Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to another 36 months of incarceration as a result of violating his federal supervision, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge T. McVerry imposed the sentence on Lawrence Poe Williams, formerly of New Brighton, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Williams was on both federal supervision and state parole during March and April of 2015. Within that one-month period, he was charged with four different drug-related cases. On March 11, 2015, members of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Task Force placed calls to the defendant in an effort to make a controlled purchase of drugs. Williams’ girlfriend later actually delivered the drugs. On March 27, 2015, police stopped the defendant in a vehicle and found him to possess $1,923.00 in cash and a key to a hotel. A scan of the money revealed high levels of drugs. On April 6, 2015, police stopped individuals coming from Williams’ residence. They possessed crack cocaine they admitted to buying from Williams. On April 10, 2015, the defendant’s residence was searched and police located: cocaine; MDEA (a methamphetamine-like drug); heroin; electronic scales, cellphones; pills; and approximately $641.00 in cash.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge T. McVerry considered Williams’ eleven prior convictions and determined that the 36 month sentence was “sufficient, but not greater than necessary”.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended The United States Probation Office, The Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, The Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the New Brighton Area Police Department, The Center Township Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution ofWilliams.

PITTSBURGH – Following a multi-jurisdictional investigation into drug trafficking in Pittsburgh, Penn., 14 individuals have been indicted in the Western District of Pennsylvania for violating federal narcotics laws. The multi-agency Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation revealed a cocaine trafficking distribution network operating from the Virgin Islands to Detroit, Michigan, and a heroin trafficking scheme originating in Detroit and distributing to Pittsburgh. Coordinated law enforcement action occurred Thursday in multiple locations, with arrest warrants and search warrants being executed in Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“This investigation, which utilized Title III wiretap intercepts, controlled drug purchases and other investigative techniques, established the existence of several overlapping and interrelated drug distribution networks with tentacles in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern District of Michigan, Northern District of Georgia and the District of the Virgin Islands.” stated U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton. “While our focus began in early 2015 on the Clinton Robinson drug trafficking organization operating on Pittsburgh’s North Side, we have since been able to track the drug suppliers beyond the borders of our own district and across the Caribbean Sea.”

“The arrests demonstrate, once again, the continued successful partnership of federal, state and local law enforcement in Western Pennsylvania,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Johnson of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office. “We are committed to stopping the flow of illegal drugs into our community from wherever they originate and grateful to our law enforcement partners on the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force who worked tirelessly with us throughout this investigation and who are equally committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe.”

THE INDICTMENTS

The Western District of Pennsylvania charges are contained in four separate, but related, indictments returned on Aug. 23, 2016, and unsealed yesterday.

• Clinton Robinson, 31, of Pittsburgh, PA;
• Ronelle Lane, 35, of Pittsburgh, PA;
• Vanier Murraine, 33, of Ferndale, MI;
• Victor Burnett, Jr., 36, of Oak Park, MI;
• Christopher Butler, 29, of Twinsburg, OH;
• Frank Williams, 27, of Detroit, MI; and
• Drue Williams, III, 35, of Cleveland, OH.

The two-count indictment alleges that from in and around January 2016 and continuing until around September 2016 Clinton Robinson, Ronelle Lane, Vanier Murraine, Victor Burnett, Jr., Christopher Butler, Frank Williams and Drue Williams, III, conspired to distribute and possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. In addition, the indictment alleges that on or about August 22, 2016, Robinson, Lane and Murraine attempted to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

• Derrein Robinson, 33, of Pittsburgh, PA;
• Dion Robinson, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA; and
• Todd Kenney, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA.

The one-count indictment alleges that from in and around April 2016 and continuing to in and around June 2016 Derrein Robinson, his brother Dion Robinson and Todd Kenney conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.

• Raheem Buchanan, 32, of Pittsburgh, PA; and
• Lamont Butler, 45, of Munhall, PA.

The one-count indictment alleges that from in and around February 2016 to in and around July 2016 Raheem Buchanan and Lamont Butler conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.

• Kelvin Ferguson, 29, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA; and
• Regina Brown, 28, of Pittsburgh, PA.

The two-count indictment alleges that in and around May 2015, Kelvin Ferguson and Regina Brown conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin. The indictment further alleges that on May 14, 2015, Ferguson and Brown possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.

Clinton Robinson, Ronelle Lane, Derrien Robinson, Dion Robinson, Raheem Buchanan, Lamont Butler and Regina Brown were arrested yesterday morning and made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh. Vanier Murraine, Victor Burnett, Jr., and Frank Williams were arrested yesterday morning and made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan. Christopher Butler and Drue Williams, III, were arrested yesterday in Ohio and will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh today. Kelvin Ferguson is presently detained on state charges at SCI Somerset.

Todd Kenney is a fugitive. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 412-432-4000.

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 Amy L. Johnston of the Western District of Pennsylvania is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. The Western Pennsylvania OCDETF is headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is comprised of members drawn from the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force including the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and Allegheny County Police Department. Substantial assistance was provided by FBI San Juan, Puerto Rico (St. Thomas Resident Agency, U.S. Virgin Islands) and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Numerous other FBI field offices, including Detroit, Cleveland, New York, and Atlanta, in addition to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, also assisted with this investigation. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Hermitage, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of Tramadol, a Schedule IV controlled substance, and health care fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Dr. Anthony Rossi, 66, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to the two felony counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

According to information presented to the Court at the guilty plea, Dr. Rossi, a medical doctor, illegally distributed a controlled substance, Tramadol, for cash. Further, Dr. Rossi submitted false claims to Medicaid for health care services, including injections, which were never provided.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Jan. 6, 2017 at 9 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 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.

Pending sentence, the court released Dr. Rossi on bond.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - An Ohio resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Embezzlement from a Labor Union, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Marchelle Harvey, 57, of Palestine, Ohio as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from November 2013 through June 2014, Harvey, who held the position of Financial Secretary for the Steelworkers Local 67-T Labor Union located in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, stole in excess of $10,000 of union funds.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Department of Labor, Office of Labor – Management Standards, 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 – Dr. John P. Balko and John Balko & Associates, Inc., doing business as Senior Healthcare Associates (SHA), have agreed to pay the United States $930,000.00 to settle False Claims Act allegations, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The settlement resolves allegations that Dr. Balko and SHA violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for payment to the Medicare program. Specifically, the United States alleged that Dr. Balko and SHA submitted claims for services provided to nursing home residents—including earwax removal procedures, podiatry, and certain evaluation and management services—which were not medically necessary, not authorized or requested by patients, not supported by patient medical records, or were provided in reliance upon improper standing orders.

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant United States Attorneys Colin J. Callahan and David Lew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Heyer of the Northern District of Ohio handled this matter on behalf of the United States.

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

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a federal firearm violation charge, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Ryan Gainer, 36, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on June 14, 2016, Ryan Gainer, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 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.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A federal prison inmate pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of credit/debit card fraud and identity theft, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Jermain R. Stevenson, 26, an inmate at a federal correctional institution, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Court Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from Dec. 23, 2013, to March 30, 2014, Stevenson, along with co-defendants, used debit and credit card information to obtain more than $1,000, knowing that the debit cards and credit cards belong to other actual persons.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Jan. 5, 2017, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 12 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 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 conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stevenson.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Dr. Alan Barnett, 69, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to the two felony counts before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

According to information presented to the Court at the guilty plea, Dr. Barnett, a medical doctor, illegally distributed Oxycodone, a controlled substance. On December 1, 2015, Dr. Barnett was interviewed by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation and surrendered his Drug Enforcement Administration License.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Dec. 9, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentence, the court released Dr. Barnett on bond.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Information in this case.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 14 months incarceration and $376,603 in restitution on his conviction of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence yesterday on Anthony Allen Aubrey, 50 of White Oak, PA.

According to the information presented to the court, the court was advised that Aubrey was a trade show manager for Phillips Home Healthcare Solutions responsible for setting up venues and hiring vendors for everything from carpentry to food. He had a good working relationship with Carpenter Connection (CC) and at Aubrey’s request CC would pay vendors and individuals on behalf of PHHS who could not be easily paid through the PHHS system due to timing and administrative issues. In turn CC would be reimbursed by PHHS. Aubrey developed a relationship with Melissa Dougherty and hired her to assist with some of the trade shows. However, the relationship became romantic and Aubrey began to request additional payments for her for services she did not perform or had already been paid for. He created and/or inflated Dougherty’s invoices on his company laptop to support the fraudulent payments. He asked CC by email to issue checks to her and have them overnighted by FedEx. One of those checks forms the basis for Count One. When an audit revealed discrepancies and Aubrey was questioned, he admitted what he had done and cooperated fully. The loss to PHHS was $376,603.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigating leading to the successful prosecution of Anthony Allen Aubrey.

PITTSBURGH - A Washington County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Teri L. Zemencik, 50, of Canonsburg, Pa., pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Zemencik defrauded her employer, IGS Industries, Inc., by embezzling in excess of $494,000 over a time frame of more than five years. During the period from December 2009 through March 2015, Zemencik, who was the Payroll Supervisor and Accounting Clerk for IGS Industries, issued approximately 145 checks from the company’s account by falsely entering information into the company’s accounting system to make it appear that the checks had been issued to legitimate vendors. The investigation revealed that the majority of the embezzled funds were used to repay cash advances charged to Zemencik’s personal credit cards. The investigation further revealed that Zemencik used the cash she obtained from the cash advances to gamble at local casinos.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Jan. 5, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 80 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Chartiers Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Teri L. Zemencik.

PITTSBURGH - The former CEO of the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School pleaded guilty to a charge of tax conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Nicholas Trombetta, 61, of East Liverpool, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Trombetta was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the PA Cyber Charter School. Trombetta created a series of connected for-profit and not-for-profit entities to siphon taxpayer funds out of PA Cyber and to avoid federal income tax liabilities.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Dec. 20, 2016, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 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 offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar, Stephen R. Kaufman and James R. Wilson are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Trombetta.

PITTSBURGH – A New York resident has been sentenced in federal court to 6 years’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Rondell Evans, 23, of Buffalo, NY.

According to information presented to the Court, in 2015, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other agencies joined forces in a long-term wiretap investigation of drug trafficking in New Castle, Pa. The investigation revealed that Rondell Evans conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute crack cocaine which was transported from Buffalo to the New Castle area for further distribution.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan B. Ortiz and Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Castle Police Department, and the Lawrence County Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Evans.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Butler County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of mail by postal employee, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Curtis W. Keyser, 54, of Valencia, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Keyser, being an employee of the United States Postal Service, removed and stole the contents of a first class package.

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 offenses and the 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. 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 – An Allegheny County man was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Anthony Jackson, 28, of Penn Hills, Pa.

According to the indictment, on November 7, 2015, Jackson possessed a Bryco Arms, Jennings T-380, .380 caliber pistol. It is unlawful for Jackson, who has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, to possess a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life 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 Stephen S. Gilson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in jail, a $7,500 fine, and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $6,000 on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on John Leonard Oleski, 66, of Erie, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, Oleski possessed computer images and movies depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Oleski.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of North East, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Wesley Chase, 32, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Chase distributed, received and possessed computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Chase.

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug and firearm laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The four-count indictment, returned on Aug. 17, named Maurice Tinsley, age 35, of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to the indictment, on July 15, 2016, Tinsley possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. The indictment further alleges that on July 15, 2016, Tinsley conspired with others to distribute and to possess with intent to deliver 100 grams or more of heroin. On July 15, 2016, Tinsley also possessed a loaded 9 mm caliber semi-automatic S&W pistol, and 9 mm caliber ammunition in furtherance of those drug offenses, after having been convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those cases include one conviction for Illegally Carrying a Firearm Without a License and one conviction for a Felony Drug offense.

The law provides for a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,500,000, and the forfeiture of the firearm, ammunition, and money. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

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

The four-count indictment, returned on Aug. 17, named Erick Lamont Griffin, Jr. a/k/a Ericc Bucc, age 22, of Penn Hills, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Griffin, Jr. possessed four firearms and ammunition at various times between March and July of 2016, after having previously been convicted in state court of possession with intent to deliver heroin.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and the forfeiture of the firearms and ammunition. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

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

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug and firearm laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The four-count indictment, returned on Aug. 17, named Douglas Tyrone Williams, age 36, of East Pittsburgh, PA.

According to the indictment, on or about July 20, 2016, Williams possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. The indictment further alleges that during July, 2016, Williams conspired with others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

According to the indictment, Williams also possessed a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Ruger pistol bearing serial number 321-57348; a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Beretta pistol with an obliterated serial number; a 45 caliber semi-automatic Para-Ordnance pistol bearing serial number P132015; a 22 caliber American Tactical Imports assault-style rifle bearing serial number A526980; and a 22 caliber CBC assault-style rifle bearing serial number ELB3341813 in furtherance of those drug offenses, after having been convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those cases include one conviction for Aggravated Assault, one conviction for Illegally Carrying a Firearm Without a License, and one conviction for Murder.

The law provides for a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,500,000.00, and the forfeiture of the firearms. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release, on his conviction of Possession of a Stolen Firearm, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on Michael Giles, age 38, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the Court, on or about Nov. 29, 2013, Giles was found to be in possession of a stolen 9 millimeter pistol. Federal law prohibits an individual from possessing a stolen firearm.

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

U.S. Attorney David Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Police Department for conducting the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Michael Giles.

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 - Charles Robert Poore has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months imprisonment, followed by five years supervised release, on his conviction of embezzlement by an officer of a credit institution. Poore was also ordered to pay $251,438.08 in restitution, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Charles Robert Poore, age 46, of Pittsburgh, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from September 2011 continuing to July 2014, Poore, while serving as President of Toledo Metro Federal Credit Union (hereinafter “TMFCU”), willfully misapplied, embezzled, abstracted, and purloined the sum of approximately $233,933.02. This case was transferred to the Western District of Pennsylvania from the Northern District of Ohio. The defendant formerly resided in the Northern District of Ohio and the crime was commissioned there.

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

U.S. Attorney David Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for conducting the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Charles Robert Poore.

PITTSBURGH - A resident of the state of Florida has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Jeisy Camejo-Escandell, 30, of Miami, Fla., pleaded guilty yesterday to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Camejo-Escandell and her conspirator Gean Carlos Del Valle-Barquin arrived in Pittsburgh on June 25, 2015, for the purpose of using counterfeit credit cards to make purchases of merchandise at the outlet stores in Washington and Grove City on June 26, 2015.

The Judge scheduled sentencing for Dec. 6, 2016. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF) conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Del Valle Barquin and Camejo Escandell. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police.

PITTSBURGH - A former Pennsylvania resident who now lives in Mississippi pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Jeffrey A. Plimpton, 59, formerly of Harrison City, Pa., pled guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about April 8, 2014, and continuing thereafter to on or about Dec. 22, 2015, Plimpton, while serving as the Controller, embezzled over $1.4 million from Alpha Aromatics and Pestco Professional Services. Plimpton wire transferred approximately $1,386,376.04 out of the company’s bank account at the direction of a person he met through an online dating website. For example, at this person’s direction, Plimpton wire transferred $119,780 from the company’s bank account in Pennsylvania to a United Overseas Bank account in Malaysia.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Dec. 15, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court released the defendant on bond.

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 Plimpton.

PITTSBURGH – Ronald McMillian, of Washington, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of trafficking in heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

McMillian, 24, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in August, 2015, McMillian conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute, and distributed and possessed with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Dec. 13, 2016 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than twenty years at each count, a total fine of up to $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 Attorneys Katherine A. King and Ross E. Lenhardt, of the violent crime section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Washington County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, and numerous local police departments including the Canonsburg Police Department, the Donora Police Department, the Monessen Police Department, and the Charleroi Police Department, as well as the Washington County Coroner’s Office, and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of McMillan.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - Three residents of Rockwood, Pa., each pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

George R. Beener and his sons Kerry Beener and Kevin Beener pleaded guilty to one count each before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, between March 2010 and February 2016, George R. Beener, Kerry Beener and Kevin Beener engaged in a conspiracy to impair, impede, and obstruct the functions of the Internal Revenue Service in the computation, assessment and collection of income tax.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for each of the defendants on Dec. 12, 2016, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both for each of the defendants. 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 defendants.

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

The Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of the Beeners.

PITTSBURGH – United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today the extradition of a Cuban national arrested in Venezuela for his alleged role in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Stolen Identity Refund Fraud case.

According to U.S. Attorney Hickton, in June 2015, Yoandy Perez Llanes, a Cuban national, was charged in a 21-count indictment with a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service and United States Treasury, and using the stolen identities of UPMC employees to file false federal income tax returns in order to obtain unlawful tax refunds. Llanes and unnamed conspirators allegedly converted the unlawful tax refunds to Amazon.com gift cards, which were used to buy merchandise which was shipped internationally. All of these acts occurred generally between January and April, 2014. Llanes is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft.

Yoandy Perez Llanes was extradited to the U.S. yesterday. He made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Western Pennsylvania on Friday, August 12, at 10 a.m. before Magistrate Judge Robert C. Mitchell (Courtroom 9B). The government has requested Llanes’ detention pending trial.

“This case highlights the value of multijurisdictional partnerships in the apprehension of transnational cyber criminals, said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy P. Burke, of the U.S. Secret Service Pittsburgh Field Office. “This investigation and the resulting indictments demonstrate the Secret Service commitment to relentlessly defend the Nation’s financial infrastructure.”

“Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation strives to work with our law enforcement partners to bring criminals to justice---wherever they may be hiding. Today's legal action reflects our commitment to do so on behalf of the law abiding citizens of our country," said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge, Akeia Conner.

The IRS-Criminal Investigations, the United States Secret Service and the United States Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 80 months in prison, to be followed by a term of five 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 Christopher James Brooks, 34, 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, Brooks 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. In addition, during that same time frame, Brooks and several of his co-conspirators possessed firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking.

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 Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Brooks.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Thomas Slack, age 67, of Oakdale, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Slack engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain money from prospective home builders seeking financing through loan programs administered through the United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") Rural Development offices. Slack was a member and director of the Great Falls Development Group, a company which falsely purported to be an established residential real estate developer and builder. Slack falsely represented to prospective home builders and investors that he was associated with the USDA's Rural Development loan programs and that he could underwrite and pre-qualify applicants for the loan programs. Slack's false representations induced prospective home builders and investors to send approximately $24,425 to him, believing that he was actively engaged in building homes and securing financing for the homes through the USDA, when, in fact, he was not.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Dec. 16, 2016 at 9 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation that to the prosecution of Slack.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to six years in prison and four years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws. He was also sentenced to a consecutive one year term of incarceration for violating the conditions of his supervised release, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on George J. Lawrence, V, 31, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on April 23, 2013, Lawrence possessed more than 28 grams of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., 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 Lawrence.

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of firearms, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Nathan Lawrence, 33, of Brooklyn, NY, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Lawrence conspired with Michael Bassier and others to facilitate the straw purchase of at least 20 firearms from federally licensed firearms stores. For each purchase, Lawrence and Michael Bassier used a car that Lawrence rented, and Lawrence usually drove. The straw purchasers would state, at the time of purchase, that they were the actual buyers of the firearms, when in fact Bassier was the actual buyer. Bassier provided money to the straw purchasers and told them what to buy, in Lawrence’s presence. Lawrence was also present when Bassier took possession of the firearms afterward.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for December 15, 2016. The law provides for a total sentence of ten 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 Lawrence remain detained.

This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with detectives from the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, conducted the investigation leading to the second superseding indictment in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Conor Lamb is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

PITTSBURGH – A Pennsylvania man and a West Virginia man have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery of a pharmacy, robbery of a pharmacy, brandishment of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II controlled substances, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The six-count indictment, returned on August 9, named Stephan Edward Corrick, 65, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Dana Lee Shipley, 51, of Fairmont, West Virginia, as the defendants.

According to the indictment, on or about March 11, 2016, and continuing thereafter to on or about April 28, 2016, both defendants conspired to rob two different pharmacies (Palmer’s Drug Store in Russleton, Pa., and Keystone Pharmacy in New Alexandria, Pa.), brandished a firearm in relation to those crimes of violence, and possessed with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled substances.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of twenty 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 defendants.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police and the West Deer Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of North East, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Gregory A. Doyle, 53, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Doyle possessed computer images depicting minors under the age of 12 engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation 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 pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of access device fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Joseph E. Placzek, 25 of McKees Rocks, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was informed that Placzek opened credit cards in the name of another person at Capital One bank, which he used to purchase cruise vacations at Carnival Cruise, as well as merchandise at Amazon.com and Home Depot, among other retailers totaling approximately $69,000.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Nov. 11, 2016 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses 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.

Inspectors from Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service, as part of the Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF), conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of this defendant. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Altoona, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Matthew Fee, 34, of Altoona, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, from Jan. 9, 2014, to April 17, 2015, Fee conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine.

Assistant United States 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, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, the Cambria County Drug Task Force, the Altoona Police Department, and the Cambria County District Attorney's Office, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Fee.

PITTSBURGH - A former Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of failing to register as a sex offender, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned yesterday, named Arthur Linsenbigler, 45, who last known addresses were in Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from Feb. 3, 2015, to June 20, 2016, Linsenbigler, who had been convicted of the felony sex offense of Rape By Forcible Compulsion in 1991, failed, as required, to register and update a registration under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

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 Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

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

PITTSBURGH - A Brentwood resident was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on charges of production, receipt, and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment named Mukesh Khawas, age 29, of Pittsburgh, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from June 14, 2016, to June 15, 2016, Khawas produced visual depictions and images of the sexual exploitation of a minor. The indictment further alleges that from June 14, 2016, to June 15, 2016, Khawas knowingly received images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The indictment further alleges that from June 14, 2016, to June 15, 2016, Khawas knowingly possessed and knowingly accessed with intent to view 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 sentence of 20 years imprisonment for the production, receipt, and possession of child pornography counts, a fine of $765,000.00, and a term of up to a lifetime of supervised release. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, 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, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

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

ERIE, Pa. - A citizen of Nigeria pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of bank fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Ayisat Enitan Yekinni, 30, pleaded guilty to one charge before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Yekinni, using multiple aliases and corresponding false identification documents, engaged in a scheme to defraud various financial institutions by funneling multiple fraudulently issued or stolen checks through fraudulently opened bank accounts at banks across the United States.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 8, 2016. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

ERIE, Pa. – A former resident of Ozone Park, New York 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.

Abiodun Bakre, 51, pleaded guilty to nine counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Bakre opened numerous bank accounts using stolen identities for the purpose of using those bank accounts as repositories for fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds. In the course of the investigation, a search of Bakre’s residence uncovered multiple ledgers containing hundreds of stolen identities and numerous false identification documents which were used in furtherance of the conspiracy.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 8, 2016. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 36 years in prison, a maximum fine of $2,250,000 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

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.

Olayinka Olurinde, 47, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Olurinde allowed bank accounts in his name and under his control to be used as repositories for fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds. Olurinde would then withdraw the fraudulently obtained refunds, keep a portion for himself and give the remainder of the money to another co-defendant. Olurinde also allowed his address to be used on other bank accounts which were fraudulently opened during the course of the conspiracy. Olurinde further agreed, as part of his guilty plea, to forfeit to the United States $81,000 found in his bedroom during the investigation, which was proceeds of his illegal activity.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 8, 2016. 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 Olurinde.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 57 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 David Irwin, 44, of White Oak, 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, David Irwin 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 Irwin.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state of Pennsylvania, announced today that Consol Energy Inc., CNX Coal Resources and Consol Pennsylvania Coal Co. LLC (Consol) have agreed to implement extensive water management and monitoring activities to prevent contaminated discharges of mining wastewater from the Bailey Mine Complex (Complex) in Greene and Washington Counties, Pennsylvania, to the Ohio River and its tributaries.

In a consent decree filed in federal court today in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company also agreed to continue to prevent certain discharges from the Complex, conduct regular long-term-monitoring to ensure sufficient storage capacity to prevent future discharges, develop contingency plans should future discharges become likely and implement an environmental management system to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act and other applicable environmental laws. In addition Consol, the largest producer of coal from underground mines in the United States, will pay a $3 million civil penalty for Clean Water Act violations.

“We will continue to vigorously protect our District’s waterways and other vital natural resources,” said U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Today’s settlement ensures that our rivers remain safe for future generations to use and enjoy.”

“Mining operations that discharge to our rivers, lakes and streams have an obligation to comply with our nation’s laws that protect those water bodies, as well as public health,” said Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin for the EPA. “The actions required by today’s settlement represent a major step forward in protecting local waterways and the health of communities.”

The U.S. government’s complaint, filed concurrently with the settlement, alleges chronic exceedances of osmotic pressure (OP) and other limits in Consol’s Clean Water Act discharge permits. The discharges primarily enter into tributaries of the Ohio River. OP is the standard used in Pennsylvania to protect aquatic life from excess amounts of total dissolved solids (TDS). Too much TDS going into a water body can increase the salinity of the water and harm aquatic life and impact drinking water quality.

“Protecting Pennsylvania’s waterways is a top priority of DEP and we will not allow companies to pollute our rivers and streams,” said Acting DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “CONSOL has agreed to improve their facilities to prevent future discharges, and the actions today will go a long way towards ensuring Pennsylvania’s waters are protected.”

Under the terms of the consent decree, Consol has agreed to:

• Complete and maintain certain water management measures to prevent discharges from certain outfalls at the Complex;
• Monitor and report quarterly and annually, to ensure adequate storage capacity to prevent future discharges;
• Submit and implement a plan for achieving long term compliance through advanced treatment in the event of projected exhaustion of storage capacity;
• Develop and implement an environmental management system to ensure environmental compliance throughout the Complex; and,
• Pay a $3 million civil penalty.

These measures will continue to reduce TDS in mining waters discharged to streams from the Complex. EPA estimates that implementation of the consent decree by Consol will eliminate more than 2.5 million pounds of pollutants in the form of TDS.

The consent decree, which is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval, is available at: www.justice.gov/enrd/.

PITTSBURGH – A Westmoreland County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael Jones, 25, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between January 2011, and September 2013, Jones conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. In addition, the court was advised that on Feb. 26, 2014, Jones, having previously been convicted of a felony offense, was in possession of five firearms, two of which were stolen, and one of which had an obliterated serial number.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Nov. 8, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine A. King and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

A task force led by the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case. The task force also included several other federal, state, and local agencies from multiple states, including the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Monroeville Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH – A citizen of Mexico has been sentenced in federal court to time served to be followed by one year supervised release on his conviction of illegal reentry after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Benjamin Juarez-Luna, 36, a citizen of Mexico.

According to information presented to the court, Juarez-Luna, an alien, who was previously removed from the United States by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Sept. 8, 2014, Jan. 31, 2015, Feb. 22, 2015, and July 1, 2015, was taken into custody on May 11, 2016, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Juarez-Luna.

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 25 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute a quantity of crack cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Larry Washington, 65, of Wilkinsburg, 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, Larry Washington conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute crack cocaine, which was shipped from California in powder form 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 Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Washington.

PITTSBURGH- A former resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug and firearm laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment named Laurenti James Robertson, 25.

According to the indictment, on Oct. 24, 2015, Robertson possessed a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Kel-Tec pistol, Serial Number SEL07, and 9 mm caliber ammunition after having been convicted of multiple crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those cases include one robbery conviction and one theft by deception conviction. The indictment further alleges that on Oct. 24, 2015, Robertson possessed with intent to distribute heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. On that same date, Robertson possessed the firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.

The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and up to life, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and the forfeiture of the gun, ammunition, money, and electronics. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Homestead Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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

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

PITTSBURGH – A Westmoreland County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Anthony Wayne Canady, 43.

According to the indictment, on or about Dec. 15, 2015, Canady possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Stephen S. Gilson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Westmoreland County Drug Task Force, the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, the Greensburg Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – A Georgia man who carried a gun and ammunition into a Beaver County movie theater on July 23 has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named William D. Gossett, 21, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on July 23, 2016, William D. Gossett, a convicted felon, was in possession of a Phoenix Arms .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun and a box of .25 caliber ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

“This case is a direct result of community vigilance,” said U.S. Attorney Hickton. “Center Township Police acted promptly and arrested William Gossett without incident. Federal agents continue to investigate Gossett’s intentions for entering the Cinemark Theater on July 23rd carrying a gun and ammunition.”

The law provides for a maximum 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 would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Center Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

PITTSBURGH – A Lawrence County resident has been sentenced in federal court to seven years in prison on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Duane Stokes, 23, of New Castle, Pa.

According to information presented to the Court, in 2015, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other agencies joined forces in a long-term wiretap investigation of drug trafficking in New Castle. The investigation revealed that Duane Stokes conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute crack cocaine which was transported from Buffalo, New York, to the New Castle area for further distribution.

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

Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan B. Ortiz and Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Castle Police Department and the Lawrence County Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Stokes.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 102 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Jamie Darnell Paceley, 37.

According to information presented to the court, on November 13, 2012, November 27, 2012 and December 7, 2012, Pacely distributed crack cocaine in Erie.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the EAGLE task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, and the Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pacely.

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in jail on his conviction of bank robbery, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Samuel Louis Dominick, 29.

According to information presented to the court, on February 19, 2015, Dominick and a co-defendant were involved in the robbery of $1,565 from the First National Bank, located at 3310 West 26th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania. In addition, on March 5, 2015, Dominick robbed $4,828 from the Marquette Savings Bank, located at 2320 West 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Millcreek Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dominick.