Western District of Pennsylvania
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Suburban Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Hate CrimeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to one charge of violating the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Jeffrey Allen Burgess, age 55, of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty to one-count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
According to information presented to the Court, on or about November 22, 2016, Burgess violated the Hate Crimes Prevention Act by willfully causing bodily injury to A.M. because of A.M.’s actual and perceived race, color, and national origin.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for March 30, 2018 at 4:45 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Rachael L. Dizard and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Tona Boyd are prosecuting this case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bethel Park Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Burgess.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to Prison after Pleading Guilty to Possessing a Stolen GunRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, waived prosecution by Indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a charge of Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Richard Graves, age 35, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to the information provided to the Court, on or about April 15, 2016, Graves knowingly possessed a stolen firearm.
Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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 crimes. Acting U.S. Attorney Song commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Penn Hills Police Department, for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Graves.
Erie Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The two-count indictment named Jonathan Scott Boynton, 29, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Boynton received and possessed computer images and movies depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of 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.
Beaver County Man Pleads Guilty to Violating OSHA Regulation that Caused an Employee’s DeathRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Willful Violation of an OSHA Regulation Causing the Death of an Employee, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Wayne A. George, d/b/a A Rooter Man of Pittsburgh, LLC, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count before United States Magistrate Judge Cynthia R. Eddy.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was told that Wayne A. George, d/b/a A Rooter Man of Pittsburgh, LLC, employed an individual who died as a result of willful violation of standards promulgated which requires employers to take protective measures against cave-ins before permitting their employees to work in trenches.
On September 28, 2015, a 21-year-old Rooter Man employee, Jacob Casher, was killed when the trench he was working in collapsed at a worksite in Penn Township, Butler County. Mr. Casher was helping to replace a sewer line 11 feet below the surface in unstable soil with no cave-in protection, at the direction of his supervisor, Wayne George.
Judge Eddy scheduled sentencing for February 21, 2018. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of six months 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 Nelson P. Cohen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Regional Solicitor, conducted the investigation leading to the information in this case.
U.S. Charges Three Chinese Hackers Who Work at Internet Security Firm for Hacking Three Corporations for Commercial AdvantageRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today against Wu Yingzhuo, Dong Hao and Xia Lei, all of whom are Chinese nationals and residents of China, for computer hacking, theft of trade secrets, conspiracy and identity theft directed at U.S. and foreign employees and computers of three corporate victims in the financial, engineering and technology industries between 2011 and May 2017. The three Chinese hackers work for the purported China-based Internet security firm Guangzhou Bo Yu Information Technology Company Limited (a/k/a “Boyusec”).
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, Acting U.S. Attorney Soo C. Song for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Special Agent in Charge Robert Johnson of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Division announced the charges.
The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to hack into private corporate entities in order to maintain unauthorized access to, and steal sensitive internal documents and communications from, those entities’ computers. For one victim, information that the defendants targeted and stole between December 2015 and March 2016 contained trade secrets.
“Once again, the Justice Department and the FBI have demonstrated that hackers around the world who are seeking to steal our companies’ most sensitive and valuable information can and will be exposed and held accountable,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente. “The Justice Department is committed to pursuing the arrest and prosecution of these hackers, no matter how long it takes, and we have a long memory.”
“Defendants Wu, Dong and Xia launched coordinated and targeted cyber intrusions against businesses operating in the United States, including here in the Western District of Pennsylvania, in order to steal confidential business information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Song. “These conspirators masked their criminal conspiracy by exploiting unwitting computers, called ‘hop points,’ conducting ‘spearphish’ email campaigns to gain unauthorized access to corporate computers, and deploying malicious code to infiltrate the victim computer networks.”
“In order to effectively address the cyber threat, a threat that respects no boundaries and continues to grow in both its scope and complexity, law enforcement must come together and transcend borders to target criminal actors no matter where they are in the world,” said Special Agent in Charge Johnson.
Summary of the Allegations
According to the allegations of the Indictment:
Defendants Wu, Dong, Xia, and others known and unknown to the grand jury (collectively, “the co-conspirators”) coordinated computer intrusions against businesses and entities, operating in the United States and elsewhere. To accomplish their intrusions, the co-conspirators would, for example, send spearphishing e-mails to employees of the targeted entities, which included malicious attachments or links to malware. If a recipient opened the attachment or clicked on the link, such action would facilitate unauthorized, persistent access to the recipient’s computer. With such access, the co-conspirators would typically install other tools on victim computers, including malware the co-conspirators referred to as “ups” and “exeproxy.” In many instances, the co-conspirators sought to conceal their activities, location and Boyusec affiliation by using aliases in registering online accounts, intermediary computer servers known as “hop points” and valid credentials stolen from victim systems.
The primary goal of the co-conspirators’ unauthorized access to victim computers was to search for, identify, copy, package, and steal data from those computers, including confidential business and commercial information, work product, and sensitive victim employee information, such as usernames and passwords that could be used to extend unauthorized access within the victim systems. For the three victim entities listed in the Indictment, such information included hundreds of gigabytes of data regarding the housing finance, energy, technology, transportation, construction, land survey, and agricultural sectors.
Defendants: At all times relevant to the charges, the Indictment alleges as follows
- Wu Yingzhuo, aka “mxmtmw,” “Christ Wu” and “wyz,” was a Chinese national and resident of Guangzhou. Wu was a founding member and equity shareholder of Boyusec.
- Dong Hao, aka “Bu Yi,” “Dong Shi Ye” and “Tianyu,” was a Chinese national and resident of Guangzhou. Dong was a founding member and equity shareholder of Boyusec, who held the title of “Executive Director and Manager.”
- Xia Lei, aka “Sui Feng Yan Mie,” was a Chinese national and resident of Guangzhou. Xia was, at certain times relevant to the charges, an employee of Boyusec.
Victims: Moody’s Analytics, Siemens AG (“Siemens”) and Trimble, Inc. (“Trimble”).
Time period: As alleged in the Indictment, the conspiracy began at least as early as 2011 and continued to May 2017.
Crimes: Eight counts as follows (all defendants are charged in all counts).
Count(s)
Charge
Statute
Maximum Penalty
1
Conspiring to commit computer fraud and abuse
18 U.S.C. § 1030(b)
10 years
2
Conspiring to commit trade secret theft
18 U.S.C. §§ 1832(a)(5)
10 years
3
Wire fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1343
20 years
4-8
Aggravated identity theft
18 U.S.C. §§ 1028A(a)(1), (b), (c)(4), and 2
2 years (mandatory consecutive)
Any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Summary of Defendants’ Conduct Alleged in the Indictment
Defendant
Victim
Criminal Conduct
Wu
Trimble
In 2015 and 2016, Trimble was developing a Global Navigation Satellite Systems technology designed to improve the accuracy of location data on mobile devices. In January 2016, while this project was in development, Wu accessed Trimble’s network and stole files containing commercial business documents and data pertaining to the technology, including Trimble trade secrets. In total, between December 2015 and March 2016, Wu and the other co-conspirators stole at least 275 megabytes of data, including compressed data, which included hundreds of files that would have assisted a Trimble competitor in developing, providing and marketing a similar product without incurring millions of dollars in research and development costs.
Dong
Siemens
In 2014, Dong accessed Siemens’s computer networks for the purpose of obtaining and using employees’ usernames and passwords in order to access Siemens’ network. In 2015, the co-conspirators stole approximately 407 gigabytes of proprietary commercial data pertaining to Siemens’s energy, technology and transportation businesses.
Xia
Moody’s Analytics
In or around 2011, the co-conspirators accessed the internal email server of Moody’s Analytics and placed a forwarding rule in the email account of a prominent employee. The rule directed all emails to and from the employee’s account to be forwarded to web-based email accounts controlled by the conspirators. In 2013 and 2014, defendant Xia regularly accessed those web-based email accounts to access the employee’s stolen emails, which contained proprietary and confidential economic analyses, findings and opinions.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The FBI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Air Force Office of Special Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the charges in the indictment.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Kitchen of the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Cyber Counsel Jessica Romero and Trial Attorney Jennifer Kennedy Gellie of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
U.S. Charges Three Chinese Hackers Who Work at Internet Security Firm for Hacking Three Corporations for Commercial AdvantageRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An indictment was unsealed today against Wu Yingzhuo, Dong Hao and Xia Lei, all of whom are Chinese nationals and residents of China, for computer hacking, theft of trade secrets, conspiracy and identity theft directed at U.S. and foreign employees and computers of three corporate victims in the financial, engineering and technology industries between 2011 and May 2017. The three Chinese hackers work for the purported China-based Internet security firm Guangzhou Bo Yu Information Technology Company Limited (a/k/a “Boyusec”).
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, Acting U.S. Attorney Soo C. Song for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Special Agent in Charge Robert Johnson of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Division announced the charges.
The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to hack into private corporate entities in order to maintain unauthorized access to, and steal sensitive internal documents and communications from, those entities’ computers. For one victim, information that the defendants targeted and stole between December 2015 and March 2016 contained trade secrets.
“Once again, the Justice Department and the FBI have demonstrated that hackers around the world who are seeking to steal our companies’ most sensitive and valuable information can and will be exposed and held accountable,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente. “The Justice Department is committed to pursuing the arrest and prosecution of these hackers, no matter how long it takes, and we have a long memory.”
“Defendants Wu, Dong and Xia launched coordinated and targeted cyber intrusions against businesses operating in the United States, including here in the Western District of Pennsylvania, in order to steal confidential business information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Song. “These conspirators masked their criminal conspiracy by exploiting unwitting computers, called ‘hop points,’ conducting ‘spearphish’ email campaigns to gain unauthorized access to corporate computers, and deploying malicious code to infiltrate the victim computer networks.”
“In order to effectively address the cyber threat, a threat that respects no boundaries and continues to grow in both its scope and complexity, law enforcement must come together and transcend borders to target criminal actors no matter where they are in the world,” said Special Agent in Charge Johnson.
Summary of the Allegations
According to the allegations of the Indictment:
Defendants Wu, Dong, Xia, and others known and unknown to the grand jury (collectively, “the co-conspirators”) coordinated computer intrusions against businesses and entities, operating in the United States and elsewhere. To accomplish their intrusions, the coconspirators would, for example, send spearphishing e-mails to employees of the targeted entities, which included malicious attachments or links to malware. If a recipient opened the attachment or clicked on the link, such action would facilitate unauthorized, persistent access to the recipient’s computer. With such access, the co-conspirators would typically install other tools on victim computers, including malware the co-conspirators referred to as “ups” and “exeproxy.” In many instances, the co-conspirators sought to conceal their activities, location and Boyusec affiliation by using aliases in registering online accounts, intermediary computer servers known as “hop points” and valid credentials stolen from victim systems.
The primary goal of the co-conspirators’ unauthorized access to victim computers was to search for, identify, copy, package, and steal data from those computers, including confidential business and commercial information, work product, and sensitive victim employee information, such as usernames and passwords that could be used to extend unauthorized access within the victim systems. For the three victim entities listed in the Indictment, such information included hundreds of gigabytes of data regarding the housing finance, energy, technology, transportation, construction, land survey, and agricultural sectors.
Defendants: At all times relevant to the charges, the Indictment alleges as follows
- Wu Yingzhuo, aka “mxmtmw,” “Christ Wu” and “wyz,” was a Chinese national and resident of Guangzhou. Wu was a founding member and equity shareholder of Boyusec.
- Dong Hao, aka “Bu Yi,” “Dong Shi Ye” and “Tianyu,” was a Chinese national and resident of Guangzhou. Dong was a founding member and equity shareholder of Boyusec, who held the title of “Executive Director and Manager.”
- Xia Lei, aka “Sui Feng Yan Mie,” was a Chinese national and resident of Guangzhou. Xia was, at certain times relevant to the charges, an employee of Boyusec.
Victims: Moody’s Analytics, Siemens AG (“Siemens”) and Trimble, Inc. (“Trimble”).
Time period: As alleged in the Indictment, the conspiracy began at least as early as 2011 and continued to May 2017.
Crimes: Eight counts as follows (all defendants are charged in all counts).
Count(s) Charge Statute Maximum Penalty 1 Conspiring to commit
computer fraud and abuse 18 U.S.C. § 1030(b) 10 years 2 Conspiring to commit
trade secret theft 18 U.S.C. §§ 1832(a)(5) 10 years 3 Wire fraud 18 U.S.C. § 1343 20 years 4-8 Aggravated identity theft 18 U.S.C. §§ 1028A(a)(1),
(b), (c)(4), and 2 2 years (mandatory
consecutive
Any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.Summary of Defendants’ Conduct Alleged in the Indictment
Defendant Victim Criminal Conduct Wu Trimble In 2015 and 2016, Trimble was developing a Global Navigation Satellite Systems technology designed to improve the accuracy of location data on mobile devices. In January 2016, while this project was in development, Wu accessed Trimble’s network and stole files containing commercial business documents and data pertaining to the technology, including Trimble trade secrets. In total, between December 2015 and March 2016, Wu and the other coconspirators stole at least 275 megabytes of data, including compressed data, which included hundreds of files that would have assisted a Trimble competitor in developing, providing and marketing a similar product without incurring millions of dollars in research and development costs. Dong Siemens In 2014, Dong accessed Siemens’s computer networks for the purpose of obtaining and using employees’ usernames and passwords in order to access Siemens’ network. In 2015, the co-conspirators stole approximately 407 gigabytes of proprietary commercial data pertaining to Siemens’s energy, technology and transportation businesses. Xia Moody's Analytics In or around 2011, the co-conspirators accessed the internal email server of Moody’s Analytics and placed a forwarding rule in the email account of a prominent employee. The rule directed all emails to and from the employee’s account to be forwarded to web-based email accounts controlled by the conspirators. In 2013 and 2014, defendant Xia regularly accessed those webbased email accounts to access the employee’s stolen emails, which contained proprietary and confidential economic analyses, findings and opinions.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.The FBI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Air Force Office of Special Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the charges in the indictment.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Cyber Counsel Jessica Romero and Trial Attorney Jennifer Kennedy Gellie of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Kitchen of the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Judge Sentences Pittsburgh Man to 12+ Years in Prison for Heroin Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 150 months’ imprisonment on his convictions of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than one kilogram of heroin and conspiracy to commit money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Marieo Everett, age 33, of Pittsburgh, PA.
According to information presented to the court, from April through August 2016, Marieo Everett was intercepted over a DEA wiretap conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin. He also conspired with others to launder the proceeds of the heroin trafficking conspiracy.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Song 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 Everett. 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.
Homestead Woman Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Heroin, Launder ProceedsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ imprisonment on her convictions of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of heroin and conspiracy to commit money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence yesterday on Brianna Timber, age 23, of Duquesne, PA.
According to information presented to the court, from April through August 2016, Timber was intercepted over a DEA wiretap conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin. She also conspired with others to launder the proceeds of the heroin trafficking conspiracy.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Song 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 Timber. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Pittsburgh Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distributing Heroin, Fentanyl and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Romel Wilson was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for trafficking heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base in April 2015, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Wilson, age 34, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Court Judge Donetta W. Ambrose. Judge Ambrose ordered that Wilson serve six years of supervised release after he is released from prison. Wilson was previously convicted four times in four separate cases in Pennsylvania state court of trafficking heroin and crack cocaine. Information was provided to the Court in conjunction with Wilson’s federal sentencing that he continued to distribute a mixture of heroin and fentanyl in April 2015 despite the fact that he was aware that the mixture had recently caused at least one of his customers, as he put it, to go “out.”
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.
Judge Sentences Pittsburgh Felon to Federal Prison for Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 65 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of violation federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Andrew Jones, 40.
Jones had previously been convicted by a federal jury of the crime of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. In addition, information was presented to the court that the firearm had been reported stolen prior to the time that Mr. Jones possessed it. Federal law prohibits a person convicted of a crime punishable by in excess of one year imprisonment from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Assistant United States Attorneys Rachael Dizard and Katherine A. King prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jones.
Homestead Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing PistolRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Homestead, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 21 months in prison on his conviction of federal firearm offenses, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence yesterday on Michael Horvwalt, 31, of Homestead, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on November 26, 2016, the defendant was stopped by a Munhall Police Officer who found a loaded 40 caliber pistol under the driver seat of the vehicle which was registered to the defendant. On December 1, 2016, the defendant confessed to Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), that he possessed the firearm.
On December 4, 2016, the defendant was seen on surveillance video where approximately 45 gun shots were exchanged between multiple people. Surveillance video was reviewed and revealed that there was a white male, who resembled the defendant, exiting the driver seat of a vehicle that was registered to the defendant. The individual in the surveillance footage was seen firing shots from a firearm in his possession. The vehicle in the incident was the same vehicle in which the defendant was driving on November 26, 2016, when he was stopped by Munhall Police.
On December 5, 2016, police executed a search warrant at the defendant’s house looking for the firearm seen in the surveillance video. The police did not locate the firearm in the home, however they found a 30-30 caliber hunting rifle under his bed and approximately five other firearms in the home he shares with his mother. The Pennsylvania Game Commission provided information confirming that the defendant purchased a hunting license in 2009, despite his felony convictions in 2006, 2008 and later in 2015.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Conti stated that 21 months in jail, followed by 24 months of supervision by the United States Probation Office was sufficient but not greater than necessary, given the circumstances of this case and the prior record of Horvwalt.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt of the Violent Crimes Section prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Munhall Police Department and the ATF for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Horvwalt.
Erie Woman Admits Preparing False Tax Returns for Herself, Friends and OthersRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of false income tax return and aid or assist false or fraudulent document, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Yalonda Ballard, 29, pleaded guilty to eleven counts before United States District Judge David C. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Ballard prepared false federal income tax returns for herself, friends and others referred to her for calendar years 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 16, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of 42 years in prison, a fine of $2,750,000, 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.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Ballard on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ballard.
Erie Man Sentenced for Role in Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Brian Alex Vergotz, 50, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, Vergotz and a co-defendant engaged in a scheme to defraud auto loan providers by using straw purchasers to buy cars from Vergotz knowing that the vehicles would not actually be in the possession of the straw purchasers. Vergotz and a co-defendant also falsified the loan applications to make the straw purchasers appear more credit worthy.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 16, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 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 Vergotz on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Vergotz.
Erie Man Sentenced for Role in Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 4 years probation on his conviction of bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Eric S. Chadwick, 32.
According to information presented to the court, on February 19, 2015, Chadwick and a co-defendant were involved in the robbery of $1,565 from the First National Bank, located at 3310 West 26th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania. Chadwick has an untreatable form of cancer.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Millcreek Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Chadwick.
Ohiopyle Man Sentenced to Wrongly Obtaining Social Security Disability PaymentsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Fayette County resident of has been sentenced in federal court to two years probation with four months home detention on his conviction of theft of government property, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on James Morrison, 37, of Ohiopyle, PA.
According to the information presented to the court, Morrison obtained $15,630 in SSI disability payments from November of 2012 to July of 2014 and in October and November of 2014, when he was employed and concealed his wages from the Social Security Administration by failing to report them and by falsely representing that he was not working.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Acting U.S. Attorney commended the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of James Morrison.
Washington County Man Sentenced to Probation for Failing to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh to two years probation, restitution in the amount of $105,906, and fine of $3,000, on his conviction of willful failure to file income tax returns, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Rodney J. Williams, of Washington County.
According to the information presented to the court, Williams failed to file tax returns in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Assistant United States Attorney Nelson P. Cohen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting U.S. Attorney Song commended the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rodney J. Williams.
Second Florida Resident Sentenced for Using Fake Credit Cards at Western PA StoresRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of the state of Florida has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation, two months of which shall be served at a Community Corrections Center and four months of which shall be served on home detention, restitution in the amount of $14,992.96, jointly and severally with her co-defendant, Gean Carlos Del Valle-Barquin, on her conviction of conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jeisy Camejo-Escandell, 31, of Miami, FL.
According to the information presented to the court, Camejo-Escandell and her conspirator Gean Carlos Del Valle-Barquin arrived in Pittsburgh on June 25, 2015 for the purpose of using counterfeit credit cards to make purchases of merchandise at the outlet stores in Washington and Grove City on June 26, 2015.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song commended the Inspectors from the United States Postal Inspection Service along with agents from Homeland Security who, as part of the Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF), conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Camejo-Escandell. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Penn Hills Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of federal firearms violations, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The two-count second superseding indictment, returned on November 14, named Richard Graves, 35, of Pittsburgh, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the second superseding indictment, on December 12, 2015, and April 15, 2016, Richard Graves, a convicted felon, was in possession of firearms 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 of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, an unlimited fine, 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 Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Penn Hills Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Second Superseding Indictment in this case.
A second superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Pittsburgh Police Sergeant Sentenced to Prison for Depriving Teen of Civil RightsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former Pittsburgh police sergeant was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $900.23 in restitution, for deprivation of rights under color of law, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Stephen Matakovich, 48, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In calculating the guideline range term of imprisonment in this case, Judge Bissoon found that Stephen Matakovich obstructed justice by testifying falsely in justification of the force he used against the victim.
According to evidence presented at trial in May, on or about Nov. 28, 2015, Matakovich, a police officer of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, willfully deprived Gabriel Despres, then 19, by punching, pushing and repeatedly striking Despres, without justification, thereby causing bodily injury to Despres. The incident, which was captured on video, occurred outside of Heinz Field on Pittsburgh’s North Side during high school football playoffs.
Acting U.S. Attorney Song stated, ““The use of criminal, excessive force by police undermines the safety of men and women in law enforcement, erodes public trust and discourages cooperation by witnesses. This defendant’s violent assault of a 19-year-old and subsequent false testimony, as found by the court, were worthy of a 27-month term of imprisonment.”
"Police officers who abuse the substantial authority they are given not only violate the law, but also undermine the ability of all of the hardworking, responsible officers who serve our community and who strive every day to earn the public trust and promote a culture of fairness, professionalism and respect for the law in their dealings with others," said Robert Johnson, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Pittsburgh Field Office. "It's a sad day when a uniformed police officer crosses the line from being a police officer to a criminal defendant and is sent to prison for violating the constitutional rights of a citizen. The sentence handed down by the Court reflects that no one is above the law, and no one has the right to take the law into their own hands."
Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Stephen S. Gilson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting U.S. Attorney Song commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for conducting the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Matakovich.
Brothers Charged with Possessing Fentanyl/Heroin MixtureRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Two Allegheny County brothers have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with a violation of the federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned on November 14, named the defendants as:
- Rondell Lawrence, 28, of Wilmerding, PA; and
- Ronnell Lawrence, 31, of McKeesport, PA.
According to the indictment, on or about July 11, 2017, the defendants possessed with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years in prison 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 Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Narcotics Enforcement Team (DANET), 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.
Mexican Citizen Charged with Illegally Re-entering United StatesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A citizen of Mexico has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of reentry of removed alien, Acting States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment named Mauro Cantera-Camacho, 43, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, the defendant, who was previously removed from the United States on December 14, 1999, was found in Butler, Pennsylvania on May 7, 2017, without having applied for or received permission to reenter the United States from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of two years in prison, one year supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The 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.
Johnstown Woman Plead Guilty to Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Ava Blackwell, 24, of Johnstown, Pa. 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, Blackwell conspired with a co-defendant to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 20, 2018, at 1:30 p.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 Blackwell.
Georgia Man Charged with Failing to Update Sex Offender RegistrationRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Powder Springs, Georgia has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of failure to register under SORNA, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment named Yecart Treson Brundidge, 24, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Brundidge knowingly failed to update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Marshal’s Service, the Erie Police Department and the Millcreek Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Erie Woman Charged with Providing a False Document to Obtain Government BenefitsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of false writing or document to the government, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment named Lana Talisha Thillet, 36, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about August 26, 2016, Thillet knowingly used a false document that contained a fraudulent statement to represent that a minor child receiving Social Security Income (SSI) and auxiliary insurance benefits was residing with the defendant and that all of the $8,976.00 in SSI and auxiliary insurance benefits were used for the care and support of the minor child. Ms. Thillet well knew that the minor child did not reside with her and the $8,796.00 was not used for the care and support of the minor child.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini 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.
DuBois Man Charged with Possessing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – On November 8, 2017, a resident of DuBois, Pa. was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of distribution and possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The indictment named Darren J. Salgado, 32, of DuBois, Pa., as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on October 17, 2016, Salgado knowingly distributed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files depicting a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that on June 28, 2017, Salgado possessed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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.
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.
Judge Sentences Mexican Citizen to Prison for Illegally Re-entering U.S. after DeporationRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A citizen of Mexico has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 15 months in prison, and upon his release, to be placed in the custody of Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, for deportation, on his conviction of reentry of an illegal alien, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Jorge Ceballos-Ponce, 55, of Blair County, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, on Nov. 16, 2016 Ceballos-Ponce, an alien who had been deported from the United States on Apr. 24, 2007, was found in Blair County, Pa. He had unlawfully re-entered this Country without receiving permission to do so from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Ms. Song commended the Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Ceballos-Ponce.
Johnstown Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Possessing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 96 months in prison and four years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Clyde Simmons, 33, of Johnstown, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, on May 7, 2014, Simmons possessed with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Ms. Song 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 Simmons.
Wisconsin Man Indicted on Charges Related to the Illegal Importation and Sale of Prescription DrugsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Oak Creek, Wisconsin was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, use of a false name and address to conduct an unlawful business by means of the Postal Service, and two charges of introduction into interstate commerce, with the intent to defraud, misbranded drugs, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The four-count indictment named Rashid Mohammad Khan, 57, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, the defendant participated in a conspiracy that involved the illegal importation of prescription drugs and the illegal sale of those drugs to consumers in the United States. The importation and sale of prescription medication is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Federal law and regulation require that certain drugs, particularly dangerous drugs, contain certain warnings and only be administered under a doctor's care pursuant to a doctor's prescription. A drug is considered "misbranded" if, for example, the drug is sold without a prescription, if it fails to include the approved warnings, if the drug was not approved by the FDA, or if the drug ismanufactured in a facility not approved by the FDA.
Through various websites, members of the conspiracy advertised for sale to consumers in the United States various dangerous drugs that were sold without a prescription, were not administrated under the care of a doctor, did not provide the appropriate warnings, and were not manufactured in facilities approved by the FDA. Some of these misbranded drugs were sent through the Postal Service to the defendant, who then arranged to send themisbranded drugs through the Postal Service to consumers, including consumers in the Western District of Pennsylvania. To conceal his illegal conduct, the defendant used fictitious names and addresses.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 16 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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations, HomelandSecurity 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.
Arizona Man Charged with Coercing a Minor to have Sex, Travelling for Sex with a Minor and Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former Arizona resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and receipt and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The five-count indictment, returned on November 8, named Alastair Lee Stewart, age 25, of Van Buren, Arkansas, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, from on or about November 15, 2016 to March 26, 2017, Stewart used facilities and means of interstate and foreign commerce, specifically the internet and a cellular phone, to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce minor, Minor A, to engage in sexual activity. Also, from March 15, 2017 to March 26, 2017, Stewart knowingly travelled in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with another person, Minor A. Further, on March 5, 2017 and March 22, 2017, Stewart knowingly received images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The indictment further alleges that on March 24, 2017, Stewart possessed images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum term of supervised release of life, and a fine of $1,250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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.
Latrobe Postal Contractor Charged with Opening Mail and Stealing Kmart Gift CardRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of mail, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment named Dale R. McIntyre, 52, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about July 14, 2017, McIntyre, a contract driver for the U.S. Postal Service, opened mail he was to deliver and stole a $50 Kmart gift card.
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.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Johnstown Man Charged with Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The indictment named William Jay Clark, 30, of Johnstown, Pa., as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on February 23, 2017, he 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.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 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.
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.
Former Pennsylvania Resident Sentenced to Probation for Lying on Firearms Purchase FormRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Pray, MT, formerly of Clearfield, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to charges of false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer, and immediately thereafter was sentenced to five years’ probation and 50 hours of community service for each year of her probation, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Heather L. Welker, 41, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on various dates from January 28, 2015, to March 26, 2015, Welker purchased a number of firearms from Grice Gun Shop, a federally licensed firearms dealer, stating she was purchasing the firearms for herself, when, in truth and fact, she was not the actual buyer and was purchasing the firearms on behalf of another person.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Ms. Song commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Welker.
According to Ms. Song, Heather L. Welker was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.
Deported Honduran Charged with Illegally Re-Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
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, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment named Feliciano Ramirez, age 33, of Honduras, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Feliciano Ramirez, an illegal alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on September 5, 2002 and December 23, 2016. Feliciano Ramirez was found to be illegally present in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 3, 2017.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/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.
Citizen of Mexico, Deported Multiple Times, Charged with Illegally Re-entering United StatesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An individual found by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of illegal reentry after deportation, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment named Bartolo Fabian-Mendez, 47, a citizen of Mexico.
According to the indictment, Fabian-Mendez, an alien, who was removed from the United States by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on January 5, 2010, February 15, 2016, March 16, 2016, November 26, 2016, and June 17, 2017, was encountered in Verona, Pennsylvania, and taken into custody on October 5, 2017, by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
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.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 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.
Pharmacist Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Re-use Medications Left over from Nursing HomesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Butler County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Gino Cordisco, 47, of Mars, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that according to Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy, pharmacists are not permitted to restock medications that have left the pharmacy’s control. These must be destroyed. According to the FDCA, if a prescription or a container of stock drugs falsely describes the lot numbers, expiration dates or manufacturers, then the drugs are rendered/deemed misbranded. For example, when pills that left the pharmacy are returned and comingled with stock drugs instead of being destroyed, and the required labeling on stock containers does not accurately state the actual manufacturer, date of expiration and lot number, then the drugs in the stock container or prescription package are misbranded.
The evidence would show that at all times relevant to the charges, Cordisco, a pharmacist, was the supervisor over a chain of about nine pharmacies known as MedFast Pharmacies. He reported directly to its owner, Kaleugher. Most of the conduct that supports the charges occurred at MedFast Institutional Pharmacy, 2003 Sheffield Road, Aliquippa, PA.
MedFast Institutional Pharmacy supplied nursing home chains with individualized medication packages for the patients/residents. If the nursing home had unused pills from prescriptions filled by MedFast or other pharmacies from, for example, a resident passing or a change in medications, MedFast delivery drivers were instructed to collect the unused medications and return them to MedFast. Once these drugs were returned to MedFast, the drugs would be removed from their packaging and returned to stock. As a result, pills with different lot numbers, different expiration dates and different manufacturers were comingled. These comingled pills were thereafter used to fill new prescriptions. This conduct was initially directed by the defendant. The immediate supervisor of the MedFast Institutional Pharmacy, Correna Pfeiffer, who reported directly to the defendant, was responsible for carrying out this policy on a day-to-day basis. The evidence would establish that the defendant was a leader and organizer of the criminal conduct under 3B1.1 (a) of the USSG.
In addition to the crime charged, the parties have agreed to a two-point enhancement under the guidelines for obstruction of justice, pursuant to Section 3C1.1. The government would prove that the defendant became aware that narcotic drugs were being stolen from the MedFast, and that Jade Gagianas was suspected of stealing the drugs and providing them to her boyfriend, a drug dealer named David Best. In October 2011 the defendant arranged for a surveillance technician to focus a camera in her area in an attempt to catch Gagianas stealing. A day after the camera was moved, the defendant reviewed the recording and did not see anything suspicious, but noted that Gagianas was the one who unpacked a shipment of drugs. Between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. that day, the defendant conducted an inventory and realized there was a shortage of Opana ER 40 mg. The defendant took Gagianas to a back room and questioned her about the theft. She eventually admitted to this theft as well as additional thefts that had taken place in the past. She told the defendant that she gave the Opana prescription to her boyfriend, David Best. The defendant told Gagianas that he wanted the drugs back and told her to call Best to ask him to return them. Gagianas made the call, but Best would not bring them back for fear of getting arrested. The defendant told Best he would contact the police if Best did not agree to return the stolen Opana. After about two hours, Best showed up at the pharmacy but did not have the drugs in his possession. Best told Gagianas where he had hidden the drugs down the street. The defendant took Gagianas and drove to the location where Best said he had hidden the drugs. The drugs were recovered by Gagianas from a bush in front of a convent. The defendant took the Opana pill vial from Gagianas and observed that the seal had been broken on the prescription vial and opened the vial to see that the cotton was still in the vial. He returned to the pharmacy with it. The drugs had been out of the possession of the pharmacy from between two and six hours. Knowing that the drugs had been stolen, had been in the hands of a drug dealer, that they were recovered from a bush after being gone from the pharmacy from between two and six hours, the defendant thereafter ordered another pharmacist to restock the Opana. The Schedule II log of the pharmacy relflects that 79 Opana pills were restocked. Jade Gagianas was fired that day by the defendant for stealing Opana.
The defendant was interviewed by DEA S.A. Vijay Nemani on May 29, 2013. S/A Nemani asked the defendant if there had ever been any diversion of pharmaceutical or disciplinary problems of any current or former employees. The defendant stated there were "none that he knew of." This statement was not true.
S/A Nemani then asked the defendant about any former employees and he stated Jade Gagianas worked there as a Pharmacy Technician for a while and that her boyfriend had drug issues. The defendant stated Gagianas quit awhile back claiming she was "stressed out." The defendant stated Gagianas quit her job but was not fired or let go. This statement was not true.
S/A Nemani asked the defendant pointedly if there were any instances of any current or former employees, at the Baden pharmacy, where the employee had stolen controlled substances and then was asked to return the controlled substances to the pharmacy. The defendant stated that he was not aware of any instances. This statement was not true.
S/A Nemani also asked if there were any current or former employees that had been fired or asked to resign as a result of the diversion of controlled substances and the defendant stated, "no." This statement was not true.
We have no evidence that any patient was harmed in any way as a result of any of the conduct described herein.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for April 16, 2018. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nelson P. Cohen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration-OCI, the Drug Enforcement Administration-Diversion Investigators, the Health and Human Service-OIG and the Office of Personnel Management-OIG conducted the investigation leading to the information in this case.
Uniontown Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 28 months’ incarceration, followed by three years’ supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Kent Ramsey, age 44.
According to information presented to the court, Ramsey conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine.
Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led the multi-agency investigation of this case. The investigation also included the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fayette County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Heidi M. Grogan and Troy Rivetti prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Violating Federal Drug and Gun LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Kevin Scott was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute heroin and possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Scott, age 22, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer ordered that Scott serve four years of supervised release after he is released from prison.
Assistant United States Attorneys Rachael L. Dizard and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police led the multi-agency investigation of this case that also included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Scott Township Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, the Baldwin Police Department, and the Pleasant Hills Police Department. 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.
Five Facing Federal Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Five men have been arrested and charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The criminal complaint charges Don Juan Mendoza, age 38, of Lawrenceville, Georgia; Jamie Lightfoot, Jr., age 25, of, Verona, Pennsylvania; Pedro Alejandro Blanco, age 39, of Jacksonville, Florida; Brian Powell, age 39, of Jacksonville, Florida; and Troy Rowe, age 28, of Columbia, South Carolina, with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Song said, “This seizure of 52 kilograms of cocaine is among the largest in Western Pennsylvania history and is a testament to proactive investigative work by federal, state and local partners. While fentanyl and heroin remain the most lethal threats, we are witnessing an alarming rebound in cocaine production and availability.”
According to the criminal complaint, the defendants were part of a large-scale drug trafficking scheme. Brian Powell, Troy Rowe and Pedro Blanco were involved in the transport of an RV, registered to Mendoza’s mother, containing drugs from the Los Angeles area to the Penn Hills residence of Jamie Lightfoot, Jr. Don Juan Mendoza also arrived at the Lightfoot residence about the same time as the RV containing the drugs.
According to the complaint, a search of the RV revealed approximately 52 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 85 pounds of marijuana, and two firearms. The cocaine and marijuana were secreted in a compartment underneath the bunk beds in the RV. The two firearms were found in the same compartment as some of the cocaine and marijuana. The complaint also alleges that hundreds of thousands of dollars were recovered during a search of Lightfoot, Jr.’s residence.
The defendants appeared today in federal court in Pittsburgh before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa Pupo Lenihan. The government is seeking detention of the defendants pending trial.
The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life, a fine of $10 million, 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. The Federal
Bureau of Investigation 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 complaint
against these individuals.A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant may not be
prosecuted unless, within 30 days, a grand jury has found probable cause to believe that he is guilty
of an offense.Clairton Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Smuggle Misbranded Drugs into the USRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation, six months home detention, a $15,000 fine and forfeiture of $100,000 on his conviction of conspiracy to smuggle misbranded drugs and conspiracy to money launder, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Kenneth F. Evancic, 68, of Clairton, PA.
According to the information presented to the court Evancic ordered, had delivered and paid for pharmaceutical drugs made outside of the U.S.A. Evancic wire transferred to Canada a total of $29,449.08 from July 2009 to June 2011 in payment for the smuggled drugs.
Assistant United States Attorney Nelson P. Cohen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Acting U.S. Attorney commended the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations for the successful investigation that led to the prosecution of Kenneth F. Evancic.
Postal Employee Charged with Opening MailRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Opening of Mail by Postal Employee, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The two-count indictment named Ronald Wojcik, 38, of Tarentum, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on March 3, 2017, Wojcik unlawfully opened two articles of mail that had been entrusted to him as an employee of the United States Postal Service.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States 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 Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 108 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Ronnie McGill, age 35, of Pittsburgh, PA.
According to information presented to the court, from April through August 2016, McGill was intercepted over a DEA wiretap conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 to 400 grams 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.
Acting United States Attorney Song 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 McGill. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of one day imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, with the first six months to be served on home detention, on his conviction of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Eric Wesley Triplett, 24, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to the information presented to the court, City of Pittsburgh Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which the defendant was a passenger. Triplett ran from the vehicle and discarded a loaded firearm, which officers recovered. Based on a prior conviction, the defendant is not permitted to possess a firearm.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Conti stated that the defendant’s possession of a loaded firearm was a very serious and dangerous offense.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Triplett.
Operator of Horse Rescue Group Gets Prison Time for Fraud, Filing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Butler County resident was sentenced today to five months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution on her conviction of mail fraud and filing a false tax return related to a non-profit organization, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Pamela A. Vivirito, 47, of Mars, Pa. Vivirito pleaded guilty in April to one count of mail fraud charged in a second superseding indictment and one count of filing a false tax return charged in an information.
According to information provided to the Court, Vivirito operated a not-for-profit charity called Equine Angels Rescue, Inc. (EAR) which solicited contributions to rescue and rehabilitate horses. Vivirito fraudulently solicited donations and used them for personal expenses. Additionally, Vivirito caused the filing of a fraudulent and false Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax wherein it was reported her compensation was $46,877, when in actuality, Vivirito received compensation in the amount of $93,606.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Vivirito.
Grand Jury Indicts McKees Rocks Drug Rehab Operator on Heroin Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of McKees Rocks, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession with intent to distribute heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned on November 1, named David Francis, age 65, of McKees Rocks, PA. A previously filed criminal complaint described Francis as operator of Next Step Recovery Housing in McKees Rocks, Pa.
According to the indictment, on or about October 6, 2017, Francis possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.
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 Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration 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.
Dentist Charged with Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substances, Health Care Fraud, and Omitting Information on DEA FormRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of Distribution of Hydrocodone and Oxycodone, Schedule II and III controlled substances, outside the usual course of professional practice; Using or Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Health Care Fraud; and Omitting Material Information From Required Reports, Records, and Other Documents, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The 200-count superseding indictment named Daniel Garner, 45, a dentist who practiced in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment, from on or about November 13, 2012, through on or about June 11, 2015, Garner distributed Hydrocodone and/or Oxycodone, Schedule II and III controlled substances, on 196 occasions, outside the usual course of professional practice. The Superseding Indictment also alleges that from in and around July 2011 through in and around March 2015 and from in and around March 2015 through in and around August 2015, Garner knowingly and intentionally used and maintained his dental office for the purpose of unlawfully distributing controlled substances. Further, the Superseding Indictment alleges that from in and around February 2010 through in and around August 2015, Garner committed health care fraud. The Superseding Indictment further alleges that on January 14, 2016, Garner omitted material information from an application for a Drug Enforcement Agency registration number.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence on all counts of incarceration of up to 3,974 years, a fine of $197,500,000, a term of supervised release of 598 years, or all. 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 Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Daniel Garner.
Removed Alien Charged with Illegally Returning to United StatesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - An illegal alien found in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Illegal Re-Entry After Deportation, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned on October 31, 2017, named Jose Bedoya-Pelaez, age 35, of Guatemala, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Jose Bedoya-Pelaez, an illegal alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on July 13, 2011. Jose Bedoya-Pelaez was found to be illegally present on October 10, 2017.
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 T. Kitchen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Felon with Multiple Convictions Charged with Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating the federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned on October 31, 2017, named James Taric Byrd, age 40, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to the indictment, on or about February 23, 2015, Byrd, an individual with prior felony convictions for Aggravated Robbery, with Firearm Specification; Robbery, with Firearm Specification; Kidnapping, with Firearm Specification; and Aggravated Burglary, with Firearm Specification; Aggravated Assault; Firearms not to be Carried without a License; and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (two counts), did knowingly and unlawfully possess a .40 caliber Sig Sauer handgun and ammunition. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
For Byrd’s offense, the law provides for 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 of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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.
Deported Guatemalan Charged with Illegally Re-entering United StatesRead the Press Release
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, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned on October 31, 2017, named Cesar Garcia Alvarez-Paz, aka Cesar Yohan Alvarez-Paz, Cesar Alvarez, Cesar Alvarez-Paz, age 29, of Guatemala, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Cesar Garcia Alvarez-Paz, an illegal alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on October 7, 2015. Cesar Garcia Alvarez-Paz was found to be illegally present in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, on October 10, 2017.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement 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.
Third Man Pleads Guilty in Fraud Scheme Targeting Buick DealershipRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Fairview, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Adam James Weaver, 41, of Fairview, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, Weaver and two-defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud auto loans providers by utilizing two straw purchasers to buy vehicles in their own names from Rick Weaver Buick GMC. The three facilitated the scheme by falsifying the loan applications to make the straw purchasers appear more credit worthy and by not revealing that the straw purchasers were buying multiple vehicles at the same time. The value of many of the vehicles was also inflated to increase the funds received by the co-conspirators.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 19, 2018 at 12:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 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 Weaver on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Weaver.
Owner of Pittsburgh-Area Steel Erection Company Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United States of More than $1,000,000 in Bridge SubcontractsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Eighty-Four, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to defraud the United States, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Donald R. Taylor, 78, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, Taylor, the owner of Century Steel Erectors Co. (CSE), admitted that he conspired with Watson L. Maloy, Jr. to use Maloy’s company, W.M.C.C. Inc. (WMCC), as a “front” company to illegally obtain federally funded subcontracts on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) bridge projects. As part of his guilty plea, Taylor further admitted that the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), through the Federal Highway Administration, required PennDOT and the PTC to implement USDOT’s disadvantage business enterprise (DBE) program, which was designed, among other things, to promote participation of minority-owned small businesses in federally funded projects. Because CSE was not a certified DBE subcontractor, Taylor and Maloy agreed that they would use WMCC as a means to obtain DBE-eligible bridge subcontracts. Contrary to DBE requirements, however, Taylor admitted that CSE employees, acting at his direction, actually identified, bid, negotiated, and performed the work on DBE-eligible subcontracts. As a means to conceal CSE’s role in handling contracts awarded to WMCC, Taylor admitted that CSE employees used a WMCC email account and phone line, used magneticWMCC signs to cover the CSE logo on CSE vehicles at job sites, possessed WMCC business cards, and held themselves out as WMCC employees in dealings with general contractors and PennDOT and PTC officials. As a result, Taylor admitted that WMCC and CSE fraudulently obtained nine PennDOT subcontracts between approximately January 2012 and February 2014, resulting in payments to WMCC totaling approximately $1,065,000. In return, Taylor admitted that Maloy was paid a periodic “fee,” ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 during the conspiracy.
As part of his guilty plea, Taylor agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $85,221.21 to PennDOT.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for March 9, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. 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.
Maloy previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States on November 12, 2014, and his sentencing is currently scheduled for January 23, 2018 before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar, Eric G. Olshan, and Christy Criswell Wiegand are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of Taylor and Maloy, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission – Office of Inspector General.