Western District of Pennsylvania

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Sandra Box, 59, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan on March 19, 2025.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around February 2021 to in and around April 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Box conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of heroin and crack. Box was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that she distributed to others.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2025. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Box. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Honduras pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced to time served and removal from the U.S. on his conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Saul Enrique Padilla-Mejia, 38.

According to information presented to the Court, Padilla-Mejia was previously removed from the United States on August 13, 2019, and returned to Honduras. On February 4, 2024, the Pennsylvania State Police charged Padilla-Mejia in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County with various traffic offenses as well as driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol content of .16% and greater. Those charges remain pending, according to the public docket. Immigration authorities determined that Padilla-Mejia was illegally present in the United States and took him into immigration custody on October 30, 2024. Padilla-Mejia will remain detained until his deportation from the United States.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Padilla-Mejia.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former Columbus, Ohio, lawyer pleaded guilty in federal court in the Southern District of Ohio to charges of making false statements to the FBI, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Dennis W. McNamara, 74, pleaded guilty on March 18, 2025, to two counts before Chief United States District Judge Sarah D. Morrison.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that McNamara—then a practicing lawyer in the Southern District of Ohio—represented a cooperating witness who provided information into a drug trafficking and sex trafficking organization operating in Columbus. At the time, McNamara was separately engaged in a sexual relationship with a female sex worker. McNamara informed the sex worker that he represented the cooperating witness and provided the woman with details of his client’s cooperation, placing his client at great risk of potential harm. When agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation questioned him regarding his disclosures, McNamara lied to agents about having revealed the information.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio was recused from the investigation and prosecution of this matter; the matter then was assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

A date for sentencing will be determined by the Court. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes special agents and officers from the FBI, Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and Columbus Division of Police. The Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force also collaborated on this investigation.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Duncansville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 33 months of imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release, on his conviction for violating federal narcotics laws related to a six-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around Blair, Cambria, Centre, and Clearfield counties of Pennsylvania, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Douglas Hillegass, 62, on March 12, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, Hillegass was a methamphetamine distributor who obtained approximately six ounces of methamphetamine from a large-scale narcotics distributor. Hillegass then redistributed the methamphetamine to other individuals.

Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hillegass.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal narcotics law, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Marc Anthony Smith, 36, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about November 9, 2024, Smith knowingly possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years in prison, a fine of up to $5 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 Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 18, 2025, to a charge of bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Mark Laughner, 38, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on May 16, 2024, Laughner entered a Reserve Township bank wearing a baseball cap and neck gaiter that covered his mouth and nose and instructed the teller to give him all of her large bills. After the teller handed over the $100 and $50 bills from her cash drawer, the defendant demanded the teller provide more cash quickly or he would shoot her in her face. Laughner left the bank with $1,370 in U.S. currency and was ultimately identified through the utilization of surveillance recordings as well as witness interviews.

Allegheny County Police Department (ACPD) detectives obtained a warrant for Laughner’s arrest, and, on May 20, 2024, attempted to apprehend the defendant when detectives observed Laughner in the passenger seat of a vehicle outside of a Pittsburgh fire station. As detectives converged on the vehicle with their emergency lights activated, the driver exited the vehicle and Laughner jumped from the passenger side of the vehicle into the driver’s seat, where he began fleeing detectives by driving in reverse at a high rate of speed. Ignoring multiple verbal commands to stop, Laughner came within inches of striking two ACPD detectives before stopping and exiting the vehicle in the middle of the street and fleeing on foot. Using a police K-9 unit, law enforcement apprehended Laughner after finding him hiding in thick brush.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $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 V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Nigerian national residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of theft of government property, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Funke Iyanda, 43, with no U.S. status, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from May 27, 2020, to May 24, 2021, Iyanda prepared and submitted a false application and claim for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits in the name of another person to the PA Department of Labor, for which Iyanda received approximately $40,980 in unemployment benefits to which Iyanda was not legally entitled.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $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. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General and Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 18, 2025, to a federal firearm charge, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Tyland Witherspoon, 28, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV to one count of felony possession of a firearm and ammunition.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on June 19, 2024, Witherspoon—who was previously convicted of a felony—was found to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition while the sole occupant of a vehicle in the Northview Heights area of Pittsburgh. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Stickman scheduled Witherspoon’s sentencing for July 28, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $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.

Witherspoon remains detained pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Witherspoon.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 110 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Rashon Coleman, 31, of the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

According to information presented to the Court, on April 10, 2023, a subject later identified as Coleman walked into a bank, shoved a white plastic grocery bag appearing to contain a gun at the teller, and demanded $50,000 in cash. Coleman left the bank with approximately $904 given to him by the teller. The following day, Coleman entered a different bank nearby the first and shouted at the tellers to give him all of the money. Upon receiving money from one of the tellers, Coleman ordered everyone to the ground, threatening to shoot them all if they did not comply. He examined the cash he’d received from the teller and then demanded more, threatening to shoot one of the tellers in the head if they didn’t follow his instructions. A teller went to the vault and returned with additional cash, which she gave to Coleman, who then fled through the bank’s front door, this time, with approximately $4,344.

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers responding to the alarm noticed Coleman, who matched the description of the robbery suspect, walking down the street from the bank. The officers stopped Coleman and found him in possession of a bag containing a toy gun and a large amount of cash. Coleman later confessed to robbing both banks, and subsequently was charged with the two robberies in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, where he was granted alternative housing at a community detention facility.

On May 20, 2023, Coleman was granted permission to leave that facility for a short period but failed to return at the designated time. The same day, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers responded to a bank robbery in progress at the same bank that Coleman had robbed on April 10, 2023, where the subject, again later determined to be Coleman, had walked in yelling that he was robbing the bank and instructing everyone to get down. He demanded $20,000 in cash and threatened to start “popping” people if he didn’t get the money, also forcing one of the bank’s employees to open a security door leading to the vault that Coleman had been unable to breach during his first robbery of the bank. Coleman fled with more than $25,000 and a short time later was found by police inside a nearby store, where he was positively identified and had a bag containing the cash.

Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Coleman.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of federal firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Steyn Sarduy, 19.

According to information presented to the Court, on or about January 22, 2024, Sarduy and his co-defendant, Michael Guin, conspired to steal a truck from a business and used the stolen truck to crash into and gain access to a firearms store in New Kensington. The defendants broke multiple display cases and stole 24 firearms.

Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sarduy.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Fresno, California, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction for receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Alberto Padilla, 23.

According to information presented to the Court, between June and October of 2021, Padilla, while in California, communicated with a 13-year-old minor located in the Western District of Pennsylvania. During his communications with the minor, Padilla sought and received materials depicting the sexual exploitation of the minor.

During the imposition of sentence, Judge Hardy noted both the serious nature of Padilla’s conduct and the ongoing harm that such activity can have on children who are victims of such crimes.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Department of Homeland Security and Peters Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Padilla.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 50 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to  distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Joshua Edmonds, 31. According to information presented to the Court, from in and around February 2021 to in and around April 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Edmonds conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, and a quantity of a mixture of heroin.  Edmonds was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to other members of the drug organization in Johnstown.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Edmonds.  Additional agencies participating in the investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County 
District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
 

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

James Dotson, 46, pleaded guilty to Counts One, Three, Four, Five, and Nine of the Superseding Indictment before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around April 2019 to in and around July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Dotson conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, 28 grams or more of a mixture of crack, 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, and quantities of heroin and cocaine. Dotson was one of the targets of a federal wiretap and was intercepted obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others. Further, in and around June 2021, Dotson unlawfully possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2025. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $20 million, 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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dotson. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Azheem Ellis, 49, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around April 2019 to in and around July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Ellis conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, and quantities of heroin, cocaine, and crack. Ellis was one of the targets of a federal wiretap and was intercepted obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2025. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ellis. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Guatemala pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced to time served on his conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Eric Estuardo Hernandez-Ramos, 19.

According to information presented to the Court, on January 25, 2025, immigration officials encountered Hernandez-Ramos, who was illegally present in the United States. It was determined that Hernandez-Ramos previously had been removed from the country on December 18, 2023, after illegally entering the United States near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, a few days prior. Hernandez-Ramos remained in immigration custody until February 20, 2025, after he was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on this charge at his initial appearance in federal court. Hernandez-Ramos will remain detained and be returned to immigration custody.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hernandez-Ramos.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on March 12, 2025, to 10 years of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of federal supervised release, on his drug trafficking conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Kijana Stephaun Lowe, 27.

According to information presented to the Court, Lowe was a participant in a drug trafficking organization that was the subject of a joint investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement operating under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program in Beaver County. Prison call recordings between Lowe and an inmate at State Correctional Institution Phoenix revealed that Lowe would order kilogram quantities of cocaine and fentanyl from the prisoner, who would then direct a co-defendant to deliver the controlled substances to Lowe. Lowe in turn supplied the drugs to another co-defendant, who would subsequently sell them to end users.

In November 2021, investigators learned that an in-person delivery of kilogram quantities of cocaine was planned to Lowe in the Western District of Pennsylvania. On November 8, 2021, law enforcement conducted a surveillance operation at the Greyhound Bus Station in downtown Pittsburgh, where they observed two co-defendants exit the bus station with suitcases and enter a vehicle driven by a third co-defendant. Mobile surveillance followed the vehicle to a motel in Coraopolis.

A separate surveillance detail followed Lowe from his residence to the same motel, where they observed Lowe enter the motel room occupied by the three co-defendants, and then, back outside, accept one of the suitcases transported from the bus station. Law enforcement detained the individuals and executed search warrants on the suitcase, the motel room, and Lowe’s vehicle. The suitcase contained nearly 10 kilograms of cocaine, while Lowe’s vehicle contained over $280,000 that was to be used to purchase the seized cocaine. In conjunction with the interdiction, law enforcement obtained search warrants for cell phones found in the possession of Lowe and one of the co-defendants. Digital extractions revealed numerous communications and photographs between the conspirators regarding their drug trafficking activity.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman emphasized that the amount of fentanyl and cocaine attributable to Lowe in this drug trafficking organization was staggering and that these controlled substances were a poison to the community. Judge Stickman also denied Lowe’s request to have his federal sentence run concurrently to a recent parole revocation related to his last felony drug trafficking crimes, explaining to Lowe that he “do(es) not get a free crime.”

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kara Cotter prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lowe and his co-conspirators.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Euclid, Ohio, was sentenced in federal court on March 11, 2025, to 30 months of prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Kevin Carney, 63.

According to information presented to the Court, Carney and his co-conspirators, Robert Irey (deceased) and Jonathan Freeze, owned and ran a company called Alternative Energy Holdings, LLC (AEH). The co-conspirators informed victims that AEH was going to build a plant that would convert biodegradable waste into green energy and offered the victims an opportunity to invest in AEH. Specifically, the co-conspirators solicited short-term loans that offered high interest rates and, in some cases, an ownership interest in AEH. Carney and his co-conspirators told victims that their funds would be used for costs associated with building the plant and other business expenses. Instead, the co-conspirators often split the victims’ funds three ways and used it for their personal benefit, including for gambling, high-end clothing, and restaurants. Despite the promise of a short-term repayment, the co-conspirators did not repay the victims. From approximately June 2016 until April 2018, the co-conspirators defrauded over 20 victims out of approximately $2 million.

Both Irey and Freeze also pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, with Freeze currently scheduled for sentencing in May 2025.

Assistant United States Attorneys Lee J. Karl and Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Carney.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on March 11, 2025, to 34 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on her conviction of bank fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Christy Myers, 64.

According to information presented to the Court, Myers, through a variety of methods, embezzled approximately $250,400 from her employer between April 2016 and June 2021. Myers had been previously convicted and sentenced to a term in federal prison in connection with a mortgage fraud scheme in 2007.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A citizen of Turkey has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry of a removed alien, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Izzet Kurt, 60, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about February 25, 2025, Kurt was found in western Pennsylvania after having been removed from the United States on or about March 15, 2018, following a conviction in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for conspiracy to bring unauthorized aliens to the U.S. for profit.

Because the defendant’s removal was subsequent to a conviction for commission of an aggravated felony, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $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 V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Highland Park, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics, firearms, and motor vehicle laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The 10-count Superseding Indictment named Keeshon Grier, 28, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, from in and around October through November 2024, Grier possessed with the intent to distribute and did distribute quantities of mixtures and substances containing heroin, fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, metonitazene, cocaine, and crack cocaine. The defendant is also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of multiple prior felonies, including on federal and state drug trafficking offenses. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. The Superseding Indictment additionally charges Grier with the knowing possession of stolen vehicles that have crossed a state boundary.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 25 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $25 million, 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 V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Sarasota, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of assaulting federal officers, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Steven M. Seitz pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on July 9, 2024, Seitz entered the Joseph F. Weis Jr. U.S. Courthouse in downtown Pittsburgh looking for the Central Intelligence Agency and refused several requests from Courthouse Security Officers to leave the building. When officers attempted to escort Seitz from the building, Seitz unlawfully and forcibly assaulted, resisted, and opposed the officers, which resulted in bodily injuries to at least two of the officers.

Judge Coville scheduled Seitz’s sentencing for July 10, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Seitz remains detained pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Protective Service and United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Seitz.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Hazeon Kidd, age 24, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Kidd was a passenger in a vehicle pulled over by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police on May 18, 2024. Eventually, a search of the vehicle revealed a loaded firearm in the proximity of where Kidd was seated. It is illegal for Kidd to possess firearms as he has been previously convicted in federal court of firearm and drug trafficking offenses.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2025 at 10:00 am The law provides for a total sentence of fifteen years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunctions with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kidd.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Richard L. Edwards Jr., 49, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Weigand.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on August 9, 2024, Westmoreland County Adult Probation conducted a search of Edwards’ residence, after learning that he had made two unauthorized visits to a local firearms store, and located four firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition. One of the firearms was a short-barreled shotgun and two of the firearms were reported stolen. Edwards is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon prior convictions for terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another and robbery.

Judge Weigand scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The law provides for a total sentence of 15 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 ordered that Edwards would remain in custody.

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

The Westmoreland County Adult Probation, McKeesport Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Edwards.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Ambridge, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Bradley J. Schrott, 42, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer on March 6, 2025.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on February 17, 2023, Schrott possessed a video depicting the sexual exploitation of a prepubescent minor. At the time of the offense, Schrott was serving a term of supervised release imposed for an earlier federal conviction for the same offense, for which he had been sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for June 3, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Court ordered Schrott to remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.

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

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Schrott.

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, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 20 years of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of federal supervised release, on his drug trafficking and firearms convictions, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Dante Webb, 43.

“The seizure of more than 26,000 doses of illegal narcotics, eight firearms—including two ghost guns and several with extended magazines, and thousands of dollars in drug profits during the 2022 search of Dante Webb’s residence speaks to how dangerous a criminal Webb has been, through both his large-scale dealing and through his use of weapons in carrying out his crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti. “This sentence reflects the danger and serious nature of his conduct. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at all levels to identify and prosecute armed drug traffickers such as Webb in order to protect our communities.”

“Dante Webb is a dangerous man, peddling deadly drugs while heavily armed, including with a fully automatic firearm,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF's Philadelphia Field Division. “This case is another example of how our strong partnership with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and United States Attorney’s Office is getting violent criminals off the streets and making our communities that much safer.”

According to information presented to the Court, on June 3, 2022, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police responded to a Pittsburgh residence, from which, upon law enforcement’s arrival, Webb ran. Law enforcement learned that Webb stored both controlled substances and firearms there and obtained a search warrant for his residence. The subsequent search resulted in the seizure of digital scales, cellular phones, firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and a safe, which contained a garbage bag of over 26,000 doses of packaged controlled substances, including mixtures of fluorofentanyl, heroin, and fentanyl. Officers also seized packaged cocaine and crack.

Law enforcement seized eight firearms from Webb’s residence, some of which were loaded with attached extended magazines. Two of the firearms were Polymer 80 pistols, or ghost guns, which are untraceable due to the lack of a serial number; one of these pistols was later determined by a forensic scientist to operate only as a fully automatic firearm. Many of the firearms were easily accessible from a duffel bag located under a bed and were recovered in close proximity to the safe containing the packaged controlled substances. Prior to the seizure, Webb was twice convicted of aggravated assault related to shootings in Allegheny County. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

On June 7, 2022, law enforcement located Webb in the Bloomfield area of Pittsburgh. When a detective attempted to arrest Webb, the defendant fled by running in and out of traffic. After falling while jumping a low wall, Webb was arrested. A search incident to arrest resulted in the seizure from Webb of approximately $6,000, a digital scale, an owe sheet, a flip phone, and packaged controlled substances. The glassine bags seized from Webb bore similar markings to the bags recovered from Webb’s safe on June 3, 2022. A search of one of Webb’s phones revealed numerous photographs of Webb posing with large amounts of cash and multiple firearms inside his residence.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ranjan emphasized that fentanyl is a plague on the community and that drug dealers like Webb pose the greatest risk of harm because they use firearms. Judge Ranjan also stated that he did not sense that Webb had any genuine remorse for his crimes.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan J. McKenna and Justin E. Lewis prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Webb.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Mikal Davis, 47, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan to Counts One, Three, and Four of the Superseding Indictment.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around April 2019 to July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Davis conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of a mixture of heroin, five kilograms or more of a mixture of cocaine, 400 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, and 28 grams or more of crack. Davis, who led the drug trafficking organization’s activity in Philadelphia and Johnstown, was one of the targets of a federal wiretap and was intercepted obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others. Accompanied by distributors below him, Davis frequently traveled between Philadelphia and Johnstown with drug shipments which were then stored and processed at “stash houses” throughout the Western District of Pennsylvania for distribution. During a meeting with a drug source in California for a resupply, Davis arranged for the drug parcels to be mailed to Johnstown for distribution. In the Philadelphia area, Davis met with drug sources and purchased over 2,000 grams of heroin and fentanyl and over 5,000 grams of cocaine from a source in New Jersey.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 26, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, 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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Davis. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa.- A resident of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of fraud conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Marc Andrew Martin, 46, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, between March 2020 and August 2021, Martin and others—including Matthew Parker—conspired to defraud lenders of over $14 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) COVID-19 relief loans. Parker, a licensed CPA from Detroit, Michigan, recruited hundreds of small businesses in Pittsburgh and Detroit and falsified PPP loan applications. The Small Business Administration approved 226 of those applications, resulting in loans totaling approximately $14.5 million to businesses, the largest known PPP fraud in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Martin referred approximately $1,900,000 in fraudulent loan packages to Parker. Parker pleaded guilty to fraud conspiracy in May 2024.

Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for July 10, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Martin.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Kevin Johnson, 39, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan to Count One of the Superseding Indictment.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around March 2021 to July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Johnson conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base in the form commonly known as crack. Johnson was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the crack that he distributed to others.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 26, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Johnson. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal law regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The four-count Indictment named Michael William Boston, 40, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on three separate occasions between October 2022 and July 2023, Boston transported material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor in interstate commerce. The Indictment further alleges that Boston possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor as recently on October 11, 2024.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $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 Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police's Northwest Computer Crime Unit conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Mark Edwin Clements III, 23, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on February 21, 2025, Clements possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $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 Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of Guatemala has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry of a removed alien, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Edgar Lopez-Gomez, 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on February 20, 2025, Lopez-Gomez was found in western Pennsylvania after having been removed from the United States on or about July 18, 2017.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $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 Justin E. Lewis is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to time served of approximately seven months on his conviction of escape, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Jamiel Green, 28.

According to information presented to the Court, while serving the last portion of a 37-month term of imprisonment for his conviction for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, Green was housed at a residential reentry center designed to assist defendants in their transitions back into society. In early November 2023, the center provided Green with a work release pass, but Green failed to return to the center when required, remaining a fugitive for several months until he was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the U.S. Marshals Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Green.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to committing firearm and drug trafficking crimes, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Marvin Tymous, 25, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan to conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine between September 2023 and December 2023 and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on December 15, 2023.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 25, 2025. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, 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 Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to an additional 110 months in prison on his convictions of contempt and assault, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on James Taric Byrd, 46, and ordered that Byrd’s sentence be served consecutive to sentences Byrd is currently serving from other cases.

According to information presented to the Court, on July 18, 2022, Byrd struck his attorney in a courtroom during federal criminal trial proceedings in a separate prosecution. Byrd was ultimately sentenced to a term of life imprisonment in 2023 after a jury found him guilty of firearms and narcotics crimes (read the Sentencing news release here). Byrd was also convicted and sentenced for rape and other offenses in 2024 in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County.

“This defendant’s vicious attack upon his court-appointed defense attorney within the walls of the Joseph F. Weis Jr. U.S. Courthouse was an assault upon the rule of law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti. “The substantial, consecutive sentence here mirrors the severity of his conduct. We commend the United States Marshals for their quick response and professionalism throughout the prosecution of this defendant.”

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Colville considered victim impact and the defendant’s lengthy criminal history. Noting the very serious nature of the offenses, Judge Colville stated that the sentence was appropriate to help ensure that Byrd and other defendants do not engage in such actions in the future.

Assistant United States Attorneys DeMarr Moulton and Soo C. Song prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Marshals Service and Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Byrd.

PITTSBURGH, Pa - A resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Barbara Miller, 33, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on or about January 15, July 6, and July 24, 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Miller acted as a straw purchaser when purchasing firearms from several federally licensed firearms dealers by stating that the firearms were being purchased for herself, when she was actually purchasing the firearms on behalf of another person.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for July 17, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Miller.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of Guatemala has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry of a removed alien, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Anastacio Hernandez-Us, 46, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on February 7, 2025, Hernandez-Us was found in western Pennsylvania after having been removed from the United States in September 2010.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $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 Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Farrell, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for committing firearm and drug trafficking crimes, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Tylon Cousin, 39, who previously pleaded guilty in this case to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Judge Stickman also ordered Cousin to serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

According to information presented to the Court, in January and February 2023, Cousin engaged in armed cocaine dealing from his Farrell residence. Cousin previously served a 60-month federal prison sentence on a 2012 conviction for similar cocaine dealing that took place between 2009 and 2011.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Mercer County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cousin.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Glenwillard, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Aidan Harding, 20, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment and other information presented to the Court, on or about December 11, 2024, Harding possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, including videos containing the sexual abuse of prepubescent minors.

On January 27, 2025, Harding was charged by criminal complaint and, at a February 12, 2025, detention hearing, ordered to be held without bond pending trial after the United States introduced evidence that Harding committed the charged offense and possessed additional materials depicting violent sexual assaults. In addition, in support of its contention that Harding presented an unacceptable danger to the community, the United States presented testimony and documentary evidence that Harding adhered to a racially-motivated violent extremist ideology, possessed more than 20 firearms, had targeted Pittsburgh’s Jewish community with antisemitic fliers, and made statements online about his interest in “political and revenge driven” mass casualty events, including references to the shooter who murdered 11 congregants at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. The evidence also established that Harding, who had been previously adjudicated delinquent for terroristic threats after discussing online his desire to commit a “high kill count” attack, possessed videos of mass shootings from the United States and other countries, and had filmed himself re-enacting the Columbine mass shooting at a memorial honoring the victims of that attack.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $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 Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of harboring illegal aliens for financial gain and failing to pay employment taxes, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Andy Ha, 28, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Ha was charged by a two-count Information filed with the Court on January 28, 2025.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from September 2022 to April 2024, Ha owned a temporary staffing agency called Prosperity Services, Inc., that provided workers to companies in the Charleroi, Pennsylvania, area. As part of his business, Ha paid for more than 25 workers who were not legally authorized to be in the United States to stay in a former hotel, and his business paid for vans to transport those workers to and from their work. In addition, Ha provided Prosperity’s tax return preparer with spreadsheets listing only workers who were legally authorized to be and work in the United States. That information, in turn, was reflected on the company’s quarterly employment tax returns, representing less than 10% of the actual total number of workers employed by Prosperity. Ha then also signed those returns, knowing them to be false and causing a tax loss of at least $3.1 million.

“The defendant broke the law by harboring and employing individuals not authorized to be in the United States,” said Acting United States Attorney Rivetti. “In addition, defendant Ha cost the U.S. government millions of dollars through his failure to pay taxes related to his business. Our office and our law enforcement partners at all levels will continue to ensure that those who seek to profit from the employment of such workers, and who fail to pay taxes, face appropriate consequences under the law.”

“Business owners have a responsibility to file accurate quarterly employment tax returns and to timely remit withholding taxes for their employees to the Internal Revenue Service,” said Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office. “The failure to do so is a serious offense.”

“This investigation highlights the commitment of HSI Pittsburgh to protecting our communities from those who seek to exploit undocumented workers for their personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. “Andy Ha and his business sought to profit off of the immigrant community. I commend the dedicated prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and our partners at the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation division and Pennsylvania State Police. Together, we will continue to work to ensure that such illegal activities are met with the full force of the law.”

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2025. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain from the offense, or both on the tax charge and up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain from the offense, or both on the harboring charge. 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 William B. Guappone is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ha.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on February 20, 2025, to 27 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,073,185 on his conviction of mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Michael Dominick, 44, who pleaded guilty to the mail fraud charge on October 8, 2024 (read the plea news release here).

According to information presented to the Court, Dominick was a former manager at the Ambridge Water Authority (AWA), where, during the period of January 2020 through August 2022, Dominick defrauded AWA of money and property totaling approximately $1,073,185. As manager of AWA, Dominick was responsible for overseeing all daily business and financial activity and had access to AWA’s bank accounts as well as cash and check payments made to AWA for water and related services. Dominick secretly diverted AWA’s money into his own personal bank accounts by writing checks to himself, depositing cash and checks issued to AWA into his personal bank accounts, using the AWA debit card to make purchases of personal items, and adjusting or failing to report the true location of AWA’s funds on critical financial records. As part of his sentencing, Dominick was ordered to pay restitution to the AWA and one of its insurers in the full amount stolen.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that the sentence imposed would reflect Dominick’s significant abuse of public trust in perpetrating the fraud.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and investigators with the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dominick.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years of imprisonment on his conviction of possession of contraband in prison, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Lafon Ellis, 30, who is currently incarcerated at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center.

According to information presented to the Court, throughout 2023, Ellis repeatedly possessed contraband and otherwise violated the law through his conduct while imprisoned at the Allegheny County Jail. On February 17, 2023, a search of Ellis’s cell revealed a Schedule I controlled substance commonly referred to as K2. On May 3, 2023, a search of his cell revealed a piece of paper that subsequent testing revealed to be K2. He also had 16 intact Suboxone strips and 57 partial Suboxone strips. On August 9, 2023, a search of Ellis’s cell revealed eight sheets of K2. A search of his cell on December 10, 2023, revealed marijuana, K2, and Suboxone. Additionally, Ellis was the subject of about two dozen other misconduct reports, most of which related to Ellis refusing to obey valid orders, threatening employees, engaging in physical altercations with employees, fighting with other inmates, threatening to kill a correctional officer, and possessing a nail that he was fashioning into a weapon.

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

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Marshals Service and Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ellis.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Thomas Thornton, 48, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about December 19, 2024, Thornton possessed a firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of multiple prior felonies, including on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $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 V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Philip Walker, 39, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around November 2019 through in and around April 2022, in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Florida, and Texas, Walker conspired to recruit and entice persons—namely adult females—knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that means of force, threats of force, fraud, coercion, or any combination of such means would be used to cause those persons to engage in commercial sex acts.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for May 29, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney DeMarr W. Moulton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics Division, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Walker.

This prosecution is part of Operation T.E.N. (Trafficking Ends Now), an umbrella coalition for law enforcement, community, and non-profit partners in the 25 counties in the Western District of Pennsylvania. This coordinated effort aims to end human trafficking through education and improved cooperation across agencies and service providers, thereby enhancing the office’s ability to empower victims of human trafficking to become thriving survivors.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on February 18, 2025, to a charge of child exploitation, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Brandon Jennings, 38, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti to one count of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, in and around March 2021 and July 2021, Jennings possessed 926 images and 803 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom were prepubescent.

Judge Flowers Conti scheduled sentencing for June 25, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $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 V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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, Pa. - A resident of Ocala, Florida, has been sentenced to time served, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction for money laundering conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Charles Wilson Stout, 66, who had served approximately six months of imprisonment for his crime.

According to information presented to the Court, Stout engaged in a money laundering conspiracy from in and around April 2022 until in and around June 2022. The Court was advised that a Washington, D.C.-based university was the victim of a business email compromise that resulted in the fraudulent transfer of more than $603,000 from a bank account located in the Western District of Pennsylvania into a separate bank account owned by Stout.

To obfuscate the source of the fraudulent funds, Stout and his co-defendant, David Kakra Mensah, created a shell company and transferred portions of the fraudulently obtained proceeds into a cryptocurrency account that Mensah owned. In addition to participating in the business e-mail compromise, Mensah was also involved in a romance fraud scheme in which he obtained and moved money through individual victims living in Pennsylvania, Oregon, and elsewhere. Mensah previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.

Assistant United States Attorneys Mark V. Gurzo and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 20 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of federal firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Michael Guin, 27.

According to information presented to the Court, on or about January 22, 2024, Guin and his co-defendant, Steyn Sarduy, conspired to steal a truck and used the stolen vehicle to crash into and gain access to a firearms store in New Kensington. The defendants broke multiple display cases and stole 24 firearms. As a previously convicted felon, Guin was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Guin.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of East Conemaugh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Kari Ameen Wheeler, 38, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Two of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about August 21, 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Wheeler distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Further, on August 23, 2024, Wheeler possessed two firearms and ammunition after previously having been convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for June 30, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wheeler.

PITTSBURH, Pa. – A resident of Swissvale, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Robert Prater, 33, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about January 27, 2025, Prater possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. 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 up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $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 Michael R. Ball is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of Mexico has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry of a removed alien, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Juan Antonio Lopez Mauricio, 25, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on January 30, 2025, Mauricio was found in this District after having been removed from the United States four times between 2012 and 2015.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $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 Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of Guatemala has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry of a removed alien, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Eric Estuardo Hernandez-Ramos, 19, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on January 25, 2025, Hernandez-Ramos was found in the Western District of Pennsylvania after having been removed from the United States on or about December 18, 2023.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $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 Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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