Western District of Pennsylvania

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Vantroy Godboat, 45, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Jan. 27, Feb. 2, and Feb. 4, 2016, Godboat distributed less than 100 grams of heroin on each of those dates, and on Feb. 5, 2016, Godboat possessed with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 27, 2017, at 10:00 a.m.  The law provides for a maximum sentence of 80 years in prison and a fine of $4,000,000 or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Godboat.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 68 months in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Montez Ricardo Holland, 54.

According to information presented to the court, on Jan. 4, 2013, Holland possessed a Sturm, Ruger & Company, Model P95DC, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol.  On Apr. 27, 1998, Holland was convicted in Lycoming County, Pa., of a drug trafficking crime, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.  Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms or ammunition.

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

Mr. Hickton commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Holland.

According to Mr. Hickton, this case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Arlington, Texas, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, on a charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Ray Wickliffe Howland, 57, of Arlington, Texas.

According to information presented to the court, the court was advised that on or about June 25, 2015, Howland used facilities and means of interstate and foreign commerce, specifically a computer, an iPad, the internet and the telephone, to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Howland.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Warren Charles Green, IV, 30, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Apr. 5, 2013, Green possessed with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
 
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 28, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison and a fine of $4,000,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police, Somerset Turnpike Barracks, and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Green.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 96 months imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, on a charge of Receipt of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Michael G. Williams, 48, of Eighty Four, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, the court was advised that from on or about June 18, 2015, and continuing thereafter to on or about June 25, 2015, Williams knowingly received visual depictions, namely, videos and images in computer graphics and digital files, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams.

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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The indictment named Patricia Ann Hawes, 52, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on May 11, 2016, Hawes distributed less than 500 grams of cocaine. Likewise, between April 22, 2016 and June 7, 2016, Hawes maintained her residence for the purpose of distributing and using heroin and cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a fine of $1,500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hawes.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Houtzdale, Pa. was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The indictment named Ellis D. Passmore, Jr., 44, of Houtzdale, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on Aug. 29, 2015, he received material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and on Oct. 5, 2015, he knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pennsylvania State Police, Clearfield Barracks, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Bedford, Pa. was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of conspiracy to distribute possess with intent to distribute and distribution of quantities of Schedule IV controlled substances, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The indictment named Damaris Rispoli, age 55, Bedford, Pa., as the sole defendant.

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

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Altoona, Pa. was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of access device fraud and identify theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The indictment named Paula Moore, 63, of Altoona, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from on or about Sept. 7, 2012, to on or about July 16, 2014, Moore knowingly, with intent to defraud, used unauthorized devices, namely credit cards, to obtain various household and electronic items, aggregating more than $1,000, and on Sept. 7, 2012, Moore knowingly used the identification of another person to access credit card information.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 122 years in prison, a fine of $3,250,000, 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 John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A New Jersey resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of health care fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on Oct. 12, named Dr. Vincent J. Gamuzza, 30, of Hazelet, New Jersey as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Gamuzza, a doctor of optometry, operated multiple vision centers in Pennsylvania, including Western Pennsylvania and in New Jersey. Dr. Gamuzza submitted claims to Highmark, Inc. for medical services that were not rendered.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - Two residents of New York have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on Oct. 11, named:

• Habys Omar Meran, 30; and
• Juan Wilquin Hernandez-Bourdier, 35.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on Jan. 26, 2016 the defendants possessed one kilogram or more of heroin with the intent to distribute it, and were part of a conspiracy to distribute the heroin.

The law provides for maximum total sentence ranging from not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, and a fine of $20,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of each defendant.

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

The Department of Homeland Security and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of production, attempted production, and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The seven-count Superseding Indictment, returned on Oct. 11, named George Orbin, 61, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about Dec. 10, 2011, April 8, 2013, June 10, 2013, and June 11, 2013, Orbin employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the sexual exploitation of the minors. The Superseding Indictment further alleges that on or about August 11, 2012, and June 3, 2013, Orbin attempted to employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the sexual exploitation of the minors. Also, on or about Sept. 10, 2013, Orbin knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 190 years in prison, a fine of $1,750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

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

ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Jamaica, New York pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Adetunji Gbadegeshi, 59, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Gbadegeshi used the hundreds of stolen identities found in his house to open bank accounts that were used as repositories for fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds. The money would then be removed from the accounts and distributed to the co-conspirators.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for March 3, 2017. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of loss to the victims, 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gbadegeshi.

ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Austell, Georgia pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Olanrewaju Ajetunmobi, 45, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Ajetunmobi, an accountant, used stolen identities supplied by co-defendants to file fraudulent federal tax returns, which falsely claimed farm income and a fuel tax credit in order to generate a tax refund on taxes that were never paid. The fraudulently obtained refunds were then deposited, via wire, into bank accounts which were opened using stolen identities.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 6, 2017. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of loss to the victims, 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ajetunmobi.

ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Brooklyn, New York pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Festus Owusu, 44, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Owusu allowed his bank accounts to be used as repositories for fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds. Owusu would then withdraw the refunds in cash, keep a portion for himself and provide the remainder of the funds to his co-conspirators.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 6, 2017. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of loss to the victims, 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Owusu.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of bank robbery, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on Oct. 11, named Wallace Banks, age 34, of Braddock, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on August 15, 2016, Banks robbed WesBanco Bank, located at 807 Middle Street, Pittsburgh, PA. The following day, on August 16, 2016, Banks robbed Huntington Bank located at 650 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA. Both banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Rachael L. Dizard is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A cheese company executive has been sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation, a $5,000 fine and 200 hours of community service on her conviction of one misdemeanor count of aiding and abetting the introduction of adulterated and misbranded cheese products into interstate commerce, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Michelle Myrter, 44, of Harmony, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Myrter was a responsible corporate officer of International Packing, LLC and Universal Cheese & Drying, Inc. While she was the responsible corporate officer for both companies, Myrter aided and abetted the companies’ introduction of adulterated and misbranded cheese products into interstate commerce, in violation of provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Universal Cheese & Drying, Inc. and International Packing, LLC each pled guilty to one count of conspiring to introduce misbranded and adulterated cheese products into interstate commerce and to commit money laundering. Sentencing hearings for the two companies will be scheduled by further order of the Court.

Prior to imposing sentence on Michelle Myrter, Judge Hornak stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to fulfill the purposes of sentencing.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Food and Drug Administration's Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Myrter.

PITTSBURGH - A federal judge has scheduled sentencing for two cheese companies and a cheese company executive who pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges relating to their introduction of adulterated and misbranded cheese products into interstate commerce.

On Tuesday, October 11, at 1 p.m., U.S. District Judge Mark R. Hornak for the Western District of Pennsylvania will sentence Castle Cheese Company executive Michelle Myrter, 44, of Harmony, Pennsylvania, on one misdemeanor count of aiding and abetting the introduction of adulterated and misbranded cheese products into interstate commerce, in violation of provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Judge Hornak will sentenceUniversal Cheese &Drying, Inc. and International Packing, LLC at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., respectively, on one count each of conspiring to introduce misbranded and adulterated cheese products into interstate commerce and to commit money laundering.

For the corporate defendants, the law provides for a fine of $500,000 for each defendant. Each company has already agreed to forfeit to the United States $500,000. For the individual defendant, the law provides for a total sentence of one year in prison, a fine of $100,000, 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.

In connection with the February 26, 2016, guilty pleas, the court was advised that the corporate defendants packaged and sold cheese under various labels at the Castle Cheese facility in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. The cheese was distributed through retail, food service, and wholesale customers throughout the United States. The corporate defendants had knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations and standards of identity for parmesan and romano cheese products and were aware that the products did not conform to FDA standards of identity for real parmesan and romano cheese, but represented to customers that the products contained 100 percent real parmesan and romano cheese. The corporate defendants also knew that the cheese products were misbranded because they did not bear labels that accurately reflected the products’ ingredients. The corporate defendants likewise knew that the cheese products were also adulterated in that certain ingredients had been substituted or omitted and other ingredients had been added. The defendants used proceeds from the sale of the misbranded and adulterated cheese products to continue the operation of the cheese manufacturing and packaging at the Slippery Rock facility.

The adulterated romano and parmesan products were sold under several brand names, the owners of which were unaware of the fraud. The adulterated products are no longer available for sale. At no time did the adulterated products pose a threat to the health or safety of consumers.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tonia Sulia Goodman is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

Federal agents with the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)’s Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecutions of Universal Cheese & Drying, Inc., International Packing, LLC and Michelle Myrter.

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Kelvin Whittle, 58.

According to information presented to the Court, in 2013, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies joined forces in a multi-agency wiretap investigation of drug trafficking and violence in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh. The interception of wire and electronic communications began in December 2013 and continued through the end of August 2014. During that timeframe, Kelvin Whittle was intercepted over the wire conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine, which was shipped from California to the Western District of Pennsylvania through the United States Postal Service or commercial carrier.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to fulfill the purposes of sentencing.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Munhall Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Whittle.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence yesterday on William Blair, 35, of Munhall, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, in 2013, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies joined forces in a multi-agency wiretap investigation of drug trafficking and violence in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh. The interception of wire and electronic communications began in December 2013 and continued through the end of August 2014. During that timeframe, William Blair was intercepted over the wire conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin, which the conspirators obtained in Cleveland, Ohio, and transported to the Western District of Pennsylvania for further distribution.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Munhall Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Blair.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Greensburg, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to produce false identification documents, use of a false U.S. Secret Service badge, and an unauthorized use of the U.S. Secret Service seal on a fake U.S. Secret Service identification card, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on October 4, named Christopher Diiorio, 53, of Greensburg, PA.

According to the indictment, Christopher Diiorio conspired with others to produce false United States Secret Service identification cards. He also misrepresented that he was an agent of the United States Secret Service, possessed, and displayed an imitation United States Secret Service badge to a hotel manager in order to obtain the government rate for a hotel stay. Finally, he misrepresented that he was an agent of the United States Secret Service and displayed the false United States Secret Service identification card during an encounter with a local police officer.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of twenty years and six months in prison, a fine of $505,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Waynesburg, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, impeding and obstructing the Internal Revenue Laws, and income tax evasion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The seven-count indictment, returned on October 4, named Kevin C. Conklin, 54, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, Conklin was employed by Mountain Energy Company, Ltd., an energy company headquartered in Aleppo Pennsylvania that operated oil and natural gas wells in the Western District of Pennsylvania. As part of his employment, Conklin oversaw the day-to-day operations of Mountain Energy and managed the financial matters of Mountain Energy.

From January 2008 through December 2012, Conklin engaged in a scheme to defraud Mountain Energy and fraudulently obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars of Mountain Energy’s funds. As part of the fraudulent scheme, Conklin used checks drawn on Mountain Energy’s business bank account to pay for personal expenses, including payments for Conklin' s home, personal credit card bills, college tuition for his daughter, an engagement ring for his son and automobile payments for a personal vehicle. Conklin falsely recorded in the financial database of Mountain Energy, the payee information and purpose of the Mountain Energy’s checks used by Conklin for his personal expenses. As part of the scheme, Conklin concealed from Mountain Energy’s tax preparer and the Internal Revenue Service, the expenditure of Mountain Energy’s funds to pay for his personal expenses.

Conklin faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for each of the two counts charging him with wire fraud and mail fraud, a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for the count charging him with impeding and obstructing the Internal Revenue Service, and a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for each of the four counts charging him with income tax evasion. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – The University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Politics today released a 64-page report of the work undertaken by a regional working group convened and led by David J. Hickton, United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The report sets forth a community-based continuum of care model that demonstrates how Western Pennsylvania has implemented the recommendations of the National Heroin Task Force Report on a regional level and describes a framework for moving forward.

A Continuum of Care Approach: Western Pennsylvania’s Response to the Opioid Epidemic was released by United States Attorney Hickton, Mark Nordenberg, Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Pittsburgh and Chair of the University’s Institute of Politics, and Terry Miller, Director of the University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, at a news conference at the Joseph F. Weis Jr. United States Courthouse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

U.S. Attorney Hickton stated, “As of 2016, we have established a fusion center to receive reports of heroin overdoses and drug seizures from first responders, enhanced coordination with county District Attorneys on prosecution, continuing education for prescribers, pharmacists, medical students, first responders and the public, prevention efforts aimed at middle and high school students, increased access to naloxone, and additional take-back programs and drop box locations. The next frontier in successfully addressing the opioid crisis is to integrate public health and public safety responses. In this report, we show all that is being accomplished in our region; yet, we are transparent about what still needs to be done. The Institute of Politics has provided an effective and sustainable model that can be replicated across the country – in both urban and rural settings.”

In commenting on this initiative, Chancellor Emeritus Nordenberg said, “Partnering with U.S. Attorney Hickton to help advance the important work that he initiated has provided a special opportunity for the Institute of Politics to help this region meet the challenges of an epidemic that is taking lives, destroying families and damaging communities. More than sixty years ago, a team led by Pitt Professor Jonas Salk developed the vaccine that brought an end to this country’s polio epidemic. The opioid epidemic is the critical public health challenge of our time, and it will take a broad-based, well-organized and committed effort to meet that challenge.”

Institute of Politics Director Miller, who founded and was the first executive director of POWER (Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery), stated, “Western Pennsylvania has been extremely hard-hit by this epidemic, but we also have the resources to effectively address the problem. Those resources include engaged and enlightened law enforcement officers, some of the world’s most accomplished scientists and public health professionals and a regional culture that is committed to cooperating to advance the public good.”

The plan underscores the importance of integrating public health and public safety to reduce overdoses; catalogs regional efforts, highlights existing best practices so that they can be deployed in other settings; exposes gaps; identifies next steps; and creates a continuum of care model to maximize interventions.

The report is organized into three sections:

• A Prevention section, which describes initiatives directed toward three groups with different vulnerabilities: the general public; those with a higher than average risk of developing a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and their families; and individuals with an SUD at critical intercept points, including interactions with the health care system and law enforcement;
• A Treatment section, which identifies two stages of treatment strategies – case identification, which focuses on the screening process for identifying individuals suffering from an SUD, and Standard Treatment for Known Disorders, which uses SUD professionals to evaluate and determine where a person suffering from an SUD should be placed; and
• A Maintenance/Recovery section, which details strategies that are designed to help SUD patients manage the symptoms of their disease over the long term following treatment. This may include Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) at least at the start of maintenance/recovery.
   

The Institute’s report contains targeted recommendations including:

• Improved access to overdose survivor data (data from EMS and hospital emergency services providers on overdoses that do not result in death);
• A uniform tracking system for open beds and outpatient slots that operates in real time, eventually showing availability throughout the state;
• The establishment of rapid response teams of first responders, law enforcement, public health professionals, health care professionals, forensic laboratory analysts and coroners, to respond to overdose spikes;
• Improved “warm handoff” processes for transitioning an SUD patient from an intercept point, such as an interaction with a physician or law enforcement officer, directly to a treatment provider through an immediate in-person transition;
• Implementation of “hard handoffs,” which are court-ordered commitments to treatment that are only used when the substance user appears to be putting his or her own life in imminent danger or is posing a risk to others;
• Establishing family support centers to provide social, emotional and financial support to families of substance users;
• Ensuring that prescribers are adopting the best practices in order to reduce the number of people who develop SUD as a result of prescription opioids; and
• Increased access to naloxone and take-back boxes.
   

The report reiterates the National Heroin Task Force report’s three main findings: that public safety and public health strategies for opioids must be integrated and complementary; that policies regarding opioid and heroin use must be grounded in the scientific understanding that substance use disorders are a chronic brain disease that can be prevented and treated leading; and that visible community-based recovery supports must be available, affordable and accessible.

Pennsylvania has been particularly hard hit by the opioid epidemic. In 2015, the number of drug-related overdose deaths reported in Pennsylvania increased 23.4 percent to 3,383. In the most recent data for 2015, more than 81 percent of those who died from drug-related overdoses were found to have either heroin or other opioids in their system. Several counties in southwestern Pennsylvania outpaced the state average in the number of deaths per 100,000 people. The problem affects rural, urban and suburban jurisdictions.

Pitt’s Institute of Politics serves as a neutral, non-partisan convener that facilitates the consideration of policy issues of particular importance to Western Pennsylvania. It regularly brings together federal, state, county, and municipal government officials, in association with academics and foundation, civic, and business leaders and is committed to processes that are characterized by civil discussion and evidence-based decision-making.

A Continuum of Care Approach: Western Pennsylvania’s Response to the Opioid Epidemic is available for download at http://iop.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/Reports/Status_Reports/A Continuum of Care Approach - Western Pennsylvania%27s Response to the Opioid Epidemic.pdf.

ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Providence, Rhode Island pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Doherty Kushimo, 54, pleaded guilty to ten counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Kushimo traded stolen identities with other co-conspirators via email which were used to open bank accounts and file fraudulent federal tax returns. The bank accounts were then used as repositories for federal tax refunds which were obtained by filing the fraudulent federal tax returns using the stolen identities that Kushimo and his co-conspirators traded amongst each other. Over a thousand credit cards, obtained using stolen identities, were found during a search of Kushimo’s residence. Handwritten lists containing over fifty thousand stolen identities were also found in Kushimo’s house. Kushimo also opened and controlled numerous bank accounts himself using stolen identities, including several at Widget Financial (formerly Erie General Electric Federal Credit Union) in Erie, Pennsylvania. Kushimo also controlled numerous mail boxes that were used as repositories for stolen identity information, credit cards and federal tax information.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 6, 2017. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 38 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of loss to the victims, 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kushimo.

ERIE, Pa. – A former resident of New York pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael Idowu Olugbade, 45, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Olugbade’s luggage was found in a co-defendant’s residence containing stolen identities and tax return information. The ledgers listed tax refund amounts and bank accounts in which the refunds were to be placed. IRS records show the data listed in the ledgers were correct, in that the exact same refund amounts listed were deposited in the same bank accounts listed. Also found in the luggage were debit cards for fraudulent bank accounts opened using stolen identities. Bank accounts opened by Olugbade received fraudulent tax refund deposits. Those refunds were then withdrawn from ATM machines in or around Baltimore, Maryland.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 6, 2017. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of loss to the victims, 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 Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Olugbade.

PITTSBURGH - An individual found by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Illegal Reentry After Deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Glenmore Almando Carey, 45, a citizen of Jamaica, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Carey, an alien, who was previously removed from the United States by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on May 10, 2005, and was found to be living in Pittsburgh on November 17, 2015, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement Removal Operation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Carey.

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that a Johnstown, Pennsylvania, landlord has agreed to pay $30,000 to resolve allegations that he discriminated against families with children in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

The department’s lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and alleged that Robert Kormanik, the rental manager for Kinamrok Apartments, and Kinamrok Inc., the corporate entity that owns the complex, discriminated against families with children by prohibiting them from renting one- and two-bedroom units. The allegations were based on evidence generated by the department’s Fair Housing Testing Unit, in which individuals pose as prospective renters to gather information about possible discriminatory practices. The department’s testing revealed that Kormanik told testers children were not allowed in one-bedroom units. He also refused to inform testers about available two-bedroom units until the testers assured him that no children would reside there.

“Although it may appear in discrete forms, housing discrimination against families with children remains a persistent problem,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the department’s Civil Rights Division. “Around the country, the Justice Department will continue to aggressively enforce the Fair Housing Act, as we did here in Johnstown, to ensure that families with children can obtain housing without facing unlawful, discriminatory barriers.”

“We are dedicated to ensuring that families with children are not discriminated against when seeking housing here in Western Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton of the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to making sure that owners of rental properties understand their obligations under the Fair Housing Act, and follow the law.”

Under the terms of the consent order, which still must be approved by the court, Kormanik and Kinamrok will establish a settlement fund of $20,000 to compensate victims of their alleged discriminatory practices. The defendants will also pay a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States. The agreement prohibits the defendants from engaging in further acts of discrimination and requires them to implement a non-discrimination policy and submit reports to the United States for three years. Kormanik and any other employee involved in the management of, or the rental of units at, Kinamrok Apartments must also receive training on the Fair Housing Act.

Individuals who believe they may have been discriminated against at Kinamrok Apartments because they sought to reside there with children should contact the department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox 995, or e-mail Fairhousing@usdoj.gov. Kinamrok Apartments are located at 400 Luray Avenue, 1001 Tener Street, 1010 Tener Street and 105 Kinamrok Avenue in Johnstown.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov or contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777.

The Justice Department announced today that a Johnstown, Pennsylvania, landlord has agreed to pay $30,000 to resolve allegations that he discriminated against families with children in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

The department’s lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and alleged that Robert Kormanik, the rental manager for Kinamrok Apartments, and Kinamrok Inc., the corporate entity that owns the complex, discriminated against families with children by prohibiting them from renting one- and two-bedroom units.  The allegations were based on evidence generated by the department’s Fair Housing Testing Unit, in which individuals pose as prospective renters to gather information about possible discriminatory practices.  The department’s testing revealed that Kormanik told testers children were not allowed in one-bedroom units.  He also refused to inform testers about available two-bedroom units until the testers assured him that no children would reside there.

“Although it may appear in discrete forms, housing discrimination against families with children remains a persistent problem,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the department’s Civil Rights Division.  “Around the country, the Justice Department will continue to aggressively enforce the Fair Housing Act, as we did here in Johnstown, to ensure that families with children can obtain housing without facing unlawful, discriminatory barriers.”

“We are dedicated to ensuring that families with children are not discriminated against when seeking housing here in Western Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton of the Western District of Pennsylvania.  “Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to making sure that owners of rental properties understand their obligations under the Fair Housing Act, and follow the law.”

Under the terms of the consent order, which still must be approved by the court, Kormanik and Kinamrok will establish a settlement fund of $20,000 to compensate victims of their alleged discriminatory practices.  The defendants will also pay a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States.  The agreement prohibits the defendants from engaging in further acts of discrimination and requires them to implement a non-discrimination policy and submit reports to the United States for three years.  Kormanik and any other employee involved in the management of, or the rental of units at, Kinamrok Apartments must also receive training on the Fair Housing Act.

Individuals who believe they may have been discriminated against at Kinamrok Apartments because they sought to reside there with children should contact the department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox 995, or e-mail Fairhousing@usdoj.gov.  Kinamrok Apartments are located at 400 Luray Avenue, 1001 Tener Street, 1010 Tener Street and 105 Kinamrok Avenue in Johnstown.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability.  More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.  Individuals who believe that they have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov or contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777.

Kormanik and Kinamrok Complaint

Kormanik and Kinamrok Consent Decree

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to import prescription drugs, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Manuel Martin Pena, 64, of Houston, TX pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in and around June 2012, to in and around December 2014, Pena conspired to misbrand, smuggle, and import drugs that were exported from India and received in the U.S. by Pena and another co-conspirator.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for March 21, 2017, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Thibodaux, Louisiana, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Anthony Rouse III, 40, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to four-counts before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was informed that Anthony Rouse III fulfilled US orders from Duangthip Chutivaraporn who operated a series of online pharmacy web sites that offered a wide variety of prescription drugs for sale to United States customers without the need of a prescription or a medical history. There was no physician monitoring drugs used by the customers or requirement of any diagnosis in order to purchase or receive these prescription drugs. The site defrauded customers with false representations as to the legality of obtaining prescription drugs without a prescription. Rouse and another fulfilled orders for Nubain and Fioricet and received payment for their services by means of deposits of their portion of the sale proceeds to foreign bank accounts accessible to them by debit cards.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Jan. 13, 2017 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 90 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; the U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; conducted the investigation leading to the information in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Morgan City, Louisiana, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Troy Tapia, 45, of Morgan City, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to four-counts before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was informed that Troy Tapia fulfilled US orders from Duangthip Chutivaraporn who operated a series of online pharmacy web sites that offered a wide variety of prescription drugs for sale to United States customers without the need of a prescription or a medical history. There was no physician monitoring drugs used by the customers or requirement of any diagnosis in order to purchase or receive these prescription drugs. The site defrauded customers with false representations as to the legality of obtaining prescription drugs without a prescription. Tapia and another fulfilled orders for Nubain and Fioricet and received payment for their services by means of deposits of their portion of the sale proceeds to foreign bank accounts accessible to them by debit cards.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Jan. 13, 2017, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 90 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; the U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; conducted the investigation leading to the information in this case.

PITTSBURGH - A resident Hampton, Kentucky of has been sentenced in federal court to two years of probation, with 50 hours of community service and computer monitoring on his conviction of one count of a violation of the CAN-SPAM Act, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§1037(a)(1) and (b)(2)(A), United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Ryan Neil Green, age 32, of Hampton, KY.

According to information presented to the court, Green knowingly accessed a protected computer without authorization, namely a computer that had been infected by the Facebook Spreader and Slenfbot, and did intentionally initiate the transmission of multiple commercial electronic mail messages from or through such computer.

Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Jamie J. McNamara, 32, of Washington, PA pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about March 1, 2014 to March 17, 2014, McNamara falsely represented that he had tickets to entertainment events to potential purchasers on Craigslists. He would then have potential purchasers wire money for these tickets, but McNamara did not provide any tickets.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for February, 3, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 108 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years supervised release, on a charge of Distribution of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Denis A. Dille, age 53, of Prosperity, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, on or about June 9, 2015 and October 5, 2015, Dille distributed videos and images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service for conducting the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Dille.

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

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in prison, to be followed by a term of four years’ supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute powder cocaine and crack cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Gaston Pleas Bradshaw, 29, of Pittsburgh PA.

According to information presented to the court, from October 2013, and continuing to in and around April 2014, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Bradshaw conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of powder cocaine, and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine.

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

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Munhall Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Stanton.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael F. Schoedel, 26, Pittsburgh, PA pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about March 1, 2014 to March 17, 2014, Schoedel falsely represented that he had tickets to entertainment events to potential purchasers on Craigslists. He would then have potential purchasers wire money for these tickets, but Schoedel did not provide any tickets.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for February, 3, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A New York resident pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy and firearms offenses, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Donovan Crawford, 21, of Bronx, NY, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, one count of falsification of Firearms Purchase Form, and one count of illegal transportation in state of residency of firearm purchased outside of state of residency, before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about March 27, 2015, and continuing thereafter until on or about Aug. 15, 2015, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Donovan Crawford and others known and unknown to the grand jury, conspired to commit, and did commit, offenses against the United States, that is, to falsify firearms purchase forms, and to illegally transport a firearm from out of state into a state of residency. The court was further advised that Crawford did so by using third parties to purchase firearms on his behalf, both in the state of Pennsylvania, and in the state of West Virginia.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Dec. 21, 2016, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of incarceration of up to 40 years, a fine of $500,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Washington Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Donovan Crawford.

This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crimes.

PITTSBURGH - A California resident has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months of imprisonment with credit for time served, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute a quantity of cocaine and his conviction of possessing with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence Wednesday on Francisco Javier Campos-Ortega, age 32, of Yucaipa, California.

According to information presented to the court, Olufemi Young, Tayde Torres, Javier Ochoa, Hector Armenta-Cardenas, Francisco Javier Campos-Ortega, Joel Rodriguez, and Manuel Alejandro Cardenas conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. Campos-Ortega also possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it. Olufemi Young previously pleaded guilty to trafficking cocaine and heroin on a large-scale. Since his release from federal prison in 2011, law enforcement collected evidence that Young conspired to distribute multiple kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin in the Western District of Pennsylvania, with these narcotics coming mainly from California and Arizona. Young’s primary suppliers of these narcotics were, as alleged: Torres, Armenta-Cardenas, Ochoa, and others. From May 2012 until May 2014, in relation to this conspiracy, law enforcement seized four kilograms of heroin and five kilograms of cocaine, $920,000 in cash, and an “owe sheet,” indicating that Young had purchased 10 kilograms of cocaine and two kilograms of heroin from Ochoa and his co-conspirators. In November of 2014, law enforcement stopped a tractor trailer, being driven by Campos-Ortega and Rodriguez, carrying 19 kilograms of cocaine destined for Pittsburgh.

Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung, Ryan Hart, and Eric S. Rosen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania Attorney General, and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Francisco Javier Campos-Ortega.

PITTSBURGH, PA - An illegal alien found in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of illegal re-entry after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Juan Mendez Patishtan, 33, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, Juan Mendez Patishtan, an illegal alien, was formally removed from the United States by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Oct. 23, 2010, Jan. 26, 2011, March 9, 2011, Sept. 21, 2011, April 5, 2014, and April 16, 2015.

Judge Bissoon scheduled the sentencing for Nov. 16, 2016, at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 2 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Juan Mendez Patishtan.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of delay or destruction of mail, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The indictment named Darren E. Hill, 47, of Johnstown, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on August 12, 2014, while an employee of the United States Postal Service, he unlawfully secreted and detained approximately 2,343 pieces of mail which were intended to be conveyed by the United States mail.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of access device fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The indictment named Deanna Brandon, 39, of Johnstown, Pa., as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from on or about Feb. 3, 2015, to on or about Feb. 9, 2015, Brandon knowingly, with intent to defraud, used an unauthorized device, namely a credit card, to obtain various household and electronic items, aggregating more than $1,000.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The four-count indictment named Charles A. Meyer, 35, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on Oct. 20, 2015, within 1,000 feet of a playground, and on Dec. 22, 2015, and Jan. 22, 2016, Meyer distributed less than 100 grams of heroin on each of those dates. Also on Jan. 22, 2016, Meyer possessed with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 100 years in prison and a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Meyer.

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The indictment named Joseph L. Prave, III, 50, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on Jan. 26, 2016, Prave distributed less than 100 grams of heroin.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Prave.

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

ERIE, Pa. – Two residents of Erie County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The eleven-count indictment named Adam Brayton Coover, 34, of Erie, Pennsylvania and Brian Alex Vergotz, 49, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as defendants.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, the defendants Coover and Vergotz engaged in a scheme to defraud auto loan providers by using straw purchasers to buy cars from Vergotz knowing that the vehicles would not actually be in the possession of the straw purchasers. Vergotz and Coover also falsified the loan applications to make the straw purchasers appear more credit worthy.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both for each defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Kevin Dimitri Tate, 23, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Tate unlawfully possessed a .380 ACP firearm while being prohibited from firearm possession because he is a convicted felon.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.

The Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force, Erie Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A business located in Erie, Pennsylvania and three residents of Erie County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The twelve-count indictment named Rick Weaver Buick GMC, Inc., 714 West 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania; Adam James Weaver, 40, of Fairview, Pennsylvania; Douglas Alan Grooms, 45, of Edinboro, Pennsylvania; and Adam Brayton Coover, 34, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as defendants.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, Coover, Grooms and Weaver engaged in a scheme to defraud auto loans providers by utilizing two straw purchasers to buy vehicles in their own names from Rick Weaver Buick GMC. The vehicles would then actually remain in Coover’s possession. The three facilitated the scheme by falsifying the loan applications to make the straw purchasers appear more credit worthy and by not revealing that the straw purchasers were buying multiple vehicles at the same time. The value of many of the vehicles was also inflated to increase the funds received by the co-conspirators.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 240 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000, or both for Rick Weaver Buick GMC, Inc., Douglas Grooms and Adam Coover and a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both for Adam Weaver. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Tyron Harrison, 23, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about May 7, 2012, Harrison was convicted in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County of the offenses of Receiving Stolen Property and Firearms Not to be Carried without a License, which are both crimes punishable by imprisonment for terms exceeding one year. Following that conviction, on or about Jan. 21, 2016, Pittsburgh Police officers patrolling Zone 6 conducted a traffic stop of a car in which the defendant was a passenger. During the stop, officers recovered a loaded, .9 mm Ruger pistol from the defendant’s hoodie pocket.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Dec. 19, 2016. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 192 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Atiba Warren, 36, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented during the trial of this case, on or about October 23, 2012, Warren, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a Taurus, model “The Judge”, .45LC/.410 caliber pistol. The firearm’s serial numbers were obliterated at the time Mr. Warren possessed it. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm.

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine A. King prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. This case was prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Warren.

PITTSBURGH - One resident of India and one resident of Canada have been sentenced in federal court on convictions stemming from their roles in an online drug distribution and money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon first sentenced Zuned Sunesra, of Mumbai, India, to a term of imprisonment of 30 months in prison, a term of supervised release of one year, and forfeiture of $1,200,000 to the United States. In a separate proceeding, Judge Bissoon sentenced Taimur Khan, of Surrey, British Columbia, to a term of imprisonment of time served.

According to information presented to the Court, Zuned Sunesra and Khan were members of a conspiracy operating a network of pharmacy websites, including emedoutlet.com. The network of websites was owned by Asian Capital Equities, of which Zuned Sunesra was the director and part owner. Zuned Sunesra was personally engaged in running certain aspects of the websites, which distributed unapproved and misbranded prescription drugs into the United States. The websites often required no prescription from customers, and the websites had no license to operate as online pharmacies under U.S. law. The websites also claimed that the drugs sold were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and were similar to drugs sold in the United States, when in fact that was not true. The drugs sold illegally included Schedule IV and V controlled substances containing the active ingredients of the drugs commonly known as Soma, Provigil, Darvocet, Darvocet-N, Meridia, and Lyrica.

Khan’s role was to set up a fake “gift card” company called “mygiftcard.biz,” the purpose of which was to convince credit card processors such as Visa and Mastercard that emedoutlet.com and its affiliate websites were selling gift cards instead of illegal medications. This was necessary because traditional credit card processors attempt to avoid conducting business with illegal enterprises, such as illegal online pharmacies. Khan’s company allowed customers of the pharmacy websites to use their credit cards to purchase gift cards, which appeared to be for merchants such as the Gap and JC Penny. However, rather than redeem the gift cards with these merchants, the customers immediately redeemed the gift cards at emedoutlet.com and the affiliate websites in exchange for illegal drugs. Zuned Sunesra was also directly involved in the processing of customers’ payments to the websites, as well the transfer of funds gained from the customers’ payments to accounts outside of the United States.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation for conducting the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Rosen, Jonathan Ortiz, and Conor Lamb prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

WASHINGTON – A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, man was convicted today by a federal jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania of 16 counts of failing to collect, account for and pay over employment taxes, announced Principal Deputy Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.

According to the evidence presented at trial, between 2004 and 2015, Steven Lynch, a tax attorney, co-owned and operated the Iceoplex at Southpointe, a recreational sports facility located in Washington County, Pennsylvania. The Iceoplex included a fitness center, ice rink, soccer court, restaurant and bar. Lynch controlled the finances for these businesses and was responsible for collecting income and employment taxes withheld from employee wages, accounting for these taxes and filing Forms 941, payroll tax returns, and paying these taxes over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The jury found that between 2012 through 2015, Lynch failed to timely pay over to the IRS more than $790,000 in taxes withheld from the wages of the employees for these businesses.

“Employers are entrusted with collecting the taxes withheld from their employees’ wages, and they have an absolute legal obligation to pay that money over to the IRS,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “The conviction of Steven Lynch serves as a strong reminder to all employers that failure to comply with employment tax obligations has significant consequences, including prosecution and incarceration. The department, together with its partners within the IRS, will continue to vigorously pursue those who violate our nation’s tax laws and threaten the integrity of our tax system.”

“The jury’s verdict is a clear signal that the criminal tax laws of our country are being enforced and upheld for the benefit of all citizens,” said Chief Richard Weber of IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI). “Those who attempt to skirt the law will be held accountable.”

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2017. Lynch faces a statutory maximum sentence of up to five years in prison for each count of willfully failing to collect, account for and pay over employment tax, as well as a period of supervised release and monetary penalties.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo commended the special agents of IRS-CI, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Jeffrey Bender and Brittney Campbell of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Pennsylvania for their substantial assistance.

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