Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Felon with 13 Prior Convictions Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing HandgunRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Darnell James Shipman, 29, 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 or about April 29, 2018, at a residence in Pittsburgh, Shipman, who is a convicted felon, brandished a 9 millimeter semi-automatic Canik pistol at another individual and threatened the individual. The court was further advised that on or about May 2, 2018, the defendant was arrested on outstanding warrants with the Canik pistol and 17 rounds of 9 mm ammunition in his possession, which were found in the center console of a vehicle he was driving. Shipman has 13 prior convictions in seven cases, and is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for August 6, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Shipman will remain under detention pending the sentencing hearing.
Assistant United States Attorney David Lew is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment 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.
Tarentum Man Charged with Bank FraudRead the Press Release
PITTBURGH - A resident of Tarentum, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on February 19 and unsealed today, named David Linder, 40, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Linder participated in a scheme to defraud S&T Bank by opening accounts with a false Social Security number, depositing fraudulent checks into those accounts, and then making transactions drawing on the accounts.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Department of Homeland Security and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ambridge Woman Sentenced for Role in Her Sons’ Fentanyl Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – Dorothy McCracken was sentenced to 36 months of federal probation for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
McCracken, 60 of Ambridge, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Joy Flowers Conti. McCracken’s sentence includes a requirement that she perform 300 hours of community service.
McCracken’s indictment and conviction followed a 2016 investigation into the drug trafficking activities of her sons, Sam McCracken and Wayne McCracken. The investigation led to the interception of wiretapped communications over cell phones used by both McCracken brothers. The phone interceptions confirmed that the McCracken brothers were obtaining large amounts of fentanyl between July and December 2016. The phone interceptions, combined with the service of a search warrant in December 2016, confirmed that they were storing illegal drugs at Dorothy McCracken’s residence with her knowledge and consent.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
A federally administered Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case. The task force was headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and was comprised of members drawn from the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Ambridge Police Department, New Brighton Police Department, Beaver Police Department, Aliquippa Police Department, Moon Township 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.
South Park Man Charged with Possessing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of possession and distribution of materials depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment, returned on February 26, named Michael Moran, 60, South Park, PA.
According to Indictment, from on or about August 16, 2018 through on or about September 2, 2018, Moran distributed visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and on October 24, 2018, Moran possessed images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. A number of the images Moran distributed, as well some of the videos and images he possessed, depicted the sexual exploitation of minors under the age of twelve.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Moran remains in custody pending the resolution of state charges.
Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project 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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
McKeesport Felon Charged with Unlawful Possession of Pistol and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of federal firearms violations, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment returned on February 26, named Eric Antoin Johnson, 22, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from on or about January 21 through on or about January 29, 2019, Johnson unlawfully possessed an Intratec model AB10 9 millimeter pistol and 9 millimeter ammunition, after having been convicted of robbery and assault, crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from lawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christy Criswell Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Findlay Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment 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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
3 Charged in Heroin, Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Three individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment, returned on February 26, named Brandon Winters, 43, of Plum Borough, PA; Eduard Guzman Rijo, 48, of the Dominican Republic; and Erick Alexander Martinez, 33, of Yonkers, NY.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, in January 2019, Winters, Rijo, and Martinez conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than one kilogram of heroin/400 grams of fentanyl. Also according to the Indictment, Winters possessed with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.
The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Jerome A. Moschetta are 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.
Ohio Man Charged with Traveling to Pennsylvania for Sex with a MinoRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Ohio resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned on February 19 and unsealed on February 22, named Jeffrey Judd, 60, Vienna, Ohio, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, Judd, on June 1, 2017, knowingly traveled in interstate commerce from Vienna, Ohio, to Hermitage, Pennsylvania, for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with a minor.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 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 Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hermitage Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Port Vue Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges in Wiretap CaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Port Vue, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Krystle Barretto, 33, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Barretto, who was intercepted over a Title III wiretap, conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distributed more 100 grams of heroin. The court was further advised that Barretto arranged for approximately 500 bricks (i.e. 25,000 stamp bags) of heroin to be transported from the Patterson, New Jersey area to the McKeesport, Pa. area, which was seized by law enforcement officers. In addition, the court was made aware that Barretto had a loaded, Glock 17, 9mm handgun, an additional five bricks of heroin, and a large money counter in the bedroom of her residence in Port Vue.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for June 19, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston is prosecuting 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 Krystle Barretto. 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.
The investigation, which utilized Title III intercepts from December 2014 through April 2015 of 10 different cellular telephones, surveillance, controlled drug purchases, and other investigative techniques, established the existence of a number of overlapping and interrelated drug distribution networks at work in the afflicted regions, which included Clairton, McKeesport, and Port Vue in Allegheny County, and areas in Washington County, Westmoreland County, and New Jersey.
Blair County Man Stole $50K in U.S. Railroad Retirement BenefitsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Roaring Springs, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Glenn P. Rhykerd, 68, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from Jan. 1, 2015, to May 31, 2016, Rhykerd did receive and convert falsely to his own use a total of $50,985.21 in United States Railroad Retirement Board disability payments made to him to which he was not entitled.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2019, at 1 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rhykerd.
Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing and Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Bobby Washington, Jr., 35, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on March 17, 2018, Washington distributed a quantity of cocaine base, and on April 24, 2018, he possessed with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack."
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2019, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison and a fine of $6,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Washington.
Johnstown Man Admits Possessing HeroinRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Shawn R. Kmecak, 37, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on March 15, 2018, Kmecak possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 13, 2019, at 2 p.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kmecak.
Former Turtle Creek Man Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Prison for Possessing Two Firearms while on Parole for Homicide as part of Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa – A former resident of Turtle Creek, PA has been sentenced in federal court to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his convictions on a federal firearms charge, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Hashim Rashad, age 28. Rashad was detained after his initial appearance and will remain detained as he begins to serve his sentence. Rashad was on state parole for manslaughter when he committed the offense he was sentenced for today.
Accordingly to information presented to the court, on October 18, 2017, City of Pittsburgh Police executed a search warrant at a home on Larimer Avenue in Turtle Creek, PA while Hashim Rashad was detained in the house. Police recovered an EZ9 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number from the couch of the location. Police then recovered a Bryco Arms Jennings J-22, 22LR handgun, inside a purse in the living room of the house. The Bryco Arms Jennings 22 handgun was previously reported stolen. Prior, to possessing these firearms, Rashad was previously convicted of voluntary manslaughter, a crime punishable by more than one year in jail.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police – Narcotics and Vice Unit conducted the investigation leading to the sentence in this case.
Two Charged with Stealing Mail from Dubois Apartment ComplexRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Two former residents of DuBois, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy and mail theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment, returned on Feb. 19, names David E. Moore Jr., 26, and Joshua J. Frantz, 25, as defendants.
According to the Indictment, from February through March of 2016, Moore and Frantz stole mail from mail receptacles at an apartment complex in the DuBois area.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the DuBois 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 Man Pleads Guilty to Committing Federal Drug and Gun Offenses in Project Safe Neighborhoods ProsecutionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Marvin Dennis was convicted of committing heroin and crack cocaine trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Dennis, age 23 of Pittsburgh, pled guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin and crack cocaine from September 2017 to April 3, 2018, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy from September 2017 to April 3, 2018. He pled guilty before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing to occur on June 24, 2019, at 9:00 a.m.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 5 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $1,250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the convictions in this case. This case was brought as part of 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.
Michigan Man Pleads Guilty in Multi-Jurisdictional Investigation into Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A Michigan resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Victor Burnett, Jr., 38, of Oak Park, Michigan, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Burnett conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin. Specifically, the court was advised that Burnett, who was intercepted over a Title III wiretap, possessed approximately 1,366 grams of heroin, five firearms, ammunition, a money counter, multiple cell phones, and over $20,000 in US currency in his residence on the date of his arrest on September 1, 2016. In addition, the court was advised that approximately 100 grams of heroin, originally supplied by Burnett, was sent via the United States mail and seized by agents on August 22, 2016 prior to reaching its final destination in the Western District of Pennsylvania where it was to be further distributed.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for July 18, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
An OCDETF task force headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and comprised of members drawn from the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Street Task Force including the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution. Substantial assistance was provided by FBI San Juan, Puerto Rico (St. Thomas Resident Agency, U.S. Virgin Islands) and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Numerous other FBI field offices, including Detroit, Cleveland, New York, and Atlanta, in addition to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, also assisted with this investigation. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
This investigation which utilized Title III wiretap intercepts and other investigative techniques that established the existence of a several overlapping and interrelated drug distribution networks with tentacles in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern District of Michigan and the District of the Virgin Islands. The FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets
Task Force’s focus began in early 2015 investigating a drug trafficking organization operating on Pittsburgh’s North Side and thereafter they were able to track drug suppliers beyond the borders of the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Eastern District of Michigan and across the Caribbean Sea.
Floridian Charged with Removing Mail from a U.S. Mail Authorized Depository in McMurray, PARead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pembroke Pines, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of mail, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on Feb. 19, named Cassio Orville Donald Slowden, 27, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about February 11, 2019, Slowden abstracted and removed mail from a United States mail authorized depository in McMurray, PA.
For Slowden’s offense, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney David Lew is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) 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.
Fayette County Woman Charged with Illegally Receiving Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A Fayette County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned on Feb. 19, named Mika Lint aka Mika Baluch, 40, of Perryopolis, Pennsylvania.
According to the Indictment, from September 24, 2014 through July 27, 2016, Lint received $40,517 in Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, to which she knew she was not entitled.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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.
Another Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Charge in Operation Gang Green Investigation Led by FBI and DEARead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute a quantity of cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Lawrence Morrison, 36, 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, dubbed Operation Gang Green, revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Lawrence Morrison and his co-conspirators possessed with intent to distribute and distributed quantities of cocaine.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for June 19, 2019, at 9 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s detention.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Rachael Dizard 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 Morrison.
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 Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges in Operation Gang Green InvestigationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Marvin Younger, age 37, pleaded guilty on February 14, 2019, to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Marvin Younger conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for July 2, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses 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 Rachael Dizard 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 "Operation Gang Green", 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 Marvin Younger.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to Nearly 5 Years in Prison for Federal ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to four years and 10 months incarceration for his convictions of violating federal firearms laws and violating the terms of his supervised release, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed a 46-month prison sentence on Deondre Steave, 26, for violating firearms laws. Judge Bissoon also imposed 12-month sentence of incarceration to run consecutively to the 46-month sentence because the defendant violated the conditions of his supervised release in two other federal prosecutions of Steave.
According to the information presented to the court, the court was advised that on or about September 28, 2017, Steave, an individual with prior felony convictions for Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute 100 Grams or More of Heroin and Escaping from Federal Custody, did knowingly and unlawfully possess a Kahr CW .40 caliber pistol and ammunition. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The United States Attorney commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Steave.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 15+ Years in Prison for Armed Bank Robbery Spree in Allegheny and Beaver CountiesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Bryan Campbell, 27, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release on his convictions for conspiring to rob three area banks, armed bank robbery, attempted armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
On February 13, 2019, United Stated District Court Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Campbell. Campbell was initially charged by criminal complaint on March 8, 2019 and has been detained since his initial appearance.
According to information presented to the court, Campbell with co-defendant Daymon Ottey conspired to rob the S&T Bank in Verona, PA, on March 7, 2017, the First National Bank in Verona, PA, on May 1, 2017, and the Huntington Bank in Baden, PA, on July 22, 2017. Campbell robbed the S&T Bank in Verona, PA, on March 7, 2017 using a silver firearm to hold bank employees at gunpoint. Ottey acted as the getaway driver for this robbery using his girlfriend’s vehicle. On May 1, 2017, Campbell entered the First National Bank in Verona, PA with the same silver firearm and held employees at gun point demanding money. Campbell then scaled the teller station and entered the bank’s vault taking over $84,000 before fleeing. After this robbery, Campbell and Ottey split the proceeds, enabling Ottey to buy a new Jeep Cherokee vehicle. Campbell’s girlfriend also posted photos on social media of lavish meals, jewelry and vacations provided to her by Campbell. This information helped FBI to identify Campbell as a possible suspect. Finally, on July 22, 2017, Ottey drove Campbell in the Jeep Cherokee purchased with the prior bank robbery proceeds to the Huntington Bank in Baden, PA. Campbell entered the bank with the same silver firearm and attempted to rob it but was interrupted when an Economy Police Department vehicle pulled in the driveway. Campbell fled without receiving any money.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
The FBI Pittsburgh’s Violent Crimes Task Force, with assistance from the Plum Police Department, Verona Police Department, Economy Borough Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, and Shaler Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A 68-year-old resident of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges regarding his trafficking of cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Walter John Amman, III, pleaded guilty to two counts before President United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Amman’s 77 year-old co-defendant had been purchasing kilogram level amounts of cocaine for more than two decades. The co-defendant would process the cocaine by packaging it in smaller quantities and converting some into crack. In more recent years, the current defendant would help the co-defendant with the processing, packaging and distribution of the cocaine. Two controlled purchases of cocaine were made from Amman and the DEA, IRS and Pittsburgh Police obtained search warrants for locations attributable to Amman and the co-defendant. The resulting January 11, 2017 searches resulted in law enforcement locating items which included:
- In the co-defendant’s residence: cocaine prepackaged for sale and color-coded for size; multiple firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition; large amounts of cash; multiple vehicles registered to Amman and his family
- In the co-defendant’s garage: amounts of powder cocaine; numerous inositol bottles and material to convert cocaine into crack; large amounts of cash; 3 pistols (including one registered to Amman); and a safe imbedded into the concrete floor
- At Amman’s residence; firearms; prepackaged amounts of crack and cocaine in a jacket with Amman’s name on it; keys to a truck (in the jacket); in the truck was approximately $1,000 and additional prepackaged cocaine.
The co-defendant and Amman both utilized the same color-coded bread-tie system to signify the quantities in the baggies. In this way, the co-defendant was both a buyer of large quantities and a street-level dealer, keeping all of the middleman profits for himself. Amman agreed that he himself was responsible for between 700 grams and one kilogram of cocaine, as well as the 5.767 grams of crack cocaine found at his property.
Chief Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for June 7, 2019 at 10:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $2,000,000, 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.
The court ordered that the defendant remain incarcerated pending his sentencing and remanded the defendant back to the custody of the United States Marshal Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Walter John Amman, III, with the valuable assistance of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
Erie Man Charged with Illegally Possessing a Firearm while the Subject of an Active PFARead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count indictment named Jonathan Dominic Mull, 19, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on December 4, 2018, Mull possessed a firearm which he was precluded from possessing because of an active protection from abuse order.
This case is being prosecuted as part of 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.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh-area Residents Charged in Armed Robbery Spree of Local BanksRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Nicole Wallace, 34, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, and Edward Hooten, 42, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been charged in two separate but related indictments with conspiring to rob three area banks, armed bank robbery, attempted armed bank robbery, and aiding and abetting armed bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
According to the February 12, 2019 indictments, Wallace and Hooten, conspired to, and aided and abetted, the armed robbery of Huntington Bank in Pittsburgh, PA on October 17, 2018. Wallace is also charged with conspiring to, and aiding and abetting, the attempted armed robbery the First National Bank in Pittsburgh, PA on October 26, 2018, and the armed robbery of First National Bank in Pittsburgh, PA on October 29, 2018.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years for each aiding and abetting count, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictments in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New Castle Man Charged with Illegally Receiving Railroad Retirement BenefitsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A Lawrence County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned yesterday, named Joshua L. Bable, 31, of New Castle, Pennsylvania.
According to the Indictment, from April 4, 2016, through December 30, 2016, Bable received $13,013.47 in Railroad Retirement Board unemployment benefits to which he knew he was not entitled.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, 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.
Final Defendant Identified in FBI Safe Streets Task Force Investigation Admits Selling CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Rickee Dawkins, 52, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak on February 12, 2019.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for June 7, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of not more than $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense 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.
Rickee Dawkins was the final remaining defendant identified in an investigation into the distribution of cocaine conducted by the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force (GPSSTF). The GPSSTF is comprised of dedicated law enforcement professionals from the Wilkinsburg Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the FBI.
Federal Jury Finds Beaver Falls Man Guilty of Distributing Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - After deliberating for six hours, a federal jury found Anthony Taylor guilty of five counts of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Taylor, 35, formerly of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, was tried before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Lee J. Karl, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that from 2016 to August 30, 2017 Taylor participated in a conspiracy to distribute substantial quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, mainly in the Beaver Falls area. On August 3, 2017, Taylor sold fentanyl to a confidential informant. On August 30, 2017, agents from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, from the Beaver Falls Police Department, and law enforcement officers from other law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at Taylor’s home. During that search, law enforcement seized more than forty grams of fentanyl, approximately ten grams of cocaine, adulterants, packaging material, a digital scale, more than $10,000 in cash, and cellular telephones.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for June 11, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and not more than 140 years in prison, a fine of $13,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Pennsylvania State Police, the Beaver Falls Police Department, the New Brighton Police Department and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Anthony Taylor.
Duquesne Man Sentenced to Prison for Package Theft Spree at Shadyside and North Oakland Apartment BuildingsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Duquesne, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to fifteen months’ imprisonment and a three year term of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy and mail theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Ron Matthew Sharp, 42.
According to information presented to the court, from February through May of 2018, Sharp, along with his co-defendant Christopher Carr, entered multiple apartment buildings in the Shadyside and North Oakland areas of Pittsburgh, and opened United States Postal Service packages or other mail items that were not addressed to them, stole packages, and stole items from within packages that had been left at authorized mail depositories. Defendants stole items from more than 40 victims, filling up trash bags, duffel bags, and backpacks with their loot. Defendants then provided items they had stolen from the mail, including gift cards, to others, who redeemed the gift cards at various locations, including Giant Eagle and GETGO. Defendants also re-sold, and instructed others to attempt to re-sell, items defendants had stolen from the mail. Christopher Carr is scheduled to be sentenced on March 12, 2019.
Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ron Matthew Sharp.
Pittsburgh Woman Stole Mail by Signing Fictitious Name on Return ReceiptRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of mail theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Ekeyma E. Harris, 32, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Harris, on November 21, 2018, obtained a U.S. Postal Express envelope and its contents, addressed to James Holliday at an address on Imogene Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, by signing a fictitious name on a Postal Service Domestic Return Receipt, knowing that no individual by the name of James Holliday resided at the Imogene Road address.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for June 6, 2019, at 10 a.m. 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. Harris remains on bond pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Harris.
Pittsburgh Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Charges Resulting from 3 Separate IncidentsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges involving guns and drugs, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Chance Rice, 26, pleaded guilty yesterday to three counts before United States District Judge Cathy M. Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Rice was involved in three separate investigations. The first occurred as a result of the September 16, 2015, candlelight vigil shooting. There, multiple people were injured, and multiple guns were fired, as family members and friends held a vigil for the one-year anniversary of the shooting death of a teenage boy in Homewood. The joint investigation between the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police revealed that the person who fired one of the guns during the vigil shooting later transferred his gun to an individual who was subsequently shot and killed. Before his death, that person transferred the gun to Rice, and Rice transferred it to a defendant named Keith Lovelace. Lovelace and Rice have both been prosecuted in federal court, while the shooter is pending state charges.
The second incident started when Rice told his former girlfriend that he had recently been shot at and that she needed to buy a gun for her own protection. Rice quickly obtained possession of that gun. On October 31, 2015, Edgewood Police officers stopped the vehicle Rice was driving and noticed a spent casing on the dashboard and a black pistol in the car. Rice fled in the vehicle and was a wanted fugitive until his December 18, 2015 arrest. Recorded jail calls include Rice telling others to make sure that an acquaintance puts the gun in his safe. On March 17, 2016, the acquaintance’s residence was searched by Pennsylvania State Parole Agents who located Rice’s gun in the acquaintance’s safe. The acquaintance is also pending federal charges.
Rice had a prior Allegheny County felony conviction in 2014 for carrying a firearm without a license. This conviction made it illegal for Rice to subsequently possess a firearm or ammunition, under federal law.
Finally, Rice was being housed in the Butler County Jail while his cases came to court. On July 10, 2018, the Deputy Warden arranged to have Rice’s cell searched and drug-soaked paper was located. The lab determined that the paper contained a substance called 5 Flouro ADB, a type of synthetic marijuana. In Court, Rice admitted to possessing this drug to provide to other inmates.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for June 3, 2019 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 50 years in prison, a fine of up to $2,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain incarcerated.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The ATF conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rice with the valuable cooperation of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Edgewood Police Department and the Butler County Jail.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Johnstown Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to two years in prison and six years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Tony Charles Eppolito, 32.
According to information presented to the court, on Dec. 6, 2017, Eppolito distributed a quantity of heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Eppolito.
Jamaican National Pleads Guilty to Financial Structuring and is Sentenced, Will be Turned over to ICERead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to a charge of structuring transactions to evade currency transaction reporting requirements, and was sentenced in federal court to time served, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Ashani Ishmael Levy, 22, a Jamaican national who had been detained since his arrest on November 21, 2018. According to the information presented to the court, from July 17, 2018 to November 14, 2018, Levy possessed in excess of $10,000 in United States currency, and transferred the funds through 23 separate wire transactions at Western Union and MoneyGram, each in an amount of less than $1,000, in order to prevent the financial institutions from filing a Currency Transaction Report with the federal government, as required. The wire transfers totaled $14,955.
Levy will be turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement who lodged a detainer at the time of his arrest because he had overstayed his tourist visa.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Levy.
Beaver Falls Felon Facing Drug and Gun Charges in Project Safe Neighborhoods CaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Terrance Shawn Elmore, 26, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Elmore was in possession of firearms while having been previously convicted of felonies, was in possession of a weapon in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, and a mixture of acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison in prison, 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 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 Agency and the Beaver County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Beaver County Man Charged with Possessing Sexual Images and Videos of ChildrenRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Freedom, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on February 5 and unsealed today, named Adam Hosie, 24, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, 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.
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 $250,000.00. 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 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 leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
Plum Twp. Man Sentenced to More than 3 Years in Prison for Robbing Mt. Washington BankRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Plum Township, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of three years and four months, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction on a charge of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Matthew Gallo, 35.
According to information presented to the court, on December 4, 2017, an individual, later identified as the Defendant, robbed the First National Bank in the Mt. Washington section of the City of Pittsburgh. He fled the bank with $730.00 before authorities could apprehend him. Surveillance photos from the robbery were shown on the local news. FBI received two separate tips identifying Matthew Gallo as the individual responsible for the bank robbery. On January 10, 2018, Allegheny County Sheriff’s personnel arrested Gallo on an unrelated matter. Gallo later confessed to committing the bank robbery. Gallo was also shown a surveillance photograph of the bank robber and signed the back of a photograph identifying himself as the robber.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation in this case through Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Local BanksRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court on a charge of fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Deshaun A. McGeorge, 27, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
According to the indictment, McGeorge and others agreed to defraud Pittsburgh area banks by depositing counterfeit checks by remote mobile deposit, and then making a series of withdrawals against funds credited from the deposited checks.
Judge Cercone scheduled the sentence for sentencing for June 18, 2019 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci and Shanicka L. Kennedy are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF), conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of this defendant. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Suboxone Clinic Owner Sentenced to More than a Year in Prison for Unlawfully Dispensing Prescription Drugs and Defrauding HighmarkRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. - A suburban Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 15 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $4,845.24 in restitution on her conviction of unlawfully distributing controlled substances and health care fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Terri C. Brown, 53, of Morrow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241.
According to information presented to the court, Brown owned and operated Cherry Way, a Suboxone clinic, located in Bridgeville, PA. Her co-defendant,Mark Foster was the medical director at Cherry Way. Brown and Foster conspired together to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for Suboxone, Adderall and Percocet, and then unlawfully dispensed those controlled substances to Brown and to other persons. Brown also plead guilty to a charge of health care fraud for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to Highmark through Cherry Way, for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed Suboxone, Adderall and Percocet.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic. This unit has investigated and prosecuted more corrupt health care professionals than any other U.S. Attorney’s Office in the country.
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.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to Prison on Tax Fraud and Social Security Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 9 months’ imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release on his conviction for violating federal tax and social security fraud laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Robert Alan Seth, Sr., 58.
According to information presented to the court, Seth filed a false U.S. individual income tax return for the 2013 tax year by failing to report income from his general contracting business, RAS & Sons. As part of his guilty plea, Seth accepted responsibility for filing a false individual tax return for the 2012 tax year. Seth also accepted responsibility for failing to file personal income tax returns for 2008 through 2011 and 2013, as well as corporate income tax returns for 2008 through 2014 for RAS & Sons. As part of his sentence, Seth was ordered to pay restitution for back taxes of $173,390.00, plus interest, to the Internal Revenue Service.
Additionally, between January 2009 and July 2017, Seth fraudulently collected Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for himself and his minor child totaling $248,145.90, by failing to report his employment activity as the owner and operator of RAS & Sons general contracting business. As part of his sentence, Seth was ordered to pay restitution of $248,145.90 to the Social Security Administration.
"Robert Seth committed an elaborate double fraud on the government," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "By stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Social Security Administration and failing to report significant income from a variety of businesses, Seth was in effect stealing from the hard-working, honest taxpayers of western Pennsylvania. My office is committed to prosecuting criminals like Seth to the fullest extent of the law."
Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Seth.
Grand Jury Brings New Charges Against Alleged Beaver County Cocaine DealerRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A Beaver County resident has been charged in a Superseding Indictment by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The eight-count Superseding Indictment, returned on Feb. 5, named Rickee Dawkins, 52, of Aliquippa, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment, from July 2016 to July 2017, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Dawkins conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine. In addition, on various dates during the course of the conspiracy, Dawkins distributed and possessed with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution is part of a long-term investigation by the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force (GPSSTF), which targeted a large scale Drug Trafficking Organization operating in Butler, Beaver and Allegheny Counties. The GPSSTF is comprised of dedicated law enforcement professionals from the Wilkinsburg Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the FBI. The GPSSTF and the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania, would like to recognize the significant contributions made to this investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, United Sates Postal Inspection Service, Cranberry Township Police Department and the New Brighton Police Department. The Department of Homeland Security Investigators also assisted in the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
This 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.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Gang Member with Gun Goes to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH -A Pittsburgh-area gang member has been sentenced in federal court to two years of imprisonment on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy M. Bissoon imposed the sentence on Tre Goins, 24, of Pittsburgh, PA.
According to information presented to the court, Goins was a member of the "TRAPPLE" street gang in the East End area of the City of Pittsburgh. On June 23, 2017, a 17-year-old boy was shot to death near a residence on Apple Avenue, the headquarters of the gang. Goins was observed by police leaving the alley behind this residence with an object tucked to his waist. That item was discovered to be the murder weapon used by another gang member during the killing. Since the defendant had two prior convictions for gun offenses in state court, he was also prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon heard testimony from the mother of the deceased victim as she described what his death meant to her and the family. Based in part upon a sentencing guideline range of 24 to 30 months, Judge Bissoon determined that 24 months of incarceration, a $10,000 fine, and supervision by the United States Probation Office for the maximum period of three years after his release from federal prison, was the sentence that was sufficient but not more than necessary in this matter. The Judge ordered that her sentence run concurrent with any future sentence imposed by the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole as a result of committing the federal gun offense while on state parole for two prior gun convictions.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt, of the Major Crimes and Violent Crimes Sections of the United States Attorney’s Office, prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Goins.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, 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.
District Court Enters Permanent Injunction Against Pennsylvania Compounding Pharmacy and its Owner to Prevent Adulteration of DrugsRead the Press Release
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania entered a consent decree of permanent injunction against defendants Ranier’s Rx Laboratory Inc., doing business as Ranier’s Compounding Laboratory, and Francis H. Ranier, its owner. The injunction permanently enjoins the defendants from doing any act that causes a drug to become adulterated based on insanitary conditions while such drug is held for sale after shipment of one or more of its components in interstate commerce, the Department of Justice announced today.
The entered permanent injunction stems from a complaint the Department filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Western Pennsylvania on Feb. 1, 2019, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The complaint alleged that defendants violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by causing articles of drug to become adulterated. The complaint alleged that defendants’ drugs were adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have been contaminated with filth or may have been rendered injurious to health.
“The Department of Justice aggressively pursues legal measures to help ensure that compounded drugs intended to be sterile are made under appropriate conditions and thereby to minimize risk to consumers,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to work with the FDA to make sure that consumers can rely on the protections in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.”
Defendants agreed to settle the complaint and be bound by a consent decree for permanent injunction. As part of the settlement, defendants represented that they are not engaged in manufacturing, holding, and/or distributing any sterile drugs manufactured at their facility. As part of the permanent injunction, if defendants intend to resume manufacturing, holding, and/or distributing any sterile drugs manufactured at their facility, they must comply with specific remedial measures set forth in the injunction. The measures include, among other things, retaining an independent person to assist with remedial efforts, submitting a work plan to FDA, and providing a certification from the independent expert that defendants have undertaken corrective actions to ensure that defendants’ facility, equipment, processes, and procedures are adequate to prevent defendants’ drugs from becoming adulterated based on insanitary conditions.
FDA conducted an inspection of defendants’ facility in May 2018. According to the complaint, FDA observed numerous insanitary conditions, including insanitary employee practices, poor aseptic technique, failure to ensure adequate air quality in the cleanroom, and inadequate environmental and personnel monitoring. Following the May 2018 inspection, defendants conducted a recall of all sterile drugs within expiry.
“We continue to see concerning activity when it comes to some compounded drugs, including problems related to the conditions under which compounded sterile medicines are made, which can raise significant risks to patients. This is an area of intense focus for the FDA. We’re committed to making sure that compounded drugs are made under appropriate production standards and, when necessary, taking enforcement actions against compounders who fail to produce sterile drugs in compliance with the law,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. “Despite our warning, Ranier’s and its owner placed patients at risk by compounding purportedly sterile drug products under insanitary conditions. The FDA will continue to pursue enforcement action against companies and owners who place American consumers at risk.”
Trial Attorney Jocelyn Hines of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachael Mamula of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania represented the United States, along with the assistance of Senior Counsel Julie Lovas of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of General Counsel’s Food and Drug Division.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa.
Suspended Nurse Practitioner Indicted for Illegal PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A suspended nurse practitioner has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of dispensing and distributing controlled substances and conspiring to distribute and dispense controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The 294-count Indictment, returned on Feb. 5, named Larry J. Goisse, Jr. 34, as the sole defendant.
According to information previously provided to the court, Goisse is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner who owns and operates Prime Psychiatric Care, LLC, which has two offices in Pittsburgh. In July of 2018, Goisse’s Pennsylvania state medical licenses were revoked by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, meaning he does not have the legal authority to authorize prescriptions for controlled substances. The indictment alleges that on 294 occasions, Goisse prescribed Adderall after his nursing licenses had been suspended.
"In addition to being illegal, prescribing controlled substances without a license raises all kinds of red flags," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "We moved quickly to ensure the safety of the public but our investigation of this matter continues."
The law provides for a maximum per count sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic. This unit has investigated and prosecuted more corrupt health care professionals than any other U.S. Attorney’s Office in the country.
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.
Johnstown Opioid Treatment Center Owner Indicted for Unlawfully Dispensing Controlled Substances, Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. - The owner and operator of SKS Associates, Inc. (SKS) has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances, using or maintaining a drug involved premises, conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The five-count Indictment, returned on Feb. 5, named Stephen K. Shaner, 69, of Bulger, PA.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Shaner owns and operates SKS, a clinic that provides Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) to opioid dependent individuals with a location at 2001 Bedford Street in Johnstown, PA. The indictment alleges that Shaner conspired with Dr. Michael Cash and Dr. Ruth Jones to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for buprenorphine, and then unlawfully dispensed those controlled substances. Shaner is also charged with conspiring with Drs. Cash and Jones to commit health care fraud for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare, for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed buprenorphine. In addition, Shaner is charged with using or maintaining a drug involved premises between May 2012 and April 2018 for the dispensing of the drugs. Finally the indictment alleges that Shaner used the proceeds of the unlawful drug activity to pay for personal obligations in violation of the money laundering statutes. Dr. Michael Cash and Dr. Ruth Jones have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
"We have made significant progress in combatting the opioid epidemic in the Western District of Pennsylvania," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Overdose deaths are down overall in our District. But our work has not ended. We will continue to investigate and prosecute those who prey on people with opioid addiction."
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $1,750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Michael L. Ivory are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation leading to the filing of charges in these cases was conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU). The Western Pennsylvania OFADU, led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, combines the expertise and resources of federal and state law enforcement to address the role played by unethical medical professionals in the opioid epidemic. This unit has investigated and prosecuted more corrupt health care professionals than any other U.S. Attorney’s Office in the country.
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.
New York City Man Sentenced to Prison for Transporting Heroin to Western PA for DistributionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of New York City has been sentenced in federal court to 2½ years’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on William Rosario, 25, of New York, NY.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around November 2016 through in and around February 2017, Rosario conspired with his codefendants, David Francis and Jose Ortega, to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, which he transported from New York to the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Conti 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.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Monroeville Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Ingram Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and Monaca Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rosario.
Multi-State Drug Smuggling Prison Ring DismantledRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging 27 defendants, many of whom are serving federal prison sentences or were recently released from federal prison sentences, with committing drug trafficking and money laundering crimes and with engaging in interstate travel and transmissions in aid of racketeering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The 8-count Indictment, returned on January 18, 2019, charges 25 defendants with conspiring from January 2017 to January 2019 to distribute large volumes of drugs, including 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 1 kilogram or more of heroin, fentanyl and a fentanyl analog, oxycodone, synthetic cannabinoids, and buprenorphine, commonly known as SubOxone.
The 25 defendants charged in Count 1 are Noah Landfried (age 34 of Moon Township), Mario Allen (age 40 at USP-Lee in Virginia), Larry Benavides (age 43 at the Clinton County Jail in Pennsylvania), Dashawn Burley (age 20 of Monroeville), Michel Cercone (age 45 of Sewickley), Ahmad Fletcher (age 26 at FCI-Gilmer in West Virginia), Michael S. Frawley (age 47 of Pittsburgh), Christopher Gahagan (age 35 of Ambridge), Richard Georgelos (age 34 of Santa Cruz, Arizona), Nicholas Giammichele (age 34 at FCI-Danbury in Connecticut), Robert Korbe (age 49 at FCI-Loretto in Pennsylvania), Ross Landfried (age 37 at USP-Lee in Virginia), Sterling Marshall (age 24 at USP-Lee in Virginia), Darren Martin (age 30 of Aliquippa), Harold Novick (age 38 of Ambridge), Paul Nuara (age 51 of Erie), Omari Patton (age 39 at FCI-Fort Dix in New Jersey), James Perry (age 52 of Ambridge), John Ramsey (age 47 at FCI-Ray Brook in New York), Donnell Steward (age 49 at FCI-Otisville in New York), Quoc Boa Trinh (age 39 at FCI-Otisville in New York), Terrell Williams (age 39 of Pitcairn), Richard Wood (age 39 of Pittsburgh), Shayla Yates (age 38 of Dinwiddie, Virginia), and Krystian Zarate (age 27 of Santa Cruz, Arizona).
"Thanks to the hard work of a dedicated team of investigators and prosecutors, we have dismantled one of the largest prison drug smuggling rings in the country," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "This drug trafficking organization, which consists largely of repeat offenders, peddled dangerous drugs in prisons and in our communities. If this type of conduct doesn’t demonstrate the need for tougher drug sentences, I don’t know what does."
As part of the drug trafficking scheme, narcotics were smuggled into federal prisons facilities by saturating paper (including into printed court opinions and greeting cards) and mailing the paper to inmates. The prisoners paid for the drugs through an elaborate money laundering scheme involving the inmates’ financial accounts at the prison. The indictment seeks forfeiture of those accounts, among other things. The Indictment charges 9 defendants with conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds from January 2017 to January 2019. The nine defendants charged in Count 2 are Noah Landfried, Allen, Benavides, Cercone, Fletcher, Ross Landfried, Marshall, Perry, and Yates.
The Indictment charges Angelo Williams (age 33 of FCI-Cumberland in Maryland) and Priyanka Kumar (age 32 of Potomac, Maryland) in Count 3 with engaging in interstate travel and transmissions in aid of racketeering from January 2017 to January 2019.
Counts 4, 6, and 7 of the Indictment charge Gahagan with distributing cocaine in September 2017, January 2018, and April 2018. Count 5 charges Benavides with possessing a fentanyl analog and synthetic cannabinoids with intent to distribute in November 2017. Count 8 charges Noah Landfried with distributing heroin in June 2018.
The Indictment seeks forfeiture of the proceeds of the crimes as well as property that was acquired with the proceeds or was used to commit the crimes.
The law provides for minimum and maximum sentences for the counts in the Indictment ranging from at least 10 years to up to life in prison for Count 1, up to 20 years for Count 2, up to 5 years for Count 3, and up to 30 years for each of Counts 4 through 8. Fines ranging from $250,000 to up to $20,000,000 may also be imposed. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General led the multi-agency investigation that also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
McKeesport Man Sentenced to More than 5 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years and eight months in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Marcaius Butler, Jr., age 20.
According to the information presented to the court, on March 21, 2017, Butler possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and also possessed a Ruger pistol in furtherance of that crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Attorney commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Marcaius Butler, Jr.
Clairton Woman Sentenced in Counterfeit Cash ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to two years of probation and ordered to pay $9,570.00 in restitution on her conviction of conspiracy and passing and uttering counterfeit money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Seleste M. Foster, 25, of Clairton, PA.
According to information presented to the court, Foster conspired and passed counterfeit $100, $50, and $20 Federal Reserve Notes throughout the Western District of Pennsylvania..
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Foster.
Criminal Complaint Filed Against Suspended Nurse Practitioner for Illegal PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Larry J. Goisse, Jr., 34, of Pittsburgh, Pa., has been charged by federal criminal complaint with illegal distribution of Schedule II controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
According to the federal criminal complaint filed in this case, Goisse is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner who owns and operates Prime Psychiatric Care, LLC, which has two offices in Pittsburgh. The complaint alleges that after Goisse’s Pennsylvania state medical licenses were revoked by the Commonwealth in July of 2018, Goisse continued to practice medicine and prescribe controlled substances to various individuals. Specifically, the complaint alleges that from September 11, 2018 through January 28, 2019, Goisse authorized 429 prescriptions for Schedule II and/or Schedule IV controlled substances to individuals, and that approximately 294 of those prescriptions, totaling 13,177 tablets, were for Schedule II drugs containing amphetamine. Because Goisse does not maintain a valid state medical license, he does not have the legal authority to authorize prescriptions for controlled substances.
Goisse was arrested today and is scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court on Friday, February 1, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. before Magistrate Judge Robert C. Mitchell. Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 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. This unit has investigated and prosecuted more corrupt health care professionals than any other U.S. Attorney’s Office in the country.
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.
A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ohio Man Who Distributed Heroin in Western PA will Remain Detained Pending SentencingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – An Ohio resident pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and one count of conspiracy to launder money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
James Nelson, 31, of Wellsville, Ohio, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 2015 to February 2016, Nelson conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. He also conspired to launder $60,000 of the proceeds of the heroin trafficking.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for May 20, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of not more than $20,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s detention.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Hopewell Township Police Department, Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, Aliquippa Police Department, and the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Nelson.
Former Mount Pleasant Woman Charged with Defrauding her Employer and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Westmoreland County has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal mail fraud and identity theft laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The four-count indictment charged Jennifer Lynne Clark a/k/a Jennifer Gill, age 41, formerly of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania and now residing in Clearwater, Florida, with two counts of mail fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
The indictment charges that, from in and around April 2017 to in and around January 2018, Clark defrauded her employer by preparing falsified timesheets indicating that another person, A.G., had worked on particular projects. When paychecks for A.G. reflecting the false timesheets were mailed to Clark’s employer, Clark obtained the paychecks and deposited them herself, sometimes by endorsing A.G.’s name. The superseding indictment states that this scheme caused an additional loss of approximately $32,528.00.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 44 years in prison, a fine of either $1,000,000 or an alternative amount depending on the victims’ losses, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory C. Melucci and Adam N. Hallowell are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the superseding indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.