Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH – Three residents of the Western District of Pennsylvania were sentenced yesterday in federal court for violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone sentenced Jack Brown, 37, of Pittsburgh, to serve 24 months in prison and pay a $2,500 fine following his guilty plea to one count of conspiracy. Judge Cercone also sentenced Dwight Wright, 41, of Canonsburg, and Kenya Mickens, 40, of Pittsburgh, to serve one day in federal custody each, followed by 12 months and 10 months, respectively, of a combination of community and home confinement. Wright was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine. Wright and Mickens, like Brown, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.

In connection with his earlier guilty plea, Brown admitted that from in and around April 2016, and continuing thereafter to in and around October 2016, he conspired with others, including Mickens and Wright, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. At the time of his guilty plea, Brown admitted that he was responsible for between 500 grams and 2 kilograms of powder cocaine during the conspiracy. Likewise, during their plea colloquies, Mickens and Wright admitted that they were each responsible for between 100 and 200 grams of cocaine.

Brown, Mickens, and Wright were charged as part of a nine-defendant indictment returned by a federal grand jury on August 1, 2017. To date, six defendants have pleaded guilty.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The task force is headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and comprises members drawn from the Borough of Baldwin Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police. The Stowe Township Police Department also provided assistance in this investigation. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Indiana County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Robert Neal Fiasco, 40, of Cherry Tree, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Dec. 21, 2015, Fiasco distributed less than 100 grams of heroin.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Jan. 3, 2019, at 10 a.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, if any, 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 Fiasco.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Somerset, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison and supervised release for life on his conviction of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Anthony W. Hornbaker, age 59.

According to information presented to the court, on July 28, 2017, Hornbaker knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Assistant United States Attorney 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 Somerset Borough Police Department for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Hornbaker.

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 better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Darryle D. Ford, 58, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on July 12, 2017, Ford distributed less than 100 grams of heroin, and a quantity of fentanyl.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Dec. 17, 2018, at 10:00 a.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, if any, 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 Ford.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Cambria County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Moses Lee Cunningham, 52, of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on June 7, 2017, Cunningham distributed less than 500 grams of cocaine.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Dec. 17, 2018, at 1:00 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, if any, 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 Cunningham.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of South Carolina pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Nathan Haskins, age 21, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 29, 2016, Haskins conspired with others to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute over five grams of actual methamphetamine.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for December 20, 2018.  The law provides, at each count, for a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than 40 years, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Stowe Township Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Justice and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have proposed a reduction for controlled substances that may be manufactured in the U.S. next year. Consistent with President Trump’s “Safe Prescribing Plan” that seeks to “cut nationwide opioid prescription fills by one-third within three years,” the proposal decreases manufacturing quotas for the most six frequently misused opioids for 2019 by an average ten percent as compared to the 2018 amount. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) marks the third straight year of proposed reductions, which help reduce the amount of drugs potentially diverted for trafficking and used to facilitate addiction.

On July 11, 2018, the Justice Department announced that DEA was issuing a final rule amending its regulations to improve the agency’s ability consider the likelihood of whether a drug can be diverted for abuse when it sets annual opioid production limits. The final rule also promotes greater involvement from state attorneys general, and today’s proposed reduction will be sent to those offices.

In setting the aggregate production quote (APQ), DEA considers data from many sources, including estimates of the legitimate medical need from the Food and Drug Administration; estimates of retail consumption based on prescriptions dispensed; manufacturers’ disposition history and forecasts; data from DEA’s own internal system for tracking controlled substance transactions; and past quota histories.

The DEA has proposed to reduce more commonly prescribed schedule II opioids, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, morphine, and fentanyl.

Ultimately, revised limits will encourage vigilance on the part of opioid manufacturers, help DEA respond to the changing drug threat environment, and protect the American people from potential addictive drugs while ensuring that the country has enough opioids for legitimate medical, scientific, research, and industrial needs.

"The opioid epidemic that we are facing today is the worst drug crisis in American history," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "President Trump has set the ambitious goal of reducing opioid prescription rates by one-third in three years. We embrace that goal and are resolutely committed to reaching it. According to the National Prescription Audit, we have already made significant progress in reducing prescription rates over the past year. Cutting opioid production quotas by an average of ten percent next year will help us continue that progress and make it harder to divert these drugs for abuse. The American people can be confident that federal law enforcement and the Trump administration are taking action to protect them from dangerous drugs.  These smarter limits bring us one big step closer to President Trump's goal of finally ending this unprecedented crisis. I congratulate Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon and his team for taking action.”

“We’ve lost too many lives to the opioid epidemic and families and communities suffer tragic consequences every day,” said DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. “This significant drop in prescriptions by doctors and DEA’s production quota adjustment will continue to reduce the amount of drugs available for illicit diversion and abuse while ensuring that patients will continue to have access to proper medicine.”

“We enthusiastically support DOJ-DEA proposal to reduce manufacturing quotas for the most-frequently misused opioids,” stated U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady of the Western District of Pennsylvania. “From prosecuting doctors who illegally divert prescription opioids, to disrupting online Darknet marketplaces selling fentanyl, to aggressively prosecuting drug trafficking organizations, our office is mobilizing all available resources to fight the opioid epidemic.  DOJ-DEA’s action today is a critical step in ensuring that prescription opioids are not diverted and misused, as we combat the worst drug crisis in our nation’s history.”

Once the aggregate quota is set, DEA allocates individual manufacturing and procurement quotas to those manufacturers that apply for them. DEA may revise a company’s quota at any time during the year if change is warranted due to increased or decreased sales or exports, new manufacturers entering the market, new product development, or product recalls.

When Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act, the quota system was intended to reduce or eliminate diversion from “legitimate channels of trade” by controlling the quantities of the basic ingredients needed for the manufacture of controlled substances.

The Proposed Aggregate Production Quotas for schedule I and II controlled substances published in the Federal Register reflects the total amount of controlled substances necessary to meet the country’s medical, scientific, research, industrial, and export needs for the year and for the establishment and maintenance of reserve stocks. DEA establishes an APQ for more than 250 schedule I and II controlled substances annually.

In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines to practitioners recommending a reduction in the prescribing of opioid medications for chronic pain. DEA and its federal partners have increased efforts in the last several years to educate practitioners, pharmacists, manufacturers, distributors, and the public about the dangers associated with the misuse of opioid medications and the importance of proper prescribing.

PITTSBURGH, PA – One former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to one count of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Anthony Ptomey, age 26, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on April 17, 2017, investigators were conducting surveillance in the City of Pittsburgh and saw Ptomey pull up in a Silver Hyundai. Ptomey entered a home and left after a short amount of time. When Ptomey left the home, he was making suspicious movements in his crotch area and continually re-adjusting his pants in the waistband area. Ptomey then reentered the Hyundai which was subsequently stopped by investigators.

When officers began to approach the vehicle, they saw Ptomey, who was in the front passenger’s seat, reaching back and pulling a diaper bag into the front of the car. When officers made contact with Ptomey, they learned that he had an open arrest warrant and was detained. Once Ptomey was detained, officers did a frisk of him and recovered seven bricks of heroin from his crotch region. The driver and owner of the vehicle, gave consent for officers to search the car. Officers recovered eight more bricks of heroin from the diaper bag that Ptomey was holding in the front of the car. The Allegheny County Crime Lab tested the seized substances and determined that the substances tested positive for heroin.    

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for December 20, 2018 at 2:15 p.m. Due to Ptomey’s prior conviction for drug trafficking, the law provides an increased penalty for a total maximum sentence of not more than 30 years 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 of the defendant.  Ptomey will continue to be detained pending sentencing.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the guilty plea in this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 12 years’ imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Glaudis Lawrence, age 45, of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2016, and continuing until in and around July 2016, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Lawrence conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. Lawrence has a prior federal felony drug-trafficking conviction that also involved heroin.

Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) responsible for the successful prosecution of Lawrence. That task force was comprised of members drawn from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, the Baldwin Borough Police Department, the Duquesne Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Munhall Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Scott Township Police Department, and the West Homestead Police Department, along with assistance from the Borough of McKees Rocks Police Department, the Borough of Ambridge Police Department, the Borough of Sewickley Police Department, the Crescent Township Police Department, the City of Aliquippa Police Department, the Borough of New Brighton Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH, PA. – One former resident of Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on one count of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Deon Webb, age 44, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge David Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on October 4, 2017, investigators from the DEA and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office coordinated a controlled purchase to buy cocaine from Deon Webb. Investigators recorded the phone call in which a DEA confidential source contacted Webb and made arrangements to buy cocaine. The confidential source then travelled to a shopping plaza in North Versailles, PA. Webb arrived to the location in his Black Infinity QX60, exited the Infinity, and got into the sources’ car. Webb then gave the source 4.5 ounces of cocaine in exchange for $4,750. Webb then departed from the area. The source then turned over the cocaine to investigators. The Allegheny County Crime Lab tested the substance and the test revealed that it was approximately 120 grams of cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Due to Webb’s two prior federal drug trafficking convictions, he will face sentencing as a career offender. 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. Judge Cercone set sentencing for Thursday, January 17, 2019. Webb will continue to be detained pending sentencing.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office – DANET conducted the investigation leading to the guilty plea in this case.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Pittsburgh, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to narcotics and firearm charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Monty Grinage, age 39, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before United States District Judge Mark Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Grinage was a co-conspirator in one of the largest drug trafficking conspiracies in Western Pennsylvania history. Grinage conspired with multiple members of the indictment to import multiple kilograms of cocaine into Southwestern Pennsylvania. Grinage would then personally receive large kilogram amounts of cocaine and redistribute them by selling them to other co-conspirators. In total, Grinage acknowledged that he was responsible for up to 50 kilograms of cocaine. Additionally, Grinage pled guilty to possessing a 9mm handgun when investigators from the Drug Enforcement Agency executed a search warrant at his home on December 12, 2017.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for December 14, 2018. The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison up to a maximum of life, a fine of $10,000,000 or both. Due to his prior record for drug trafficking offenses, Grinage will face increased penalties and be sentenced as a career offender. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior record, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation - The Monongahela Valley Residential Agency, the Drug Enforcement Agency – Pittsburgh Division and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the South Strabane Police Department, the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Perryopolis Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the guilty plea in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of aiding or assisting in the preparation or filing of false federal income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The five-count indictment, returned on August 14, named James H. Grant, 31, of Pittsburgh, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Grant filed false federal income tax returns for other persons that included false Schedule C information, and which requested a false refund for the tax filer.

The law provides for a total sentence of three years imprisonment for each count, a fine of $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of aiding or assisting in the preparation or filing of false federal income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The five-count indictment, returned on August 14, named Eduardo Cardona, 38, of Pittsburgh, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Cardona filed false federal income tax returns for other persons that included false Schedule C information, and which requested a false refund for the tax filer.

The law provides for a total sentence of three years imprisonment for each count, a fine of $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on August 14, named Louis A. Impell, age 55, Pittsburgh, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, during the period from August 2009 through June 2018, Impell received and converted approximately $72,186.78 in Supplemental Security Income benefits to which he knew he was not entitled. Impell failed to disclose income to the Social Security Administration (SSA) while receiving benefits from the SSA.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 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 offenses 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 Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – An Ohio resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Karim Abdullah Wiley, 40, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from May 2014 through February 2017, Karim Abdullah Wiley and others negotiated counterfeit checks at gaming casinos along the east coast from Florida to New York, using false identification documents produced with the names of real persons to negotiate the counterfeit checks. Some of those checks were negotiated at the River’s Casino in Pittsburgh. Fraud losses total several hundred thousand dollars

Judge Fischer scheduled the sentencing for January 4, 2019 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence for conspiracy is five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and three years supervised release. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

Agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Karim Abdullah Wiley.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Columbus, Ohio, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment named Evan Jones, age 27, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about July 26, 2018, Jones possessed with intent to distribute heroin.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Following pleas of guilty, two Nigerian citizens were sentenced in federal court to probation of one year on their convictions of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud for an immigration benefit, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Adediran Bamgbose, age 38, and Temitope Elemosho, age 36, Pittsburgh, PA.

According to information presented to the court, Elemosho, a Nigerian citizen, conspired with Bamgbose, the father of her three children, also a Nigerian citizen, to give money to a citizen of the United States so that the United States citizen would enter into a sham marriage with her. Elemosho entered into the sham marriage with the United States citizen so that she could obtain legal permanent residency based upon the marriage. Bamgbose accepted responsibility for aiding and abetting marriage fraud. Elemosho accepted responsibility for entering into the sham marriage with the United States citizen and filing false documents with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

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

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Eastpointe, Michigan, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of aiding or assisting in the preparation or filing of false federal income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The five-count indictment, returned on August 14, named Lakisha K. Pinkney, 42, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Pinkney filed false federal income tax returns for other persons that included false Schedule C information, and which requested a false refund for the tax filer.

The law provides for a total sentence of three years imprisonment for each count, a fine of $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – Two residents of Brooklyn, New York, have been sentenced in federal court on their conviction of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentences on William O. Candelaria, 30, and Christopher T. Candelaria, 26. William O. Candelaria received 24 months’ incarceration, three years supervised release and restitution in the amount of $109,485.26. Christopher T. Candelaria received three years of probation and restitution in the amount of $109,485.26.

According to the information presented to the court, in June, 2016, the Candelarias and conspirators used counterfeit credit cards at multiple stores in Western Pennsylvania to purchase gift cards and merchandise which totaled approximately $91,000.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted 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 these defendants. 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, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Robinson Township Police Department.

PITTSBURGH, PA. - A South Carolina resident has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release on his conviction of interstate stalking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Dunlap, 30, of Clover, South Carolina.

According to information presented to the court, Dunlap placed false and fraudulent food delivery orders online, using the identity of other individuals, which placed the victim, a resident of Western Pennsylvania, under substantial emotional distress.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - An illegal alien found in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to six months incarceration to be followed by immediate deportation on his conviction of Illegal re-entry after deportation, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentencing on Edvin Delgado Escobar, aka Alexis Romero, aka Eddie Romero, aka Edwin Delgado, age 27, of Guatemala.

According to the information presented to the court, Edvin Delgado Escobar, an illegal alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on December 30, 2010 and November 7, 2012. Edvin Delgado Escobar was found to be illegally present in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, on May 23, 2018.

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

The United States Attorney commended the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to a successful prosecution.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Sacramento, California, and Dayton, Ohio, has pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to a violation of the federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Timothy Anderson, age 27, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on January 24, 2018, a Shenango Township Police Officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle that Anderson was driving in Lawrence County. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed that Anderson, a convicted felon, was in possession of a silver and black Ruger P93CD 9mm semi-automatic handgun, with an extended magazine. Federal law prohibits an individual with a felony conviction from possessing a firearm.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for December 13, 2018, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total maximum 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 of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, Judge Ambrose ordered that Anderson remain detained.

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 Troy Rivetti is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Dayton, Ohio, Police Department, the Shenango Township Police Department, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Bureau of Narcotics, the New Castle Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Timothy Anderson.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jeffrey E. Goehring, age 46, of Pittsburgh, pleaded guilty on August 10, to one count before United States District Court Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Goehring uploaded approximately 13 images of child pornography to a Yahoo Flikr account. After investigators obtained a search warrant for Goehring’s residence, they recovered 111 videos and 862 images depicting child pornography on his electronic devices. Goehring admitted that he has had an addiction to pornography since the 1990s and that he has gradually switched to child pornography in the last 10 years.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for December 6, 2018. The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not less than five years, 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.

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

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation with the help of the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A Euclid, Ohio, man pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl that he ordered from China and sold domestically, including to an undercover FBI agent in Pittsburgh, U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio and U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady of the Western District of Pennsylvania announced today.

Antoin Austin, 28, is scheduled be sentenced Nov. 5.

Austin used the online moniker "DARKKING22" on the dark web. DARKKING22 advertised some of the following items for sale this year: "Fentanyl Pure HCL, Methozymethylfentanyl ‘30490’, molly, pure lofentanil, and MMAF New Product." Methozymethylfentanyl, pure lofentanil, and MMAF New Product are known to be various types of fentanyl analogues, according to court documents.

Undercover law enforcement agents made multiple purchases of opioids from DARKKING22 on the Dark Web in 2018. The purchases were made using bitcoins and the shipments indicated the letters carrying the drugs originated in the Cleveland area. The initial undercover purchase from Austin occurred in March of 2018 when undercover FBI special agents based in the Western District of Pennsylvania purchased and received cyclopropyl fentanyl, a Schedule I controlled substance, from Austin.

According to court documents, the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspectors tracked the March shipment of fentanyl from DARKKING22 to the U.S. Post Office in Wickliffe, Ohio. They observed Austin travel from his home in Euclid to the Wickliffe Post Office, where he attempted to mail packages using false return addresses. These packages were intercepted by agents and were found to contain fentanyl consistent with the undercover purchases. In October 2017, law enforcement also seized a package shipped from a known Chinese fentanyl distributor to Austin which contained 10 grams of fentanyl.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Pennsylvania charged Austin by Information with distribution of fentanyl in July 2018 and that case was transferred to the Northern District of Ohio and consolidated with the Ohio distribution case for purposes of Austin’s guilty plea and upcoming sentencing.

"This defendant ordered thousands of deadly doses of fentanyl from China, brought it to a residential neighborhood in Euclid and then mailed the dangerous drugs all over Ohio and across the country," U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. "Drug traffickers like this have enriched themselves while causing so much pain in our community."

"DARKKING22 is one of the first defendants in the country to be investigated, charged and convicted since Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of the Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement (J-CODE) initiative in Pittsburgh earlier this year," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Through our office’s expertise in opioids and cybercrime, we are disrupting illegal opioid sales on the Darknet by dismantling these marketplaces and criminal enterprises."

"Online drug trafficking takes the risk out of dealing drugs face to face," said FBI-Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. "But we want to send a clear message to those buying and selling drugs on the Darknet. You are not anonymous and we will find you. Shutting down this on-line illegal activity is a coordinated effort and all of our law enforcement partners are committed to stopping the opioid epidemic."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service as part of the Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) initiative aimed at targeting drug trafficking of fentanyl and other opioids on the Darknet. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Cronin of the Northern District of Ohio and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Two Duquesne, Pa., residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms laws and making false statements to federal law enforcement United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The five-count indictment, returned on March 21 and unsealed on August 9, 2018, named Khalil Armstrong, 26, and Melvin Bowles, 24, as the defendants.

According to the indictment, in February 2018, Armstrong and Bowles conspired to make false statements in the acquisition of a firearm. On February 7, 2018, Armstrong made false statements to a licensed firearm dealer in the acquisition of a firearm. On February 12, 2018, Armstrong made false statements to federal law enforcement. On February 15, 2018, Bowles allegedly possessed a firearm as a convicted felon.

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

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

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

This case was brought 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.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 92 months’ imprisonment and six years of supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to possess and distribute prescription opiate pain killers, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Mark Coleman, 39.

According to information presented to the court, Coleman participated in a criminal network of individuals who obtained large quantities of prescription opiates through a variety of means and illegally distributed those opiates to users in the Pittsburgh area. Coleman delivered pills and collected drug proceeds on behalf of higher-level members of the conspiracy.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Coleman.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Brent Williams, age 32, of pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Brent Williams was indicted in connection with a DEA wiretap investigation. The intercepted wiretap communications revealed that Williams and others conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin between January and September 2016.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for January 3, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises. United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams.

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

The 10-count indictment, returned on August 7 and unsealed yesterday, named Sean Jamar Gaines, 28, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

On July 30, 2014, May 26, 2016, and September 23, 2017, Gaines made false statements to a licensed firearm dealer in the acquisition of firearms and also made false statements on a federal firearms form in the acquisition of firearms.

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

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

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

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.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of fraud conspiracy, mail fraud, and wire fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on August 1 and unsealed yesterday, named Robert Shon Jackson, 42, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Robert Shon Jackson was charged with being involved in a "Mystery Shopper" scam. A "Mystery Shopper" scam occurs when a victim is falsely led to believe that they are being employed to evaluate retail and business services. They unwittingly receive a counterfeit Postal Money order or counterfeit check to provide the funds for their evaluation purchases. They negotiate the counterfeit instrument and then send a large portion of the proceeds to a person designated by the fraudsters usually by wire. By this time, the counterfeit instrument is returned to the bank and they are charged for the funds paid to them by the bank.

Jackson is alleged to have conspired with certain persons knowingly to prepare and address fraudulent mail containing the counterfeit instruments to victims, who believed they were acting as "mystery shoppers." The victims unwittingly received the counterfeit commercial and Postal money orders and checks and cashed them to make small purchases for purposes of evaluating the commercial services provided. The victims then wire transferred excess funds back to Jackson and other unwitting accomplices. After these transactions, the money orders and checks were returned as counterfeit by the victims’ banks and they were left to repay the bank from their own funds. Jackson then wired, or caused to be wired, a portion of the fraudulent proceeds to other persons overseas. The estimated loss associated with Jackson is approximately $42,744.46.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – Accuserv Pharmacy, with two locations in North Huntington and Pittsburgh, and its owner Marvin P. Sheffler, Jr., a registered pharmacist, agreed to pay $100,000 in civil penalties to resolve allegations that they failed to keep and maintain accurate records of controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The Controlled Substances Act mandates registered pharmacies and pharmacists to adhere to strict requirements regarding inventory control and recordkeeping. These requirements ensure that pharmacies account for controlled substances from the time of purchase until they are dispensed to patients. The alleged violations include failure to keep accurate records of hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, methadone, and carisoprodol.

"Pharmacies and pharmacists are required by law to keep accurate records to ensure that highly addictive drugs do not end up being diverted for illegal purposes," U.S. Attorney Brady said. "A failure to do so puts public safety at risk, which we can not tolerate."

The United States Attorney commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration for conducting the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Rachael L. Mamula handled the settlement on behalf of the United States.

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

The two-count indictment named William Patrick Midberry, aka William Patrick Schmidt, age 37, of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on September 8, 2017 and April 15, 2018, Midberry, a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer who operated the Slippery Rock Outfitters gun dealership, made false entries onto federal firearms purchase forms and sold firearms without performing background checks.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than two years in prison, a fine of not more than $200,000, 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 Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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.

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

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

The five-count indictment names Gerald Edward Black, age 48, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Black received and converted approximately $19,743.00 in Supplemental Security Income benefits to which he knew he was not entitled. Additionally, Black is charged with concealing and failing to disclose changes to his minor child’s living arrangements with the intent to deceive the Social Security Administration as well as knowingly and willfully making a false statement material to his minor child’s right to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of no more than 20 years in prison, a fine of no more than $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

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

The one-count indictment named Robert Tippett, age 21.

According to the indictment, on or about May 4, 2018, Tippett possessed a loaded .357 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver. It is unlawful for Tippett, who has previously been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, to possess a firearm.

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

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

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

PITTSBURGH – A New Jersey man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating the federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment named Marvin Anthony, aka Kareem Anthony, aka Jamal Atwaters, aka Robert Jackson, aka Rasha Miller, aka Marvin Armstrong, aka Rasha Tyrner, age 41, of East Orange, New Jersey, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on March 5, 2018, Anthony possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

The defendant faces a maximum possible penalty of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of not more than $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Washington County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, and numerous local police departments including the Canonsburg Police Department, the Donora Police Department, the Monessen Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Charleroi Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. United States Attorney Scott W. Brady praised the work of this cooperative law enforcement effort and has made opioid traffickers a specific target within the entire Western District of Pennsylvania.

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

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

The three-count indictment names Amy Lynn Snow, age 50, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Snow received and converted Supplemental Security Income benefits to which she knew she was not entitled. Snow is also charged with knowingly and willfully making two false statements material to her entitlement to receive Supplemental Security Income.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of no more than 20 years in prison, a fine of no more than $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - Three members of the 11 Hunnit street gang have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Conspiracy to violate RICO (Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations), United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The indictment, returned on August 2 and unsealed yesterday, named as defendants:  

Dionte Griffin, aka L Gzz, aka El Gwopo, aka Fat Boii, 22, of Pittsburgh, PA;

Sydney Pack, aka Lane, aka 018 Lane, 20, of Pittsburgh, PA; and

Richard Kelly, aka Rack Boy, aka RB, 23, of Pittsburgh, PA.

All three defendants are currently incarcerated.  The initial appearances for Griffin and Pack are scheduled for August 8, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Robert C. Mitchell.  Kelly will make his initial appearance in federal court on September 11, 2018, at 1:30 p.m., before Magistrate Judge Lisa Pupo Lenihan. 

The indictment alleges that from 2015 to August, 2018, the defendants were members of the 11 Hunnit street gang who conspired to commit murder, robbery, and drug trafficking.

According to the indictment, 11 Hunnit, also known as FDT and Sneaky Gang, is a violent street gang composed primarily of individuals from the Hill District section of the City of Pittsburgh that has been functioning since approximately 2012.  The 11 Hunnit gang is primarily comprised of persons from the 800 block of Memory Lane and the 300 block of Burrows Street in the Hill District section of Pittsburgh.  The 800 block of Memory Lane is referred to as the “Lane,” which also encompasses the Chauncey Drive housing complex, along with the Somers Drive housing complex. The 300 block of Burrows Street is referred to as the “Rack.” Multiple 11 Hunnit gang members include “Rack” or “Lane” into their street names. 

According to the indictment, 11 Hunnit members were required to commit acts of violence to maintain membership and discipline within the gang.   11 Hunnit funded their criminal enterprise from various sources, including drug trafficking and robberies.  These funds were used for gang purposes, including obtaining weapons and maintaining their lifestyle.  The gang spread warnings and propaganda, and bragged about its misdeeds, through rap videos.  The indictment references several publicly accessible music videos published to YouTube by a YouTube user identified in the indictment as J.W.  These rap videos feature appearances by 11 Hunnit gang members, including Pack and Griffin.

According to the indictment, 11 Hunnit members communicated about gang activities using mobile telephones, telephone text messages and social media. 

“As alleged, these defendants are members of a violent gang whose drug trafficking and other acts of violence have terrorized law abiding residents of the City of Pittsburgh for too long: today it ends,” stated U.S. Attorney Brady.  “We will use every tool, including federal RICO conspiracy, to put an end to these violent street gangs and offer justice to those harmed by 11 Hunnit and their associates.”

“This investigation is an example of ATF’s dedication to working with our state, local and federal partners in identifying, targeting, and investigating violent criminals who are involved in selling narcotics and firearms who prey upon innocent citizens and lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Donald Robinson. “Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by all violent drug gangs. We will continue to work with our partners at the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police to impact the violent crime that has done so much damage to a number of our neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.”

Allegheny County Police Supt. Coleman McDonough said, “In 2016, the Allegheny County Police initiated two homicide investigations, one in the Borough of Greentree the other in the Borough of McKees Rocks, that involved some of the same individuals.  Through the course of those investigations, we developed significant intelligence information concerning the groups involved.  Using that information, we partnered with the ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to facilitate a larger investigation.  That investigation culminated with the indictment of the people involved with the two homicides. The collaborative effort illustrates the success that can be achieved when all levels of law-enforcement interface.”

“Our citizens have the right to live in communities free from violence,” added Commander Victor Joseph, of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Major Crimes.  “The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police will not stand for violent gangs holding our neighborhoods hostage. When traditional investigative means are not enough to hold violent offenders accountable, we think outside the box. In this instance, a RICO investigation was appropriate.  Thanks to our partnerships with the ATF, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Allegheny County Police and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, three violent gang members are no longer on our streets.”

The law provides for maximum total sentences ranging from up to 20 years in prison for Kelly and up to life in prison for Griffin and Pack, a fine not to exceed $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 Amy L. Johnston is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office for conducting the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.  The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF).  The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises. 

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – One resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of healthcare fraud and possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of opiate painkiller, oxycodone, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Marion Randolph, age 64, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Randolph participated in a criminal network of drug dealers who obtained opiate painkillers and then illegally distributed them to users in the Pittsburgh area. Randolph sold prescription pills that she obtained through a health benefit program to dealers in the criminal network and to other people. She obtained the pills under the false pretense that she intended to use the pills herself when, in fact, she intended to and did distribute some of the pills to others.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for November 16, 2018.  The law provides for a total sentence of not more than twenty years in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Randolph.

PITTSBURGH- Two Allegheny County residents 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 four-count indictment, returned on July 31, named Christopher Eric Carr, 45, of Munhall, Pa., and Ron Matthew Sharp, 42, of Duquesne, Pa., as defendants.

According to the indictment, from February through May of 2018, Carr and Sharp 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 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.

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 Christy C. Wiegand is prosecuting 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 indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Allegheny County has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months imprisonment and three years supervised release on his convictions for violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

On August 3, 2018, United States District Court Judge Mark Hornak imposed the sentence on Dalton Douglas Duschl, age 23, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, between January 3, 2017, and February 13, 2017, Duschl, a felon, knowingly possessed and sold four firearms, two of which were stolen, to undercover law enforcement agents. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton imposed the sentence on Lance Yarbough, 33.

According to information presented to the court, Yarbough participated in a large-scale heroin distribution operation centered in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. Yarbough’s sentencing is the culmination of an investigation that began in 2010 and resulted in the convictions of 19 individuals for heroin distribution and firearms charges, most of whom are from Duquesne. The core of the group called themselves Hardcore Entertainment, and some of the members of the conspiracy recorded music and video under that name, as well. Some videos, which they posted on YouTube, included members of the conspiracy bragging about their drug dealing activities.

Members of Hardcore Entertainment typically pooled their resources and obtained large quantities of heroin from New Jersey and New York. They often transported the heroin and money in vehicles with hidden compartments. Once the heroin reached the Pittsburgh area, members of the conspiracy split the heroin and sold it to other distributors in the Pittsburgh area. During portions of the conspiracy, co-conspirators were making weekly trips between New Jersey or New York and the Pittsburgh area transporting hundreds of thousands of dollars and multiple kilograms of heroin per month. The conspiracy lasted from at least 2008 until 2012. The evidence presented at trial included controlled purchases of heroin, evidence seized pursuant to search warrants, communications among the conspirators intercepted pursuant to Court authorization, and the seizure of heroin from the hidden compartment of one of the vehicles used to transports money and heroin between New Jersey and the Pittsburgh area.

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

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

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

The one-count indictment, returned on August 1, named Paul Anthony Parrish, aka Paul Anthony Carmona, aka Paul Carmona Parrish, aka "Pills", age 41, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, in late 2016 to March 12, 2017, Parrish possessed a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Ruger pistol and 9 mm ammunition. Parrish has previously been convicted of a felony and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment, 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 of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt of the Major Crimes and Violent Crimes sections is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case, with valuable assistance from the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department and the United States Marshals Service and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

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.

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

PITTSBURGH - An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal law pertaining to government employees, United States Attorney Scott w. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment named Jasson E. Hart, Sr., age 35, of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about June 29, 2015, Hart, while working as a U.S. Postal Service employee, removed $100 from greeting cards, which were addressed and intended for delivery by the U.S. Postal Service.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 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. Bond of $5,000 unsecured has been requested.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Kinsman, Ohio, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of mail by a postal employee, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment named Nicole Wade, 43, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Nicole Wade was an employee of the United States Postal Service at the time she stole two greeting cards and removed two $20 US Notes and four gift cards contained therein that were to be conveyed by mail.

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 Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 52 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of possession of material depicting the exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Abhijeet Das, 28, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Das unlawfully possessed computer graphic files containing approximately 1,000 photographs and 380 videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct..

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Das.

PITTSBURGH, PA - A Washington County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government property and supplemental security income fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on July 31, named Crystal Bell, 42, of Washington, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

The indictment alleges that, from January 31, 2013 through November 31, 2014, Bell acted as a representative payee for a beneficiary and converted $15,031 in Title XVI Social Security benefits deposited to the bank account for the beneficiary. She also falsified a document sent to Social Security Administration by indicating that the beneficiary was residing at her home when the beneficiary was not then residing at her home and was not entitled to receive benefits.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 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 Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of time served after having served 8 months in jail, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on her conviction of Attempted Post Office Robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Kristen Risko, age 24.

According to the information presented to the court, on July 21, 2016, the defendant, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with the hood over her head, large dark sunglasses covering her face and holding a metallic object in her right hand, walked into the United States Post Office in Pitcairn, PA. She raised her right hand, pointed it at the clerk, and demanded money. The defendant moved closer to the clerk, demanded money and told him to give her everything that he had. As she got closer, he believed that she was holding a knife. The clerk told her that the police just drove by and that she had better leave because they were coming back any second. He then moved behind a doorframe and out of her view. At that point, the defendant fled the Post Office. Risko was identified the next day. She confessed, but denied using a knife. She claimed that she used a remote control for a space heater. No weapon was recovered.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pitcairn Borough Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Risko.

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

The one-count indictment, returned on July 31, named Henry A. Bruce, age 38, of Farrell, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about June 28, 2018, Bruce possessed with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum 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 would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Troy Rivetti are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Mercer County Drug Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge relating to Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Kristin Lucas, also known as Kristin Hope Iarrusso, age 45, of McKeesport pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, between November 2012 and October 2014, Lucas received and converted approximately $19,289.00 in Supplemental Security Income benefits to which she knew she was not entitled. Additionally, on or about April 10, 2013, Lucas knowingly made a false statement material to her right to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, by falsely stating that she had used $8,400 in Supplemental Security Income benefits paid to her from March 1, 2012 to February 28, 2013 for the care and support of a minor child.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for November 28, 2018. 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Adam N. Hallowell is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kristin Lucas.

PITTSBURGH - A former suburban Pittsburgh physician has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of unlawfully distributing controlled substances, conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances, health care fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The 121-count superseding indictment, returned on July 31, named Andrzej Kazimierz Zielke, 63, of Allison Park, Pennsylvania, (Hampton) as the sole defendant.

According to the superseding indictment, Zielke owned and operated Medical Frontiers, a holistic practice, located in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. The indictment alleges that Zielke conspired to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine sulfate and methadone. The recipients of the unlawfully issued prescriptions then filled them at pharmacies. In addition, the indictment alleges Zielke committed health care fraud by causing fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicare, Medicaid, Highmark, and workers’ compensation carriers for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed drugs. Finally, the indictment alleges that Zielke violated federal money laundering statutes when he used proceeds obtained through his illegal drug distribution to purchase gold and silver coins.

"Western Pennsylvania is experiencing some of the highest opioid overdose death rates in the nation, rates driven not only by drug traffickers who distribute on our streets but also by those who peddle drugs out their medical offices," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "We will continue our relentless pursuit of both, and today’s charges demonstrate that medical professionals who exploit their prescribing privileges for personal financial gain will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

On October 5, 2017, Zielke was arrested on a criminal complaint. He was charged in a 13-count indictment in November 2017. Zielke was the first medical provider indicted following Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ formation of the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, a Department of Justice initiative that uses data to target and prosecute individuals that are contributing to the nation’s opioid crisis. Since its formation, the Western District of Pennsylvania’s OFADU has charged 17 physicians or medical professionals.

The law provides for a maximum per count sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both, for the controlled substances offenses. Zielke faces an additional maximum per count sentence of 10 years and fine of $250,000 for the health care fraud charges; and a maximum per count sentence of 10 years and a fine of $250,000 for the money laundering offenses. 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 and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Summer Carroll of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa – A former law firm office manager has been sentenced in federal court to 21 months imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $827,020.39 in restitution on his conviction of one count of bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Anthony Calaiaro, 34, of 5072 Grove Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Whitehall).

According to information presented to the court, from June 2014 through approximately April 2016, Calaiaro, who was employed as an Office Manager for a law firm, wrote checks to himself and forged a partner’s signature on the checks. Calaiaro then cashed the forged checks at various locations and used the funds for his own personal use. The total loss is approximately $827,020.39.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Calaiaro.