Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 156 months imprisonment, followed by a term of lifetime supervised release, on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Robert Roy Hegner, age 67, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on August 25, 2016, Hegner 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. Hegner was previously convicted of Indecent Assault, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Corruption of Minors and Sexual Abuse of Children (F3) in a 1999 case and at the time of this offense was a Megan’s Law Offender.

Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County District Attorney Investigations Unit, and the Allegheny County Police Department for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hegner.

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

PITTSBURGH –A Texas resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count indictment named Nicu Sorin Pantelica, age 28, of Houston, Texas.

According to the indictment, Pantelica, a native of Romania, participated in a conspiracy in which he and his conspirators placed skimming devices, along with pinhole cameras, on several automated teller machines throughout the Pittsburgh area. The skimming devices collect the account information contained on the magnetic strips on automated teller machines cards. The pinhole cameras collect personal identification numbers used by customers using the automated teller machines. Pantelica and his conspirators manufactured cloned automated teller machine cards and used those cloned cards and the personal identification numbers to access and withdraw funds from accounts.

The law provides for a minimum sentence of two years in prison and a maximum total sentence of 62 years in prison, a fine of $2,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Secret Service, with the assistance of the South Strabane Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years’ probation on his conviction of willfully violating an OSHA regulation causing the death of an employee, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States Magistrate Judge Cynthia R. Eddy imposed the sentence on Wayne A. George, d/b/a A Rooter Man of Pittsburgh, LLC.

According to the information presented to the court, George was a part owner of A Rooter Man, and was responsible for all of its trench work. Most of that trench work involved excavating, installing and repairing septic systems. OSHA requires employers to provide life-saving cave-in protection in most trenches more than five feet deep. George spent most of his working life as an excavator and was very familiar with those important safety and legal requirements.

The events leading to the death took place on September 28, 2015, at the Shelbourne Personal Care Home in Penn Township, Butler County. George was physically present, operating a backhoe and supervising the replacement of a terra cotta sewer line with PVC pipe. George dug a trench that was 11 feet deep and had a ladder in the trench that was used by his employees to climb in and out of the trench. The trench had no cave-in protection.

The victim, Jacob Casher, was a 21-year-old A Rooter Man employee, who was in the trench at the depth of approximately 11 feet below the surface when the trench collapsed. He was killed instantly.

As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued citations for two willful violations and several serious violations of construction industry safety standards. In response, George paid a penalty of $87,000.

Assistant United States Attorney Nelson P. Cohen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Office of the Regional Solicitor for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Wayne A. George.

PITTSBURGH - A local woman has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation on her conviction of health care fraud and conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone and Oxymorphone, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence yesterday on Angela Vernon, 66, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting these cases 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 these defendants.

PITTSBURGH - An Ohio resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of willfully injuring or committing depredation against any property of the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Thomas Ross, age 49, formerly of New Waterford, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 26, 2016, Ross drove his vehicle, a large dump truck, through the gate of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, located at 3311 East Carson Street, in Pittsburgh. Ross proceeded to ram through the security barriers at a high rate of speed, inflicting extensive damage on the gate and security barriers and causing the vehicle to become airborne. Upon hitting the ground, the vehicle struck a nearby light post in the interior parking lot of the FBI Pittsburgh.

The court was advised that the total amount of loss attributable to Ross’s actions will be determined at sentencing. The government estimates that the cost to repair and replace the gate and security barriers struck by Ross’s vehicle was approximately $175,000, and that the cost to repair the light post was approximately $13,684. The government also advised the court that, while the gate and security barriers were being repaired, the FBI also hired additional security personnel at additional cost to the FBI.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for June 13, 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 offense 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 Pittsburgh FBI and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thomas Ross.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of the Western District of Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court on his conviction of fraud conspiracy; mail fraud; wire fraud; conspiracy to commit money laundering; trafficking or using unauthorized access devices aggregating $1,000 or more (attempt); and possession of 15 or more access devices, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence yesterday on Daniel K. Miller, 52, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Miller received a sentence of 33 months in prison, followed by three years supervised release, and was ordered to pay approximately $71,472 in restitution.

According to information presented to the court, Miller falsely represented to be employees of companies in order to arrange and cause the unauthorized purchases of merchandise, and thereafter directing its shipment to individuals (re-shippers) who would re-ship the merchandise to co-conspirators overseas or would sell the products online and transfer the proceeds to co-conspirators overseas. Miller also knowingly transported, transmitted, or transferred monetary instruments or funds from a place in the United States to a place outside the United States (Nigeria). On or about September 10, 2010, Miller attempted to traffic in and use an unauthorized credit card in the amount of $2,213.44. On or about September 17, 2010, Miller possessed 15 or more unauthorized credit cards.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Scott Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Miller.

PITTSBURGH - A Georgia man has been sentenced in federal court to two years’ probation with six months’ home detention on his conviction of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Tom Smith, 55, of Atlanta, Georgia.

According to information presented to the court, on or about July 1, 2015, Smith transported a stolen Range Rover Sport, valued at $74,000, from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania across state lines into the State of West Virginia.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cercone stated that the sentence satisfies all of the factors set forth under 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Monroeville Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.

PITTSBURGH – A Washington state resident has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release, and was ordered to pay approximately $846,819 in restitution on his conviction of embezzlement, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone, imposed the sentence on Ronald Larry Locy, 48, of Southeast Olympia, Washington.

According to information presented to the Court, at the time of the offense, Locy was the Senior Director of Claims for the UPMC Health Plan Claims Department. Over an eight-year period, Locy caused UPMC to pay two "ghost employees" of UPMC Health Plan, for work and bonuses to which those ghost employees were not entitled. The loss to UPMC Health Plan was approximately $846,819.

According to Judge Cercone, Locy’s scheme was sophisticated in that Locy falsified records and emails in order to conceal his ghost employee fraud.

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Locy.

PITTSBURGH – Tyrenzo Morton was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for escape from federal custody following a prior federal sentence, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Morton, 32, of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Morton’s sentence also includes a term of three years of supervised release following the prison sentence. The sentence that Morton escaped from this time was for a prior escape from federal custody following prior sentences for the commission of felon in possession of firearm crimes, one of which was committed while on bond for the other.

Morton’s escapes were from Renewal, Inc., a community corrections center located in Pittsburgh. Morton was serving the last parts of his prior federal prison sentences at Renewal when he escaped this time and last time. In conjunction with Morton’s sentencing for his most recent escape, the Court was informed by the prosecution that, while residing at Renewal, Morton engaged in threatening and aggressive behavior toward a female Renewal employee and was engaged in drug dealing.

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

The United States Marshals Service and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 108 months in prison and three years’ supervised release on her 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 Ava Blackwell, 25, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from Aug. 25, 2016, through Sept. 14, 2016, Blackwell conspired with a co-defendant to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams 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 Blackwell.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Altoona, Pa. has been sentenced today in federal court to 84 months in prison, followed by 10 years’ supervised release, and was ordered to register as a convicted sex offender within three days of this sentence, 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 Trenton Stehley, 20, of Altoona, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on August 11, 2015, Stehley knowingly possessed videos and images in individual computer graphic files which were produced using 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 Altoona Police Department for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Stehley.

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.

PITTSBURGH – An Ohio resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Christopher Smith, 21, of East Liverpool, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Smith conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin, which was supplied from Mexico to Ohio and then later to Aliquippa in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for June 22, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, 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 Christopher Smith.

PITTSBURGH - An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 11 years imprisonment, five years supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $15,030, on his convictions for attempted robbery and theft from interstate shipment, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Anthony Bailey, 39, of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on April 13, 2016, Bailey stole a Sears delivery truck which was parked at a convenience store in Lawrenceville. The truck contained $15,030 worth of washers, dryers, refrigerators and other appliances, which he later sold in Homewood.

Two weeks later, on April 27, 2016, Bailey and his codefendants, Raymond Denson and David Lipinski, attempted to rob a van making a delivery of pharmaceutical drugs to the Giant Eagle in Northtowne Center in Gibsonia. Lipinski brandished a firearm while he and Bailey tried unsuccessfully to force the driver back into the van. Bailey and the others then aborted the robbery attempt. Bailey has previous felony convictions from California for robbery and firearms offenses.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco ahd Explosives and the Northern Regional Police Department for the investigation leading to the conviction of Bailey. The case is 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 a 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 efforts of PSN led to the successful prosecution of Bailey.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 199 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervision by United States Probation Officers, as a result of violating federal firearm and drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Dwight D. Henley, 38, formerly of Clairton, Pa., received the sentence after previously pleading guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute it, before United States District Judge Mark Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Henley was previously convicted of a total of 16 counts at six different cases in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. These convictions included drug offenses (12 counts), Terroristic Threats (one count), DUI (two counts), and Criminal Use of a Communication Device (one count). Each of these offenses was serious enough to preclude him from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

The Court learned that Henley was on state parole for his prior crimes when parole officers located marijuana in his house on February 23, 2015. As local police officers obtained a search warrant to search the entire residence, Henley admitted that he had marijuana, as well as a gun in the house "for protection." The search warrant revealed a loaded semi-automatic pistol, ammunition for two different guns, approximately 1.5 pounds of marijuana, over $2,100 in cash, three cellphones, two iPads and a laptop. Testimony from a prior hearing indicated that Henley was associated with the Ruff Ryders and Maxx’d Out motorcycle groups.

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

Judge Hornak noted that since the defendant is an Armed Career Criminal with at least three prior convictions for serious drug and/or violent felony offenses, the law provided for a total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life imprisonment. The Court was provided with a lengthy Pre-Sentence Report created by the United States Probation Office that detailed the defendant’s background, including his criminal, educational, family, and work history, before determining that the 199-month sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary.

The defendant has been incarcerated in the custody of the United States Marshal Service since the time of his federal arrest.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Henley, with the valuable assistance of agents from the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and police officers from the Clairton and Elizabeth police departments. United States Attorney Brady commended all of the law enforcement officers involved for their cooperative efforts in the successful investigation.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of failure of to register as a sex offender and failure to surrender for service of sentence, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on February 13, named Daniel Teed, 56, of Wexford, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from October 23, 2017, and continuing through the date of this indictment, Teed, who was required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) after being convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of Children on June 14, 2017, knowingly failed to register, as required by the SORNA. The indictment further alleges that on January 2, 2018, Teed, after having been released, while awaiting surrender for service of sentence after conviction for Sex Trafficking of Children, a felony, and having been directed by the Court to surrender for service of sentence to the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Loretto in the Western District of Pennsylvania, knowingly and willfully failed to surrender for service of sentence as ordered by the Court.

Teed was arrested on February 12 in Flagstaff, Ariz. The U.S. Marshals Service led a nationwide manhunt that resulted in the apprehension. Teed, a convicted sex offender, was wanted for failing to surrender to serve a 10-year prison term. Deputy Marshals were dispatched to multiple states and eventually developed information that Teed had traveled to Flagstaff. Investigation revealed that Teed was employing an alias and had disguised his appearance to avoid capture. Deputy Marshals developed information that Teed was at staying at the Super 8 in the 2500 block of East Lucky Lane, in Flagstaff. Teed was arrested without incident late Monday afternoon as he exited the motel and approached his vehicle.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years imprisonment, fine of $500,000, a term of supervised release for no more than three years, or any or all of the above. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Marshals Service and 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.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation on her convictions of mail fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Simone Prater, 29, who was incarcerated pending sentencing. Judge Hornak also ordered that Ms. Prater pay $25,000 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

According to information presented to the court, Sean Brooks, while incarcerated on other charges, prepared and arranged for the filing of more than one hundred fraudulent tax returns on behalf of fellow inmates and other individuals and generated more than $200,000 in fraudulent refunds. The fraudulent refunds were sent to a number of different addresses, and, after forging the endorsement of the payees, the checks were cashed through federally insured financial institutions and through check-cashing establishments. Simone Prater, among others, assisted the conspiracy in a variety of ways, including sending the Internal Revenue Service the fraudulent tax returns, picking up refund checks and providing them to others to cash; disbursing the proceeds of the fraud amongst the conspirators, and providing the names and addresses of closed businesses for Brooks to use as fake employers for taxpayers on the fraudulent tax returns.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Prater.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years of probation on her convictions of mail fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to defraud the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence yesterday on Amber Eubanks, 28, who was incarcerated pending sentencing. Judge Hornak also ordered that Ms. Eubanks pay $26,000 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

According to information presented to the court, Sean Brooks, while incarcerated on other charges, prepared and arranged for the filing of more than 100 fraudulent tax returns on behalf of fellow inmates and other individuals and generated more than $200,000 in fraudulent refunds. The fraudulent refunds were sent to a number of different addresses, and, after forging the endorsement of the payees, the checks were cashed through federally insured financial institutions and through check-cashing establishments. Amber Eubanks, among others, assisted the conspiracy in a variety of ways, including receiving and cashing the fraudulent refund checks using power of attorney provided to her by Brooks, and arranging for checks to be sent to the address of a friend, after which Eubanks would pick up and cash the checks.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Eubanks.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Michael C. Pegher, 46, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Pegher, from April 2013 to September 2014, unlawfully distributed more than 3,000 oxycodone tablets he acquired by prescription from Alan Barnett, M.D. Alan Barnett entered a guilty plea on August 26, 2016, to unlawfully distributing prescriptions for oxycodone to Pegher and others, knowing that the recipients were drug addicts or were unlawfully distributing the drugs to others. Barnett was sentenced to five years probation, to include eight months of home detention, and 250 hours community service. Barnett was also ordered to pay $50,000 in fines.

Judge Conti scheduled Pegher’s sentencing for June 4, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pegher was released on an unsecured bond pending sentencing.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Anthony Calaiaro, 34, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

According to the indictment, from June 2014 through approximately April 2016, Calaiaro, who was employed as an Office Manager for a law firm, wrote checks to himself by forging the signature of a partner from the firm. 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.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for June 22, 2018 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – The former President and Chief Executive Officer of a Pennsylvania health services management company has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and filing fraudulent income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The 10-count indictment, returned on February 13, named Joseph W. Nocito as the sole defendant.

"This indictment charges Joseph Nocito, the CEO and President of AHS, Inc., with defrauding the Internal Revenue Service through a multi-year, multi-million dollar tax fraud," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "The indictment alleges that Nocito conspired to conceal millions of dollars in personal income from the IRS in two ways: first, by causing construction costs for his multi-million dollar personal residence to be recorded as business expenses of companies he controlled, and second, by devising an elaborate shell game where he transferred money among his companies for the purpose of evading taxes. My office is committed to protecting the taxpayers of western Pennsylvania from those who would defraud the United States government."

Ed Wirth, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, added, "When dishonest individuals fraudulently write off their personal expenses and underreport their income, this cheats the honest taxpayers who pay their fair share for the government services and protections that we all enjoy. The Special Agents of IRS Criminal Investigation remain committed to investigating and recommending prosecution of these individuals."

According to the indictment, Joseph W. Nocito was CEO and President of Automated Health Systems Inc. (AHS), a Pittsburgh-based company that administered public health programs for state and local governments. The indictment alleges that Nocito conspired with others to defraud the IRS by fraudulently claiming millions of dollars of personal expenses as corporate business expenses – including the construction of his 39,000 square-foot home in Sewickley, which Nocito referred to as "Villa Noci," payments on a Jaguar, Maserati, and Rolls Royce, a personal butler and cook, and country club memberships. Nocito is also charged with understating his income on his personal tax returns by not reporting the income he diverted for personal expenses.

The indictment further alleges that Nocito concealed millions in taxable profits of AHS by shuffling millions in payments between AHS and other companies Nocito owned, such as Northland Properties, Golden Triangle Leasing, Management Financial Services, in order to fraudulently deduct the payments as business expenses and reduce the tax liability of AHS. Nocito is accused of falsely characterizing these payments as management, administrative and consulting expenses, and in turn fraudulently deducting the payments on corporate tax returns filed with the IRS.

The law provides for a total sentence of 32 years in prison, a fine of $2,500,000, 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 Attorneys Gregory C. Melucci, Mary M. Houghton, and Nelson P. Cohen, as well as Department of Justice Tax Division Trial Attorney Jeffrey B. Bender, are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

The former President and CEO of a Pennsylvania health services management company was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh yesterday for conspiring to defraud the United States and filing fraudulent income tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

According to the indictment, Joseph W. Nocito was CEO and President of Automated Health Systems Inc. (AHS), a Pittsburgh-based company that administered public health programs for state and local governments.  The indictment alleges that Nocito conspired with others to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by fraudulently claiming millions of dollars of personal expenses as corporate business expenses – including the construction of his 39,000 square-foot home in Sewickley, which Nocito referred to as “Villa Noci,” payments on a Jaguar, Maserati, and Rolls Royce, a personal butler and cook, and country club memberships.  Nocito is also charged with understating his income on his personal tax returns by not reporting the income he diverted for personal expenses. 

The indictment further alleges that Nocito concealed millions in taxable profits of AHS by shuffling millions in payments between AHS and other companies Nocito owned, such as Northland Properties, Golden Triangle Leasing, Management Financial Services, in order to fraudulently deduct the payments as business expenses and reduce the tax liability of AHS.  Nocito is accused of falsely characterizing these payments as management, administrative and consulting expenses, and in turn fraudulently deducting the payments on corporate tax returns filed with the IRS.

Nocito faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison on the conspiracy charge and three years in prison on each count of filing a fraudulent tax return.  He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.  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.

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

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Brady praised special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U. S. Attorneys Gregory C. Melucci, Mary M. Houghton and Nelson P. Cohen and Trial Attorney Jeffrey B. Bender of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Loretto, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison, and immediately following, was sentenced to three months in prison, consecutive to the current prison term he is serving, and three years’ supervised release, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Edward R. Harris, 42, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on January 9, 2017, Harris possessed a quantity of marijuana.

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 Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Harris.

PITTSBURGH - Today, the Court unsealed the indictment of a Florida man charging him conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced.

The one-count indictment, returned on December 12, 2017, named Garri Shihman, 46, of Parkland, Fla., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Shihman was involved in a complex fraud that involved fraudulently processing credit card payments. The credit card companies will not allow their products and services to be used to pay for certain precluded activities, including the on-line sales of pharmaceutical drugs and of products violating trademark infringement laws. Shihman participated in a conspiracy designed to conceal from the credit card companies the fact that Shihman and his co-conspirators used their products and services to pay for precluded activities and to subvert the internal controls the credit card companies had in place to detect and prevent this type of activity. The fraud involved establishing shell corporations and web sites associated with the shell companies that falsely claimed that they sold a product other than pharmaceutical drugs or products that violated trademark infringement laws. The conspirators then applied for merchant accounts from the credit card companies in the names of the shell corporations and the fake web sites. Once the merchant accounts were established, they were used to process payments for pharmaceutical drugs or products that violated trademark infringement laws. Additionally, the conspirators arranged for the credit card statements sent to the consumers to have the names of the shell corporations and telephone numbers. The conspirators set up a telephone bank to receive calls from customers questioning billings on their credit card statements, and the conspirators explained to the customers the true nature of the transactions in hopes of avoiding charge-backs that could cause the credit card companies to question the legitimacy of the transactions.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police 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.

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

Kareem Jamal Jones, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from Aug. 25, 2016, through Sept. 14, 2016, Jones conspired with a co-defendant to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin laced with fentanyl.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 12, 2018, at 10 a.m. 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 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 Jones.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months’ imprisonment, followed by 10 years’ supervised release, on a charge of receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Charles Kaper, age 53, of Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, the court was advised that from June 2016 to July 2016, Kaper received videos and images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.

Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kaper.

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

PITTSBURGH - A former Boilermakers union official has been sentenced in federal court to 41 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of embezzlement and theft of Labor Union assets and income tax evasion, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Raymond Ventrone, 60, of Pittsburgh, Pa.  In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Hornak ordered Ventrone to pay $2,391,183 in restitution to the Boilermakers Union, followed by restitution of $500,000 to Zurich Surety and Financial Claims of Schaumburg, Illinois, and ordered him to pay $223,881 to the Internal Revenue Service.

According to information presented to the court, Ventrone caused a loss to Local 154 of approximately $3,000,000 over a four-and-one-half-year period between January 2010 and June 2015.  When his thefts were discovered he was forced to resign his position as Business Manager of Local 154.  That position was the most powerful job within the union.  Ventrone used his unchecked power to authorize payments of retail goods that were of no use to the union.  Some of these items were stored in his home, others were stored in storage units paid for by the Local, and others were on the Local’s premises, but not accessible to members. 

Judge Hornak said that, “By any measure, this is an extraordinarily serious offense…Officers have a significant fiduciary responsibility to the members they represent.”  The court also noted that Ventrone had engaged in “plainly unlawful and inappropriate conduct” by sending one of his subordinates to cash three Local 154 checks totaling $105,000 from a gas station owner friendly with Ventrone.  The cash was returned to Ventrone. 

Listed below are totals of payments to various retail establishments made by Local 154 at Ventrone’s direction:

• Approximately: $970,000 at Best Buy;
• $105,000 at the Apple Store;
• $527,000 spent on Louis Vuitton purchases;
• $198,602; $38,000 spent on drums, percussion instruments and musical accessories, from Drum World that the defendant maintained under lock and key on the premises of Local 154, unavailable and off limits to Local 154 members;
• $10,623.95 spent on Coco Lunette eye glasses for the defendant; $26,000 spent on concrete work at the defendant’s home;  and
• $9,000 spent on a kitchen remodel at the defendant’s home.

The court noted that Ventrone had unnecessarily involved his son, a former NFL player, by renting him a spacious and extravagantly furnished apartment on the Local’s property for a mere $500 per month.  The furnishings for the rental were from Restoration Hardware, Levins, Macy’s, Williams Sonoma, Best Buy and Pool City. The rental included a full and complete private fitness center with several large televisions that was not for the use or benefit of union members, but only for his son’s use.  Local 154 also paid the utilities.  The rental wasn’t vacated until this investigation became public.  The loss to the union for the rent and furnishings was approximately $39,000, and the loss for the private fitness center was approximately $44,000.

Assistant United States Attorney Nelson P. Cohen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, the Department of Labor-OIG and the Office of Labor Management Standards for conducting the investigation leading to the prosecution of this defendant.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with violations of federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on February 6 and unsealed today, named Stanley Church, 47, of West Mifflin, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about March 17, 2017, Stanley Church possessed with the intent to distribute quantities of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, MDMA, and Psilocyn mushrooms.

The law provides for a total maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $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 Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with violations of federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on February 6 and unsealed today, named Stanley Church, 47, of West Mifflin, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about March 17, 2017, Stanley Church possessed with the intent to distribute quantities of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, MDMA, and Psilocyn mushrooms.

The law provides for a total maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $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 Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – Two Allegheny County residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The four-count indictment, returned on February 6 and unsealed today, named the defendants as:

• Edjuan Jackson, 28, of Duquesne, PA; and

• Anthony Ptomey, 26, of Steuben Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

According to the indictment, from on or about March 1, 2017, to on or about March 30, 2017, the defendants are charged with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of fentanyl. Individually, Edjuan Jackson is charged with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl on March 30, 2017. On the same date, Jackson is also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Anthony Ptomey is charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin fentanyl on April 17, 2017.

For Jackson, the law provides for a total maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both for the drug charges. For the firearms charge, Jackson faces a total maximum sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. For Ptomey, the law provides for a total maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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 indictment 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.

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

PITTSBURGH – Two Allegheny County residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The four-count indictment, returned on February 6 and unsealed today, named the defendants as:

• Edjuan Jackson, 28, of Duquesne, PA; and

• Anthony Ptomey, 26, of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to the indictment, from on or about March 1, 2017, to on or about March 30, 2017, the defendants are charged with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of fentanyl. Individually, Edjuan Jackson is charged with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl on March 30, 2017. On the same date, Jackson is also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Anthony Ptomey is charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl on April 17, 2017.

For Jackson, the law provides for a total maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both for the drug charges. For the firearms charge, Jackson faces a total maximum sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. For Ptomey, the law provides for a total maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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 indictment 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.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, has been sentenced in federal court to 74 months, followed by three years supervised release and ordered to pay $3,533.62 on his conviction of a health care fraud conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Barry Lee Dorsey, II, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Dorsey operated a forged prescription ring. Prescriptions were forged with the names, DEA numbers, medical license numbers, and signatures of real medical doctors. The prescriptions, most of which were forged for oxycodone and Percocet, were filled at a large number of Western Pennsylvania pharmacies and primarily paid for with Medicaid funds. The fraudulently obtained prescription pills were then sold on the street for substantial profit.

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

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Brentwood Police Department, Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Bellevue Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dorsey.

PITTSBURGH - An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and stealing firearms from a licensed firearms dealer, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Marquis Trammel, aka Marquis Botelho-Trammel, aka Marquis Motelho-Trammel, 20, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to two counts before Chief U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

According to information presented to the court, on December 20, 2016, Trammel and a juvenile stole five rifles from a display case they broke open and an unknown number of boxes of handgun ammunition from the drawer below the rifle case located inside the Dunham’s Discount Sports store located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. Trammel was convicted on or about December 9, 2015, in the Court of Common Pleas, County of Allegheny, Criminal Division of the crimes of Robbery, Terroristic Threats, and Theft by Unlawful Taking, which are crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and preclude him under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for May 31, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine not greater 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 of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive and the West Mifflin Police Department 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Cambria County resident has been sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation, with the condition that the first six months of her probation be served by a term of home confinement, and was ordered to perform 300 hours of community service, as a result of her conviction of theft of mail, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Jennifer R. Miller, 29, of Patton, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, in Dec. 2011 Miller stole various pieces of mail from mail boxes.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Miller.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to eight years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating the federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Clinton Robinson, 33, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from January 2016 to August 2016, Clinton conspired with others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than 700 grams but less than one kilogram of heroin. In addition, on August 22, 2016, Clinton attempted to possess with intent to distribute over 100 grams of heroin.

Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. This prosecution was part of a federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation that resulted in several federal indictments in August of 2016. The OCDETF task force was headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was comprised of members drawn from the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force including the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and the Allegheny County Police Department. 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.

United States Attorney Brady commended the agencies for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Clinton Robinson.

PITTSBURGH – Walter Cody Tribble was sentenced to a prison term of 12 months and one day for escaping from federal custody following a prior federal felony conviction, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Tribble, age 43, who formerly resided in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. Tribble was also sentenced to serve three years of supervised release following the expiration of his prison sentence.

Prior to imposing the sentence, the Court was informed that, in 2010, Tribble was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison for three armed bank robbery convictions. As of December 3, 2016, Tribble was in pre-release custody at the Renewal Center in Pittsburgh serving the last part of his federal prison sentence. On that date, Tribble was authorized to leave Renewal to go to a local business, but he was required to return by a particular time on that date. Tribble never returned to Renewal. On January 18, 2017, the United States Marshals Service arrested Tribble after tracking him down at a residence in Guys Mills, Crawford County, Pennsylvania.

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

The United States Marshals Service and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Bedford, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to one year probation on her conviction of conspiracy to distribute, possess with intent to distribute and distribution of quantities of various Schedule IV controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Damaris Rispoli, age 56, of Bedford, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around Aug. 2014, to on or about May 20, 2015, Rispoli conspired with another to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of Tramadol, Zolpidem, Clonazepam, Lorazepam, and Carisoprodol, and on or about May 20, 2015, Rispoli possessed with intent to distribute Carisoprodol, and distributed quantities of Tramadol, Zolpidem, Clonazepam, and Lorazepam.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Department of Homeland Security for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Rispoli.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 19 months’ imprisonment, followed by six months’ community confinement and lifetime supervised release on his conviction for failure to update his registration in accordance with the Sex Offender Notification Act (SORNA), United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Kenneth Patrick Jeffries, 34, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Jeffries, who had previously been convicted of receiving child pornography, a conviction that required him to register as a sex offender, violated the provisions of SORNA when he failed to properly update his registration in January and February 2017, to reflect his current residential address. Contrary to the conditions of his supervised release, he had been living with his girlfriend, also a previously convicted felon, and her minor children.

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

The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jeffries.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of North Versailles, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to conspiring to distribute narcotics, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Dawndre Bivins, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, between March and August 2017, to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Bivins was responsible for the distribution of 1.9 kilograms of cocaine and 40 grams of fentanyl, which he purchased from his codefendant, Skyler Carter, in the Clairton, Pennsylvania area. He is the fourth of 21 defendants charged to enter a plea of guilty.

Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for June 26, 2018, at 10 a.m. Bivins has a prior felony drug conviction, and as such, he is subject to enhanced penalties. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of not more than $2 million, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Bivins remains incarcerated pending the sentencing hearing.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH – A privately owned for-profit hospice company and its owner and Chief Executive Officer agreed to pay the United States $1,240,000 to resolve allegations that the company had fraudulently billed Medicare and Medicaid for hospice services for patients who were ineligible for hospice, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The settlement resolves allegations in two whistleblower lawsuits filed in federal court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania against Horizons Hospice, LLC and its owner and Chief Executive Officer John C. Rezk ("Defendants"). The settled claims contend that from June 27, 2007 to August 1, 2012, Defendants submitted or caused to be submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for patients who did not qualify for hospice because they did not have a life expectancy prognosis of six months or less. Typically, federal health care programs only pay for hospice care when patients have terminal illnesses with a life expectancy of less than six months. The settled claims also contend that Defendants falsified records to support the false claims. Horizons Hospice, LLC later changed its name to 365 Hospice, LLC. The alleged fraud occurred while the company operated as Horizons Hospice.

"Medicaid and Medicare are programs intended to provide care and assistance to the most vulnerable members of our communities, including seniors," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Those who seek to defraud these programs will be vigorously pursued by my office. This settlement is another step forward in that fight."

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul E. Skirtich and Rachael L. Mamula handled the investigation that led to this settlement on behalf of the United States.

The cases are captioned United States ex rel. Thomas v. Horizons Hospice LLC (No. 12-cv-315) and United States ex rel. Mizak, et al. v. Horizons Hospice LLC, et al., (No. 13-cv-1688).

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

PITTSBURGH – Henry T. Little-Proctor a/k/a "Bundles", of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 10 years in prison as a result of his conviction on multiple charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Little-Proctor, age 27, previously pleaded guilty to five counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

The court was advised that Little-Proctor conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute both heroin and the even more potent synthetic opiate fentanyl, from late 2015 through July 20, 2016. Specifically, the federal investigation revealed that Little-Proctor was involved with a fentanyl sale on July 13, 2016, and a heroin sale on July 18, 2016. DEA then executed a federal search warrant on July 20, 2016 at a residence utilized by Little-Proctor. There, federal agents located Full Metal Jacketed ammunition for a .223 Rem caliber assault-style rifle and .22 caliber ammunition, as well as 25 "bundles" (250 stamp bags) of heroin. A receipt for the purchase of the .223 Rem caliber ammunition from Gander Mountain was located in the residence and showed that it was purchased on May 14, 2016, along with two extended length magazines for a AR-15 assault-style rifle and a $100 tactical light. The firearms themselves have yet to be located.

Federal law prohibits a person convicted of a prior felony offense from possessing either a firearm or ammunition and the Court was advised that Little-Proctor had been convicted of multiple crimes, including two prior convictions for heroin dealing.

The defendant specifically admitted to selling the fentanyl that caused the July 2016 death of a young woman.

Judge Cathy Bissoon sentenced the defendant to 10 years in prison, followed by six years of supervision by the United States Probation Office and restitution to the victim’s family, after considering the defendant’s criminal, family, educational and work histories.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt, of the Violent Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and law enforcement officers from the Duquesne Police Department, Homestead Police Department, and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Little-Proctor.

United States Attorney Brady noted that 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, state, and local agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH – Two residents of Pittsburgh’s North Side have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The five-count indictment, returned on February 6 and unsealed today, named the defendants as Davon Stevens, age 24, and Demetrius Mitchell-Yarbrough, age 24, both of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to the indictment, on or about July 28, 2017, Stevens and Mitchell-Yarbrough conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute quantities of cyclopropyl fentanyl, acetyfentanyl and fentanyl. On that same day, both defendants are also charged with possession with intent to distribute those same drugs. Individually, Mitchell-Yarbrough is charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and possession of that firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits a felon from possessing a firearm.

For the drug charges, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000. Mitchell-Yarbrough faces a maximum total sentence on the firearms charges of not less than five years and up to life 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 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 indictment 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.

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

PITTSBURGH - An illegal alien found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry after deportation, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on February 6, named Juan Garcia-Cabrera, age 37, of Mexico, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Juan Garcia-Cabrera, an illegal alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on July 6, 2007. Juan Garcia-Cabrera was found to be illegally present in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 11, 2018.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of two 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 James R. Wilson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Pittsburgh sub-office 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 federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging a resident of Pittsburgh with violations of federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count superseding indictment, returned on February 6, named Nazim Burton, age 41, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the superseding indictment, on June 24, 2017, Burton illegally possessed a firearm with an altered or obliterated serial number. Burton has previously been convicted of a felony, and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

For possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, the law provides for a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years up to a maximum of life 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.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Lanni 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.

A superseding 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 charges of federal firearm violations, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on February 6, named Ambrose J. Sample, II, age 37, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about June 17, 2017, Ambrose J. Sample, II, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of the state of Louisiana has been sentenced in federal court to 38 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $1,628,319.04, on his conviction of mail fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence yesterday on Rex Alan Harris, 41 of Covington, Louisiana.

According to the information presented to the court, since 2008, Harris and his company “Agents by City” defrauded hundreds of realtors nationwide who were promised television advertising to generate home sales leads and referrals for real estate agents. Realtors were induced into contracts for television advertising on major television networks based upon the realtors’ zip codes. Real estate agents in the Pittsburgh area were defrauded as well, and promised television advertising that neither occurred nor produced referrals. Harris and others spent the money on personal items.

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

U.S. Attorney Brady commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rex Alan Harris.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ imprisonment on her conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Auriana Torrez, age 25, of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to information presented to the court, from April through August 2016, Torrez was intercepted over a DEA wiretap conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin and was found in possession of 200 stamp bags of heroin.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh-area resident has been sentenced in federal court on his 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 yesterday on Shad McClelland, 31, of East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Shad McClelland received a sentence of time served and two years of supervised release, of which the first three months he will be on home detention with electronic monitoring.

According to information presented to the court, McClelland conspired and passed counterfeit $100, $50 and $20 FRNs 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 McClelland.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and passing and uttering counterfeit money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Destiny S. Dayton, 21, of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on January 31, 2018, to three counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between May 16, 2015 and June 12, 2015, Dayton conspired and passed counterfeit $100, $50 and $20 Federal Reserve Notes throughout the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for May 31, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 45 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, 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 Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dayton.

PITTSBURGH - An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of escape, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on January 30, 2018, named Derek Webb, 53, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to the indictment, on June 26, 2017, the defendant escaped from the Renewal, Inc. Residential Reentry Center, where he had been confined pursuant to a judgment order of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

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 of the defendant.

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

The United States Marshals 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.

PITTSBURGH - One resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a charge of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on January 30, 2018, named Matthew Gallo, age 34, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about December 4, 2017, Gallo robbed First National Bank, located at 55 Wyoming Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15211. First National Bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office 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.