Bit Torrent, a peer-to-peer Internet file-sharing network. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation.
On August 12, Matthew Poese, 47, of Fairview, Pennsylvania, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Poese possessed computer images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Poese was previously employed as a Camp Counselor at a YMCA Camp in Eastern Ohio. U.S. District Judge David Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 9, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Pending sentencing, the court placed Poese on bond. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by the FBI.
Turtle Creek Woman Sentenced to Probation in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – The final defendant in a federal drug trafficking prosecution has been sentenced in federal court to four years’ probation on her conviction of attempted distribution of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Shyanne Johnson, age 27, of Turtle Creek, PA.
According to information presented to the court, Shyanne Johnson was indicted in connection with a DEA wiretap investigation. The intercepted wiretap communications revealed that in June 2016, Johnson traveled to Mechanicsburg, PA to meet with a heroin supplier to attempt to bring nearly 400 bricks of heroin back to Pittsburgh for distribution of the heroin by members of the conspiracy.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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. United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson.
Tennessee Man Sentenced for Role in Ugandan Counterfeit Currency Distribution RingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Tennessee resident has been sentenced in federal court to three years (36 months) of probation, the first nine months on home detention, 250 hours of community service, a $5,000 fine and ordered to pay $120,710 in restitution on his conviction of conspiracy and transferring counterfeit currency, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Cole M. Harris aka Ink, 23, of Knoxville, TN.
According to information presented to the court, Harris was a reshipper in the United States for the distribution of Ugandan manufactured counterfeit currency that was being sold online by an individual using the moniker Willy Clock. Harris also traveled to Uganda and smuggled the counterfeit currency into the United States.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Harris.
Former Duquesne Man Sentenced to Prison for Straw Purchasing and Trafficking FirearmsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa – A former resident of Duquesne, PA was sentenced to two years and 10 months (34 months) in prison and three years of supervised release on violations of federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Khalil Armstrong, age 27, for conspiracy to make false statements in acquisition of a firearm, making a false statement in the acquisition of a firearm, and making a false statement to a licensed firearm dealer. Armstrong has been detained since his initial appearance in federal court.
According to information presented to the court, in and around January and February 2018, Armstrong, co-defendant Melvin Bowles, and others conspired to have Armstrong purchase firearms on behalf of Bowles and others. To further this conspiracy, Armstrong made false statements on required federal firearms forms and to federally licensed firearms dealers representing that he was the true purchaser of the firearms. In fact, Armstrong was not the true purchaser and was buying the firearms for other individuals including Bowles, a convicted felon. In total, Armstrong purchased 23 firearms in this manner and distributed them to Bowles and other individuals. On February 15, 2018, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Pittsburgh division executed a search warrant at Bowles’ residence and recovered the firearm purchased by Armstrong. The 22 remaining firearms have not been recovered. Melvin Bowles was sentenced previously to 14 months of time served.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Tobacco, Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the guilty plea and sentence in this case.
Belle Vernon Man Sentenced to 2 More Years in Prison for New Supervised Release Violations, This Time on the Day of His ReleaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former Fayette County resident has been sentenced in federal court to two years (24 months) in prison for violating multiple conditions of his supervised release, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence yesterday on Eric Seighman, age 36, formerly of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, Seighman had previously been sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for conspiring to possess and pass thousands of dollars of counterfeit currency. He had also been sentenced to an additional 24 months’ imprisonment for prior violations of his supervised release. Seighman began his current term of supervised release on August 6, 2019, and was arrested by Pittsburgh Police the same day on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia; those charges are pending against him. Evidence presented to the court also indicated that, during the first week of his supervised release term, Seighman attempted to smuggle syringes and stamp bags of suspected heroin into the residential re-entry facility where he was staying, and later left the facility without permission.
Judge Bissoon found that Seighman had violated the conditions of his supervised release by committing another crime; unlawfully possessing a controlled substance; failing to notify his probation officer of his arrest; and failing to reside in a residential re-entry facility and abide by its rules. The court revoked Seighman’s supervised release and imposed the maximum sentence allowed by law, 24 months in prison, after considering factors such as the seriousness of Seighman’s violations, his criminal history, and the need for deterrence and to protect the public.
Assistant United States Attorney Adam N. Hallowell prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the U.S. Probation Office and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for their efforts in this matter.
Pittsburgh Felon Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of bank robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Christian Elijah Moore, age 29, pleaded guilty to two counts before Chief United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on September 5, 2017, Moore walked into the First National Bank in Homestead, PA and asked for change. While the teller was providing him with change, Moore placed his wallet on the counter and stated that his friend wanted him to give her a note. In the note, Moore threatened to shoot the teller if he she did not provide him with money.
The teller provided Moore with $1,055.00, as well as a GPS tracking device. As Moore was walking from the bank, he removed identifiable clothing and left the items in the bushes of the homes along his path. Officers later recovered the gray Adidas jacket that he was wearing during the bank robbery from the bushes of a home near the bank. He then walked to a jitney station and asked for a ride to Oakland. The jitney driver proceeded across the Homestead Grays Bridge. Moore observed Homestead police, who were alerted to the area by the GPS device, and instructed the jitney driver to make a U-turn and proceed to Hazelwood. After observing the vehicle make a U-turn, police stopped the vehicle. Moore immediately stated that he had just robbed the bank and the jitney driver had nothing to do with it. Officers recovered a loaded Kel-Tec semi-automatic .9mm pistol as well as the money and tracking device from Moore. As part of his confession, Moore admitted that when he woke up that day, he decided to rob a bank because he needed money and did not like having to wait.
Chief Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2020. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Moore remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homestead Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Moore.
Oklahoma Woman Coerced a Minor to Travel from Ohio to PA to Engage in ProstitutionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma waived prosecution by Indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information in federal court to violations of Coercion and Enticement of Any Individual to Travel to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity and Conspiracy to Commit the Offense of Coercion and Enticement of an Individual to Travel to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Shelby Summer Brown, 28, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about March 6, 2018, to on or about March 14, 2018, Brown conspired and agreed with another individual, Oscar Carter, to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual, Minor A (who had not yet attained the age of 18 years) to travel from Ohio to Pennsylvania, to engage in prostitution from March 6, 2018 through March 14, 2018.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Judge ordered Brown remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cranberry Township Police, and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the rescue of the victim and the prosecution of Brown.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Ellwood City Woman Sentenced to Prison for Probation ViolationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release after the Court found that she violated her probation by committing perjury at a federal trial, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Kacie Zito, 33.
According to information presented to the court, on June 12, 2019, at the trial of Taurean Potter, Ms. Zito committed perjury when she denied that Potter provided her cocaine that she later sold. Despite Zito’s false testimony, the jury convicted Potter and he is awaiting sentencing.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab stated that, in his nearly 20 years as a Judge, he had never seen anyone lie so blatantly as Zito.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Yvonne Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office for its assistance in Zito’s probation violation hearing.
Centre County Man Pleads Guilty in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Bellefonte, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Charles Jones, age 26, 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 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, Charles Jones and his co-conspirators conspired to distribute quantities of heroin.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for February 19, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. 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 of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s detention.
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 Charles Jones.
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.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Holding for Sale or Dispensing Counterfeit ED PillsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of holding a counterfeit drug for sale or dispensing, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Rahnon Carter, 39, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on December 19, 2016, Carter was found holding for sale or dispensing 967 counterfeit Viagra pills and 120 counterfeit Cialis pills. Carter also accepted responsibility for holding for sale or dispensing 4,500 counterfeit Viagra pills on November 23, 2016, and 39 counterfeit Viagra pills and 120 counterfeit Cialis pills on December 15, 2016.
Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than one year in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000, 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 Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rahnon Carter.
McKeesport/Port Vue Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Port Vue, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 15 years (180 months), to be followed by 10 years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Court Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jarran Bell, age 38.
According to information presented to the court, the investigation, which utilized Title III intercepts from December 2014 through April 2015, established the existence of a number of overlapping and interrelated drug distribution networks at work in the Western District of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Bell and his girlfriend Krystle Barretto were living together during the investigation. Bell and Barretto maintained numerous other residences, which were used as stash houses. Amanda Santiago lived in one of those residences during the investigative period.
In April of 2015, Bell and Barretto orchestrated two large shipments of heroin from Patterson, New Jersey, back to the McKeesport/Port Vue area. On April 19, 2015, Santiago, a courier, transported approximately 500 bricks of heroin from Patterson, New Jersey back to McKeesport via taxi cab.
On April 20, 2015, several search warrants were executed. Agents seized the heroin transported by Santiago. Additionally, from the bedroom of Bell and Barretto, agents seized a loaded firearm, approximately five bricks of heroin and a money counter.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation led to the prosecution of Bell. The task force is headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is comprised of members drawn from the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Street Task Force including the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Clairton Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Duquesne 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.
Former Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Heroin that Led to Discovery of Fentanyl Production Lab in the Lincoln-Lemington Section of PittsburghRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, PA pleaded guilty to a federal narcotics charge on September 10, 2019, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Dezmen Hicks, age 35, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin in front of Chief United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak. Hicks has been detained since his initial appearance in federal court on July 20, 2017. Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for January 20, 2020.
According to information provided to the court, on July 19, 2017, Pittsburgh Police responded to a 911 call on the 6000 block of Auburn Street. Zone 5 officers identified Hicks and attempted to approach him in connection with the investigation before Hicks fled into a nearby house. Officers entered the house and observed Hicks attempting to hide a blue bag in the freezer of a refrigerator in the house. Officers detained Hicks and recovered the bag from the freezer which contained approximately 25 bricks or 1,250 bags of individual heroin.
Upon police entry into the home, co-defendants Malik Clark and Joshua Wright also fled from the basement of the house and were subsequently detained by police. During a subsequent search of the home, Pittsburgh Police officers and Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agents and Task Force Officers found a large-scale fentanyl production lab in the basement of the home, and various types of narcotics, numerous firearms, United States Currency and a variety of drug packaging and branding material throughout the house. Clark, Wright, and Hicks were charged by way of federal complaint on July 20, 2017 and later indicted. The charges against Clark and Wright remain pending and they are presumed innocent. Any information provided regarding them should be considered to be only allegations.
Hicks faces a total maximum sentence of not more than 30 years in prison and a fine of $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni 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.
Fayette County Man Admits Making Hoax Emergency Phone Calls to Elicit an Armed Police Response: Practice is Known as “Swatting”Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Dunbar, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of interstate threats, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Nicholas Huffine, age 20, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Huffine participated in a practice known as "swatting," in which he, along with others, made hoax emergency telephone calls to the Winter Garden, Florida, Police Department, and falsely reported an ongoing, dangerous crime in order to elicit an armed police response (from a SWAT team, hence the term "swatting") to a specific location, in order to harass someone whom he believed was there. The calls resulted in emergency personnel being deployed, as well as physical damage due to forced entry to one of the residences where Huffine directed the law enforcement officers.
"Swatting is terrifying to victims, as well as highly dangerous as law enforcement agents operate under the belief that they are responding to the scene of active and ongoing violent criminal activity," said U.S. Attorney Brady.
Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Huffine.
Freedom Man Charged with Possession and Distribution of Drugs Resulting in a DeathRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Freedom, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Zachary Martin Cymbalak, 32, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about Jan. 6, 2019, Cymbalak possessed with the intent to distribute and distributed a mixture of heroin, acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl, which resulted in a death.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years in prison and a maximum of life, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, a term of supervised release of at least 3 years, or a combination thereof. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Chad R. Parks is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Beaver County Drug Task Force, and Harmony Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal Inmate Charged with Illegally Possessing Prescription DrugsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Loretto, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The indictment named Cameron Bivins-Breeden, 26.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on November 7, 2018, Bivins-Breeden possessed a quantity of Buprenorphine.
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 offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Bivins-Breeden.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Arkansas Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years for Coercing a Western PA Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA-A former resident of Van Buren, Arkansas, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of 12 years and seven months (151 months) and 27 years of supervised release on his conviction of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Alastair Lee Stewart, 27.
According to information presented to the court, from November 15, 2016 to March 27, 2017, Stewart engaged in internet conversations with a 12 year-old girl over a chatting application called "Live Me," and later communicated with the victim over Skype, Snapchat, and text messages. Stewart then traveled from Arkansas to western Pennsylvania and arranged to meet the victim at her grandfather’s residence, where he sexually assaulted her in a motor home on the property on March 24 and March 25, 2017. Stewart fled the area on March 26, 2017.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christy C. Wiegand and Jessica L. Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Stewart.
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.
Uniontown Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Materials Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of three years and one month (37 months), to be followed by 10 years of supervised release on his conviction of possession of materials depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Jason A. Early, age 41, of Uniontown, PA.
According to information presented to the court, in October 2017, Homeland Security Investigations was conducting an investigation into the Internet sharing of child pornography (CP). They obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence of Jason Early. A forensic review of his devices revealed 1,181 images and videos depicting CP, including images and videos of toddlers 2 or 3 years of age, as well as bondage. Early admitted to viewing CP through peer to peer programs and that there was CP stored on his MacBook and on two external hard drives.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl AnalogueRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute an analogue of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Anthony Lozito, age 40, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from May 2017 to August 2017, Lozito conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cyclopropyl fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl. Lynell Guyton purchased large quantities of fentanyl analogues from overseas purveyors, which he distributed in Western Pennsylvania. On August 9, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lozito’s residence on Bond Street. Guyton was found on the first floor along with Lozito and two other individuals. Large amounts of narcotics and packaging paraphernalia were present in the house. A table with powder narcotics was overturned during the initial SWAT entry into the home, causing large amounts of opioids to become airborne. SWAT officers exposed to the airborne narcotics were sent to Mercy for evaluation–everyone was medically cleared and no one was harmed. Law enforcement also executed a search warrant on Lakewood Avenue and found another individual and opioids at the residence. A total of 235 grams of cyclopropyl fentanyl was recovered from both residences. Lozito admitted to allowing Guyton to use his home to package narcotics in exchange for the anticipated receipt of opioids.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 21, 2020. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court ordered Lozito to remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), assisted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, including the Pittsburgh Police SWAT Team, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
Florida Resident Pleads Guilty to Mail Theft Related to Fraud Scheme Targeting Financial InstitutionsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pembroke Pines, Florida pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of mail, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Cassio Orville Donald Slowden, age 27, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in February 2019, Citizens Bank replacement debit cards and PIN reminders were fraudulently ordered for several customers in McMurray, Pennsylvania. On the afternoon of February 11, U.S. mail was delivered to the mailbox of one of the residences in McMurray. Shortly after, Slowden removed several pieces of mail from the mailbox and drove away from the residence. Slowden’s vehicle was stopped by law enforcement, and a search of the vehicle recovered stolen mail, including the Citizens Bank replacement debit card and PIN reminder taken from the mailbox of the McMurray residence.
The Court was further advised that Citizens Bank, Bank of America, and other financial institutions were victims of an ongoing multistate fraud scheme. The scheme involved one or more callers contacting banks and impersonating customers. The caller would order replacement debit cards and debit card PIN reminders to the customer’s address on file. The suspects would intercept the cards and use them to make fraudulent ATM withdrawals. Slowden is connected to at least $116,277.19 in losses related to fraudulent withdrawals from accounts of at least 12 Citizens Bank and Bank of America customers.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for January 28, 2020. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five 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 U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
Pittsburgh Woman Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Launder Proceeds of Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to launder proceeds of marijuana trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Holly Shrum, 29, of the City’s Overbrook neighborhood, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies conducted a multi-year investigation of a marijuana trafficking conspiracy. The investigation revealed that during the operation of the conspiracy, Shrum conspired to launder proceeds obtained through the marijuana trafficking. According to information provided to the court, Shrum and her boyfriend, codefendant Christopher Schanck, were caught attempting to launder $25,000 in drug proceeds at the Rivers Casino by inserting $20 bills into a gaming machine in increments of $500 and then cashing out the vouchers, without ever having gambled at the casino.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 15, 2020, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Indiana Borough Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Shrum. 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 Drug Dealer Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of the North Side of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to three years and ten months (46 months) in prison on conviction of possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine as well as maintaining a drug involved premises, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Kawama Hightower, 41.
According to the information presented to the court, on September 11, 2018, FBI investigators conducted a traffic stop of Hightower while he was leaving his residence. During the traffic stop, they recovered crack cocaine and nearly $4,000 in cash from Hightower and his vehicle. Later on that day, investigators executed a search warrant at Hightower’s residence and recovered additional quantities of crack cocaine, nearly 100 bricks of heroin, two loaded firearms, additional ammunition, digital scales, and drug packaging materials.
Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Ambrose stated that Hightower’s sentence was intended to hold him accountable for his crimes, reflect the seriousness of his crimes, and protect the public.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo are prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation of Hightower. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
Man who Robbed West Mifflin PNC Bank Wearing a Pirates Hat and McDonald’s Uniform Shirt Will Spend 4+ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court four years and two months (50 months) in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Barry Daniels, 30, who committed the bank robbery while wearing a McDonald’s uniform shirt. Daniels was formerly employed by the fast-food restaurant.
According to information presented to the court, on or about September 12, 2018, Daniels, wearing a Pirates baseball hat and a black buttoned-up McDonalds’ shirt, entered the PNC Bank at 4917 Homeville Road, West Mifflin, PA 15122, handed the teller a deposit slip with a note on the back, which read: "Give me all of your 100s and 50s." Surveillance video, from the bank, shows Daniels arrive at the bank, driving a black vehicle, enter the bank and rob it, and then exit the bank, returning to the same vehicle which he then drove out of the parking lot. The Court was further advised that Daniels took $505.00 from the bank teller.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Mifflin Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Daniels, and were assisted by the Turtle Creek Police Department in apprehending the defendant.
Homewood Man with Heroin in his House and Car Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to three years and five months (41 months) in prison on conviction of attempt to possess with intent heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Farren Mason, Sr., 60, of the City’s Homewood neighborhood.
According to information presented to the court, on November 9, 2018, Mason’s car and house were searched. During the searches, agents and task force officers recovered 150 bricks of heroin from Mason’s car and additional heroin and $70,000 in cash were found in Mason’s house. The total amount of heroin seized totaled 232 grams.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Horan stated that Mason’s sentence was intended to hold him accountable for his crimes and to deter future criminal conduct.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the North Versailles Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mason.
Connoquenessing Woman Pleads Guilty in $61K Social Security Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Butler County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Pattie Lou Smith, 56, of Connoquenessing, 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 when applying for and receiving Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") benefits, Smith falsely reported that her husband was not part of her household, and, as a result, during the period December 30, 2013 through February 28, 2017, received $61,331.50 in SSI benefits to which she was not entitled.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 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. Smith remains on bond pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch 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 Smith.
Wilmerding Felon Charged with Possessing Fentanyl, Heroin and Tramadol Mixture Disguised as Oxycodone Hydrochloride PillsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, was arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Maureen P. Kelly last week on charges of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on July 16, 2019, named Keith Navarro-Palmer, age 33, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about May 15, 2019, Navarro-Palmer possessed with intent to distribute over 100 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, heroin, and tramadol. The initial criminal complaint, which was filed by the Wilkinsburg Police department, indicated that the fentanyl, heroin, tramadol mixture was in the form of a large quantity of pills resembling Oxycodone Hydrochloride 15 milligram tablets. The Indictment further indicated that Navarro-Palmer was previously convicted of both attempted murder and aggravated assault. According to the original police complaint, these prior convictions stem from a June 4, 2005 incident where the defendant fired in excess of 30 rounds at two Pittsburgh Police Officers.
“Pills purchased on the street may contain potentially deadly drugs masquerading as legal prescription medications,” said U.S. Attorney Brady. “Don’t risk your life. Only take medications that have been prescribed by your doctor and filled by your pharmacist.”
The law provides for a sentence of not less than 10 years in prison to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with the Wilkinsburg Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Felon Convicted of Drug and Firearms Violations Sentenced to 8½ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a total of eight years and five months (102 months) in prison and six years’ supervised release, following his conviction of federal drug and firearms violations, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Lamont Willis, 47.
According to information presented to the court, on March 8, 2017, Pittsburgh Police executed a search warrant at Willis’s residence following a series of anonymous complaints of suspected drug trafficking and seized numerous items, including: cocaine, crack, cutting agents, drug trafficking paraphernalia, four firearms, and ammunition. Willis was apprehended the next day and was later indicted for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On May 3, 3019, Willis pleaded guilty to the drug trafficking charge and to possessing the firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime; additionally, Willis accepted responsibility for possessing firearms after being convicted of drug and firearms violations punishable by more than one year in prison. The Court was further informed that, as a convicted felon, Willis is subject to enhanced penalties.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and North Strabane Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Willis.
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.