Western District of Pennsylvania

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal firearm laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Ezra Eugene Davis, 33.

According to information presented to the court, on October 21, 2016, Davis possessed seven firearms while released on bond awaiting trial on local gun and drug charges. Davis was also convicted of the knowing possession of stolen firearms and with possession of firearms while a current user of controlled substances. The court was advised that Davis possessed multiple firearms that had been stolen during the burglary of a Millcreek Township residence in September 2016. The firearms were seized from Davis on October 21, 2016, when law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant in Erie, Pennsylvania.

This case 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.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Millcreek Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Davis.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Kevin Jabbar Thomas, age 42, of Clairton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and the Clairton Police Department were conducting an investigation into the illegal drug activities of the defendant. On April 26, 2016, agents and police officers executed a search warrant on the defendant’s Clairton residence. They recovered crack cocaine, heroin, cocaine, marijuana and other drug paraphernalia.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2018. 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 Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the Clairton Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal bankruptcy laws, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in two separate cases, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Douglas Alan Grooms, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal No. 16-15 Erie and thirteen counts at Criminal No. 16-30 Erie before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Grooms concealed property from the United States Bankruptcy Trustee in connection with his bankruptcy case.

In addition, from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, Grooms and two co-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 vehicles would then actually remain in Coover’s possession. 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 March 19, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both for Criminal No. 16-15 Erie and a total sentence of 340 years in prison, a fine of $8.5 million, or both for Criminal No. 16-30 Erie. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney 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 Grooms.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in two separate cases, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Adam Brayton Coover, 35, pleaded guilty to eleven counts at Criminal No. 16-28 Erie and thirteen counts at Criminal No. 16-30 Erie 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, Coover and a co-defendant engaged in a scheme to defraud auto loan providers by using straw purchasers to buy cars from the co-defendant knowing that the vehicles would not actually be in the possession of the straw purchasers. Coover and a co-defendant also falsified the loan applications to make the straw purchasers appear more credit worthy.

In addition, from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, Coover and two co-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 vehicles would then actually remain in Coover’s possession. 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 March 19, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both for Criminal No. 16-28 Erie and a total sentence of 340 years in prison, a fine of $8.5 million or both for Criminal No. 16-30 Erie. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney 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 Coover.

PITTSBURGH - Two Pittsburgh-area residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of unlawfully distributing controlled substances and health care fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The 39-count indictment, returned on October 18 and unsealed today, named Mark R. Foster, 70, of Wexford, Pennsylvania and Terri C. Brown, 53, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Foster and Brown were arrested this morning at their respective residences.

According to indictment, Brown owned and operated Cherry Way, a Suboxone clinic, located in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, and Foster was a medical director at Cherry Way. The indictment alleges that Brown and Foster conspired together to create and submit unlawful prescriptions for Suboxone, Adderall and Percocet, and then unlawfully dispensed those controlled substances to Brown and to other persons not specifically named in the Indictment. Brown is also charged with health care fraud for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to Highmark and Medicaid, through Cherry Way, for payments to cover the costs of the unlawfully prescribed Suboxone, Adderall and Percocet.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $3,250,000, or both, for the controlled substances offenses. Brown faces an additional maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and fines of $500,000 for the health care fraud charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and 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.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Ambridge, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months imprisonment followed by 4 years supervised release on his convictions of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Dwayne Corrigan, 33, of Ambridge, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2016 and continuing thereafter to in and around July 2016, Corrigan conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. Corrigan also distributed fentanyl on July 27, 2016, and, pursuant to his plea agreement with the United States, Corrigan accepted responsibility for the fact that the fentanyl he distributed on July 27, 2016, resulted in the serious bodily injury of two individuals.

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine A. King prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 12 months and one day in prison on his conviction of wire fraud, to be followed by a consecutive term of imprisonment of four months for a supervised release violation for a previous conviction, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Daniel J. Isabella, Jr., 34, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on or about April 5, 2014, while on pretrial release, Isabella falsely represented to have tickets to entertainment events to potential purchasers on Craigslist. He would then have potential purchasers wire money for these tickets, but Isabella did not provide any tickets. Additionally, on August 11, September 16, and September 28, Isabella was found to have violated his conditions of supervised release for a previous conviction for similar conduct.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Isabella.

PITTSBURGH-A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has pleaded in federal court to charges of Obtaining Controlled Substance by Fraud, and Distribution of Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Carl T. Wilson, age 50, of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, from late 2015 to March 2017, Wilson knowingly, intentionally and unlawfully obtained a controlled substance, namely oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, by misrepresentations, fraud and deception. Also, on March 27, 2017, Wilson knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully possessed with intent to distribute and distributed oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for March 15, 2018 at 9a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 24 years, a fine of $1,250,000.00, 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 Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Carl T. Wilson.

PITTSBURGH - A former Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 36 months of incarceration for violating his Supervised Release by committing new crimes, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Fischer imposed the sentence yesterday on Santana Wygant, age 40, formerly from McKeesport, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Wygant had previously been convicted of federal drug charges for selling crack cocaine near a playground in West Virginia, and served 87 months in federal prison. While he was on federal supervision after being released from incarceration, Wygant committed multiple violations that included raping his former girlfriend, assaulting that woman, assaulting his infant child, and entering the victim’s home without permission. Wygant also was also found to have absconded from a halfway house, tested positive for marijuana use, failed to report to his probation officer and failed to attend drug treatment.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer reviewed and considered that Wygant began his criminal career with an armed robbery offense as a juvenile and amassed numerous subsequent adult convictions.

Judge Fischer imposed the maximum sentence allowable by law, 36 months of incarceration, after considering factors that included the seriousness of the offenses and the need to protect the public from future acts of Wygant. The Judge also ordered that, following his release, Wygant spend the first six months in a halfway house, and that the United States Probation Office supervise him for five more years. Wygant faces the possibility of additional periods of incarceration if he violates the Court’s order by having any contact with the rape victim or the infant daughter he assaulted.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the United States Probation Office for their efforts in this matter.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Indiana, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 42 months probation with six months at a community confinement center on his conviction of theft of government property, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Carmen Donofrio, 63, of Indiana, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from in and around July 2013, through in and around May 2015, Donofrio received approximately $16,577 in Supplemental Security Income to which he was not entitled because he had concealed a retirement account from the Social Security Administration.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Donofrio.

PITTSBURGH - A foreign national residing outside of the United States has been sentenced in federal court to term of imprisonment of time served as to Count 17 and six months imprisonment as to Count 18, to run consecutive as to Count 17 on his conviction of charges of money laundering and aggravated identity theft, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Yoandy Perez Llanes.

According to the information presented to the court, early in 2014, thousands of employees of UPMC had their personal information stolen by hackers, who intruded into a UPMC database and stole names, social security numbers, and PII. This data was then used to file false 2013 federal tax returns. Investigators learned that names and other identifiers were used by Llanes and other conspirators to file 935 false tax returns in which unlawful refunds were requested in the form of Amazon.com gift cards. Quick action by the IRS, UPMC, and Amazon.com frustrated the efforts of the fraudsters to file additional false returns and obtain further fraudulent proceeds. Though the perpetrators sought approximately $2.2 million in fraudulent refunds, $1.4 million was actually disbursed in Amazon.com gift cards, which were used by the fraudsters to purchase electronic merchandise.

This criminal scheme was complex and crossed national borders. Llanes and the conspirators used anonymous and encrypted email to disguise their identities and proxy computers to file returns. Using the fraudulently obtained Amazon.com gift cards, Llanes and others purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars in electronic merchandise for shipment through reshipping services in Miami, Florida, to overseas destinations in Maracay or Maracaibo, Venezuela.

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

Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song commended the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service for the successful investigation leading the prosecution of Yoandy Perez Llanes.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to six years of imprisonment on his conviction of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and the related violation of his supervised release, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Marcus Thompkins, age 27, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Thompkins was on supervised release from a prior federal drug trafficking conviction that involved the armed robbery of a drug dealer. Two United States Probation Officers attempted to visit Thompkins on December 12, 2016 when Thompkins pointed a firearm at them. On the next day, Officers from the Probation Office and the United States Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force conducted a search of Thompkins’ residence, and they recovered the firearm and ammunition.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab stated that he considered, as part of his sentence, the need to protect the safety of the Probation Officers as they go about their excellent work.

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

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the United States Probation Office and the United States Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Thompkins.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges involving the possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The four-count Indictment, returned on October 17, named Julius Maurice Hurt, 32, of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 3, 2017, Hurt possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of cocaine. The Indictment also charges Hurt, a felon previously convicted of a felony drug offense, with unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition, and with unlawfully possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than five years in prison and up to life, a fine of $2,500,000, 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 of the defendant.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort between 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 Pennsylvania State Police, the Waynesburg Police Department, and the Greene County District Attorney’s Office, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – Gemere Bey was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Bey, age 27, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer ordered that Bey serve four years of supervised release after he is released from prison. Bey’s sentencing guideline range for the heroin trafficking conviction was increased for his possession of a dangerous weapon and for his use of violence or credible threat to use violence.

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.

PITTSBURGH – Jocquinn Lamont Harris, a former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 144 months imprisonment, followed by six years supervised release, on charges of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Harris was also ordered to pay $11,396.76 in restitution, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton imposed the sentence Monday on Jocquinn Lamont Harris, age 31, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on or about November 29, 2015; December 3, 2015; December 4, 2015; and December 5, 2015, Harris distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl. These distributions resulted in the death of two individuals and serious bodily injury to three individuals.

Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting U.S. Attorney Song commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jocquinn Lamont Harris.

PITTSBURGH – Christopher Brown was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Brown, age 24, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer ordered that Brown serve five years of supervised release after he is released from prison. Brown’s sentencing guideline range for the heroin trafficking conviction was increased for possession of a dangerous weapon, for maintaining a premises for the purpose of distributing a controlled substance, and for management or supervision of criminal activity that involved five or more participants.

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.

PITTSBURGH – A local resident has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months incarceration and three years supervised release on his conviction of charge of bank fraud conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence yesterday on Darein Clark, 24 of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to information presented to the court, Clark and others agreed to defraud Pittsburgh area banks by depositing counterfeit checks by remote mobile deposit, and then making ATM withdrawals or point of sale charges against funds credited from the deposited counterfeit checks.

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

The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF), conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of this defendant. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort is 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.

PITTSBURGH – Christopher Bradley-Bey was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Bradley-Bey, age 24, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer ordered that Bradley-Bey serve four years of supervised release after he is released from prison. Bey’s sentencing guideline range for the heroin trafficking conviction was increased for his possession of a dangerous weapon.

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.

PITTSBURGH – Holman Brown was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Brown, age 26, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer ordered that Brown serve five years of supervised release after he is released from prison. Brown’s sentencing guideline range for the heroin trafficking conviction was increased for possession of a dangerous weapon, for maintaining a premises for the purpose of distributing a controlled substance, for management or supervision of criminal activity that involved five or more participants, and for his use of violence or credible threat to use violence.

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.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The six-count Indictment, returned on October 17, named Nigel Macaya Broadus a/k/a Nigel Washington a/k/a “Little Nige”, age 21, of Wilkinsburg, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on April 30, 2015, May 4, 2015, and June 3, 2015, Broadus possessed with intent to distribute and distributed heroin. The Indictment further alleges that on April 25, 2017, Broadus possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl. The Indictment also alleges that Broadus was involved in a heroin and fentanyl dealing conspiracy from February 2017 through April 25, 2017. Lastly, the Indictment alleges that on April 25, 2017, Broadus possessed a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Ruger pistol bearing serial number 33483389 and 9 mm ammunition after having been convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those cases include two (2) convictions for Illegal Possession of a Firearm.

The law provides for a maximum of 110 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,250,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case with valuable assistance from the Wilkinsburg Police Department, the Monroeville Police Department and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and passing and uttering counterfeit money, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Seleste M. Foster, 25, of Clairton, PA pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

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

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for February 16, 2018 at 9 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 45 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years imprisonment, followed by 20 years supervised release, on a charge of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of children, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Daniel Teed, age 56, of Wexford, PA.

According to information presented to the court, the court was advised that from June 2015 to June 2016, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Daniel Teed and another person knowingly entered into an agreement to conspire to recruit for sex trafficking a female minor who had not attained the age of 18 years.

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Song commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the City of Pittsburgh Police Department, and the Allegheny District Attorney’s Office for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Daniel Teed.

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

PITTSBURGH – Quinshawn Haynie and Dara Haynie have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for conspiring to distribute and distributing heroin, butyryl fentanyl, and fentanyl in, on, or within 1,000 feet of, a public housing facility, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The indictment charges Quinshawn Haynie, age 28, and Dara Haynie, age 26, both of Pittsburgh, Pa., with committing the crimes from February 1, 2017, through March 31, 2017.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least one year and up to 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories, if any, of the defendants.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years probation and 150 hours of community service on her conviction of conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Correna Pfeiffer, 39, of Monaca, PA.

According to the information presented to the court, Pfeiffer is a pharmacist who was the manager of the MedFast Institutional Pharmacy located at 2003 Sheffield Road, Aliquippa, in Beaver County. As manager she prepared and oversaw employees who prepared prescription medications for residents of nursing homes. MedFast had its delivery drivers pick up unused medications from the nursing homes and return them to the institutional pharmacy where employees unpackaged them and returned them to stock to be re-used in other prescriptions in violation of state law and federal law. As a result, drugs from different manufacturers with different lot numbers and different expiration dates were commingled in stock bottles. When it was necessary for employees to place lot numbers and expiration dates on prescriptions, the employees were instructed to use inaccurate and false information rendering the drugs “misbranded.” In addition, Medicare, Medicaid and other insurers were not reimbursed for the unused drugs, but they were billed for illegal, “misbranded” drugs.

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

Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song commended 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 for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Correna Pfeiffer.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Wexford, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation, six months home detention, 150 hours community service and a $15,000 fine, on charges of major fraud against the U.S. Department of Defense and filing false tax returns on behalf of Ibis Tek, LLC, for 2009 and 2010, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Judge Schwab imposed these sentences on Harry H. Kramer, 52, of Wexford, Pennsylvania.

According to the information presented to the court, Kramer was the Chief Financial Officer of Ibis Tek. Ibis Tek is a Butler, PA company previously owned 50/50 by brothers Thomas and John Buckner. Ibis Tek’s main office was located at 912 Pittsburgh Street, Butler, Pennsylvania 16002, and it had an office at Ibis Tek Victory Road facility, 220 South Noah Drive, Saxonburg, PA 16056. Ibis Tek manufactured both military and commercial products but specialized in the development of transparent armor and accessory products for tactical and military combat vehicles. Ibis Tek itself was not charged with any violations.

One of the primary sources of business for Ibis Tek was contracts and subcontracts for TACOM. TACOM is a Department of Defense agency in Warren, Michigan, was responsible for letting and overseeing contracts on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense, including contracts concerning High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (hereinafter Humvees). Ibis Tek had a subcontract to produce Vehicle Emergency Escape Window (VEE Window) Kits for Humvees. The Buckners and Kramer inflated Ibis Tek’s costs to manufacture the VEE Window kits by creating Alloy America, LLC, (Alloy) a company that was co-located at Ibis Tek that the Buckners controlled, by using Alloy to purchase the frames in China for $20 per frame, and by using false invoices from Alloy to make it appear that Ibis Tek paid $70 per frame. In addition, the Buckners sold scrap aluminum collected in the manufacturing process but Kramer and the Buckners failed to credit that money to TACOM. The losses to TACOM were $6,085,709, of which $367,356 is associated with Kramer’s specific conduct.

The income tax evasion charges against Kramer and the Buckner brothers arose from not reporting the cash from sales of scrap aluminum, and for taking unallowable business deductions described below. The criminal losses from these false returns was $423,473.

The contract fraud violations described above formed the basis for False Claims Act charges against the Buckner brothers brought by the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Attorneys on both sides agreed on a civil settlement of $12,171,580.00. On Friday, October 6, 2017, the Buckners made the final payment to the Department of the Treasury on their civil settlement.

There is one more related defendant who is awaiting sentencing on November 6, 2017. David S. Buckner, of Warren, Michigan, (no relation to Thomas or John Buckner) pleaded guilty to a one count information charging him with impeding the IRS by acting as a financial intermediary who received and then paid out money from Ibis Tek, LLC to Anthony Shaw, for the purpose of concealing that the monies were income of Shaw.

Anthony A. Shaw, 55, of Rochester Hills, Michigan, pleaded guilty to a five-count information. Shaw, formerly a civilian employee at TACOM, was a Deputy Project Manager responsible for directing development of and managing government contracts for combat vehicle systems such as Humvees. Shaw was charged in Counts One and Two with demanding and receiving a total of $1,055,500 of illegal gratuities paid by checks, cash and wire transfers by Thomas Buckner to and through David Buckner’s company, D & B Cycle Parts and Accessories, for Shaw’s benefit. Counts Three and Four charged Shaw with income tax evasion for 2009 and 2010 for not reporting the illegal gratuities. In Count Five Shaw was charged with making false statements when he denied that he had socialized with Thomas Buckner and John Buckner, and denied that he had traveled in a car, boat and an airplane owned by Thomas Buckner or John Buckner. Shaw was sentenced to 46 months of incarceration, a $100,000 fine, and restitution to the IRS of $325,800.

These cases were investigated by the Special Agents of the Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division.

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

Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song commended the Special Agents of the Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of these defendants.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Loretto, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison, and was sentenced to nine months in prison, consecutive to the current sentence he is presently serving in federal prison, and three years’ supervised release, concurrent with his present sentence, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Edwin Manuel Guzman, 35, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on December 22, 2016, Guzman possessed a quantity of Buprenorphine.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Ebensburg, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of misapplication of funds by a bank employee, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Tonya Wade, 43, of Ebensburg, Pa. pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from Sept. 17, 2012, to Aug. 29, 2013, Wade, while employed as a teller at C & G Savings Bank in Gallitzin, Pa, removed $20,950 from customers’ accounts and thereafter converted those funds to her personal use.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 14, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wade.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on October 10 and unsealed today, named John Edward Desalome, age 29, of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on November 23, 2016, Desalome possessed videos in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a maximum term of supervised release of life, and a fine of $250,000.00. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the 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 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.

PITTSBURGH - Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today that an Indiana County investment advisor was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment, three years supervised release and ordered to pay $1,212,663.93, on his conviction at trial of one count of securities fraud, one count of mail fraud and four counts of filing false tax returns.

Receiving the sentence from United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton was Bernard Parker, age 56.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Rachael L. Mamula, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Parker, the principal of Parker Financial Services, solicited his clients, by signing of “Investors Contracts,” to invest in tax lien certificates, municipal bonds, computer software, real estate, and other undefined investments. Parker then used the vast majority of the monies taken from these investors for his personal expenses instead of the various investments agreed upon with his clients. Further, Parker filed false federal tax returns for tax years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, each of which failed to report his income.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the conviction of Bernard M. Parker.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Keith A. Bassi, age 61, of Fayette City, PA, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Government represented in Court that since 2013, Keith A. Bassi, a licensed attorney, misappropriated for personal use approximately $505,000.00 in funds belonging to the estate of an elderly person diagnosed with dementia. Bassi held a power of attorney for the victim, and then engaged in a series of financial transactions in which he diverted the victim’s assets into bank accounts he created and controlled at Charleroi Federal Savings and PNC Banks. In one instance, Bassi made insurance premium payments using the victim’s funds on a whole life policy at Pacific Life purchased in the name of someone other than the victim, and then later cancelled the policy and kept the surrendered cash proceeds for himself. He also used the victim’s estate funds to operate Mid Mon Valley Publishing Co. in Charleroi, Pennsylvania.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for March 14, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the 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 United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Keith A. Bassi.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Costa Rica, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud and money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Ramiro Navarro Quesada, 41, a resident of Costa Rica pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose. Quesada was arrested in Madrid, Spain, in early 2017. He was extradited to the United States in late August.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Quesada used a Costa Rican website to advertise the Internet sale of Schedule II and IV controlled substances and erectile dysfunction drugs, which were exported from India and received in the United States.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for March 19, 2018 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

“This case is a prime example of how the U.S. will use all available tools at our disposal to identify and apprehend drug traffickers,” said Wayne Salzgaber, INTERPOL Washington Acting Director.

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

The Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, the Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Quesada.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Rochester Hills, Michigan, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months incarceration and a $100,000 fine, on charges of taking illegal gratuities, income tax evasion and making false statements to federal law enforcement officers, United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Judge Schwab imposed the sentence on Anthony A. Shaw, 55, of Rochester Hills, Michigan.

According to the information presented to the court, Shaw was a Deputy Project Manager responsible for directing development of and managing government contracts for combat vehicle systems such as U.S. Army High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (hereinafter Humvees) at the U.S. Department of Army, Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). TACOM is located in Warren, Michigan, and is the Department of Defense's facility responsible for contracting for design, production, modification and maintenance of vehicles used by the Armed Services. During a wartime buildup, it has been responsible for as much as $65 billion of contracts.

Because of his position at TACOM, Shaw came to know the Buckner brothers, who were 50/50 owners of Ibis Tek, LLC (hereinafter Ibis Tek). Ibis Tek’s main office was located at 912 Pittsburgh Street, Butler, Pennsylvania 16002, and it had an office at Ibis Tek Victory Road facility, 220 South Noah Drive, Saxonburg, PA 16056. Ibis Tek manufactured both military and commercial products but specialized in the development of transparent armor and accessory products for tactical and military combat vehicles. The Buckners were perennially interested in getting TACOM business. Over time, Ibis Tek held several subcontracts and prime contracts for TACOM.

In addition to his TACOM job, Shaw purchased houses in the Detroit area, and either flipped them or rented them. He owned more than 90 houses when the housing market sank in 2008. Shaw came from Detroit to the Buckners and complained about carrying more than $400,000 of credit card debt, explained that he needed money to avoid bankruptcy, which could result in him losing his job. As a result, from 2008 through 2011 Shaw took $1,055,500 in illegal gratuities from the Buckners. Shaw failed to pay income tax on these monies and ran up a criminal tax liability of $325,800. In addition, when federal agents interviewed Shaw, he lied to them by denying that he ever traveled in a car, a boat or an airplane owned by Thomas Buckner or John Buckner, and denied that he ever stopped to see Thomas or John Buckner in Pennsylvania while on a motorcycle trip, when in fact, he had done each of these things.

There are two more related guilty pleas entered in this investigation and each of these defendants is awaiting sentencing.

Harry H. Kramer, 52, of Wexford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud for his role as CFO of Ibis Tek in a $6,085,709 fraud scheme against TACOM. Counts Two and Three charged him with filing false returns for Ibis Tek for 2009 and 2010.

David S. Buckner, of Warren, Michigan, (no relation to Thomas or John Buckner) pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with impeding the IRS by acting as a financial intermediary who received and then paid out money from Ibis Tek, LLC to Anthony Shaw, for the purpose of concealing that the monies were income of Shaw.

"Today's sentencing, the third of five related cases, is the successful product of a joint investigation conducted by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania," stated Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent-in-Charge, DCIS Northeast Field Office. "Confidence in the integrity of the public officials working in the DoD procurement process and supply chain is of vital importance to all Americans. DCIS is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to investigate any violations of this public trust.”

"IRS-Criminal Investigation provides financial investigation expertise in our work with our law enforcement partners," said IRS Acting Special Agent in Charge Ed Wirth. "Pooling the skills of each agency makes a formidable team as we investigate allegations of wrong-doing. Today's sentence demonstrates our collective efforts to enforce the law and ensure public trust".

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

Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song commended the Special Agents of the Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of these defendants.

PITTSBURGH – One former resident of Verona, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The two-count indictment named Richard Anthony Burke, age 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on November 12, 2016 Richard possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl. On February 3, 2017, Burke, a convicted felon, was also in possession of a firearm. As a convicted felon, Burke is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentences of not more than 20 years and a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Pittsburgh Office of the Drug Enforcement Agency and Wilkinsburg Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – Michael Ginyard, Jr. has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for heroin and fentanyl trafficking and committing related firearm crimes, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The indictment charges Ginyard Jr., age 30, with committing the following crimes in January and February 2017: (1) possession of heroin and/or fentanyl with intent to distribute, (2) attempt to distribute heroin, (3) possession of a firearm and/or ammunition after five felony convictions for heroin and cocaine trafficking, and (4) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 20 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $6,750,000. 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 Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident 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 named Deondre Steave, age 24.

According to the indictment, on or about September 28, 2017, Steave, an individual with prior felony convictions for Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute 100 Grams or More of Heroin and Escaping from Federal Custody, did knowingly and unlawfully possess a Kahr CW .40 caliber pistol and ammunition. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

For Steave’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.

PITTSBURGH – One former Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The three-count indictment named Deondre Lee Purter, age 23, formerly of McKeesport, PA as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on September 15, 2017, Purter possessed with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl, carfentanil, and cocaine base. Also on September 15, 2017, Purter, a convicted felon, was in possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. As a convicted felon, Purter is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five years in prison to a maximum of life, and a fine of up to $1,500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses, and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Agency 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 – Thomas G. Buckner, 66, of Gibsonia, Pa., and his brother, John. P. Buckner of Lyndora, Pa., have been sentenced in federal court to 30 months incarceration and a $500,000 fine, and 24 months incarceration and a $300,000 fine, respectively, on charges of major fraud against the U.S. Department of Defense and income tax evasion violations, United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

According to the information presented to the court, the Buckner brothers were 50/50 owners of Ibis Tek, LLC. Ibis Tek’s main office was located at 912 Pittsburgh Street, in Butler, Pennsylvania, and it had an office at Ibis Tek Victory Road facility, 220 South Noah Drive, in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. Ibis Tek manufactured both military and commercial products but specialized in the development of transparent armor and accessory products for tactical and military combat vehicles. Ibis Tek itself was not charged with any violations.

TACOM, located in Warren, Michigan, was responsible for letting and overseeing contracts on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense, including contracts concerning High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (Humvees). Ibis Tek had a subcontract to produce Vehicle Emergency Escape Window (VEE Window) Kits for Humvees. The Buckners inflated Ibis Tek’s costs to manufacture the VEE Window kits by creating Alloy America, LLC, (Alloy) a company that was co-located at Ibis Tek that the Buckners controlled, by using Alloy to purchase the frames in China for $20 per frame, and by using false invoices from Alloy to make it appear that Ibis Tek paid $70 per frame. In addition, the Buckners sold scrap aluminum collected in the manufacturing process but failed to credit that money to TACOM. The losses to TACOM were $6,085,709.

The income tax evasion charges against the Buckner brothers arose from not reporting the cash from sales of scrap aluminum, and for taking unallowable business deductions described below. Thomas Buckner repaid the I.R.S. more than $940,000 in restitution, penalties and interest; John Buckner repaid more than $980,000 in restitution, penalties and interest.

The contract fraud violations described above formed the basis for False Claims Act charges against the Buckner brothers brought by the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Attorneys on both sides agreed on a civil settlement of $12,171,580.00. On Friday, October 6, 2017, the Buckner brothers made the final payment to the Department of the Treasury on their civil settlement.

Acting U.S. Attorney Song said, “The imposition of years of imprisonment, coupled with more than $2.7 million in restitution and fines, justly resolves the multi-year investigation into the $6 million fraudulent scheme of these defendants against the United States.”

There were three related guilty pleas entered in this investigation and each of these defendants is awaiting sentencing.

Harry H. Kramer, 52, of Wexford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud for his role as CFO of Ibis Tek in the above described scheme against TACOM. Counts Two and Three charged him with filing false returns for Ibis Tek for 2009 and 2010.

David S. Buckner, of Warren, Michigan, (no relation to Thomas or John Buckner) pleaded guilty to a one-count Information charging him with impeding the IRS by acting as a financial intermediary who received and then paid out money from Ibis Tek, LLC to Anthony Shaw, for the purpose of concealing that the monies were income of Shaw.

Anthony A. Shaw, 55, of Rochester Hills, Michigan, pleaded guilty to a five-count Information. Shaw, formerly a civilian employee at TACOM, was a Deputy Project Manager responsible for directing development of and managing government contracts for combat vehicle systems such as Humvees. Shaw was charged in Counts One and Two with demanding and receiving a total of $1,055,500 of illegal gratuities paid by checks, cash and wire transfers by Thomas Buckner to and through David Buckner’s company, D & B Cycle Parts and Accessories, for Shaw’s benefit. Counts Three and Four charged Shaw with income tax evasion for 2009 and 2010 for not reporting the illegal gratuities. In Count Five Shaw was charged with making false statements when he denied that he had socialized with Thomas Buckner and John Buckner, and denied that he had traveled in a car, boat and an airplane owned by Thomas Buckner or John Buckner.

These cases were investigated by the Special Agents of the Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division.

"IRS-Criminal Investigation provides financial investigation expertise in our work with our law enforcement partners," said IRS Acting Special Agent in Charge Ed Wirth. "Pooling the skills of each agency makes a formidable team as we investigate allegations of wrong-doing. Today's sentences demonstrate our collective efforts to enforce the law and ensure public trust."

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

Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song commended the Special Agents of the Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of these defendants.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Indiana, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of embezzling from a federally insured bank, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Madeline Isenberg, 37, of Indiana, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in or around February 2012 until in or around August 2015, Isenberg, while employed as an Assistant Manager for First Commonwealth Bank, embezzled approximately $88,000.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Thursday, February 22, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of thirty 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.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – Individuals and entities associated with Med-Fast Pharmacy, Inc. (“Med-Fast”) have agreed to resolve criminal and civil charges associated with Med-Fast’s improper submission of claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

As part of this global resolution, the former Vice President of Store Operations for Med-Fast, defendant Gino Cordisco, 47, of Mars, Pennsylvania, has been charged with one count of conspiracy related to his participation in a scheme to fill prescriptions for nursing homes with recycled unused drugs that were commingled with drug stocks on hand at Med-Fast’s Institutional Pharmacy. Defendant Iserve Technologies, Inc., which is co-located with and operated out of Med-Fast, participated in the same scheme, and was similarly charged with conspiracy. These criminal charges follow the earlier guilty plea on related charges of Correna Pfeiffer, 37, of Monaca, Pennsylvania, who previously served as the manager of the Med-Fast Institutional Pharmacy.

Med-Fast Pharmacy, Inc., its owner Douglas Kaleugher, and related entities also have agreed to pay the United States $2,666,300.00 to settle civil False Claims Act allegations. The civil settlement resolves allegations in two separate whistleblower lawsuits filed in federal court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The settled claims contended that Med-Fast violated the False Claims Act by distributing and submitting claims to Medicare for medication that it had either recycled from long-term care facilities serviced by its institutional pharmacy, or that otherwise differed from the medications identified as part of the claims submitted to the United States. The settlement also resolves allegations that Med-Fast violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to Medicare and Pennsylvania Medicaid that sought reimbursement for the retail-packaged version of diabetes testing strips, while actually supplying patients with cheaper mail-order-packaged version of the same strips.

“These criminal and civil agreements demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of federal health care programs and the safety and well-being of the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Song. “Pharmacists and pharmacies must deal fairly and honestly with federal health care programs, and this U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold accountable those who do not.”

These matters were investigated by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration-OCI, the Drug Enforcement Administration-Diversion Investigators, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nelson P. Cohen prosecuted the criminal cases on behalf of the government and Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin J. Callahan litigated the civil cases on behalf of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office.

The civil cases resolved by this settlement are captioned United States ex rel. Darla Reid v. Med-Fast Pharmacy, Inc., Civil Action No. 13-715 (WDPA); and United States ex rel. Bryan Bisceglia v. Med-Fast Pharmacy, Inc. et al., Civil Action No. 13-0368 (WDPA). The claims resolved by the civil settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The conspiracy charge against Cordisco carries a maximum total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. The conspiracy charge against Iserve Technologies, Inc. carries a maximum total sentence of 5 years probation, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Three New York residents were indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of conspiracy, identity theft and false statements to a bank, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The three-count indictment named as defendants Anthony T. Sass, 26, of New York, NY; Nathaniel C. Graham, 25, of Bronx, NY; and Jacob Gunther, 41, Brooklyn, NY.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from Mar. 21 to Mar. 28, 2017, Sass, Graham and Gunther conspired to commit bank fraud; on Mar. 22, 2017, Sass and Gunther committed aggravated identity theft; and on Mar. 25, 2017, Sass and Gunther made false statements to a bank in connection with a loan application.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for each Anthony T. Sass and Jacob Gunther of 62 years in prison, a fine of $2,250,000, or both, and for Nathaniel C. Graham of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sass, Graham and Gunther.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Nicholas James Gaworski, age 26, of Clinton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, in December 2016, Gaworski, a substitute teacher, received videos and images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for February 7, 2018 at 9 a.m. the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00 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 Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gaworski.

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

PITTSBURGH – Two residents of Paterson, New Jersey, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment named Jose Aponte, age 47, of Paterson, New Jersey, and Carolyn Spann, age 53, of Paterson, New Jersey.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from 2013 to September 2017, Aponte and Spann conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $20 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.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of interstate transportation of a minor for purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual activity, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

David Michael Monrean, 24, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, from August 14, 2016, to August 16, 2016, Monrean did knowingly and willfully transport or arrange, induce, procure, or facilitate the travel of Minor A, who had not attained the age of 18 years, in interstate commerce, from Pennsylvania to Ohio, with the intent that Minor A would engage in prostitution and other sexual activity for which a person could be charged with a criminal offense, and aided and abetted such conduct.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak scheduled sentencing for February 14, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than five years, or any 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 Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Grove City Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Monrean.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The indictment named Sabrina L. Rogers, 34, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on July 6, July 10, and July 11, 2017, Rogers distributed less than 28 grams of cocaine base, also known as crack, and on July 12, 2017, Rogers possessed with the intent to distribute less than 28 grams of crack.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 80 years in prison and a fine of $4,000,000 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 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 Rogers.

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

ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to defraud the government and aggravated identify theft,, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

James Lamont Johnson, 51, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Johnson engaged in a conspiracy to defraud the United States by submitting false claims for income tax refunds using individuals’ identification information which was unlawfully obtained. Johnson stole the identities of 56 individuals who were clients of the Community of Caring, a non-profit social service agency in Erie, where he had access to the clients’ personal identification information. Johnson utilized TurboTax and filed approximately 71 tax returns, seeking refunds from the IRS of more than $100,000.00. Johnson and his co-conspirator inputted the stolen identity information and used wage information from W-2 forms taken from actual employees of local businesses to perpetrate the fraudulent tax refund scheme. The scheme to defraud successfully obtained more than $60,000.00 in tax refunds. The refunds came in the form of prepaid debit cards and U.S. Treasury checks, which were mailed to addresses where Johnson could access the mail and retrieve the refunds.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 26, 2018 at 12:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 12 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. A mandatory minimum sentence of two years must be imposed for the conviction of aggravated identity theft.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Johnson.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of DuBois, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of conversion of government funds, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The two-count indictment named Daniel P. McIntosh, 39, of DuBois, Pa.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from Aug. 1, 2014, to July 31, 2016, McIntosh did receive and convert falsely to his own use a total of $41,529.70, which represents approximately 115 separate Social Security Administration benefit payments made to him and also to him as representative payee for his wife and minor children, to which he or they were not entitled.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 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 U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines 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.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Jasmin Omanovic, 37, 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 October 2011 to February 2015, Omanovic, who was the owner and operator of International Market in Erie, committed food stamp fraud by exchanging food stamps for cash at fifty percent of face value. Omanovic also exchanged food stamps for ineligible items. He also allowed customers to pay off store debt with food stamps and he took customers’ EBT cards and used them at Walmart to restock his shelves.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 26, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Omanovic on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and the Erie Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Omanovic.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 20 months in prison, three years’ supervised release and ordered to pay restitution to First National Bank in the amount of $270,434.70, on her conviction of misapplication of funds by a bank employee, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Anna Wilson, 35, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from Nov. 15, 2015, to Aug. 15, 2016, Wilson, while employed as a branch manager at First National Bank in Johnstown, Pa, removed approximately $270,434.70 from customers’ accounts and thereafter converted those funds to her personal use.

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

Ms. Song commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Wilson.

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Bradford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Tyler Little, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Davie S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Little was an office manager at Minich Electric in Bradford. From November 2012 to September 2015, he wrote numerous checks to himself from the Minich Electric business account, failed to deposit numerous cash payments made by customers and used the funds for his own personal use and used the business credit card without the owner’s knowledge or permission to purchase numerous items for himself resulting in a loss of approximately $77,516.81 to Minich Electric.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 26, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Little on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH – Two Pittsburgh-area residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics, robbery, and firearms laws Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The six-count indictment, returned on September 26, 2017 and unsealed September 27, named Kahlil Shelton and Deron Howell.

According to the indictment, from August 4, 2017 to August 7, 2017, Shelton and Howell conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 kilograms or less of marijuana and did possess with the intent to distribute 50 kilograms or less of marijuana on August 7, 2017. Both are also charged with conspiring to commit Hobbs Act Robbery as well as committing the robbery itself on August 7, 2017. The indictment also charges that both men possessed a firearm in furtherance of both a drug trafficking crime and a crime of violence, and that the firearm was discharged in furtherance of committing those crimes.

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

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Cranberry 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.